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TAMANNAAH EXCITED VACCINE EMBARGO MATCH EVENLY POISED Tamannaah Bhatia announces the end of her Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Steve Smith’s ton was neutralised by Ravindra shoot for web show ‘November Story’ bans import of COVID-19 vaccines from Jadeja’s and Shubman Gill’s heroics on the second day of the third Test which is to be released soon LEISURE | P2 the US and the UK INTERNATIONAL | P10 SPORTS | P12

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 278 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 | 2021 12 PAGES | `4.00 IRREGULAR by MANJUL ‘Ghar wapsi’ after ‘law wapsi’ As the Centre rules out repealing farm laws in the 8th round talks, farm union leaders stick to their demands

the three laws, besides other issues re- lated to farmers’ protests. Asked whether the government would consider any proposal for allowing states to decide whether to implement the laws or not, The reforms Tomar said no such proposal was made WHATSAPP INDIA has started sharing have been by any farmer leader in this regard, Schools reopen for data with us. And we’re flooded with welcomed by but if such a suggestion is made the billions of good morning messages! a large government will take a call at that time. section of After the meeting, union leader Std X, XII students farmers in Joginder Singh Ugrahan said the meet- SHORT TAKES ing was inconclusive and it was un- various likely that any resolution can happen in states. Unions the next round of talks as well. Mild earthquake should think about the We do not want anything less than the interests of the entire country Farmers’ representatives during the 8th round of talks with the government over the repeal of laws, he said. hits Kandhamal new farm laws, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Friday Government is testing our strength, NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR | but we will not bow down. It seems we Phulbani: A mild earthquake AGRICULTURE MINISTER AGENCIES But, he virtually ruled out repeal of will have to spend Lohri and Baisakhi was reportedly felt in several the laws saying many other groups festivals here at protest sides, he said. areas of Odisha’s Kandhamal Government and Ganjam district Friday. The New Delhi, Jan 8: As the eighth round across the country are supporting these Another union leader Hannan Mollah tremors were experienced in is testing our of talks between the Centre and protest- reforms. On whether the government said farmers are ready to fight till death Tumudibandha, Daringbadi, strength, but ing farmers Friday failed to break an over- made a proposal to farmers to join a and going to court was not an option. Baliguda, Raikia, K Nuagaon, we will not a-month-long deadlock, Agriculture pending case in Supreme Court on issues He said the farmer unions will meet and Sankarkhol in Kandhamal bow down. It Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said no related to farmers’ protest, Tomar said January 11 to decide their next course A faculty member conducts temperature checks as students decision could be reached as unions the government did not make any such of action. Sticking to their key demand enter the premises of Capital Girls High School, Unit 2, and Bhanjanagar area of seems we Ganjam around 9.50 PM. No did not give alternatives to their de- suggestion but it is always committed of the repeal of three farm laws to end Bhubaneswar, Friday PHOTO: BIKASH NAYAK loss of life and property has will have to mand for the repeal of laws. to follow whatever is decided by the their protest, farmer leaders told the been reported. Residents of the spend Lohri and Baisakhi Speaking to reporters after the meet- Supreme Court. government their ghar wapsi from POST NEWS NETWORK areas were seen panicking and festivals here at protest sites ing that lasted for little over two hours, Sources said the next date has been protest sites on Delhi borders can hap- rushing out of their houses in Tomar said the government is still hope- decided after keeping in mind a sched- pen only after law wapsi but the Centre Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: After JOGINDER SINGH UGRAHAN | fear. The earthquake was of ful that union leaders will come with al- uled hearing of the Supreme Court insisted talks must be limited to con- a gap of about nine months, UNION LEADER magnitude 3.2 and occurred at ternatives to discuss in the next round January 11 as the government feels the tentious clauses and ruled out a complete schools across Odisha on Lat: 20.13 N and Long: 84.25 E, of talks January 15. apex court may look into the legality of withdrawal of Acts. Friday reopened their class- and at a depth of 5km in rooms to students who Kandhamal. would shortly be appearing for their board examina- BACK TO STUDIES PARI MURDER tion, amid strict adherence Third Chilika Bird to COVID-19 guidelines, a n Seats were arranged in Festival kicks off Lakhvi gets 15-year jail senior official said. a way to ensure all LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi pleaded before the Seats were arranged in social distancing norms Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister a way to ensure all social are followed Accused refuses to n Naveen Patnaik inaugurated court that he was ‘falsely implicated’ in this case distancing norms are fol- Faculty members, with the 3rd National Chilika Bird lowed, as faculty members an eye on meeting the Festival via videoconferencing PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Buttar sentenced Lakhvi imparted lessons to students 100-day teaching Friday. Patnaik described the to five years of rigorous of classes 10 and 12. target, imparted undergo narco test lessons to students destination as “a pilgrimage for Lahore, Jan 8: Mumbai at- imprisonment each on School and Mass over a million winged visitors tack mastermind and three counts with a fine of Education Minister Samir visiting multiple locations of varied species, which POST NEWS NETWORK Lashkar-e-Taiba operations PKR 100,000 (approximately Ranjan Dash stated that and interacting with stu- undertake flights to the Earlier, the POCSO commander Zaki-ur- USD 620) each on three classes, with not more than dents. Principal, BJB Junior mighty but calm Chilika Lake, Nayagarh, Jan 8: In a huge de- court had maintained Rehman Lakhvi was sen- counts. 20-25 students, will also be College, Ranjan Bal said, Asia’s largest brackish water velopment in the Pari murder case tenced to 15 years in jail “In default of payment of held Saturdays and Sundays. “On the first day, students lake.” He applauded the of Nayagarh district, the accused that the accused will Friday by a Pakistani anti- Department (CTD) of fine, he will have to un- Syllabus has been reduced are being spoken to on all efforts of Odisha Tourism minor Friday refused to undergo terrorism court here in a Punjab province Saturday. dergo an imprisonment of by 30 per cent, and no further de- rules and regulation which and Ecotour Odisha for having be treated as a minor narco analysis test before the terror financing case, “The Anti-Terrorism six months each on three duction would be allowed, he are to be followed strictly. organised the event which and the decision on promises to add another Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). amidst growing interna- Court (ATC) Lahore con- counts. He has been sent said. On the reopening day, From tomorrow, physical feather to Odisha’s cap. P3 After being produced before JJB the narco test will be tional pressure on victed Lakhvi for com- to prison to serve the sen- almost all schools focused on classes will start. All stu- by the Special Investigation Team Islamabad to bring to jus- mission of offences of ter- tences,” the official said. orienting students on Covid dents have the time tables.” (SIT), the accused denied in writing taken by the JJB tice terrorists roaming free rorism financing in a case Lakhvi pleaded before norms. Students entered “I am nervous as it’s been MARKET WATCH to undergo the narco analysis test. in the country. registered by the CTD for the court that he was school premises with consent a long time since we had Following this, the court rejected the addicted to watching pornogra- UN proscribed terrorist 15 years under different “falsely implicated” in this letters from parents which come to the school. It will SIT’s plea for the narco test. phy. The victim minor girl often Lakhvi, 61, who was on bail sections of the Anti- case. He was accused of were collected by the school also be quite interesting to INDEX VARIATION visited his house to eat blackberry since 2015 in the Mumbai Terrorism Act 1997,” a court running a dispensary and authorities. meet everybody after so and he raped her July 14. When attack case, was arrested by official told PTI after the using funds collected for Dash reviewed the pre- many days,” said a student SENSEX 48782.51 689.19 the girl resisted, the accused boy the Counter-Terrorism hearing. Judge Ejaz Ahmad terrorism financing. paredness of schools by Ashlesha Mohapatra. strangled her to death.

BOURSES NIFTY 14347.30 209.90 According to an official source, DOLLAR 73.81 `0.17 narcoanalysis test bears consid- MAN AVAILS `2.87 CR USING erable significance for taking fur- EURO 89.88 `0.21 CURRENCY ther legal steps as the SIT team FAKE CHEQUE IN ROURKELA needs to establish crucial evidence GOLD `49,351 `1553 in the much-debated murder case. ROURKELA: Economic Offences Wing of state SILVER `67,075 `2887 Meanwhile, the SIT sought brain Crime Branch arrested a person here Friday on BULLION mapping test of the accused. The charges of cheating a nationalised bank of `2.87 January 4, the SIT had appealed SIT moved the Juvenile Justice crores with a forged cheque of Karnataka State the POCSO Court to give permis- Board (JJB) seeking permission Co-operative Marketing Federation (KSCMFL). WEATHER sion for conduct of the test of the for the brain mapping test of the The accused identified as B Muirty Pillai is a accused. Hearing the plea the next minor accused. The hearing on resident of Rourkela. He is the owner of BMP & BHUB CTK Sons Construction Pvt. Ltd. And has a current day, the POCSO court had main- the plea has been scheduled for bank account at the Rourkela branch of the Bank MAX 32.6° 32.5° tained that the accused will be January 13. of India. According to the complaint filed by treated as a minor and the deci- On the other hand, mobile phone, TEMP MIN 18.0° 15.6° branch manager Anjani Kumar Singh, Pillai Forecast sion on the narco test will be taken SIM card, and other articles that deposited a BOI cheque of `2.87 crore issued by Humidity 73% 75% Fog/mist by the JJB. were seized from the accused have KSCMFL November 3, 2020. Subsequently, the Rainfall Nil Nil in the SIT chief Arun Bothra had ear- been sent to the Central Forensic cheque was cleared by the bank and transferred morning lier claimed that the accused was Science Laboratory for examination. the above amount into his cash credit account. TRUMP MAY PARDON FAMILY, HIMSELF EXPERTS DIVIDED PRESS TRUST OF INDIA comes as Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike rebuked Trump’s con- ‘WILL SKIP BIDEN’S A presidential self-pardon is Washington, Jan 8: President Donald duct as thousands of his supporters untested and legal experts are Trump has prepared a sweeping list of stormed the US Capitol building INAUGURATION’ divided on its constitutionality individuals he’s hoping to pardon in the Wednesday and clashed with police, re- resident Donald Trump announced While all presidents issue final days of his administration that in- sulting in four deaths and interrupting Friday he will skip Joe Biden's inau- controversial pardons at the cludes senior White House officials, fam- a constitutional process by Congress to P guration in a final, unrepentant act of end of their terms, Trump ily members, prominent rappers -- and affirm the victories of President-elect Joe division as his presidency imploded has moved at a faster pace possibly himself, according to people Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala amid demands that he step aside for than his predecessors familiar with the matter. Harris in the November 3 election. According to CNN, some of those It is not clear if the issue has come the last 12 days in office. “To all of those conversations happened in recent up since Wednesday’s mayhem at the who have asked, I will not be going to weeks, and Trump has asked about Capitol building fomented by the the Inauguration on January 20th,” the y the legal and political conse- President’s rhetoric or after his re- US leader said on Twitter.

quences of a self-pardon. cent controversial call with the Georgia

k y m c The news Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, fallout, it said. The New York Times the report said, citing multiple sources. reported Thursday that Trump has The president has also asked for legal suggested in conversations since opinions on whether he has the au- Election Day that he wants to pardon thority to issue a self-pardon and has himself, citing two people familiar been advised on the potential political with the discussions. P2 MILEY MOURNS PET DOG’S ANNE ON RETURNING TO SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR DEATH WITH VIDEO TRIBUTE SCREEN AFTER A BREAK Pop star Miley Cyrus is mourning the Actress Anne Hathaway feels demise of her dog, and is looking at her returning to screen after a break can music to heal her. The singer took to be a tough challenge. “I feel like I’m Instagram Friday to share an emotional going through something similar and y leisure message for the pet, revealing that she it’s a funny thing,” she quipped, on

returning to screen after a break.

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FORTUNE FORECAST Tamannaah wraps Arjun has PC denies breaking a busy up ‘November Story’ year ahead ARIES Today, you may get to outhern star Tamannaah Bhatia has Mumbai: Actor Arjun share your ideas and lockdown rules shared the news with fans that she has Rampal has a busy year ahead, opinions with like-mind- Swrapped up her shoot for the web show going by his upcoming line-up ed people. Ganesha says November Story. of films. After starting the year you may finally have a heart-to-heart “Wrapped up shoot for November Story with the courtroom drama Nail chat with your beloved, and express your deep commitment. You may even today! It’s been such an exciting project for me Polish, he tells you there are five projects talk of your long cherished dreams. in London and I can’t wait for you guys to binge watch this as of now to keep him occupied in the months ahead. nail biting series which releases soon on “I have completed shooting of one film with Abbas-Mustan ji New Delhi: Actress Priyanka Chopra @DisneyPlusHS. Can’t thank my team enough called Penthouse, and now I will start shooting for Dhaakad. After TAURUS did not break lockdown rules in for this incredibly memorable journey,” she that, I will resume shooting The Battle Of Bhima Koregaon. I Logic may be your forte London, her team has claimed, tweeted late on Thursday. started shooting for that film before I was diagnosed with Covid- today, but in the game adding that her salon visit was in She also shared her look in the film. In the 19, so now I will complete the shoot. After that, I will start work- of life, sometimes the accordance with the law and that pciture, she wears a serious expression and ing for the second season of The Final Call and then, there is a heart wins and some- she had necessary paperwork in Indian wear. film with Aparna Sen called The Rapist,” Arjun told IANS. times the head. Your analytical skills will place. The actress will also be seen in the Telugu From the ramp to the screen, he has been around for two decades help you understand things better, in turn, making you wiser. You may feel an Earlier this week, it was reported remake of the Hindi thriller film Andhadhun, now. “It’s been a great journey. I got the opportunity to learn a lot urge to spend on music cassettes, CDs that Priyanka flouted Covid-19 lock- besides the Hindi film Bole Chudiyan and to work with almost everyone in the film industry since I started and electronic gadgets. down rules in the UK by stepping co-starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. IANS my career. I think I am very fortunate that way,” he said. IANS out for a salon appointment. She went to get her hair coloured for the up- GEMINI coming romantic drama Text for You cur- rently being shot in London. You will witness a marked It was reported that Priyanka went to the improvement in your emotional quotient, says salon with her mother Madhu Chopra and pet Ganesha. This change may either come dog Diana Wednesday. OTT space gets political through watching a film, listening to a At the moment, the UK is under lock- song or just a simple insight. At the work- down amid the Covid-19 crisis, place, people will be lavishing praise on with all the personal care New Delhi: Politics has never re- plore politics through fiction. While not QUEEN you for your excellent performance. services, including sa- ally been a favoured subject for many shows have directly tackled such Ramya lons and spas, shut. Bollywood filmmakers. In a coun- themes, the numbers are growing. It will be Krishnan’s Queen Her team has try where mainstream cinema a while before an Indian filmmaker will be chronicles the life CANCER stated that “the never really got out of the grip game to show heavy politics the way, say, of Shakti Seshadri, You know how to make salon was opened of censor woes and protest The Comey Rule did. But there has been a def- a character that money, and you are privately for the groups, the Hindi film in- inite move towards intrepid portrayal of po- bears uncanny re- even better in putting it to good use. Today, you production”. dustry by and large avoided litical characters and themes in our shows semblance to late will have your one eye on the develop- “Following gov- cinema that spoke of pol- lately. Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. ments in the stock market, and the other ernment guidance, itics and politicians. IANS brings you some of the best shows The series captures her struggle with her fam- on brochures of tourism companies. Yes, Priyanka’s hair was There have been that use politics as a springboard for fic- ily’s adverse financial position, her excelling you may plan to spend some money on coloured for the pur- cases in the past, tional drama: in academics and rising to the rank of a leisure, entertainment and getting clos- after all, when state topper and then emerging a superstar er to your family. pose of the film she TANDAV is currently themes pertain- Set in Delhi, the in the film industry, and eventually becom- shooting in ing to politics fictional drama ing the youngest chief minister of her state. London. The faced trouble. takes one behind the The show streams on MX Player. LEO salon was Kissaa Kursee closed corridors of CITY OF DREAMS It may be that the best opened pri- Kaa was banned power and politics, Set in Mumbai, daffodils bloom early in the morning, but good vately for the from release dur- and showcases the the 10-episode po- ideas can come any production and ing Emergency lengths to which litical thriller is time of the day, says Ganesha. So spruce everyone in- owing to its satirical people will go in the helmed by Nagesh up your management skills, as you shall volved had been depiction of democ- pursuit of power. It Kukunoor. It nar- need them to help organise and cash in tested and followed racy in the country. stars Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil rates the story of the on the multitude of ideas that will bom- both the DCMS working Aandhi was banned a few Grover, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Kritika Kamra, feud within the bard you today. guidelines and the film months after release because it Sarah Jane Dias, Sandhya Mridul, Annup Gaikwad family, production regulations,” was felt that the film bore shades of Sonii and Hiten Tejwani. Tiger Zinda Hai which erupts after the statement read. Indira Gandhi and her politics. Parzania, director Ali Abbas Zafar is making his dig- an assassination attempt on a polarising po- VIRGO “As I am sure you are depicting a fictional story against the ital debut with the series. The Amazon orig- litical figure. The show stars Atul Kulkarni A la Sisyphus, you may aware, Film and TV pro- backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat riots, was inal series will release January 15. and Priya Bapat, and is available on Disney+ realise the futility of your efforts and con- duction is permitted to con- banned in that state, and so was Firaaq. DARK 7 WHITE Hotstar. stant failure in achiev- tinue in the UK, and lo- Inshallah Kashmir won a National The political MODI: JOURNEY OF A COMMON MAN ing success. But do not despair, says cations can continue to Award, but was denied release, al- thriller is centred Mahesh Thakur, Ganesha. Recharge your imagination, accommodate shoots legedly for showing the torture of ex- on the death of Darshan Jariwala, inquisitiveness and intelligence and focus and recess that are car- militants at the hands of armymen. Sumeet Vyas as Ashish Sharma, on your long-term goals, says Ganesha. ried out in-line with Bollywood cinema has naturally Yudhveer Singh and Makrand government guide- hesitated looking at Indian politics while he was on his Deshpande topline lines. The exemption and political themes while setting way to becoming the the cast of the po- LIBRA paperwork legally up fictional drama. Chief Minister, and litical drama that Ganesha says today you permitting her to However, the emerging stream- a police officer (Jatin follows Prime will try to be adept in be there was pro- ing space is a different ball game Sarna) joining the Minister Narendra your favorite subject. vided to the police, altogether. With no direct censor investigation. Also featuring Nidhi Singh, Modi’s life from Today you will be buying antique artistic things too. If there are any and they left sat- control and with films and/or se- Monica Chaudhary, Taniya Kalra, Kunj childhood to 2014, when he becomes Prime legal proceeding going on then the results isfied,” the state- ries going straight to cyber space, Anand, and Rachit Bahal, the show is avail- Minister of India. The show is available on will be in your favor. You shall be a suc- ment added. makers have the luxury to ex- able on Zee5 and ALTBalaji. Eros Now. IANS cess in everything that you touch today. IANS

SCORPIO There is a big black hole in SUDOKU your pocket, and it's high post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, time you looked for reme- PEANUTS dies there. Loved ones will CROSSWORD column and box must contain the numbers make use of your money as suntan cream 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. – liberally and carelessly. You are most likely to burn the holes larger by spending lavishly, especially to impress a member of the opposite sex.

SAGITTARIUS Get ready to rule hearts today. Your thoughtful insights into other peo- ple's psyche might just help you write a book on it! In the battle- ground of love, you will win over your sweetheart all over again, probably with a nice, slow dance coupled with a fantas- tic candlelit dinner. CALVIN AND HOBBES CAPRICORN Like you weren't already overworked, new responsibilities will keep you occupied through- out the day, says Ganesha. The excite- SOLUTIONS ment with which you work every day will weaken, and eventually die down by the end of the day.

AQUARIUS You get a pat on the back due to your brilliant aca- demic standing. People will admire your business acumen and may imitate your choices. BREVITY

But this doesn't mean you become CROSSWORD haughty and unapproachable.

PISCES Anticipation is all the fun. y Sadly, this only alludes to

your months-in-prepara-

k y m c tion travel plans that are most likely to be delayed today on one count or the other. Though, if this is any consolation, your trip, when it finally occurs, will bring you as much pleasure and

satisfaction that you expected out of it, if CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU not more, says Ganesha. COVID-19 TRACKER P3 TAKING TO THE STREET SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD Activists of AIMSS hold a World 8,88,21,567 6,37,79,575 19,12,311 demonstration in front of the Sub-Collector’s office in India 1,04,13,417 1,00,37,398 1,50,570 Bhubaneswar, Friday, seeking

downtown rollback of the new farm laws Odisha 3,31,396 3,27,534 1,890

k y m and fulfilment of other demands c

Pradhan bats for Keonjhar-Delhi rail link MV Act enforcement pushes helmet sales in City POST NEWS NETWORK AVIRAL MISHRA, OP force, our sales have doubled since mets," he added. New Delhi, Jan 8: Union beginning of the New Year. Our SAFETY FIRST Meanwhile, the act has also Petroleum and Natural Gas Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: With the city shops are being crowded by cus- As per the provisions of the pushed sales of fake helmets in Minister Dharmendra Pradhan police cracking down on two-wheel- tomers for the last week. Customers amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, the city, with customers giving two has written to Union Railway ers with helmetless pillion riders, have been enquiring and buying the driving licence of the biker hoots to the quality of headgears. Minister Piyush Goyal request- the Capital headgear traders have all kinds of helmets. We offer all found with helmetless pillion riders The riders are buying headgears ing railway service between witnessed booming sales during the brands of headgears ranging from would be suspended for ranging between `250 and `300 Keonjhar and Delhi connecting last one week. `790 to `60,000, but the women and three months without having any ISI hallmarks, Varanasi and Gaya. As per the provisions of the kids' model have been in great de- only to hoodwink the authorities. In a letter to the Railway min- amended Motor Vehicles (MV) mand. We are expecting further in- Violation of the rule will also invite “I have brought two helmets - one ister, Pradhan said that people of Act, the driving licence of the crease in our sales," said a penalty of `1,000 which would be for my 12-year-old son and another Keonjhar have expressed grati- biker found with helmetless pillion Chhabindra Kumar Sahoo, man- imposed on the biker for my wife. Although I am aware tude to your ministry for provid- riders would be suspended for ager at Kinetic Banadurga World. of the need of wearing a quality ing train linkage between Keonjhar three months. Moreover, the vio- The new Act and its enforce- The new Act and its enforcement helmet, I cannot afford to buy two and Puri. lation of the rule will also invite ment have come as a great sav- have come as a great saviour for helmets that are priced more than “They have prayed for similar a penalty of `1,000 which would be iour for the Covid-hit helmet busi- the Covid-hit helmet business `1,000. Besides, I had already bought train services between Keonjhar- imposed on the biker. The en- ness in the city. As Sahoo in the city two branded helmets earlier for my- Gaya-Varanasi so that they would forcement which came into effect mentioned, the sales have im- self that got stolen. So, now I’m be able to visit holy sites in these January 1 has seen several people proved significantly only for the the vehicle movement and en- going for a non-branded one,” said places and further economic being fined in the city. first time since March last year. forcement was weak. Thus, people Sukanti Chand Behera, a resident prospects of Keonjhar’s self-help “With the new Act coming into “Even after the lockdown was over, People buying helmets from a roadside vendor in Bhubaneswar OP PHOTO were reluctant to invest on hel- of Patia here. groups,” Pradhan said. Pradhan requested Piyush Goyal to start rail service between Keonjhar and Delhi connecting Gaya and Varanasi. He said it would help in economic develop- FINALLY, CURTAINS RAISED ment of the SHGs of the districts. 8 big infra, industrial Temperature to dip from Jan 12 projects reviewed Chief Secretary asks officials concerned to ensure POST NEWS NETWORK timely completion of all the projects Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Friday said minimum tem- perature will dip in the state from January 12. The temperature remained nor- mal or above normal in almost all parts of the state during the past few days and it will continue for the next two to three days. After CCI-PMG MEET that, it will come down by 3 to 4 de- grees Celsius, said director of the POST NEWS NETWORK The Committee Issues relating to Met Centre, HR Biswas. reviewed the forest clearance, Forecasting dense fog January Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The Cabinet progress of four compensatory railway, two aforestation, tree 10 morning, the Met Centre has is- Committee on Investment (CCI)— national highway, felling, disbursement sued yellow warning for Project Monitoring Group (PMG) one power and one of compensation Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Friday reviewed eight major in- oil & gas projects wards, right Cuttack, Jajpur and Bhadrak dis- frastructure and industrial proj- envisaging of way were Youngsters watching a movie at Keshari Talkies in Bhubaneswar in strict adherence to Covid-19 norms, Friday. A few days ago, the state government tricts. Dense fog is also likely to pre- ects being implemented in the state. investments to the discussed and allowed cinema halls to screen movies with all precautionary measures against the deadly virus OP PHOTO vail at one or two places of The Committee reviewed the tune of resolved during the Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Cuttack progress of four railway, two na- `26,620 crore meeting and Kendrapara district, January tional highway, one power and one 11 morning. oil & gas projects envisaging invest- has been very fruitful and there Meanwhile, the Special Relief ments to the tune of `26,620 crore. has been substantial progress in im- ` IPS RESHUFFLE Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena The railway projects included plementation of the projects. The Imposter dupes City man of 94,000 asked district Collectors concerned Khurda–Bolangir new broad gauge ground level problems faced in one POST NEWS NETWORK and transport commissioner to rail link (289 km), 4th rail line be- sector differs from the other. The POST NEWS NETWORK take necessary steps for control- tween Budhapank- Salegaon (170 progress and problems of each in- Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: In a minor ling vehicular movement on high- km), 3rd line between dividual project are discussed and Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: A man from Salesman bilks owner reshuffle, the state government ways to avoid road mishaps. Vizianagaram-Sambalpur (264.6 resolved through joint efforts.” Capital city fell victim to a cyber Bhubaneswar: A salesman of a sanitary ware shop here fraudulently Friday appointed former Director km), and 3rd line between Rourkela- He directed the project propo- crook and lost over `94,000 from transferred `4 lakh from the owner’s account by stealing her SIM card and General of Police (DGP) and sen- Jharsuguda (101 km). The reviewed nents and the executing depart- his Google Pay account within 20 debit card. The owner of the shop, Puja Agarwal, has lodged a complaint ior IPS officer Bijay Kumar Sharma road projects included Angul- ments to keep pace with timelines minutes Friday. with Laxmisagar police here. According to the complaint, Agarwal’s as the Director BMC launches Sambalpur toll road project and set against different phases of the According to a source, a woman husband who deals with the business related transactions had gone to of Directorate Singara–Binjabahal section of projects. pretending to be an escort service Raipur to attend to his ailing mother. Taking advantage of his absence, the of Printing, compost outlet National Highway-6. The PMG led by Guruprasad worker managed to extort `94,000 accused worker named Ganesh Kumar Behera surreptitiously decamped Stationery & Besides, the panel took stock of Mohapatra, Secretary of from the man Friday. The matter with Agarwal’s debit card and SIM card which she use for internet banking Publication in POST NEWS NETWORK Darlipalli Super Thermal Power Department for Promotion of came to light after the victim reg- and other transactions. Subsequently, Behera reportedly bought some Cuttack. Sharma is currently Project stage-I (2X800 MW) and Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), istered a complaint with Airfield products online and transferred the rest to his account with a total posted as the OSD of Home de- Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Aiming at Paradip-Hyderabad product pipeline extolled the state government as a police. withdrawal of `4 lakh from Agarwal’s account. partment. efficient management of the waste project. performing state in many pro- Sources said, the man received Similarly, IPS officer Himanshu generated in the Capital city, the Issues relating to forest clear- grammes including CCI projects. a call from an unknown number, a Lal has been posted as the IG of Bhubaneswar Municipal ance, compensatory aforestation, “This Committee helps both the woman, who spoke to the man pos- money, the transaction failed fol- same, it didn’t take even 20 min- Prisons and correctional services. Corporation (BMC), Friday, tree felling, disbursement of com- project proponents and the people ing as an escort service worker. lowing which she contacted the utes for her to swindle `94,731 Himanshu Lal has recently been launched ‘Mo Khata’ (My pensation wards, right of way were through expeditious implementa- She asked the man to pay `2,000 woman again through the phone from the Google Pay account of promoted to the rank of Inspector Compost), outlet at Rajmahal discussed and resolved during the tion of the projects. The interstate through a digital wallet to avail number in which he had talked the victim. General of Police (IGP). Square here, exclusively for sale meeting. issues relating to the projects are her services. with her earlier. Then the woman The cops are yet to identify the of manure generated from micro Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra also resolved in meetings of this However, when the man used sent him a barcode to scan and accused. A detailed probe into the composting centres (MCCs). Mahapatra said, “The joint exercise committee,” the secretary said. his Google Pay account to pay the register. When the man used the incident is on, a police official said. 17 political murders since 2017: Aparajita 3rd National Chilika Bird Festival kicks off POST NEWS NETWORK Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: BJP leader and Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha MP TOURISM AND FOREST & ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENTS RENEW THEIR AGREEMENT FOR COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM Aparajita Sarangi Friday asked the police department to give jus- POST NEWS NETWORK tice to the families of 17 BJP lead- ers who were murdered since 2017. Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Chief Aparajita said, “17 BJP leaders Inaugurated by Chief Secretary, Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugu- had been murdered in the state and Suresh Chandra Mahapatra in rated the 3rd National Chilika Bird all those murders were political presence of G Mathivathanan, Festival through videoconferenc- murders since 2017. But justice Principal Secretary, and Prem ing Friday. has been a far cry in most of the Chandra Chaudhary, BMC Patnaik described the destina- cases.” Commissioner, the MO Khata is ini- tion as “a pilgrimage for over a mil- “In 2017 panchayat elections, tiated to reduce burden on landfills lion winged visitors of varied 14 BJP workers were killed. They at dumping yards. The ‘Mo Khata’ species, which undertake flights to were from Mayurbhanj, kiosk will be run and managed the mighty but calm Chilika Lake Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Koraput, by Swachha Sathis who are among – Asia’s largest brackish water Bolangir, Gajapati, Hinjli, Ganjam, those who handle waste segrega- lake.” He applauded the efforts of Malkangiri, Kendrapara and tion and MCC operation and man- Odisha Tourism and Ecotour Odisha Khurda,” she said. agement. for having organised the event Dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony of the 3rd National Chilika Bird Festival A photo exhibition organised at the event, Friday OP PHOTOS “In 2019 elections, in “This (Mo Khata) would resolve which promises to add another Badapokharia area of my con- the problem of dumping yard and feather to Odisha’s cap – a soaring nation. From protective actions their agreements signed in March stituency, one person from the would also provide bio- fertiliz- birding hub. like removing encroachments to CHIEF MINISTER NAVEEN THE THREE-DAY PROGRAMME 2017. The objective is to tap and party was also killed. Two more ers to the denizens of Bhubaneswar The three-day programme will the massive census exercise con- PATNAIK DESCRIBED THE WILL WITNESS PARTICIPATION promote the state’s ecotourism po- people were murdered in the state at affordable prices. The initiative witness participation of 55 selected ducted a few days back, and pro- DESTINATION AS A PILGRIMAGE OF 55 SELECTED BIRDERS tential, thus creating alternative this year. We have demanded thor- also creates employment oppor- birders representing nine states – motional campaigns such as the FOR OVER A MILLION WINGED REPRESENTING NINE STATES – employment opportunities for local ough investigation and justice in tunities to local youth. It will be ex- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Chilika Bird Festival – we jointly as- VISITORS OF VARIED SPECIES, MAHARASHTRA, KARNATAKA, community. such cases,” she said. panded to the other urban bodies Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra pire to make Odisha – Chilika along WHICH UNDERTAKE FLIGHTS TO DELHI, HARYANA, TAMIL NADU, Articulating a timely analogy, She also added, “The police have in phases,” Mohapatra said. Pradesh, Telangana and West with other niche destinations such THE MIGHTY BUT CALM CHILIKA ANDHRA PRADESH, TELANGANA Tourism Minister Jyoti Prakash information about the cases but in As per sources, the civic body Bengal, besides Odisha. as Satkosia, Bhitarkanika and LAKE – ASIA’S LARGEST AND WEST BENGAL, BESIDES Panigrahi said, “Who says foreign many cases chargesheets have not

has fixed price of the compost at Offering a gist of the focused Hirakud – the most sought-after BRACKISH WATER LAKE ODISHA tourist arrivals is curtailed? Not been filed. I have requested the

k y m c different ranges. While a 5 kg conservation campaign by the gov- birding destination of Asia-Pacific for these winged guests that Odisha’s government to take action in such pack is available for `125, around ernment, Chief Secretary Suresh region. I take great pride in con- phenomenal work.” munity-managed hospitality to over pride, Chilika Lake, hosts every cases and give justice. The National 20-kg pack can be availed at `445. Mohapatra said, “Chilika’s veying that this year’s census has On the government’s roadmap 100 camps in the coming years. year. Birds metaphorically represent Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Besides, a discount of `25 is Mangalajodi is a pioneering work revealed a total count of 11.42 lakh to expand ecotourism, Mohapatra In a concurrent development, a quest for freedom from the im- report claimed that Odisha is at the available on 5 kg and `45 on 20 in community-led conservation. It birds. I also convey our sincere revealed about the plan to expand the Tourism and Forest & mobility imposed by the pandemic second slot when it comes to crimes kg packets. is an unparalleled birding desti- gratitude to the census teams for the Ecotour Odisha’s successful com- Environment departments renewed – the world over.” against women.” P4 SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR downtown

Govt urges people to vaccinate against nCoV UPPING THE ANTE

k y m c POST NEWS NETWORK Many scientists have raised some Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The Health concerns about department Friday urged the peo- side effects of ple to go for mass vaccination when vaccines but nothing has the Covid-19 vaccines arrive in the been proven yet on the issue. state in the coming days. The talks of side effects of Interacting with the media, state Director of Medical Education and the vaccine could be a Training (DMET) CBK Mohanty rumour said, “I myself have planned to take CBK MOHANTY | DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL the vaccine and vowed to get other EDUCATION AND TRAINING health workers vaccinated. Vaccination is a step towards per- He said that the exact dates of sonal safety. The government has al- vaccination in Odisha could not ready given approval for the vaccine be predicted and depends largely which has passed through several Second dry run for Covid-19 vaccination underway at Urban Community Health on Union government’s decisions. safety stages.” Centre at Unit-IV in Bhubaneswar, Friday OP PHOTO He also said that the survey and While trying to allay the fears registration for other sections of among the people about the possi- tion of vaccines. “In India, the pop- He also said that the Union gov- the population will also start ble side effects of vaccines, the of- ulation is very huge. Mass vacci- ernment is the final decision maker soon. ficial said, “Many scientists have nation of the population could not in the process. “Covid vaccination He also added, “I want to urge the raised some concerns about side be done in a single phase. So, the is under the control of the Union people to not believe in any fake effects of vaccines but nothing has government had decided to ad- government. The vaccines will be application talking about vaccine been proven yet on the issue. The minister it in a phased manner first kept with the Centre and later registration and supply. Till now talks of side effects of the vaccine based on the associated risk from the states will get the supply. We may there is no proposal to make the could be a rumour.” the infection. Health workers who get the vaccine in next 10 days vaccines available in market. Now, He also cited reasons for making are exposed to patients have been based on the announcements of the initiative will be done only BJP activists gherao the DGP office in Cuttack, Friday, seeking the arrest of all persons involved in Mahanga double priority list for mass administra- put in the priority list.” the Union government.” through government route.” murder case OP PHOTO State logs 245 new SOME CITY SCHOOLS TAKE ‘Involve differently-abled in disaster management’ Covid cases, 2 deaths MORE TIME TO REOPEN POST NEWS NETWORK Disaster Management Authority to involve such people e.g. PwDs, per- PNN/AGENCIES POST NEWS NETWORK Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The state gov- sons suffering with chronic disor- ernment has directed the district ders, senior citizens or their rep- Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: After wait- Collectors to involve persons with resentatives while devising Covid-19 tally Friday mounted to ing for over nine months, schools disabilities (PwDs) and persons strategies for disaster inclusive 3,31,396 as 245 more people tested and colleges across Odisha reopened suffering from chronic disorders risk reduction and disaster man- positive for the disease, while two Friday. However, some schools in the while devising disaster manage- agement,” Harichandan said. fresh fatalities pushed the death city didn’t open, saying they will re- ment strategies. He requested the Collectors to toll to 1,890, a Health and Family open after taking all safety measures. Social Security & Empowerment maintain data of PwDs at district Welfare department official said. ODM Public School will open of Persons with Disabilities level to facilitate communications Of the new cases, 141 were re- Of the new cases, 141 were January 12. An official said, “We (SSEPD) director Bratati with them for their safety during ported from various quarantine reported from various quarantine can’t take any risk. Covdi 19 is a se- Harichandan has recently written any kind of disaster. centres and 104 detected during centres and 104 detected during rious matter and we can’t take risk OP PHOTO to all the Collectors in this regard. The Rights for Persons with contact tracing contact tracing. by opening the school without safety “PwDs are vulnerable groups of Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates Bolangir district recorded the Bolangir district recorded the measures. Students attending classes at Sai International School in Bhubaneswar the society who might suffer with the state and disaster manage- highest number of fresh cases at 40, highest number of fresh cases at Similar views were shared by a greater magnitude during disas- ment authorities to take appro- followed by Sundargarh 29 and 40, followed by Sundargarh 29 and DAV Public School, Unit VIII, who The transport service also started Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, founder ters as compared to those without priate measures to ensure inclu- Khurda 25. Khurda 25 also plans to open the school Monday. as per the government guidelines. and mentor of SAI International, disabilities. To mitigate the toll on sion of PwDs in disaster Seven districts – Ganjam, The sanitization process is going on Buses began plying students from was elated to welcome SAIoneers PwDs during natural calamities it management activities for their The two fresh fatalities were Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, reported from Khurda and in the school premises and will be schools and got them dropped after of Classes X and XII. He said, “The is prudent for the State/District safety and protection. Koraput, Nabarangpur and Nayagarh districts ready for students by Monday. classes. Designated personnel were school is finally open and we are Jagatsinghpur – did not report any Meanwhile, SAI International in place to remain vigilant. ready to overcome all hurdles and new case since Thursday. School resumed classes for stu- Students were brimming with function the way we did in pre-pan- Taking to Twitter, the Health capital Bhubaneswar is a part, ac- dents of Classes X and XII. It is excitement seeing their friends and demic time. We hope that we are able and Family Welfare department counted for 328 fatalities, followed after a gap of nine months that the teachers after a long gap. to enlighten each mind with the Utkal VC visits varsity’s 2nd campus said, “Regret to inform the demise by Ganjam (247), Sundargarh (169), schools have reopened in the state Nevertheless, the re-opening was ap- power of education.” Bhubaneswar: Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Sabita Acharya Friday visited the of two COVID positive patients Cuttack (140) and Puri (117). in compliance with the SOP issued proached in a staggered manner Students were welcomed back Utkal University rural campus at Chandikhol. She was accompanied by Barchana while under treatment in hospi- Odisha now has 2,163 active cases, by the state government. with multiple check points. with Covid protocols including MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy. During the visit, she reviewed the infrastructure proj- tals.” while 3,27,290 patients have so far Strict protocols were followed Students could resume classes in thermal screening, hand sanitis- ects on the campus. According to sources, because of tardy pace of construction The two fresh fatalities were re- recovered from the disease. for students from wearing masks, campuses only after submitting ing, wearing of masks and social dis- work the second campus will be fully completed by 2022. On the occasion, Acharya ported from Khurda and Nayagarh The state has conducted over washing hands at frequent intervals the consent letters from their par- tancing in classrooms. said that university campus will be helpful in providing skill-based education to the youth of the area. She said, “We will also construct the hostel in the campus for the districts, the official said. 71.11 lakh sample tests for Covid- to mandatory social distancing, al- ents. The classrooms, corridors At some places, rangolis were students of the area.” In March 2019, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurat- Fifty-three Covid-19 patients 19, including 24,482 Thursday, and most giving a formal colour to their and toilets were sanitized every made to welcome students while ed the rural campus of Utkal University at Chandikhole. As per initial programme, have died due to comorbidities. the positivity rate stands at 4.66 first day in school as they reopened two hours and classes were con- at other institutions, flowers were two courses will be offered at the campus keeping the need of industries in the Khurda district, of which state per cent. Friday. ducted for limited hours. presented. mineral- rich district in mind. CLASSIFIED Govt seeks status report of projects NCPCR asks S&ME dept to LOST POST NEWS NETWORK Commerce & Transport, Skill under Zero Based Investment Development & Technical Review,” Finance secretary AK I, Rajendra Panda, S/o- Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The state Education and Fisheries & Meena said in his letter to the Late Dilip Kumar Panda, government has urged various Animal Resources Development departments. help students sit for JNVST At- Amajor, Bandigaon, departments to give status of departments to submit reports re- Several infrastructure proj- Dist.- Kalahandi, have infrastructure projects identi- garding the progress made (till ects taken up by the government POST NEWS NETWORK ODISHA PARENTS lost the Patta bearing fied for completion under Zero December end) on the projects by were languishing due to lack of FEDERATION WROTE Khata No. 171/3102, Plot Based Investment Review scheme January 11. monitoring and effective im- Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Acting on a A LETTER TO PRIYANK No. 1098/5338, Mouza- during the current financial “Kindly furnish the status of plementation. complaint from Odisha Parents KANOONGO, year. the projects up to December 31, The Zero Based Investment Federation, the National Junagarh while I was CHAIRPERSON OF Finance department has asked 2020 costing Rs 1 crore & above and Review scheme was introduced in Commission for Protection of Child NCPCR REGARDING engaged in marketing at Works, Rural Development, Water Rs 10 crore & above both spilled the year 2002-03 to complete of Rights (NCPCR) wrote to the school DEPRIVATION OF Junagarh. Resources, Micro, Small & over and new projects identified such projects within a specified and mass education department STUDENTS FOR Medium Enterprises (MSME), for completion during 2020-21 time frame. to ensure students of satellite REGISTRATION OF AFFIDAVIT schools register themselves for ad- SATELLITE SCHOOLS missions in Jawahar Navodaya IN JNVST FOR By virtue of an affidavit Vidyalaya Selection Test-JNVST. ADMISSION IN MATTER OF FAITH The state government had shut CLASS VI DUE TO before the Executive MERGER OF SCHOOLS Magistrate Cuttack , many satellite schools in the state Piyush Jyoti Prakash by way of merger with nearby big- ger schools. ACCORDING TO THE FEDERATION, THE NUMBER OF SUCH SCHOOLS Parija & Piyusha Jyoti In the letter to principal secretary IDENTIFIED FOR CLOSURE IS 14,339 FOR THE YEAR 2020-21. THE LAST DATE Prakash Parija is same Satyabrata Sahu, the commission OF ONLINE REGISTRATION OF JNVST TEST WAS DECEMBER 29, 2020 and single person . said they have received a complaint Henceforth , I shall be from Basudev Bhatt of Odisha known as Piyush Jyoti Parents Federation on rationali- action in the best interest of the chil- cision of closure of schools. The last Prakash Parija for all sation and consolidation of schools dren and submit a report on ac- date of online registration of JNVST necessary purpose . under S&ME and implementation tion taken by your department in test was December 29, 2020. Due to of guidelines for the policy of this regard within three weeks of merger our students have been de- By virtue of an affidavit rationalization and consolidation issuance of this letter, the com- prived of registering their names before Notary Public, of schools. mission said. for admission test, it said. “It is alleged that students have Earlier, Odisha Parents Lots of parents did not get ad- Junagarh, I, Rupesh been deprived of registration of Federation wrote a letter to Priyank missions for their wards in lead Kumar Joshi, S/o their names for admission test in Kanoongo, chairperson of NCPCR schools from satellite schools due Keshablal Joshi, At/P.O.- Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya regarding deprivation of students to closing of schools for Covid 19. Chakuli, P.S.- Junagarh, Section Test due to merger and for registration of satellite schools The block education officers are Kalahandi declare that closing of schools in Odisha. It is in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya very careless in this matter, it said. in land record Khata No. also alleged that many parents Selection Test (JNVST) for ad- We are concerned regarding par- 215, 216, Mouza Chakuli did not get admissions in lead mission in Class VI due to merger ticipation of our students in JNV my name is schools due to closing of schools of schools. entrance examination for a better for COVID-19. According to the federation, the future. We demand your interven- Chandiprasad Joshi & People offer prayers at a mosque in Unit-IV area of Bhubaneswar as it reopened after remaining shut for several months Since it is a state specific issue, number of such schools identified tion and kindly order strong ac- Rupesh Kumar Joshi is the panel requests you to look into for closure is 14,339 for the year tion against concerned DEOs and due to the Covid-19 pandemic OP PHOTO

same person. the matter and take appropriate 2020-21. We have opposed this de- BEOs.

k y m c P5 SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR state Man ends life after

selling baby son Vanishing sal forests hit tribals’ livelihood TIGER ON THE PROWL

k y m c POST NEWS NETWORK POST NEWS NETWORK Lack of marketing facilities for MPFs including sal leaves forces tribals to sell Nuapada villagers Malkangiri, Jan 8: A poverty- Kamakshynagar, Jan 8: Tribals these items to traders for a pittance stricken man who could not bear in remote pockets of Dhenkanal the grief of selling his four-month- are worried over their livelihood as Thousands of tribal families living in old son committed suicide. The in- they live on collection and sales of Baunsapal, Kadua, Mahulapal, Saruali cident occurred at Saptadhara vil- minor forest produce. The gradually and Barua under Kamakshyanagar block; clamour for help lage under Mathili police limits vanishing sal forests have impacted Batagan, Balikuma, Kankadahada and in Malkangiri district Thursday. their age-old profession. Kanthei panchayats under Kankadahada POST NEWS NETWORK The incident came to the knowledge Lack of marketing facilities for block depend on forests. They collect of people Friday. The deceased MPFs including sal leaves forces MFPs like sal leaves, shiali leaves, and Tarbod, Jan 8: Panic gripped res- has been identified as Somnath the tribals to sell their items for a wild grass for brooms, lac and resins idents of Bharuamunda village Khila. He has left behind his wife pittance, a report said. under Komana forest range in and five children. Their life is always fraught with Mostly women make different items like Nuapada district as a tiger has Somnath had been under men- dangers from wild animals. Yet, plates and cups from sal leaves. They sell strayed into the locality. The vil- them in the market every day. “Earlier, tal distress for several months as he they stick to forests as they earn lagers are so terrified that they have we earned well, but now we are unable was not able to meet the family ex- their living from minor forest to get the price for half of our labour stopped letting out their domestic animal, Naveen rushed back to the penses. Poverty forced him to sell produce. invested in leaf collection and sale,” animals for grazing. After sunset, village seeking help. When other vil- his four-month old son to a neigh- Thousands of tribal families liv- some tribals lamented the village has a deserted look. lagers armed with bows and ar- bour a few days back. He thought ing in Baunsapal, Kadua, Mahulapal, The villagers still remember rows and spears reached the spot, that it would reduce the financial bur- Saruali and Barua under how a tiger had taken away a child the tiger had disappeared. In the den on him. But that did not happen. Kamakshyanagar block; Batagan, In the absence of marketing fa- get sal leaves. “Quality sal leaves leaves. Now, it is difficult to make while she was sleeping with her meantime, the tiger had killed a cou- A sense of guilty encompassed him Balikuma, Kankadahada and cilities, traders take advantage of are not available these days while even Rs 200 in two days. mother at Haladi village in 2018. The ple of goats. and it led him to commit suicide. Kanthei panchayats under tribals who sell the MPFs at elephant menace often keeps them “Sal forests used to be near vil- forest department officials had cap- Tuesday night also the preda- Somnath’s widow Kuni Khila and Kankadahada block depend on throwaway prices. away from venturing deeper into lage. We would not have to go far to tured the tiger and relocated it to tor killed a bullock of Dolamani her four children now have no one forests. They collect MFPs like sal “Thermocol, plastic plates and forests for leaf collection. Traders collect leaves. Sal leaves were avail- Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar. Majhi. Similarly, the big cat strayed to look after them. She has appealed leaves, shiali leaves, and wild grass cups are now flooded in the market. come near us and buy the leaves at able in abundance. Timber mafia has Bharuamunda village is five into the village and attacked a cow to the district administration to for brooms, lac and resins. They are widely used in festivals, cheap prices. They make plates been cutting down sal trees, mak- kilometres from Komana forest at Banabasi Majhi’s shed. The pan- help them out. However, questions Mostly women make different marriage and thread ceremonies. from those leaves with machines,” ing leave scarce,” Dhani Marandi, range. Locals said the tiger is roam- icked villagers have urged the for- are being asked as to how the dis- items like plates and cups from They are gradually replacing leaf they added. a tribal resident of Baunsapal, said. ing in the locality in search of food. est department to take steps to re- trict administration and the these leaves. They sell them in the plates made by us,” they lamented. They demanded that there is a Sauri Murmu, a resident of According to Naveen Majhi, a locate the wild animal. Contacted, Childline were ignorant about the market every day. “Earlier, we earned Shiali lata (a wild creeper) is need for marketing support from the Baunsapal, said as marketing fa- villager, he had taken his goats Komana forest ranger, Jagdish sale of the kid. Many feel that well, but now we are unable to get gradually vanishing in forests due government. Nagi Tudu, a tribal res- cility in the locality is absent, they and sheep for grazing to Chandol Duria confirmed the presence of the Somnath wouldn’t have taken the price for half of our labour in- to frequent wildfires. Besides, tim- ident of Karadabani (Kanpur) said are unable to get right price for sal hill Sunday. It was about 11 am tiger in the area, saying, “We keep drastic step if the administration vested in leaf collection and sale,” ber mafia has been looting sal trees, three to four years ago he used to leaves. Traders are taking advantage when the tiger suddenly pounced a watch on its movement and steps had come to his rescue in time. some tribals lamented. thus making it difficult for them to earn Rs 300 a day from selling sal by paying a pittance. on the herd. Seeing the marauding are being taken to catch it.” Minor arrested for raping disabled kin Ganjam: Asst Collector accused POST NEWS NETWORK of bribe, Collector orders probe Rairangpur, Jan 8: Police Friday arrested a minor boy for raping his physically-challenged niece POST NEWS NETWORK of the remaining amount. shop. She approached the tal inquiry against who is also a minor. The incident The video of the argument grievance cell when her ap- Satapathy and asked for a was reported from Kuladihha vil- Berhampur, Jan 8: has gone viral on social plication was turned down. probe by the Vigilance lage under Gorumahishani po- Assistant Collector and media. The woman has been It was then Satapathy de- department. lice limits in Mayurbhanj district. grievance cell in-charge, identified as Siprarani Jena manded a bribe of Rs The victim’s parents were busy Banamali Satapathy, in of Banivihar residential 2,00,000 to effect the change working in their farmland. Ganjam district has been ac- area under Aska NAC in the name of the licensee. Finding her alone, her uncle ap- cused of allegedly accepting limits. However, he did not do the proached her and took her to the bribe of Rs 2,00,000 from a Siprarani’s father previ- job as promised. The backside of the paddy field and woman applicant to accord ously owned a medicine woman then approached committed the crime with threats a drug license to her. shop in Aska town. District Collector Vijay to her life. Out of fear, she did The woman wanted her Following the death of her Amruta Kulange for proper not reveal her ordeal before her money back as she did not father, she applied to the action. On coming to know family. But her minor brother get the license. It has been Berhampur deputy drug about the alleged demand who had seen the act told his par- alleged that the accused controller (south zone) for for bribe, Kulange requested ents. Her parents sought the help has paid back Rs 1.70 lakh. transfer of existing drug the government to give com- of the local ward member and An argument between the license to her mother’s name pulsory retirement to the ac- lodged a police complaint. Police two took place Thursday in order to facilitate the cused. The Collector has arrested the minor. afternoon over the return change of ownership of the also ordered a departmen- Maoist camp busted; arms seized in Kandhamal

POST NEWS NETWORK Agrawal said grenades, det- jawans. In retaliation, the onators, splinters, explo- jawans too opened fire at Kandhamal, Jan 8: Security sives, wires, medicine, them. The exchange of fire jawans Friday busted a clothes and other camp ar- continued for around half Maoist camp and seized a ticles were seized. Acting an hour till the ultras turned huge cache of arms and am- on a tip-off, SOG and BSF tail and escaped into the munition after a gunfight jawans and District jungle. with the ultras near Voluntary Force (DVF) teams Notably, BSF jawans Lengiramunda village in carried out an anti-Maoist op- December 19 had recovered Chakapada block bordering eration in the jungle. a powerful landmine in Kandhamal and Ganjam. Seeing the forces, the Red Pipalpadar area in Kandhamal SP Vineet rebels opened fire at the Malkangiri district. Kainjhari waterfall cries for tourism tag

POST NEWS NETWORK

Keonjhar, Jan 8: Mineral rich Keonjhar district is gifted with a number of sce- nic waterfalls and spots, but many of them have failed to draw attention of tourists for lack of development. All of them have potential to attract footfalls if they are equipped with necessary in- frastructure. One of them is breathtaking Kainjhari Gonasika road and then to tag to the place, it would waterfall in Bilarigotha hill Barahagad Chhak. From emerged at one of the tourist near Talabali under there, go to Talabali village. draws in the district. Bansapal block. This place offers breath- Basically, the development Locals call the place taking view of sylvan setting of the place would boost Ghagara. Tucked away in – water cascading down from tribal tourism as the area hills and forests, the water- a hill cliff measuring 40 ft is habited by primitive tribes fall cascades down and flows height. Its water flows into like Juanga. through a creek, which is a stream. Down the sream, Experts say, if one travels known as Kanjhari. there are five more beauti- through Hatishila, Baragad Kanjhari stream peren- ful waterfalls. and other Juanga villages nially emerges from The area is filled with in the peripheral area, it Jamudalak hill and negoti- dense forests. The area would give him a feel of ates its meandering way marked with towering hills Darjeeling and Shimla, given through forests and rocky and sprawling rocky floors its cool sylvan atmosphere. grounds before merging with looks ethereal as sunlight Local environmentalist Kanjhari dam. So the wa- can’t penetrate through thick Harekrushna Mohant said terfall is known as Kanjhari foliage. The water from all that the area is rich with waterfall. From there, its the five waterfalls flows down valuable medicinal herbs. water mingles with into a gorge. The place is The place deserved tourism Baitarani river that passes most enjoyable by sitting on tag with development of through Bhadrak. rocky floors all around. basic infrastructure. “We To access the waterfall, Scores of locals and peo- have taken up the issue with

one has to take the ple from other areas throng the SFO,” he added.

k y m c Nararanpur road from the the area for picnicking. District tourism officer district headquarters. This Locals say, the place is Ramesh Chandra Nayak said road is connected to more beautiful and attractive that the place is quite beau- Nudurapada Chhak and than Sanghagara waterfall. tiful and steps will be taken from there, one has to travel They observed that if the to seek tourism tag to Buxigaon Chhak leadin to government grants tourism the place. P6 SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR power post

Perfect health, sincerity, honesty, FOCUS US SPIES straightforwardness, courage,

disinterestedness, unselfishness, patience,

k y m endurance, perseverance, peace, calm, self c control are all things that are taught infinitely better by example than by beautiful speeches. SRI AUROBINDO RETURN OF US INTELLIGENCE

radition has it that when whistleblower's complaint to less-than-beloved CIA Capitol Hill. station chiefs are trans- For the CIA rank and file, words War of words T ferred from their posts matter. By offering only silence, abroad, their long-suffering staff these intelligence leaders sent a sig- PS officer D Roopa, who was the first woman home secretary of Karnataka, celebrates with a wheels-up party. nal that laws, professional oaths, has been transferred as the managing director of Karnataka State If tradition still holds, champagne and institutional obligations are IHandicrafts Development Corporation amid her public spat with an- corks were popping at CIA head- a dead letter. Biden's intelligence other IPS officer Hemant Nimbalkar, who too also transferred. Nimbalkar quarters when Donald Trump lost chiefs now must communicate the was the additional commissioner (administration) in Bengaluru before his presidential re-election bid to opposite message. being transferred to the internal security department. Joe Biden. It is no secret that The value of intelligence for Public spats are rarely pretty and the one between these two senior IPS America’s intelligence services policymakers depends not just on officers of Karnataka over the tender process to procure CCTVs has brought have been in the crosshairs of one the relevance and accuracy of the out in the open the intense rivalries in the service. The two IPS officer of the most ignorant, paranoid, raw data, but also on the objectiv- locked horns after Roopa accused Nimbaklar of irregularities in the tender and antagonistic Presidents ever ity of the analysis that makes sense process of Rs 619 crore Bengaluru Safe City project under the Nirbhaya scheme. to have held the office. Trump of it. The quality of intelligence Nimbaklar, on the other hand, accused D Roopa of interfering with the ten- wore his distrust of spies and in- It is no secret that America’s intelligence thus depends on the integrity of the der process without jurisdiction. telligence analysts on his sleeve, services have been in the crosshairs of one of officers who gather and interpret Roopa had written to state Chief Secretary TM Vijaya Bhaskar alleging right next to his disregard for US it. For these officers to remain that Nimbalkar was trying to favour a private company in the Bengaluru Kent Harrington national security. the most ignorant, paranoid, and antagonistic committed to the highest ethical and Safe City Project and demanded a probe against Nimbalkar, alleging in By contrast, as a former Vice Presidents ever to have held the office. Trump professional standards – includ- turn that while the Home Department has started an enquiry against her, President and Chair of the Senate ing when they discover wrongdo- it has hesitated to do the same BIDEN HAS Foreign Relations Committee, wore his distrust of spies and intelligence ing within their own agencies – against Nimbalkar, even after Biden is by all accounts a knowl- analysts on his sleeve, right next to his so, too, must their leaders. months since the CBI sought sanc- BABUDOM SELECTED A edgeable and appreciative con- Nearly 35 years ago, when former tion for his prosecution. BYTES SEASONED sumer of intelligence. Simply by disregard for US national security FBI director William H. Webster According to sources, Roopa TEAM WHOSE picking up the reins, his admin- was appointed by President Ronald wrote to the Chief Secretary after Dilip Cherian istration will go a long way to- Reagan to lead the CIA following media reports that suggested she was LEADING ward restoring a sense of nor- cers and attempting to politicise lines in September, when he de- the Iran-Contra scandal, he of- under investigation by the Chief malcy in the intelligence their work, Trump has under- classified reports suggesting that fered the briefest of opening state- Secretary for allegedly ‘impersonating’ as Home Secretary and interfering MEMBERS ARE community (and across the rest of mined the agencies’ morale as Hillary Clinton had colluded with ments at his Senate confirmation with the tendering process for the multi-crore project. It is unclear where ALREADY WELL the federal government). well as their credibility. Here, the Kremlin in her 2016 presiden- hearing. Quoting Sir William the question of impersonation arises as Roopa was the Home Secretary of Moreover, Biden has selected a Biden’s replacement of John tial race. These reports had already Stephenson, the United Kingdom's Karnataka! The content of the report is on the lines of a complaint written KNOWN TO ONE seasoned team whose leading mem- Ratcliffe, an unqualified Trump been flagged by US intelligence ex- spy chief in the United States dur- by Nimbalkar to the Karnataka Chief Secretary. bers are already well known to today, with former CIA Deputy perts as likely Russian disinfor- ing World War II, he said: As the two trade charges, sources say that the government has started an ANOTHER AND one another and to the intelligence Director Avril Haines as Director mation. By overriding those ob- “Among the increasingly intri- inquiry in the matter. Expect more salvos in the days ahead! TO THE community. In their new roles, of National Intelligence (DNI) will jections and releasing unverified cate arsenals across the world,” they will have to address a wide help. But the new administration’s reports anyway, Ratcliffe risked Stephenson wrote, “intelligence is Khemka digs in his heels INTELLIGENCE array of issues. As with all tran- spy chiefs will have to do more US intelligence sources and meth- an essential weapon, perhaps the Haryana IAS officer and whistleblower Ashok Khemka never gives up on COMMUNITY sitions, their inboxes are doubtless than deliver a high-quality prod- ods. His motive was obvious: to most important. But it is, being se- his first principles. already overflowing with advice. uct. They also must reassure their discredit the intelligence commu- cret, the most dangerous. Safeguards Now Principal Secretary in the state’s Archaeological Department, the in- But the immediate priority, clearly, workforce and reaffirm their agen- nity's finding that Russia had, in fact, to prevent its abuse must be de- defatigable Khemka continues to pursue the case which brought him into is to start repairing the enormous cies' commitments to longstanding aided the 2016 Trump campaign. vised, revised, and rigidly applied. the national limelight. Last year, Khemka had appealed to the Haryana damage that the Trump adminis- ethical and operational standards. The DNI’s office isn’t the only But, as in all enterprise, the char- State Information Commission under the Right to Information Act. tration has done to people and re- Trump’s minions most likely place where Biden's team will need acter and wisdom of those to whom He had sought information relating to the inquiry commission that lationships in every part of the will continue to overstep their to restore professional intelligence it is entrusted will be decisive. In probed the grant of change of land use licences in Gurgaon during the Congress intelligence community. remit on their way out. Last month, standards. A similar effort is also the integrity of that guardianship government, including the alleged role of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of One obvious problem for intel- for example, Ratcliffe issued a hys- urgently needed at the CIA and lies the hope of free people to en- Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi. He informed the information ligence leaders will be the lasting terical warning about China in a other agencies, following Trump's dure and prevail.” commission that the complete information sought had not been provided effects of Trump’s chaotic, de- commentary for the Wall Street attempts to oust the CIA whistle- A man of superb reputation, to him. structive approach to foreign pol- Journal. While no one doubts that blower whose complaint precipi- Webster stressed the importance of The commission has now issued notice to the office of Chief Secretary icy, which has included personal China’s increasingly authoritar- tated his impeachment by the integrity. Biden’s intelligence nom- (Political Department) and the Town and Country Planning Department to attacks on NATO leaders, flattery ian and aggressive regime will re- House of Representatives last year. inees would be wise to do the same give their response to the rejoinders filed by Khemka. Sources say that the of dictators, precipitous troop main a leading national-security Trump and his sycophants’ sordid at their own confirmations and IAS officer has sought “penal action” under Section 20 of the RTI Act against withdrawals, and threats to re- issue, Ratcliffe’s intent was clearly attacks on the whistleblower's when they address the intelligence those who failed to provide the information he had sought, claiming there nege on alliances in Europe and political. By mixing credible as- statutory protections were met officers awaiting their leadership. is a “cover-up attempt”. This too is the letter of the law. Asia. Trump's alienation of allies sertions about China’s plans with with dead silence from intelli- and admiration for adversaries hair-on-fire rhetoric, he misused gence leaders. The lack of a pub- Kent Harrington, a former J&K babus defy instructions has left vital intelligence-gather- intelligence and his office, eroding lic response from Gina Haspel, senior CIA analyst, served as The government has taken serious note of several IAS officers of the Jammu ing, military, and diplomatic re- the credibility of both. the Trump-appointed CIA director, national intelligence officer and Kashmir cadre openly flouting instructions on the online filing of lationships in tatters. This politicisation of intelli- spoke volumes, as did the silence for East Asia, chief of station Immovable Property Returns (IPRs). Non-compliance can lead to discipli- And eroded relationships are gence on China wasn’t Ratcliffe’s of other agency chiefs in 2020 in Asia, and the CIA's nary proceedings and denial of vigilance clearance. only part of the problem. By at- first or worst offense. His irre- when Trump fired the inspector- director of public affairs. According to sources, online filing of IPRs was introduced in 2017. In terms tacking his own intelligence offi- sponsible behavior also made head- general who had forwarded the ©PROJECT SYNDICATE of the extant rules, the babus have to necessarily file IPRs electronically as there is no provision for manual submission. But much to the disappointment of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the General Administration Department (GAD), several IAS of- SPECTRUM DEVELOPMENT ficers have not acted on the instructions issued repeatedly since 2017. Now, sources say, the Commissioner Secretary of GAD, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, has issued a circular stating that failure to comply would “constitute good and sufficient reason for the institution of disciplinary proceedings”. The IAS officers have been advised to follow the instructions in letter and spirit or face the consequences. The government has clearly decided that it will Let the great transition begin not give further leeway to the defaulters. ith Covid-19 vaccinations that all countries have committed victims of state-sponsored vio- an equally large-scale generational Share a babu experience! Follow [email protected]. underway in some coun- to achieve by 2030. lence, among many other groups. transition. The Covid-19 crisis has- Let’s multiply the effect. Wtries and efforts to expand When originally adopted in 2015, Tackling the roots of inequality n’t just exposed the shortcomings access still ongoing, world leaders the SDGs aimed to double down requires deep and persistent com- of current leaders; it has also jeop- will soon shift their attention from on a previous generation’s progress mitments to economic and social ardized the life prospects of hundreds WISDOM CORNER crisis response to pandemic recov- by eradicating extreme poverty, progress for every segment of so- of millions of young people. Zia Khan & ery. Governments have already com- reversing the scourge of environ- ciety. A generational transition can mitted $12 trillion to the Covid-19 re- mental degradation, and decisively The second major shift is toward start with many small-scale ini- Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE. John W. McArthur JOSS WHEDON sponse, and there will be strong reducing inequality. By the time “blue-green” replenishment. For tiatives. For example, government Do one thing every day that scares you pressure to keep investing in a return Covid-19 began devastating the too long, natural capital (the envi- ministers can set joint investment ELEANOR ROOSEVELT WITH COVID-19 to the pre-pandemic “normal.” But world, targets like ending pre- ronment) has been valued only at strategies with kids who have been Hold the vision, trust the process. that would be a mistake. ventable child deaths were com- the margins. But the pandemic has shut out of school, and universities UNKNOWN VACCINATIONS Putting aside budget constraints, ing within sight, even if problems shown that an imbalance between can deploy their newly implemented we have just seen that the pre-pan- like climate change and social in- nature and humans in one part of online learning systems to help UNDERWAY IN demic normal had dire implica- equality were looming ever larger. the world can upend systems every- communities develop new skills SOME COUNTRIES tions for the world. Our strained in- And although the virus has im- where. The planet’s “blue” skies, for local jobs. WORDSWORTH teractions with the environment peded progress, it hasn't changed oceans, and natural waterways As the world begins to recover AND EFFORTS TO helped introduce the coronavirus the essential outcomes. and “green” land-based ecosys- from the deep strains of 2020, many EXPAND ACCESS to humans; our hyper-connected Looking ahead, the immediate tems exist within absolute physi- will be tempted to pick up where Bridie global economy allowed it to spread challenge is to adapt to our new cal boundaries that we ignore at our everything left off before crisis STILL ONGOING, like wildfire, and its especially conditions while charting a course peril. We must do more to protect hit. But doing so would miss the know the word, but had to look it up to double-check the usual WORLD LEADERS deadly effects on the most vulner- toward a better destination. these crucial assets at scale. point. We need 2021 to mark the Ispelling, which is the slightly different bridie. It’s in Chambers able populations has highlighted the Through our own work with 17 The third transition is toward in- start of a great transition. Dictionary and the New Oxford Dictionary of English (NODE) but not in WILL SOON SHIFT consequences of deep-seated so- Rooms, a global community of ex- clusive systems for technological many American equivalents. The word is indeed Scots, but is nothing cial and economic inequalities perts collaborating to identify prac- innovation. In recent decades, sleek, Zia Khan is senior like so well known south of the border or abroad, which is why its THEIR ATTENTION within and between countries. tical next steps for each SDG, we shiny consumer electronics have vice-president for Innovation appearance in dictionaries is patchy. The Scots would probably take FROM CRISIS Instead of aiming to restore that have identified four “transitions” typically garnered the most at- at The Rockefeller Foundation. offence if I agreed with you that it was a Scottish pasty, since pasties pre-2020 way of life, our leaders to help guide us. tention. But the crises of 2020 have John W. McArthur is Senior are traditionally Cornish, but that’s essentially what it is: meat and RESPONSE TO should set their sights on creating The first such transition con- underscored the need for both eq- Fellow and Director of the vegetables placed on a round pastry base, which is turned over and PANDEMIC a different, better world. Fortunately, cerns equal justice. Developments uitable accesses to technology and Center for Sustainable folded down to enclose the contents, then baked. There are quite a they already have a roadmap in in 2020 shed new light on long- public trust in new solutions. Development at the number of types of these meat pies, whose fillings vary with the region. RECOVERY the Sustainable Development Goals standing social and economic in- Finally, none of these political, eco- Brookings Institution. The bridie traditionally contains mainly beef and onions, while the (SDGs), which embody economic, equities faced by women, minori- nomic, environmental, and tech- Cornish pasty’s filling is based more on potato and swede (rutabaga in social, and environmental targets ties, low-income workers, and nological shifts can succeed without ©PROJECT SYNDICATE the US) with a little beef; the Sussex churdle contains liver, bacon and vegetables with a cheese topping. But the fillings are even more variable than the names. The dish was originally a portable “piece” for a workman to take with him for his meal break, and it was made from Trump’s destructive legacy TRS on bouncy track whatever was available at the time, often with little or no meat in it. Nobody knows where the word bridie comes from, though NODE hazards Sir, Apropos, news item, “US Capitol turns warzone”, OrissaPost, January 8. The shock- Sir, After the TRS party’s poll verdict in Dubbaka a guess that it’s a corruption of “bride’s pie”. ing scenes without precedent in US politics, pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol as and GHMC elections and ever since the KCR’s etters Congress was meeting to ceremonially certify the Electoral College votes and confirm Joe Delhi visit in the aftermath of recent elections, Biden as the next US president. President Donald Trump can’t disavow his role in tormenting there is a see-saw change in KCR’s attitude in this chaos. Its hard to describe this is anything short of an attempt to coup. That such scenes taking policy decisions. Many eyebrows were TOL THE EDITOR should play out in the world’s most powerful democracy, in terms of both hard and soft power: raised as KCR took a complete U-turn in tak- LOL Readers of Orissa POST is surely bad news for democracies everywhere. And it will substantially damage Washington ing a number of decisions. Some of the devel- are most welcome to contribute letters position to speak on democratic deficit in the rest of the world, at the time when the world opments include giving green signal to (200 words), articles and is confronted with the rise of belligerent non-democratic states. And also, it revealed the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, decision on Relative’s name columns (between 750-1250 The words). Contributors are absence of either principle or spine in the Republic party - which enabled Trump’s rise and MSP on farm produce to farmers, announcing Black guys is walking through the Chinese guy say, requested to send their looked the other way for way too long. Trump, obsessed with building a personality cult, sops for employees such as promotions, PRC etc., Awoods, he starts to hear a sounds. every time I throw a contact numbers and full who has no hesitation in trampling over constitutional processes and institutions, and who going back on LRS, announcing plenty of job

It goes ching chong wu. quarter in this river it tells me a name postal address/email ID. They may also has strong streak of ethno-nationalism based on demonising minorities turned into an un- opportunities for unemployed youth. It seems

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c So he starts to walk to wear he heard of an old relative. and suggestions, preferably by email, democratic and authoritarian figure. All those who dismissed Mr Trump as merely idio- TRS, which was playing Twenty-20 matches the sound. See watch, Chinese guy throws a to: [email protected] syncratic rather than as a danger to democracy itself underestimated his destructive in- with aggressive attitude till recently (before Soon enough he comes across a quarter, ching chong chun. stincts. He must be held accountable immediately - for leaving the country and the world elections), is now playing Test matches on Chinese guy and a river. The Black guy says let me try. with the Trump enjoying executive power for another two weeks till the inauguration is bouncy tracks with cautious and subdued ap- The Black guy asks what that noise He throws a quarter in and the river B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, laced with risks. The US has, for long, preached the values of democracy and accountability. proach. Is it a lull before a storm? was. says, chimpanzee. Bhubaneswar-751010 It is time to put it in practice. N Sadhasiva Reddy, BANGALORE V. Nagendra Kumar, HYDERABAD JAMMU & KERALA KASHMIR

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SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m Have cracks emerged in Gupkar alliance? SC to hear plea against Kerala c The first voice of dissidence came from Basharat Bukhari of the NC who publicly challenged the churches’ mandatory confessions PAGD leadership to roll out the ‘road map’ of getting back Article 370 and statehood A group of Christian women questions the practice of compulsory confessions, terming the practice as violative of the Constitutional rights to freedom of religion and privacy INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE other on the ground. We wanted to sweep the polls but got very few New Delhi, Jan 8: The alliance of seats. What was the purpose of INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE seven valley-based political par- lying to the people and telling them ties, including the Communist we were in an alliance when in the New Delhi, Jan 8: The Supreme Party of India (Marxist), has begun majority of the cases there was no Court Friday agreed to hear a PIL to develop cracks after a senior alliance? The results are there for by a group of Christian women Kashmiri leader’s recent visit to everybody to see. And even today from Kerala questioning the prac- New Delhi. Heading a regional nobody is willing to speak the truth. tice of compulsory confessions party, the leader is said to have met We talk of an alliance in Srinagar in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian with the top functionaries in the while in villages, our workers fight Church, terming the practice as Union Ministry of Home Affairs in- it out against each other,” Vakil violative of the constitutional cluding Home Minister asserted. rights to freedom of religion Amit Shah. Vakil said that in a letter to his and privacy. According to the well-placed po- party president he had already ex- A bench headed by Chief Justice litical and bureaucratic sources pressed these apprehensions which, SA Bobde and comprising Justices privy to the development, the according to him, came true. He AS Bopanna and V Kashmiri leader has also attended Constitution and the flag of Jammu has demanded "necessary action" asked Lone to immediately call a Ramasubramanian allowed peti- a dinner meeting with the Apni and Kashmir and the Statehood. against the rebels and the proxies meeting for introspection. “We tioner Bina Titty and others to made by the women, and added sought sexual favours from the fe- Party founder-president Altaf That all stand snatched away,” who contested against the official shouldn’t mislead the people.” amend the petition to bring some that the matter is connected with male members of the parish. “The Bukhari. The Apni Party has con- Bukhari has pointed out and asked candidates of the PAGD. The valley-based alliance, known additional facts in the matter. constitutional importance, if con- petitioners and similarly placed tested the recent District the senior leadership to delineate In a statement Vakil has said as Peoples Alliance for Gupkar At the outset, the bench asked sen- fession is an essential religious persons need to confess before a Development Council (DDC) elec- the path of realising the goal of that the alliance parties fielded Declaration (PAGD), which con- ior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, rep- practice. He argued that it is also im- priest of their own choice,” added tions independently in Jammu and Article 370 and statehood. proxy candidates and reduced the tested the district elections on the resenting a group of five women, portant to examine that if it violated the plea. Kashmir but it is widely believed Over a dozen of leaders, associ- DDC elections to a joke. "No doubt plank of defeating the BJP and why didn’t he move the Kerala High the right to privacy. December 14, a bench headed by to be friendly with the BJP. It com- ated with different constituents, the Gupkar Alliance did well in keeping it away from power in Court, and he replied that the apex After a brief hearing in the mat- the Chief Justice had sought re- prises a number of former legis- have raised questions asking why the elections but the expectation was J&K, has bagged 110 seats out of 280. court had already referred to sim- ter, Rohatgi asked the top court to sponse from the Centre, the Kerala lators and ministers who have there was no electoral alliance on to sweep the polls which could not Farooq Abdullah's National ilar questions, which were framed allow him to amend the petition government and high functionar- mostly deserted Mehbooba Mufti's the 140 seats in Jammu and why sev- happen as the leadership lacked Conference (NC), Mehbooba Mufti's in the Sabarimala judgment, for and to bring more facts on record. ies of the church on the plea chal- PDP after her dismissal as Chief eral members of the constituents sincerity. Why did we get so less PDP and Sajad Gani Lone's Peoples consideration by a nine-judge The plea, filed through advocate lenging the alleged practice of Minister. had contested elections against seats in Kashmir valley is something Conference (PC) are its key Constitution bench. Since the issue Mohit D. Ram, has argued that con- forced and mandatory confession The first voice of dissidence one another in Kashmir. Those the leadership must ask them- constituents. is pending in the top court, the fession involves laying bare all se- from every of its members. came from Basharat Bukhari of who contested the PAGD’s NC nom- selves", he added. The BJP and the NC have High Court could not have heard the crets of the confessor which he/she The plea was filed by Mathew T the National Conference (NC) who inees include PDP's Women's wing Vakil said the PC president, with emerged as the first and the second matter, Rohatgi said. believes to be sinful. “However, Mathachan, Shaji PJ and Jose CV, publicly challenged the PAGD lead- president Safeena Baig in Wagora whom he claimed to have held four largest party with 75 and 67 seats Attorney General KK Venugopal, much to the dismay of the peti- through advocate Sanand ership to roll out the ‘road map’ of Baramulla and PDP General meetings expressing his appre- respectively but no party or al- representing the Centre, however, tioners, in the present case, the Ramakrishnan. getting back Article 370 and the Secretary Nazir Ahmad Khan in hensions, should introspect whether liance has achieved the magic fig- contended that the issue has priest, part from being not faithful “This pernicious practice of statehood. He clarified to a local Beerwah. Senior PDP leader and for- there was any sincerity in the ure of 141 seats. There were 14 emerged from the dispute in to the sect of the petitioners, has also forced, compulsory and mandatory news agency that without draw- mer Minister Ghulam Nabi alliance. seats in each of the J&K's 20 districts Malankara church, which the apex misused his position as the priest confession (not being voluntary) ing a road map, the PAGD would end Hanjura's candidates fought NC's “Again I asked him today which -- 10 each in Kashmir and Jammu. court settled in 2017, and the High and indulged in acts of blackmailing from every member both men and up as another alliance like the official candidates in four segments party he was fighting on the ground. While Lone has not spoken much, Court concerned can deal with the the members of the parish,” the women is causing several other Hurriyat. of Budgam district. Almost on all seats you were fight- Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba matter. plea said. problems, including sexual ex- “Gupkar Declaration was for PC’s vice president and a for- ing your ally National Conference. Mufti have claimed the DDC re- Rohatgi submitted that the male The petitioners have argued that ploitation of women and black- protecting Article 370, 35-A, the mer Minister Abdul Gani Vakil The reality is all of us fought each sults as a 'victory' for PAGD. priests have abused the confessions in certain cases, priests have even mailing,” said the plea. BOAT RIDE Spurt in Covid cases due to robust surveillance: Min

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA DELAYED PEAK Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8: The state saw the By delaying the After managing to flatten the Covid- virus curve flatten peak of the 19 curve within months of report- in April-May last pandemic, the ing the country’s first coronavirus year, even as it government case last year, Kerala is now grap- witnessed an increased the pling with a sharp surge in its daily increase in the number of ICUs, infections, prompting the Centre cases later in the ventilators in the to send a high-level team to assist wake of the return hospitals and it. of Keralites from oxygen supply has However, the state government abroad following been ensured to maintains the ‘high numbers’ are the lockdown all beds a result of robust surveillance and reporting system, while pointing to Public Health officials of the state say its low fatality rate. the percentage of active cases is high Close to 40,000 cases have been re- in Kerala because of the state's ported from the southern state in discharge policy which stipulates that the last week alone, with a daily the patient should record a negative addition of around 5,000, even as its result before discharge PTI PHOTO neighbours and other high preva- lence states like Tamil Nadu and People row boats on the famous Dal Lake to reach their destination after a recent snowfall in Srinagar, Friday. Karnataka have started seeing a of cases, we managed to reduce the still here and the lockdown re- lives and their health systems were reversal. death rate,” Health Minister KK strictions were eased. The most choked. It is meaningless to say As of Thursday, Kerala recorded Shailaja told PTI. scientific method of approach in con- that Kerala's situation is worse as 5,051 new coronavirus cases, in- She said the upward graph could nection with a pandemic is to delay we have a high number of positive ‘Filament-less’ Kerala way to fight global warming: CM cluding four UK returnees and 5,638 also be attributed to the recently con- the peak of it.” cases. They are not considering the recoveries as the total caseload cluded local body polls, swept by the “Many nations faced a shortage case fatality rate. Look at the ex- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE state through video conference. on converting street lamps under inched towards the eight lakh mark. ruling CPI(M)-led LDF. of beds as the cases peaked and ample of Dharavi (in Mumbai). Vijayan said that production and local self governments to LED is a The toll stood at 3,234 while the ac- Shailaja said Kerala managed to choked their health system result- They have done a good job there. But Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8: promotion of LED bulbs is the pol- major success. tive cases are nearly 65,000. maintain a very low case fatality rate ing in high mortality rates,” she the pandemic was contained there Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi icy of the state government. He State Power Minister M.M. Mani “The rise in the number of cases in the state even as it was in a vul- added. after nearly 400 deaths,” the minister Vijayan has said that a 'filament-less' said that 1 crore LED bulbs are said that the government is pro- in the state is due to a robust sur- nerable position with high popu- When asked about the state ac- said. Kerala is the alternative to reduce being distributed to 17 lakh con- viding a warranty of 3 years for LED veillance and reporting system. We lation density, high number of old- counting for over 25 per cent of On the Centre deputing a team, global warming, adding that con- sumers who have registered with bulbs. managed to delay the peak of the age population and the most number new cases in the country, she said headed by the Director of the servation of energy is as impor- the state electricity board. He also The 'filament-less' project is the pandemic and upgraded the thresh- of diabetic patients. “it is meaningless to say that Kerala's National Centre for Disease Control tant as generation. added that consumers who require main project under 'Energy Kerala old of our health system. Our ulti- “Yes there is an increase in cases situation is worse.” (NCDC), Dr S K Singh to support The Chief Minister was deliv- LED bulbs can again register with Project' and the idea is to bring mate aim is to save the lives of the due to the recently concluded local “In certain other states, when public health interventions for ering his inaugural address dur- the board. down the usage of mercury lamps people and reduce the mortality body polls and all. But we need to they reached the peak of the pan- COVID-19 management in Kerala, ing distribution of LED bulbs in the He said that the project 'Nilavu' and instead promote LED bulbs. rate. Even with this high number understand that the pandemic is demic, thousands had lost their Shailaja welcomed the move. Oppn UDF boycotts Guv’s address to House ‘Merger of officers’ cadre to PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Governor is performing constitu- tional duties. You have already Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8: raised enough slogans...Don't in- The budget session of the Kerala further integration of J&K’ terrupt me,” he said. Assembly began on a stormy note Referring to the protest by farm- Friday as opposition UDF staged a ers against the new laws, he said J&K will now be getting its officers from the common cadre available for protest against Speaker P "These agrarian laws will under- Sreeramakrishnan over dollar the mine regulated markets, result in Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram as well as all Union Territories of India smuggling case and boycotted the eventual demise of minimum sup- policy address by Governor Arif port price and tilt the balance of bar- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA there is going to be a much larger Mohammad Khan, who flayed the gaining power definitely in favour pool of all-India service officers, contentious central farms laws. of corporate middle men." New Delhi, Jan 8: Union Minister including IAS officers, for posting Sticking to the policy address of Being a consumer state, Kerala Jitendra Singh Friday said merger in the two newly created Union the CPIM-led LDF government, was also going to be "affected ad- of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre Territories of Jammu & Kashmir Khan read out in full the remarks versely" by the Essential of IAS and IPS officers into the and Ladakh. against the farm laws, against which Commodities Act amendment and AGMUT cadre would further the He said J&K will now be getting the assembly had passed an unan- resultant hoarding and profiteering, process of total integration of the its officers from the common cadre imous resolution December 31. he said. Union Territory with the rest of available for the three states of In his two hour and ten minutes- On central agencies, he said the country. Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram long address, he also attacked the They demanded the resignation Governor began on time the cus- "Actions of certain central gov- The Jammu and Kashmir cadre as well as all the Union Territories central investigating agencies, prob- of the Speaker, facing some alle- tomary address which detailed the ernment agencies have overstepped of Indian Administrative Service of India. ing various allegations against the gations in connection with the dol- achievements and performances the constitutional contours and are (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Territory following the abrogation As a result of this, the officers state government programmes, say- lar smuggling case in which his of the lone Left front government impeding the development activi- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers of Article 370, the merger of J&K from J&K can now be moved seam- ing they have "overstepped the con- assistant private secretary K in the country in its over four-and ties and flagship programmes un- was on Thursday merged with the cadre into AGMUT cadre was a lessly in and out of J&K among stitutional contours". Ayyappan was questioned by the half-year tenure. dertaken by the state. This has had AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, natural corollary and would fur- the different Union Territories of

As Khan began his address, the Customs in Kochi Friday. A visibly irritated Khan asked the a demoralising effect on honest and Mizoram and Union Territories) ther carry forward the process of India as well as the three states of

k y m c Congress-led United Democratic Customs sources said Ayyappan opposition members thrice to allow hard-working officers," the Governor cadre. total integration of J&K with the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Front (UDF) members, who came was summoned to cross examine ev- him fulfill his Constitutional duty, claimed. The officers of these three serv- mainstream India,” he told PTI. Mizoram, said Singh. with banners and posters, raised slo- idence it had gathered on alleged in- but his plea fell on deaf ears. Khan also said in such a situation ices are allotted cadre, which is ei- Singh, the Minister of State for “Such an arrangement often gans against Chief Minister volvement of some "powerful per- “I am doing my constitutional "co-operative federalism would lose ther a state or state and union ter- Personnel, said UT cadre offers tends to bring in more accountability Pinarayi Vijayan and the Speaker sons" in the case. duty...It is expected that no ob- its content and remain only in ritories. Jammu & Kashmir wider range of in the conduct and performance levelling various allegations. Despite the sloganeering, the struction will be created while the form". “After the creation of the Union officers to choose from because of officers,” he added. COLD WAVE CONDITIONS P8 Hindus and Muslims PREVAIL IN NORTH INDIA SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR unitedly fought for our country’s Independence. Cold wave conditions continued Those who did not even unabated in several parts of north India participate in the freedom Friday with the minimum temperature struggle are out to vitiate the in Delhi dropping to 9.6 degrees Celsius y national atmosphere of the country and a MeT official predicting severe

CONGRESS RAJYA SABHA MP winter for Rajasthan in the coming days

k y m DIGVIJAYA SINGH | c

of the day uote KANGANA, SISTER Govt issues norms Allahabad HC reunites RECORD STATEMENTS Farmers of Bengal will get BEFORE POLICE their due after the Mamata PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Banerjee interfaith couple again government goes for airlines to carry Mumbai, Jan 8: Bollywood actor and the BJP Kangana Ranaut Friday appeared government comes to power INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE couple, if necessary. before Bandra police here along- The Court also directed the hus- with her sister to record state- KAILASH VIJAYVARGIYA | BJP NATIONAL Prayagraj (UP), Jan 8: The band to create a fixed deposit of ments in a case of sedition and GENERAL SECRETARY Covid-19 vaccine Allahabad High Court has come Rs. 3 lakhs in favour of his wife by spreading communal hatred, and to the rescue of another inter-faith the next date of hearing February claimed in a video earlier in the couple, facing harassment at the 2, 2021. This is not the first time in day that she was being targeted for To protect PM TO INTERACT hands of their families. the recent months that the High expressing her views. Delhiites from A single bench of Justice Saral Court has come to the aid of cou- Ranaut, who has been provided exposure to WITH CMs MONDAY Srivastava said that no one can in- ples who had married across faiths. Y-plus category security of CRPF the virus from the terfere with the lives of two adult The Court has repeatedly held personnel, and her sister Rangoli UK, the Delhi With the Covid-19 vaccination individuals who have decided to Chandel arrived at the police sta- government has drive expected to commence that where the two individuals hav- taken important next week, Prime Minister live together. ing attained the age of majority, tion in suburban Mumbai around decisions. Travellers coming from Narendra Modi is set to chair a The court directed that police are living together, nobody is enti- 1 pm with their lawyer amid heavy UK will have to mandatorily meeting with the Chief Ministers protection be granted, if necessary, tled to interfere in their peaceful life. media presence. undergo a self-paid RT-PCR test on of all the states. The meeting is to a couple that had married across In December last year, the High They left after nearly two hours. arrival at the airport likely to be held at 4 p.m. religions. Court had expressed that a woman A senior police official said they Monday, said sources. In the Justice Saral Srivastava reiter- Representative image who had attained the age of majority could be called again for ques- ARVIND KEJRIWAL | DELHI CHIEF MINISTER meeting, the Prime Minister is ated that nobody is entitled to in- had the right to live her life on her tioning after the next hearing in AGENCIES expected to discuss the detailed terfere with the peaceful lives of untarily. The couple approached own terms. the magistrate's court. plans to roll Covid vaccines in all two adults who were living together. the court and said that they were In November, the Court said that "As per the assurance given to As of now, we New Delhi, Jan 8: Aviation reg- the states, following the Drug In this case, a Hindu woman had being threatened and harassed by the right to live with a person of the High Court, she and her sister have 1,000 ulator DGCA Friday issued guide- Controller General India's (DCGI) converted to Islam prior to mar- family members. one's choice is intrinsic to the right appeared before the police and trained lines to all aircraft operators who approval for the restricted rying a Muslim man. The peti- In support of their age, the pe- to life and personal liberty irre- recorded their statements today," vaccinators and four emergency use of two vaccines support team plan to transport COVID-19 vac- tioners claimed that they are adults titioners brought on record their spective of religion. Ranaut's lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui cines packed in dry ice to various Serum Institute's Covishield and and living together out of their High School mark sheet and Aadhar In both cases, the Court granted told PTI. members per Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. The parts of the country. own free will. cards. After the certificates con- relief to couples who had ap- A magistrate's court in Bandra vaccinator. The information comes on a day state is equipped to administer four If vaccines packed in dry ice is when Union Health Minister They told the court that the firmed that the petitioners were proached the Court on account of had directed the police to carry out lakh doses of vaccine per day being transported in the passenger Harsh Vardhan announced that woman decided to follow the Muslim adults, the court directed the police facing opposition to the marriage an inquiry against Ranaut and cabin of an aircraft, then the flight religion and converted herself vol- to provide protection to the young across faiths. Chandel following a complaint BALBIR SINGH SIDHU | PUNJAB the government is in the process crew should be properly trained for allegedly trying to create ha- HEALTH MINISTER of ensuring vaccination for all on the hazards and risks of its and the drive will start soon. tred and communal tension transportation, it noted. through their social media posts. Dry ice transforms into carbon Casting director and fitness trainer SHORT TAKES dioxide gas at temperatures higher operations," it said. The country is Munawwar Ali Sayyad had filed the than -78 degrees Celsius under nor- preparing for the roll-out of COVID- Dolphin beaten to death complaint referring to tweets and mal atmospheric pressure and, 19 vaccines and the second na- other statements from Ranaut and Total 82 UK strain therefore, it is classified as "dan- tionwide mock drill on the drive was her sister. gerous goods" by the International conducted Friday. India's drugs The gangetic dolphin was reportedly beaten to death by The police registered an FIR in nCoV cases in India Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), regulator has approved Oxford the locals who mistook it for a ‘deadly fish’ October. They were booked under New Delhi: The Central it said. The Directorate General of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, being IPC sections, including 153-A (pro- government Friday said that Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, manufactured by the Serum moting enmity between different a total of 82 persons have "Adequate number of carbon diox- Institute, and indigenously devel- AGENCIES groups on grounds of religion, been detected with the new ide detectors should be available in oped Covaxin of Bharat Biotech race), 295-A (deliberate acts hurt- 'more transmissible' UK the cabin. Such detectors should be for restricted emergency use in Pratapgarh (Uttar Pradesh), ing religious sentiments) and 124- coronavirus mutant strain. located at locations for timely and the country. The Indian Medical Jan 8: The death of a dolphin A (sedition). They have been kept in reliable detection of dangerous Association Friday appealed to in the Sharda Sahayak canal in Ahead of her visit to the police physical isolation in health concentration of carbon dioxide." all its members to actively partic- Pratapgarh district has turned station, Ranaut put out a video facilities. Earlier on the day, a "All operators while engaging in ipate in the COVID-19 vaccination into a major controversy. on Twitter to say she was being tar- flight from the US landed in transportation of COVID-19 vac- drive across the country. “As you The incident took place geted for expressing her opinion Delhi with 246 passengers on cines packed with dry ice shall es- all are aware of the COVID-19 vac- January 1. The local police and on issues related to the country's board amid concerns about tablish the maximum quantity of cine being made available in the im- forest officials had reached the welfare. "My house was demol- the mutant strain that dry ice that can be loaded in a given mediate future, it becomes our nat- spot and had sent the body for ished illegally. When I talk about emerged in Britain. According cargo hold or in the main deck ural responsibility to assist the post mortem. said the water gate of the canal an axe," the source said. the welfare of the farmers there to the Health Ministry, all 82 (passenger cabin) when a passen- vaccination drive in a professional The matter, however, was kept had been closed and the water Circle officer, Jitendra Singh, are cases being registered against persons have been kept in a under wraps until the video clip single room isolation in ger version is deployed for all cargo way,” the doctors' body said. level had receded. meanwhile, denied the reports me almost every day, for instance designated healthcare went viral Friday when some- "In the morning of the New that the dolphin was beaten to there is a case against me because facilities by respective state one posted the clip of the dolphin Year, local people saw the dolphin death by the locals. During in- I laughed," she claimed in the 1.30 governments. Their close being beaten to death by the lo- moving in the water. Some said vestigation, names of three per- minute video. contacts have also been put SWORD SKILL cals. The forest officials evaded it was a 'deadly and poisonous sons belonging to Rae Bareli under quarantine. comments on the issue and said fish' while others said it could district surfaced and they were that it was yet to be verified if kill people who went near it. A arrested on Thursday, ASP Spurious liquor it was actually a huge crowd collected at the spot (West) Dinesh Dwivedi said. dolphin. The local police said the and people decided that it would Those who killed the dolphin kills 5; accused held Mamata forest officials would be better be dangerous to let it go. The were not able to take it away kicks off KIFF placed to respond to the queries. crowds started beating the dol- because of its weight, the ASP PRESS TRUST OF INDIA A local source, meanwhile, phin and some even hit with added. Kolkata: Amid the Bulandshahr/Lucknow, Jan 8: coronavirus scare, West Five people have died and 16 oth- Bengal Chief Minister ers hospitalised after allegedly Mamata Banerjee on Friday consuming spurious liquor in allowed full occupancy in all Govt wants to tire out farmers: Cong Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr dis- movie theatres while virtually inaugurating the 26th Kolkata trict, police said Friday. International Film Festival PRESS TRUST OF INDIA to their positions. general secretary Priyanka Gandhi The authorities have suspended (KIFF) here. The virtual While farmer leaders told the Vadra met at senior party leader four policemen and removed three inaugural session was New Delhi, Jan 8: On a day the government their "ghar wapsi" Rahul Gandhi's residence party's senior Meerut zone excise offi- attended by Bollywood actor eighth round of talks between the from protest sites at Delhi bor- MPs and MLAs from Punjab who cials from their post for laxity. Shah Rukh Khan, who also Centre and farmer leaders ended in- ders can happen only after "law have been sitting in protest at Jantar An excise inspector and three happens to be Bengal's brand conclusively, the Congress Friday wapsi", the Centre insisted talks Mantar demanding the repeal of other members of the department ambassador. "I request West accused the government of trying must be limited to contentious the farm laws. have also be suspended. Bengal Chief Secretary to tire out the agitating farmers clauses and ruled out a complete "The only solution is to repeal the Police have also arrested the Alapan Bandopadhyay to and stressed that repealing the withdrawal of Acts. three farm laws. There is no other main accused, identified as issue a notification allowing three farm laws was the only so- Hitting out at the Centre, solution," she told the protesting leg- Kuldeep. 100 per cent occupancy in all lution to the issue. Congress chief spokesperson islators during the meeting. "We According to a government theatres from the present 50 The Congress also stepped up Randeep Surjewala said, "The Modi have always stood by the farmers spokesperson in Lucknow, Chief per cent," Banerjee said in the offensive against the government government has proved to be the and we will not step back," she Minister Yogi Adityanath has her inaugural speech. by launching an online campaign most inhuman, arrogant and ruth- added while reiterating the party's directed officials to initiate stern in support of the farmers' agita- less in the history of India. It can support for farmers. action under the National tion, with senior party leader Rahul neither see the farmers dying due Punjab MPs Ravneet Singh Security Act and the Gangsters IMD predicts Gandhi accusing the Centre of be- to the cold every day nor the econ- Bittu, Jasbir Singh Gill and Gurjit Act in the case. traying the farmers for benefitting omy coming to a standstill." Singh Aujla, along with some of Bulandshahr Senior good rainfall their "corporate friends". "It is trying to tire out the 'an- the party MLAs including Kulbir Superintendent of Police (SSP) New Delhi: Several parts of The meeting between the gov- nadata' by playing the game of Singh Zira have been sitting on a Santosh Kumar Singh said some the country, mostly south ernment and representatives of meetings with the farmers. But the dharna at Jantar Mantar for the people had fallen sick at Jeet India, are likely to receive a protesting farmer unions Friday farmer will neither tire out nor last 32 days in support of the Garhi village of the district good amount of rainfall this A Nihang or Sikh religious warrior displays his skills during the farmers’ protest, failed to break the over-a-month-long bow down and will not stop," he farmers and demanding the repeal Wednesday night after con- month, the India at Singhu border, in New Delhi PTI PHOTO deadlock with both sides sticking said in a tweet in Hindi. Congress of the farm laws. suming liquor purchased from Meteorological Department Kuldeep. (IMD) said Friday. There is a possibility of cold wave conditions over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and north Rajasthan January 11 and 12, Over half of Army personnel under severe stress: Study and above normal rainfall in south India from January 14 VARIOUS STRESS MANAGEMENT MEASURES IMPLEMENTED BY THE INDIAN ARMY AND THE DEFENCE MINISTRY DURING to 28, the IMD said. THE LAST 15 YEARS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULTS, THE STUDY STATED

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Research Fellow at the USI during units under stress are likely to wit- The main organisational stressors Its president is Vice Adm R Hari 13-year-old 2019-20. There has been a signifi- ness an increased number of inci- as perceived by junior commis- Kumar, who is Chief of Integrated sets record New Delhi, Jan 8: The Indian cant increase in stress levels amongst dents of indiscipline, unsatisfac- sioned officers (JCOs)/other ranks Defence Staff to the Chairman Army has been losing more per- Indian Army personnel during ap- tory state of training, inadequate (ORs) include delay and denial of Chief of Staffs Committee (CISC). Hyderabad: A 13-year-old boy sonnel every year in suicides, frat- proximately the last two decades maintenance of equipment and low leave, excessive engagements, do- The Indian armed forces have has set a new record by ricides and untoward incidents due to operational and non-opera- morale that adversely affects their mestic problems, humiliation by been losing over 100 soldiers every playing 20 songs in 30 than in any enemy action and over tional stressors, it said. combat preparedness and opera- seniors, lack of dignity, unreason- year due to suicides and fratri- minutes on keyboard with a half of its soldiers seem to be under “Furthermore, presently more than tional performance, it noted. able restrictions on the use of mo- cides leading to the "grim real- blindfold. A.S. Hariharan severe stress presently, said a study half of Indian Army personnel As per the study, the major or- biles, lack of recreational facilities ity" of one soldier dying every Naidu achieved the feat by think tank United Service seem to be under severe stress,” ganisational causes of stress and conflict with seniors as well third day, the study noted. y to enter the 'Wonder Book of Institution of India (USI). said the study that was uploaded on amongst Army officers include in- as subordinates. "This loss is substantially greater Records.' A student of eighth

“Prolonged exposure of Indian the USI's website last month. adequacies in the quality of lead- Maj General (Retd) B K Sharma than the operational casualties suf-

k y m standard at Gitanjali c Army personnel to CI (counter- in- “The Indian Army has been los- Devshala in Hyderabad, ership, overburdened commitments, is currently the director of the USI. fered by the Armed forces. In ad- he recently set the record surgency)/CT (counter-terrorism) ing more personnel every year due inadequate resources, frequent dis- The USI's website says that the dition, a number of soldiers and by staging the performance environment has been one of the to suicides, fratricides and unto- locations, lack of fairness and trans- three service chiefs - General M M leaders have been affected by hy- in the presence of judges contributory factors for increased ward incidents than in response to parency in postings and promo- Naravane, Admiral Karambir Singh pertension, heart diseases, psy- from Wonder Book of stress levels,” said the research un- any enemy and/or terrorist activ- tions, insufficient accommodation and Air Chief Marshal R K S chosis, neurosis and other related Records (WBR). dertaken by Col A K Mor, Senior ities,” it mentioned. Units and sub- and non-grant of leave. Bhadauria - are its Vice Patrons. ailments," it mentioned. MIB LAUNCHES DIGITAL P9 Children below SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR five years of age should CALENDER, DIARY FOR 2021 be administered oral The Ministry of Information and polio vaccine January 17 Broadcasting on Friday launched a and parents should digital calendar and diary for ensure it 2021, instead of printing them, y national HARSH VARDHAN | UNION MINISTER which helped the ministry save

FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

k y m nearly `5 crore c

of the day uote A worker cleans a poultry farm in view of Avian Influenza outbreak, in Surat PTI PHOTO Budaun horror: India is the only country which is honouring its commitment on Police quiz climate change, even though it is not responsible for it

PRAKASH JAVADEKAR | UNION ENVIRONMENT MINISTER accused priest The difference AGENCIES between the two parties is Budaun (UP), Jan 8: A priest, ANOTHER RAPE that the BJP comes who is the main accused in the al- (WB) for votes CASE, ONE HELD during elections, leged gangrape of an anganwadi In another incident in Badaun dis- while the Trinamool worker in this Uttar Pradesh dis- trict, a 15-year-old girl was forcibly Congress stays put with people trict, was quizzed throughout Friday AROUND 50 BIRDS, MOSTLY CROWS, night after his arrest in a late-night taken to a house and raped alleged- ABHISHEK BANERJEE | TMC MP crackdown that ended his five-day ly by her neighbour while his cousin HAVE DIED IN DELHI OVER THE LAST run. stood guard outside. One of the It is for the The "mahant", Satya Narayan, accused has been arrested and THREE TO FOUR DAYS, OFFICIALS SAID booked under IPC section for rape first time in was hiding in a forest area near and provisions of the Protection of the country the house of one of his followers that a government Children from Sexual Offences in Mewali village under the Ughaiti which indulges in (POCSO) Act. In their complaint, the such lies has come police station, from where he was survivor's family claimed that on to power. BJP is not picked up, the police said. The Wednesday night, the girl went to saying anything other than lies priest, who is in his 50s, was im- attend a 'jagran' at the nearby tem- mediately arrested and interro- ple from where she was forcefully AKHILESH YADAV | Bird flu confirmed gated by a police team. taken to a house by a neighbour SAMAJWADI PARTY PRESIDENT Senior Superintendent of Police and his cousin, and raped. The fam- FRESH THREATS (SSP) Sankalp Sharma said the ily said when the girl did not At a time when the Andhra sub-inspector in-charge of the return home, they went out to SHORT TAKES Pradesh authorities have been area, Amarjit Singh, was sus- search for her. They found her in battling the Covid-19 pandemic, pended on Friday. The station the house of one Pintu, who lives the fresh scare of bird flu that has house officer (SHO) of the Ughaiti in the same locality. spread its tentacles across various in six states: Govt Illegal arms police station, Raghvendra Pratap, states in the country has pulled has also been reported at DDA park logical investigation. The govern- The government said awareness was suspended earlier for a "delay woman, who had gone to a tem- supplier held down the consumption, price and Hastsal Village in the national cap- ment said that in Haryana, there has among poultry farmers and the in informing higher authorities, ple, was found dead under mys- sale of chickens in the state New Delhi: The Special Cell of ital, and samples have been sent to been confirmation of Avian general public (consumers of eggs laxity in taking action, derelic- terious circumstances Sunday. the Delhi Police has arrested a Over a testing lab. Influenza positive samples from and chicken) about the disease is of tion of duty and failure in taking Her family members accused the 24-year-old illegal arms "So far, the disease has been ICAR-NIHSAD in poultry (two poul- foremost importance. speedy action" and a case under IPC temple priest and his accom- supplier, officials said Friday. confirmed from six states (Kerala, try farms) of the Panchkula dis- "Communication from the sec- section 166A (public servant dis- plices of raping and killing her. The accused has been Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, trict. Positive samples have also retary, department of animal hus- obeying law) has been registered A case was registered against identified as Ashish Kumar Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and been reported in migratory birds in bandry and dairying, has also been against the two officers. the accused and two of them -- Pandey, a resident of birds of five poultry farms in Gujarat). "It is learnt that culling the Junagadh district, Gujarat, and sent to the health ministry to restore They had informed senior offi- Vedram and Jaspal -- were ar- Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana's Panchkula district are operations have been completed in in crows in Sawai Madhopur, Pali, consumer confidence in con- cials about the incident after a rested Tuesday night. set to be culled as some poultry they said. A total of 35 semi- both the affected districts of Jaisalmer and Mohar districts of sumption of chicken and eggs," the delay of 17 hours, the SSP said. He The incident triggered an op- samples there have tested positive automatic pistols, 60 live Kerala. The disinfection process Rajasthan. statement said. It added that ap- said the priest is being questioned position outcry and a comparison bullets and a mobile phone for the avian flu, Agriculture minister J P Dalal said is underway," according to an of- Therefore, the Department of propriate advisories have been re- and further action will be taken with the 2012 Nirbhaya case in were recovered from his ficial statement. Animal Husbandry and Dairying quested to be issued from the health in accordance with the informa- Delhi after the post-mortem report possession. States that are still unaffected has suggested the affected states ministry in this regard, so that con- tion provided by him. confirmed rape, a broken rib cage, PRESS TRUST OF INDIA by Avian Influenza (AI) have been to contain the disease as per the sumer confidence affected by ru- Some more people are on police a fractured leg and injuries in the requested to keep a vigil on any Action Plan on Avian Influenza. mours is put to rest. radar and they are also being ques- victim's private parts. Minor who crossed New Delhi, Jan 8: The Centre unusual mortality among birds "Unusual mortality of 16 birds has "Also, states have been requested tioned, the SSP said, adding that all Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath LoC repatriated Friday said bird flu has been con- and to report immediately so that also been reported in DDA park to increase awareness regarding the angles are being looked into has ordered "strongest possible ac- firmed so far in Kerala, Rajasthan, necessary measures are taken in the Hastsal Village, Delhi. The AH (ani- safety of poultry or poultry prod- and the case will be solved soon. tion" in the case even as opposi- Jammu: A minor, who had Madhya Pradesh, Himachal fastest possible time, it added. mal husbandry) Department of NCT ucts that were safe for consump- The priest will be taken for a tion parties have launched an attack inadvertently crossed the Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat, and Central teams have been deployed of Delhi has reportedly taken pre- tion following boiling/ cooking pro- medical examination and pro- on his government, terming the Line of Control (LoC) from asked these six states to contain to visit the affected states of Kerala, cautionary measures and sent sam- cedures for which central support duced before a local court for incident "horrific" and "shameful", Pakistan occupied Kashmir the disease as per the action plan. Haryana and Himachal Pradesh ples to ICAR-NIHSAD and a test re- would be available," the state- seeking remand later in the day, with the Congress comparing it to (PoK) to Poonch district in Unusual mortality of 16 birds for monitoring and for epidemio- port is awaited," the statement said. ment said. the police said. The 50-year-old the Nirbhaya case. Jammu and Kashmir, has been repatriated, the army said Friday. Ali Haidar, 14, had crossed the LoC into UK-India flights the Indian sideDecember Give bulletproof jackets, 31 and was apprehended resume, chaos by a police party near the Batar nallah in Poonch. He has been handed over to arms to forest staff: SC at Delhi airport the Pakistan army. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA est officers and staff who are poorly FLYING armed against poachers, who are TOGETHER New Delhi, Jan 8: Chaotic scenes likely to be heavily armed," the were witnessed at the Delhi airport NCB searches for bench observed. "A forest ranger is A flock of pigeons flies Friday as many passengers ar- SSR’s friend in a situation where he cannot call over Jal Mahal on a cold riving from the UK vociferously for help, unlike a policeman in a city. winter day, in Jaipur complained against the national Mumbai: The Narcotics No one to help him in a forest," the PTI PHOTO capital government's belated de- Control Bureau (NCB) Friday CJI remarked. "We find it difficult cision to make seven-day institu- carried out searches to look to comprehend how these forest tional quarantine compulsory for for late Bollywood actor officers and staff would be in a po- them irrespective of their COVID- Sushant Singh Rajput's sition to protect the environment 19 test results. friend who had skipped the Representative image and forests that are normally vast Passenger flights resumed agency's summons for questioning a day earlier in a INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE tracts of uninhabited land, of which from the UK to India in limited drugs-related case, officials poachers take undue advantage to numbers from Friday onwards said. "We are looking for New Delhi, Jan 8: Expressing se- carry out their nefarious activi- after remaining suspended for 16 Sushant's friend and rious concern over brutal attack by ties," the top court said in its order. days due to the emergence of a Assistant Director poachers on unarmed forest offi- The apex court's observations new coronavirus variant in that Rishikesh Pawar who has cials, the Supreme Court on Friday came during the hearing of an ap- Ex-serviceman held on charge of spying for Pak country. been absconding since asked the state governments to fol- plication for stay on all proceedings It was the only UK flight to yesterday," a senior NCB low the Assam model and provide against forest officers and staff INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE After his arrest from his parental land in Delhi Friday and it had 256 official connected to probe firearms and bulletproof jackets to concerned vis-a-vis an FIR regis- house in Bihuni village in Hapur passengers in it, said Gauri told IANS. forest guards. tered under the Scheduled Castes Lucknow/Meerut, Jan 8: A retired district, Sharma told his inter- Agarwal, founder of the Pointing out that the situation and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention Armyman was arrested Friday in rogators that he got in touch with Genestrings Diagnostic Centre, was "serious", a bench headed by of Atrocities) Act on May 23, 2020, Uttar Pradesh on the charge of a Pakistani intelligence operative which is handling coronavirus Woman raped Chief Justice SA Bobde and com- at the Mount Abu police station working for a Pakistani spy agency on Facebook in 2014. testing of all passengers at the prising Justices AS Bopanna and in Rajasthan. since 2016, official sources said. The operative, he said, initially Delhi airport. "This is ridiculous. at gunpoint V Ramasubramanian, cited the ex- The top court stayed the pro- The sources told IANS that retired In November last, officials of the introduced 'herself' as a defence You cannot tell people the rules ample of a particular state and Signalman Saurabh Sharma was ap- Lucknow MI had received inputs re- journalist. Subsequently, by 2016, he have changed after they land. Moradabad: A 19-year-old ceedings as an interim relief and school student was said that it was "extremely dis- scheduled the matter for hearing prehended by the Uttar Pradesh garding Sharma's 'involvement' in had started sharing sensitive mil- Some notice must be given! Chaos allegedly raped by her tressing" to see forest officials wear- after four weeks. Earlier, during Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) fol- espionage activities, the sources itary information in return for at Delhi Airport with this flight, neighbour in her house at ing slippers and armed with sticks the hearing, the Chief Justice re- lowing inputs from the Military said. The information codenamed money, the sources said. Sharma, families with small children, preg- gunpoint and thrown off the put on duty to protect large tracts called that pangolin scales were Intelligence (MI) Unit in Lucknow. 'Operation Cross-Connection' was the sources said, shared all the sen- nant woman howling," Vistara's for- terrace as she tried to raise of forest land and flora and fauna. seized by forest officials in the past, The ex-serviceman was allegedly shared with the UP ATS in early sitive information through text, mer Chief Strategy and an alarm over the incident, "It is difficult to imagine how adding that these were in great de- working for Pakistani intelligence December, following which a joint audio and photo messages and also Commercial Officer Sanjiv Kapoor police said Friday. The girl any law can be enforced by the for- mand in China. handlers based in Karachi. investigation was initiated. calls, mostly on WhatsApp. said on Twitter. suffered severe injuries from the fall and is undergoing treatment at Deendayal Upadhyay Government Hospital in Moradabad, ‘Kidnapping for marriage’ thriving in Bihar even in 2021 Dilari Police station SHO Satraj Singh said. INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE for a clerical job in the Army and the bride's a minor girl, who was a Class 10 student. January, 138 in May and 81 in April 2020. family knew about it. They then hired a gang All three youth were beaten by the bride's The Bihar police did not register any cases Patna, Jan 8: Marriages are said to be to execute the kidnapping. family before forcing Rai to marry. They re- in November and December 2020. Teen murdered made in heaven but in some pockets of Another similar incident took place leased his friends with a stern warning A senior Bihar police official said the 'kid- Bihar tying the knot in the shadow of the March 24, 2020, when a pharmacy student and held Rai captive in their house. napping for marriage' number in 2020 is Malda (WB): A 14-year-old gun is not unusual. 'Abduction for mar- Amit Kumar was kidnapped from Jandaha Later, the minor girl claimed before the lower compared to 2019 and 2018 probably boy has been allegedly riage' in districts such as Jamui, Lakhisarai, in Vaishali district and was taken to Duty Magistrate that she knew Rai since due to the lockdown and pandemic. abducted and murdered in Begusarai, Jahanabad, Patna, Nawada and Samastipur for marriage with a minor he visited her village to attend a marriage In 2019, Bihar police registered 4,498 kid- West Bengal's Malda district, police said Friday. Vaishali takes place frequently despite it hav- girl. Kumar was in tears at being forced into function. Kidnapping for marriage has a long napping for marriage cases and only 10 of

The incident took place in ing serious consequences later on. marriage while the girl was also weeping history in Bihar. As per data available with them were false. A maximum of 480 cases y Paranpur in Pukhuria police One such incident was reported Thursday as her father was getting her married IANS, 2,695 cases were reported in 2020 were reported in May 2019, 454 in March and

when five unidentified men abducted against her wishes. and only seven cases turned out to be fake. 443 in June.

k y m station area, an officer said. c As per the FIR lodged by the Subham Kumar, a20-year-old youth from In June 2019, three youths belonging to The highest number of such cases took There were 4,317 cases under similar deceased's parents, they Gangasarai village under Barharia police Paharpur in Gaya district went to Nawada's place in September 2020 when Bihar police charges registered in 2018 where May saw received a letter near their station in Lakhisarai district while he was famous Kakolat waterfall, where they were registered 349 cases in all 43 police dis- the highest number of cases with 480, fol- house on Thursday evening, taking a morning walk with two friends. The allegedly kidnapped by six men at gun- tricts. There were 336 cases in March 2020, lowed by 465 in June and 428 in July. saying their son has been kidnappers forced him to marry a girl in point. They forced one of the youth 325 cases in October, 305 in June, 304 in These kidnappings generally take place kidnapped, he said. Jamui district. Subham was recently selected Nityanand Kumar Rai to tie the knot with Representative image February, 301 in July, 286 in August, 270 in during the marriage seasons. The attack on US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT P10 Capitol Hill by SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR Donald Trump’s FINES BOEING $2.5BN supporters is one of the The US Justice Department darkest days in the US announced on Thursday that history. It was the result of Boeing has agreed to pay more the President’s contempt than $2.5 billion to resolve a for democracy criminal charge related to a international conspiracy to defraud regulators

JOE BIDEN US PRESIDENT-ELECT

k y m | c over the 737 MAX crashes of the day uote US lawmakers call for Trump’s impeachment Kim vows to improve In a banana republic, mob Lawmakers have called for ousting President Trump from office, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ties with outside world violence determines the that if he wasn’t removed, the House may move forward with a second impeachment exercise of power. In Kim Jong Un underscored the need to drastically the United States, improve his nation’s ties with the outside world law enforcement AGENCIES Trump makes a U-turn officials quash mob violence so that the people’s representatives can Washington, Jan 8: Lawmakers ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington: President Donald exercise power of both parties have raised the prospect of ousting President Trump has condemned the violent Seoul, Jan 8: North Korean leader MIKE POMPEO | US SECRETARY OF STATE Donald Trump from office, and supporters who stormed the US Kim Jong Un underscored the need Capitol, saying they do not to drastically improve his nation’s House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said represent America, as he vowed to that if he wasn’t removed, the ties with the outside world as he ad- On December ensure a peaceful and smooth 20, we closed House may move forward with a sec- transition of power to President- dressed a major political confer- (our) border ond impeachment. elect Joe Biden. In a new video ence for the third consecutive day. with the United Though Trump has less than message, Trump said America is, State media said Kim also re- Kingdom. This two weeks in office, lawmakers and must always be a nation of law viewed relations with rival South measure will be and even some in his administra- and order. “Like all Americans, I am Korea but didn't elaborate on what extended until tion began discussing the issue outraged by the violence, steps he said he wanted to take. further notice Wednesday afternoon as Trump lawlessness and mayhem. I Observers had expected Kim to first refused to forcefully condemn immediately deployed the national use the first congress of the ruling JEAN CASTEX | FRENCH PRIME MINISTER the violent assault on the US Capitol Supporters of President Trump invade the Capitol Hill, Wednesday guard and federal law enforcement Workers' Party in five years to send velopmental plans had failed and by a mob of his supporters, and to secure the building and expel the conciliatory gestures toward Seoul vowed to lay out a new five-year de- then appeared to excuse it. President had urged the support- the move — which would make intruders,” Trump said in the and Washington as he faces deep- velopment plan. On the second day Our reforms Senior Trump administration recorded video posted on YouTube ening economic troubles at home. have brought ers to protest as Congress was Pence the acting president – though of the meeting, he said he would bol- officials raised the possibility of counting the electoral votes that several were believed to be sym- on Thursday and released by the In his speech on the third day of ster his country's military capability. about White House. The demonstrators profound changes in invoking Section 4 of the 25th confirmed Biden’s win. Pelosi said pathetic to the notion, believing the meeting Thursday, Kim “de- The congress comes as Kim’s Amendment – the forceful removal “a threshold was crossed of such Trump is too volatile in his waning who infiltrated the Capitol have clared the general orientation and high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with the ideological and defiled the seat of American of Trump from power by his own magnitude” that Trump should days before President-elect Joe the policy stand of our party for President Donald Trump has re- theoretical field, democracy, he added. organizational Cabinet. Pelosi Thursday told a not allowed making any decisions. Biden’s inauguration January 20. comprehensively expanding and mained stalled for about two years structure as well as the state and news conference she is waiting for There did to be public support developing the external relations,” because of disputes over U.S.-led governance systems, with a decision from Vice President for the move, for now, among the Korean Central News Agency sanctions on the North. President- extensive public participation Mike Pence and other Cabinet of- members of Trump's Cabinet, es- $50K reward for information on rioters said Friday. elect Joe Biden, who is to take of-

XI JINPING | CHINESE PRESIDENT ficials. She challenged several of pecially after Transportation Kim also examined relations fice January 20, has called Kim a them by name, including Secretary Secretary Elaine Chao resigned Washington: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for with South Korea “as required by “thug” and is unlikely to hold any of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury in protest Thursday following information on the individuals responsible for placing pipe bombs in the prevailing situation and the direct meeting with him unless Secretary Steve Mnuchin. the Capitol attack. But officials the committee headquarters of the key US political parties in the changed times,” KCNA said. North Korea takes serious steps SHORT TAKES “Do they stand by these actions?" across the government went so far capital, the agency said. Many law enforcement agencies received The congress is the party's top toward denuclearisation. Pelosi asked. "Are they ready to as to study up on the procedures reports on Wednesday of two suspected devices, one each at the decision-making body which review Ties between the Koreas once Cop 5th to die say that for the next 13 days this dan- for declaring Trump “unable to headquarters of the Republican National Committee and the past projects, lay out new priorities flourished after Kim entered talks gerous man can do further harm to discharge the powers and duties Democratic National Committee, the FBI said in a statement on Twitter. and reshuffle top officials. This with Trump. But Pyongyang halted Thursday’s statement was accompanied by an image of a masked in Capitol riot our country?” of his office.” month's congress was convened as exchanges with Seoul and resumed suspect wearing gloves and a hoodie, carrying an object. “The FBI is Washington: A US Capitol Most Democrats, and many According two people involved offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the location, Kim is struggling to overcome what harsh rhetoric against it after Kim's Police officer has died of Republicans, put the blame squarely in the administration talks, staff- arrest and conviction,” the agency’s Washington field office added. he calls “multiple crises” caused by second summit with Trump in injuries sustained during on Trump after hundreds of pro- level discussions on the matter an economy battered by pandemic- Vietnam in early 2019 collapsed clashes with a mob of testers bearing Trump flags and took place across multiple depart- related border closings, a series of nat- over Trump's rebuttal of Kim's President Donald Trump's clothing broke into the Capitol ments and even parts of the White Under the 25th Amendment, quickly reaffirm its position, keep- ural disasters and US-led sanctions. push for sweeping sanctions relief supporters who overran a Wednesday and caused destruc- House. No member of the Cabinet Trump could dispute his Cabinet’s ing Pence in power while the ques- In his opening-day speech, Kim in return for a limited denu- session of Congress, police tion and mass evacuations. The has publicly expressed support for finding, but the Cabinet could tion fell to lawmakers. admitted his previous economic de- clearisation step. said late Thursday. It was the first law enforcement death stemming from the violence BEIJING-ISLAMABAD NEXUS ABU MAHDI at the Capitol Wednesday. DAKAR RALLY 2021 Four protesters died, AL-MUHANDIS’ DEATH including a woman who was shot by police. Three other PAK MINORITIES deaths were reported on the Iraq issues warrant Capitol grounds, but the circumstances remained against Trump unclear FACE THE HEAT INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Soon after the brutal US Capitol police New Delhi, Jan 8: Soon after the bru- murder of 11 coal Baghdad, Jan 8: An Iraqi court has chief resigns tal murder of 11 coal miners of the issued an arrest warrant for out- Pakistan’s Hazara minority com- miners of the Pakistan’s going US President Donald Trump Washington: The US Capitol munity, which drew international Hazara minority over the killing of deputy chief of police chief handed in his condemnation, human rights of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, com- resignation Thursday, a day Pashtuns have also come under the community human mander of the paramilitary Hashd after Congress was invaded scanner. The Pashtuns have been rights of Pashtuns Shaabi forces, in January 2020. by a mob egged on by rocked with a series of arbitrary On January 3, 2020, a US drone President Donald Trump, a detentions by state authorities at have also come strike struck a convoy near source close to the agency the behest of Pakistan’s intelligence under the scanner Baghdad International Airport said. Steven Sund “is agencies at the forefront of target- that killed al-Muhandis, as well as resigning effective January ing country’s religious minorities. Qasem Soleimani, commander of 16, 2021,” the source, who spoke on condition of After the shock police custody ily detained in Peshawar,” said the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic anonymity, told AFP, hours of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement Amnesty International South Asia. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings react after crashing during stage 5 of the Revolution Guards Corps. after House Speaker Nancy (PTM) leader Ali Wazir, a sitting While the Pashtun movement Dakar Rally, Thursday REUTERS PHOTO “A judge in Baghdad’s al-Rusafa Pelosi called for his member of the Pakistan parlia- for self-determination has a long his- court in charge of investigating resignation, following sharp ment, on charges of hate speech, an- tory, a new wave of brutal repres- the killing of Abu Mahdi al- rebukes for what many other senior leader of PTM and a sen- sion has begun, after the Pakistan Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's criticised as a lack of ior Pashtun politician, Said Alam and China bonded to develop the paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces, preparation. Mehsud was arbitrarily arrested China Pakistan Economic Corridor Iran bans imports of US, UK Covid-19 vax issued an arrest warrant (Thursday) from his home January 3. As if that (CPEC). The risk-averse Chinese against the US President Donald were not enough, the Pashtuns were have been prodding the Pakistanis AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Covid-19 vaccine candidate late Trump,” Xinhua news agency 2020 was Europe’s in for more shock and disbelief after to ensure the security of their proj- last month, saying it could help Sanna Ejaz, a human rights worker ect, which mostly passes through Dubai, Jan 8: Supreme Leader Iran defeat the pandemic despite warmest year and a PTM member, was arrested three major sensitive zones – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei banned US sanctions that affect its abil- along with 45 other PTM activists Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan claimed Iran’s government Friday from ity to import vaccines. Berlin: 2020 was the warmest in Peshawar Wednesday. by India, and China’s restive importing Covdd-19 vaccines from However, Khamenei praised year in Europe since records began, according to data The series of arbitrary deten- Xinjiang Autonomous Region. the United States and Britain. Iran's efforts to develop domes- published Friday by the EU tions and persecution of Pashtuns Xinjiang, where a separatist “Imports of US and British tic vaccines but said Iran could climate monitoring service. who have been peacefully protest- movement is raging, is at the heart vaccines into the country are for- obtain vaccines "from other re- Last year topped the ing economic exploitation, enforced of the China’s Belt and Road bidden. I have told this to offi- liable places". He gave no de- previous temperature record disappearances, extrajudicial Initiative (BRI), of which CPEC is cials and I'm saying it publicly tails but China and Russia are in Europe — 2019 — by a killings, and arbitrary detentions the flagship. China's BRI has there- now,” Khamenei said in a live both allies of Iran. whopping 0.4° Celsius (0.72° of Pashtuns in the Pakhtunkhwa fore become a critical factor in the televised speech. such a coronavirus fiasco in their “I’m not optimistic about France Fahrenheit), the European and tribal areas of Pakistan has gross human rights violations of “I have no confidence in them. own country.” either because of their history of Union’s Copernicus Climate been condemned the world over. Pakistan’s ethnic minorities. Sometimes they want to test vac- Iran, the country that has been infected blood,” Khamenei said, Change Service said. It said “Authorities must immediately Unsurprisingly, the Imran Khan cines on other nations ... If the worst hit by the novel coronavirus referring to the country's con- 2020 was also tied with 2016 and unconditionally release protes- government is facing the heat after Americans were able to produce in the Middle East, launched taminated blood scandal of the for the warmest year tors belonging to the Pashtun Tahaffuz global condemnation over the killing a vaccine they would not have human trials of its first domestic 1980s and 1990s. worldwide, confirming the Movement who have been arbitrar- of Hazaras from the minority Shias. quoted the Iraqi Supreme Judicial past decade as the hottest on Council as saying in a statement. The record. Data showed 2020 judge issued the warrant after hear- was 1.25 °C (2.2 °F) warmer ing the complaints of al-Muhandis’ than during the pre-industrial family members and the completion period from 1850-1900. Wuhan Covid infections thrice higher than official figure of the preliminary investigation procedures, the statement said. A study found that 1.68% of those from Wuhan contained antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 compared to 0.59% in the surrounding Hubei province “Investigation procedures are US modifies H-1B continuing to find out the other par- visa process REUTERS thirds of the total number were locked down Wuhan and other cities ticipants in committing this crime, asymptomatic, and thousands could in Hubei province January 23, 2020, whether they are Iraqis or for- Washington: The outgoing Shanghai, China: The number of have been infected after the “elim- but critics say it should have acted eigners,” it added. Trump administration Friday people who have been infected with ination” of clinical cases, raising the sooner. China has dismissed criti- The Hashd Shaabi or the modified the selection Covid-19 in the Chinese city of possibility the virus could exist in cism of its early handling of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) process for H-1B visa, giving Wuhan, where the virus was first a community for a long period with- virus, and officials now point to is a Shia paramilitary force made priority to salary and skills identified, could be around three out causing hospitalisations. overseas studies suggesting it was up of former militias with close instead of the current lottery times the official figure, according A separate study published by circulating in Europe several months ties to Iran. procedures. The notification to a study by Chinese researchers the Chinese Center for Disease before the Wuhan outbreak. It was recognised under a 2016 was published in the Federal based in the city. Control and Prevention (CDC) late A 10-strong team from the World Iraqi law as an independent mil- Register. It would come into The paper published by the last month put the “seroprevalence” Health Organization was due to ar- itary force that answers directly force in 60 days. The H-1B PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases rate in Wuhan, the percentage of the rive in China this week to investi- to the Prime Minister. visa is a non-immigrant visa journal Thursday, analysed blood that allows US companies to population with antibodies, even gate the origins of Covid-19, but Iranian state media had re-

samples from more than 60,000 higher at 4.43%, implying that they have yet to be been given au- ported on Monday that Tehran

k y m employ foreign workers in c specialty occupations that healthy individuals taken from around half a million people in the thorisation to enter the country. has also issued an arrest warrant require theoretical or locations across China from March Covid-19, compared to 0.59% in the estimated that as many as 168,000 city could have been infected. Total number of confirmed for Trump over Soleimani’s death. technical expertise. The to May 2020. surrounding Hubei province and Wuhan residents were infected with Covid-19 was identified in Wuhan Covid-19 cases to date in main- Tehran attorney general Ali technology companies It found that 1.68% of those from 0.38% in the rest of China. the virus, compared to the official at the end of 2019, with the first land China now stands at 87,331, Alqasi Mehr claimed that Trump depend on it to hire tens of Wuhan contained antibodies for With the city's total population at number of 50,340 hospitalised cases. outbreak associated with a seafood while the death toll remained un- would be prosecuted after his thousands of employees. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes more than 10 million, the researchers The study suggested at least two- market in the city. China finally changed at 4,634. term ends. Today India is the TESLA’S MARKET VALUE P11 third-largest startup SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR ecosystem in the world CROSSES $800BN and is home to 21 unicorns Shares of Tesla jumped 4.9% Friday, taking valued at $73.2 billion. By some its m-cap to more than $800bn for the first estimates, more than 50 time ever. In the previous session, its ‘soonicorn' startups might join the unicorn club as early as 2022 market value crossed $774bn, making Tesla Wall Street’s 5th most valuable firm, just business TARANJIT SINGH SANDHU |

behind Alphabet and ahead of Facebook

k y m INDIA’S AMBASSADOR TO THE US c of the AGENCIES Over the past year, there has been day uote rapid growth in trade-in programmes SBI holds loan ‘Global used New Delhi, Jan 8: The global shipments and average selling prices (ASPs) across of used smartphones, both officially re- numerous channels. mela for SHGs Urban Indians furbished and used, are expected to "Vendors such as Apple, Samsung, per se have reach 351.6 million units registering $65 and Huawei have all implemented their shown a lot of smartphone billion in market value in 2024, with a own programmes with very aggres- resilience to brace and fight the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) sive trade-in offers compared with pandemic. Now with of 11.2 per cent from 2019 to 2024, an IDC other channels," the report noted. the vaccine report said Friday. Although 2020 volume was not as market to reach For 2020, the used smartphones ship- large as expected, the used market available, there is a glimmer of hope surging for 2021, to turn the ments were likely to reach 225.4 million still performed well compared with the tide and ring in better days for the units. new market, where IDC is expecting economy and the citizens This represents an increase of 9.2 per a 6.4 per cent decline for smartphones $65bn in 2024’ POST NEWS NETWORK cent over the 206.5 million units shipped Anthony Scarsella, research manager for the year. AMIT ADARKAR | CEO, IPSOS INDIA in 2019. with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile As with our previous forecast, we still In contrast to the recent declines in the new "In contrast to the recent declines Phone Tracker. expect to see double-digit growth dur- Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: State Bank During this smartphone market, as well as the forecast for in the new smartphone market, as "Refurbished and used devices con- ing the forecast period, at an average of India (SBI) organised SHG Loan financial year, minimal growth in new shipments over the next few well as the forecast for minimal growth tinue to provide cost-effective alter- of 11.8 per cent, the IDC said. Mela at Nalapanga (Janghira), SAIL has years, the used market for smartphones shows no in new shipments over the next few natives to both consumers and busi- Telcos are also using trade-in com- Kendujhar for credit linkage of continuously signs of slowing down across all parts of the globe years, the used market for smart- nesses that are looking to save money bined with bundling (family plans and local Self-Help Groups (SHGs). enhanced its phones shows no signs of slowing when purchasing a smartphone," services) to get consumers to turn over Keonjhar collector Ashish Thakare ANTHONY SCARSELLA I RESEARCH MANAGER, IDC production volumes. down across all parts of the globe," said Scarsella added. their old device and upgrade. graced the occasion as the Chief The first quarter Guest. The banks handed over was impacted due to the onset of credit linkage sanction letters to the pandemic but gradually we 50 SHGs and the credit limit have scaled up our performance by amounts was `91.80 lakh. enhancing the volumes MECL, OMECL sign pact Thakare expressed his pleas- SOMA MONDAL | CHAIRMAN, SAIL ‘Find permanent solution ure at the bank’s initiative and expected it to carry forward the ac- for minerals exploration tivity more vigorously. SBI CGM, The current Bhubaneswar Circle, Ruma Dey ex- buoyancy in OMECL has been established by the Odisha government to pressed the bank’s commitment to prices is a for PSH for food security’ strengthen institutional set up for mineral exploration in the push for more credit uptake in result of the rural areas and to actively par- improvement in PRESS TRUST OF INDIA structive feedback to the member state, and to upscale the mineral exploration activities ticipate in all such activities. Some global INDIA URGES WTO under review. More than 1,050 ques- SHGs had displayed their hand macroeconomic New Delhi, Jan 8: India Friday tions were asked and 53 interven- POST NEWS NETWORK made products. sentiments with the beginning of urged the members of the World tions were made by WTO member Similarly, SBI Padmapur branch vaccination drive against Covid-19. Trade Organization (WTO) to work countries in the TPR meetings. Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Mineral also sanctioned credit letter to The favourable momentum is likely on finding a permanent solution to Exploration Corporation Limited dairy farmers. About 29 KCC dairy to continue in the next 12-15 Under the global trade norms, a ` months, resulting in a steady the issue of public stock holding for WTO member country's food sub- (MECL), a Miniratna-I CPSE under loans, amounting to 7.17 lakh, turnaround in the risk profile of the food security purposes. sidy bill should not breach the limit the Ministry of Mines, Government was sanctioned on that day. industry Commerce Secretary Anup of 10 per cent of the value of pro- of India has signed a Memorandum Many officials from the gov- Wadhawan said the ongoing Covid- duction based on the reference of Understanding (MoU) with phyllite, 33% iron ore (hematite), ernment and SBI have also par- JAYANTA ROY | SENIOR VP AND GROUP HEAD 19 pandemic has again brought to price of 1986-88. Odisha Mineral Exploration 26% sillimanite, 25% each fireclay ticipated. Among them were Subrat CORPORATE SECTOR RATINGS, ICRA the fore the importance of food ommerce Secy Anup Apprehending that the full im- Corporation Limited (OMECL) for & garnet, 24% each coal & zircon Jena, BDO, Harichandanpur; and livelihood security. He "urged CWadhawan said the plementation of food security pro- augmenting the exploration of and 20% vanadium ore resources. Sapan Goswami, DPM (OLM); SHORT TAKES the Membership for a permanent ongoing pandemic has again gramme may result in breach of Odisha’s rich mineral resources. MECL is mandated to under- Ravi Narayan Mahalik, LDM (BOI); solution to Public Stock Holding brought to the fore the WTO cap, India has been seeking The MoU was signed by MECL take detailed exploration of min- Pradeep Kumar Sahu, CM (SBI); (PSH) for food security", the importance of food and amendments in the formula to cal- CMD Ranjit Rath and Managing eral acreages and currently oper- Adhiranjan Mohapatra, CM (SBI) Puri joins Commerce Ministry said in a state- livelihood security culate food subsidy cap. Director OMECL Vineel Krishna ates pan-India with a portfolio of all and Pranabi Nayak, BM SBI, Strides Group ment. The comments were made e also informed that India As an interim measure, WTO in the presence of Union minister the major and precious minerals of- Janghira branch. during the final session of India's Hhas a stable policy members at the Bali ministerial of Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi fering integrated mineral explo- In addition, wheel chairs were New Delhi: Former HDFC seventh Trade Policy Review (TPR) environment with considerably meeting in December 2013 had and State steel and mines minister ration services. also donated to five ‘Dibyangs’ Bank managing director which concluded on Friday at the lower applied rates than its agreed to put in place a mecha- Prafulla Mallick. The government of Odisha has under the bank’s Corporate Social Aditya Puri has joined global WTO in Geneva. WTO commitments nism, popularly called the Peace Odisha is the leading producer established OMECL to strengthen Responsibility (CSR) activity. pharma major Strides Group Wadhawan also informed that Clause, and committed to negotiate of chromite, graphite, bauxite, institutional set up for mineral ex- as an advisor and will also India has a stable policy environ- India's imports attract these meas- an agreement for manganese ore, iron ore, sillimanite, ploration in the state, and to upscale serve as a director of its ment with considerably lower ap- ures," the statement said. permanent solution. quartzite, pyroxenite and dolomite. the mineral exploration activities associate company Stelis plied rates than its WTO commit- The TPR is an important mech- Wadhawan also highlighted that The state hosts the country’s sole so that the potential of mining sec- EESL, NHAI sign Biopharma. "Eminent ments. "While emphasising that anism under the WTO's monitoring reform is a continuous and ongo- resources of ruby and platinum tor is achieved through scientific corporate doyen Aditya Puri joins the Strides Group as an India's trade remedial investiga- function in which member coun- ing process, and "the Government group of metals. It accounts for exploration of mineral resources. MoU for solar advisor and also will be a tions are conducted in a transpar- tries' trade and related policies are of India is deeply committed to the country’s 95% chromite, 92% MECL CMD Rath said that by director of its associate ent manner and in accordance with examined with an aim to contribute pursuing this path to make India an nickel ore, 69% cobalt ore, 55% joining hand with OMECL the ex- power projects company, Stelis Biopharma," WTO provisions, he also mentioned towards improved adherence to attractive trade and investment bauxite, 51% titaniferous mag- ploration activities of the state Strides Pharma Science Ltd that only a miniscule fraction of WTO rules, while providing con- partner for the world". netite, 40% limestone, 36% pyro- will get augmented. said in a regulatory filing.

TCS reports BIZ BUZZ strongest growth Vax drive: AIBEA IDFC Mutual Fund campaign for investors Mumbai: The country’s Bhubaneswar: IDFC Mutual Fund announced PRESS TRUST OF INDIA largest software services demands bankers’ the launch of its latest pan-India investor firm TCS Friday reported a awareness campaign #PaisonKoRokoMat New Delhi, Jan 8: State-run EESL 7.2% rise in consolidated net inclusion nudging savers to become investors. Vishal Friday said it has entered into a profit to `8,701 crore for the New Delhi: Kapoor, CEO – IDFC Asset Management December 2020 quarter. This pact with NHAI to set up solar The All Company Limited (AMC), added, “Our latest is against a net profit of power projects at the latter's struc- India Bank campaign #PaisonKoRokoMat deploys unique `8,118 crore in the year-ago tures at toll plazas. Employees’ characterisation and an innovative storyboard period, TCS said. Revenue of A Memorandum of Understanding Association to urge savers to overcome their inertia, and explore the smart and the city-based firm grew (MoU) was signed in the presence (AIBEA) modern mutual fund vehicle for their investments.” Established in 2000, 5.4% in the quarter under of Rajeev Sharma, Chairman of Friday IDFC AMC is one of India’s Top 10 asset managers with over `1,20,000 cr in review to `42,015 crore from the Energy Efficiency Services demanded AUM at the end of November 2020, across 55 Mutual Fund schemes. It has `39,854 crore in the Ltd (EESL), RK Pandey, Member inclusion of an experienced investment team with deep on-the-ground presence in corresponding period last bankers in the priority category over 46 cities and investors across 250 places across India. IDFC AMC is (Projects) at the National Highways fiscal, it added. This is the for the Covid-19 vaccination drive. focused on helping savers become investors and create wealth. To support Authority of India (NHAI) and strongest December quarter As Covid-19 Warriors, bank this objective, the AMC offers a range of prudently constructed investment other senior officials. growth in nine years, TCS employees have extended their products – across equities, fixed income and liquid alternatives. In a statement, EESL said it said. continuous services to the people has signed the MoU to establish during the pandemic, AIBEA said solar power projects, EV charg- in a letter written to PM Narendra Samsung India launches Galaxy M02s ing stations and energy efficient Mercedes to hike Modi. Notwithstanding the LED lighting at NHAI buildings/ lockdown, branches across the Bhubaneswar: Smartphone giant structures at toll plazas. car prices by 5% country remained open, including Samsung launched the ‘Max Up’ "The two have agreed to enter Galaxy M02s under its widely popular Mumbai: Premium car maker rural areas, despite no means of into a special relationship for public transport to serve the Galaxy M Series. After the success of implementation of energy effi- Mercedes-Benz India Friday Galaxy M01 and Galaxy M01sin 2020, said it is hiking its car prices people, AIBEA General Secretary ciency projects, renewable en- CH Venkatachalam said. The letter Samsung is looking to further cement by 5% from January 15, its position in the sub-10K segment in ergy projects and e-mobility serv- owing to the currency said, “We are happy that these ices as a part of Clean commendable services were duly India with some of the biggest depreciation and increasing upgrades in its product offering this year. The ‘Max Up’ Galaxy M02s is Development Mechanism (CDM) input costs that have pushed taken note of by the government to reduce dependence on fossil when their services came in for priced below `10, 000 and is packed with a range of Samsung’s first ever up the overall production features for the digital-first consumers in this price segment. The Galaxy fuel, reduce emissions and achieve cost. With this, the low-end high appreciation by your goodselves as well as by our M02s is priced at `8,999 for 3GB+32GB variant and `9,999 for 4GB+64GB sustainable development all across model like C-Class will be variant. Galaxy M02s will be available in three colours –black, blue and red toll plazas and other NHAI es- ` respected Finance Minister.” costlier by 2 lakh, while top- flaunting a hazy and matt textured body. tablishments," it said. end models such as AMG GT 63S Door Coupe will cost a customer by `15 lakh more, the company said in a statement. Covid treatment may qualify for tax deduction benefits

Tech M’s m-cap INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE medical treatment for self or de- The inclusion of Covid the Act to provide much-needed re- crosses `1L cr-mark pendent suffering from disabil- PANDEMIC RELIEF lief to the taxpayers specially when New Delhi, Jan 8: Continuing ity/severe disability (Sections 80DD, treatment for tax deduction such costs are not covered under a New Delhi: Tech Mahindra’s with its pandemic relief initiatives, 80U), and medical treatment of pre- would bring big benefits to health insurance policy," said Parizad market capitalisation went the government may extend in- scribed diseases and ailments Sirwalla, partner and head, global past the `1-lakh crore mark come tax deduction benefits for (Section 80DDB). However, there is individuals and their mobility services-tax, KPMG helped by a rally in its stock Covid-19 treatment to individuals not no specific deduction under the Act families who are not Assurance and Consulting LLP price Friday. At the close of covered under any health insur- which covers treatment cost for India. trade, the company's market ance. Covid-19 patients who are not cov- covered under any health The inclusion of Covid-19 treat- valuation was at Sources said that several pre- ered under any health insurance. ment for tax deduction would bring ` insurance plan but still 1,01,671.34 crore on the budget proposals for providing tax The proposal that is now being big benefits to individuals and their BSE. Shares of the company relief for Covid-19 treatment have considered is to include expenses face this unwanted families who are not covered under gained 5.64 per cent to close come to the Revenue Department any health insurance plan but still at `1,050.95 on the BSE. made on Covid-19 treatment under additional financial burden

and these are being actively exam- the prescribed diseases category face this unwanted additional fi-

k y m During the day, it jumped from the pandemic c 6.54 per cent to `1,059.95, its ined. If the proposal is accepted, it as per Section 80DDB and there- nancial burden from the pandemic. record high. With this, the may form part of budget proposals fore, qualify such expenditure for cally for providing Covid-19 relief curred on treatment of the disease separate deduction capped up to Even with health insurance, several company has become the for 2021-22, they added. getting income tax deduction ben- is currently eligible for 100 per cent itself. `1,00,000 or actual treatment cost in- policies have not included cover fifth IT firm to enter the `1- Currently, few deductions have efits. deduction under Section 80G of the "Given the substantial cost in- curred by the taxpayer for self or for Covid-19 treatment. Such indi- lakh crore market been prescribed under Chapter VI- Interestingly, donation made to Act, but no corresponding deduction volved in Covid-19 treatment in family, whichever is lower, may be viduals would also benefit from I- capitalisation club. A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for PM CARES fund designed specifi- has been notified for expenses in- Government or private hospitals, a considered to be introduced under T deduction if it is made available. P12

SATURDAY | JANUARY 9 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR sports

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k k y y m m c MATCH EVENLY POISED c Jadeja, Gill do star turns as India dominate day 2 despite Smith century guiding Australia to 338 in their first innings at SCG

Australia getting 172 runs in just aggression perfectly during the SCORECARD under 51 overs, largely due to some first hour on a track that’s offer- positive batting by Smith, ing slow turn with no visible demons Post Day 2 play reactions AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS (overnight 166/2) Labuschagne and in it. down the order The Indian bowlers continued RAVINDRA JADEJA Marnus Labuschagne c Rahane b Mitchell Starc (24). bowling in straight lines with a Run out of Smith: I will rewind and play this run-out as this is my best Jadeja 91, Steve Smith run out 131, But Jadeja and heavy leg-side field that they have effort. A direct hit from outside the 30-yard circle and that’s like a Matthew Wade c Bumrah b Jadeja Bumrah, especially been employing since the second Test moment that gives you that satisfaction. Three or four wicket hauls are 13, Cameron Green lbw b Bumrah 0, fine but this run-out will stay with me. Tim Paine b Bumrah 1, Pat Cummins with the second new match. b Jadeja 0, Mitchell Starc c Gill b ball, were on target What changed for Australia was Bowling plan: The idea was to create pressure as this wasn’t a wicket Saini 24, Nathan Lyon lbw b Jadeja 0, even as debutant the understanding of the opposi- where you would get chance in every over. You can’t bowl all deliveries at Josh Hazlewood not out 1; Navdeep Saini (2/65) tion strategy better same pace on this wicket as there was no turn on offer. You had to mix Extras: 10 (b-4, nb-5, w-1); leaked a few runs due as they showed and match and create angles. Total: 338 all out (105.4 overs). to sheer inexperience. aggressive in- The Sydney track tent. Focus: Not just last 12-18 months, from the time I started playing, that’s Fall: 1/6 (Warner), 2/106 (Pucovski), (focussing on batting and bowling) what has been my role. Whenever I didn’t have much help While 3/206 (Labuschagne), 4/232 (Wade), am playing, I try to contribute in both departments of the game. And 5/249 (Green), 6/255 (Paine), 7/278 for the slow bowlers Jadeja got a whenever I have been given opportunities, more often than not, I have (Cummins), 8/310 (Starc), 9/315 in the first two days couple of delivered. Yes, outside India, my batting performances have been (Lyon), 10/338 (Smith). but that didn’t deter wickets, highlighted more. I am not thinking too much only want to cash in on Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 25.4-7-66-2, Jadeja from denying every chance that I get. Labuschagne a de- Mohammed Siraj 25-4-67-1, If being promoted up the batting order: The higher up the order I bat, I Ravichandran Ashwin 24-1-74-0, serving hundred. In a stop-start first ses- play with more responsibility and playing with top order batsman, you Navdeep Saini 13-0-65-2, Ravindra interact and gain confidence. About what we need to do and what we sion, Labuschagne, who Jadeja-18-3-62-4. don’t need to do. Also you get a lot of time to plan and set your innings as was looking good for a hun- INDIA 1ST INNINGS per match situation. Initially, if I get start, then I play in a flow. It is good dred, when he got an arm if I bat high up in the order. Rohit Sharma c & b Hazlewood 26, ball from Jadeja, which bounced a Shubman Gill c Green b Cummins 50, bit more denying him room for a About SCG surface: The approach tomorrow (Saturday) should be simple. Cheteshwar Pujara batting 9, Ajinkya non-existent cut shot. One should spend time on the wicket. Australian bowlers are good and Rahane batting 5; The result was a smart you won’t get too many loose balls. You have to wait for it and that Extras: 6 (nb-1, w-5); catch by skipper Ajinkya theory will suit our batting unit. Total: 96/2 (45 overs). Rahane, who positioned Praising Gill: He has the temperament to play a long innings. He got a Fall: 1/70 (Rohit), 2/85 (Gill). himself a bit wide at the good start today. He is showing good signs. Hopefully, he will have a first slip. Smith completed long career. Bowling: Mitchell Starc 7-4-19-0, his half century in the Josh Hazlewood 10-5-23-1, Pat very next over after STEVE SMITH Cummins 12-6-19-1, Nathan Lyon 16-7-35-0. Labuschagne’s dismissal, off Successful tactic: I decided to be a bit more positive. I think early Ravichandran Ashwin (0/74), who both Ashwin and on, I hit him over his head, just put a bit of pressure on him so per Ajinkya Rahane (5 batting) and has been well below his best dur- him erred on the that he bowls where I wanted him to bowl. It was a concerted Cheteshwar Pujara (9 batting) to ing the five sessions that India shorter side of effort to do that and I was happy with the way I played him. cash in on the batting-friendly con- had been on field. the length giv- On his knock: In this game, I was probably a little more aggressive ditions on the third day. The two batsmen had little trou- ing Smith early and tried to put it back on the bowler a little bit more. I got off Despite the cloud cover for the bet- ble as they blended caution with ample oppor- to a nice start, I was almost run-a-ball 20. So (I) got myself going and ter part of the day, there was no tunity to rock got into my innings and then you just have to play the game, absorb swing on offer and lack of mois- back and play pressure when you need to, put pressure on when you need to and I did ture meant that there wasn’t any SHUBMAN GILL through the va- that pretty well in this innings. GAME CHANGER: Ravindra Jadeja reacts after getting a wicket, Friday turn or for that matter, even some cant spaces in Back in form: I have read a lot of things as I think I have said numerous movement off the pitch. the off-side time and plenty of people said I was out of form, so it was nice to come PRESS TRUST OF INDIA But in the end, 338 was all they The Australian attack looked area. back I guess in the form, if that’s what you want to call it. It was only managed in a little less than 106 more insipid than ever and Rohit, While two or three weeks ago when I scored two hundreds at the SCG. It kind Sydney, Jan 8: Steve Smith’s typ- overs with none of the other bats- playing his first game in nearly two the pro- of makes me laugh sometimes when people say that kind of things. ically gutsy hundred was neutralised men making any telling contribu- months, did all the hard work for nounced by Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket tion. It was only fitting that Jadeja’s nearly two hours before failing to shuffle was still Australian team total: I think it’s (338) a decent total. It would have haul and rookie Shubman Gill’s split second brilliance from the check an uppish drive that was there, Smith did been nice to score a few more. You always want more. It’s a bit up fluent half century as a resolute deep found Smith short of his crease. pouched by the bowler. cover his leg-stump and down the wicket. The boys bowled pretty well this evening and India reached 96/2 after dismiss- Then it was the calm and col- But it was a day when India had while going across and if continue to bowl really disciplined tomorrow, I think we are going to get some opportunities, could have easily been three ing Australia for 338 on the second lected Gill (50), who was assured two openers, who were both ready was hardly troubled by the or four tonight the way that the boys went about it, but I day of the third Test here, Friday. during those cover drives off Nathan to pull the fast bowlers during their Indian bowlers.Despite a tight think we are in good place, start well in the morning The Indian bowlers, especially Lyon and equally breathtaking opening spells and dominate Lyon leg-side field, he was able to find and build some pressure and see how it goes. Jadeja (4/62) and the ever-depend- while presenting his forward de- with precise footwork. on-side gaps and once it was able Jasprit Bumrah (2/66), were bril- fence to Pat Cummins. It was Gill’s Both frittered away good starts but 278/7 after Pat Cummins’ dis- Brisbane uncertainty: To my knowledge, not liant with their length on a flat SCG maiden Test half century in just in broader context, provided the missal, the next 60 runs came in anything is changed from our point of view, we deck where Smith (131) along with his second match. launchpad which the team failed to a jiffy in 11 overs, courtesy Smith’s will wait and see and that is not our decision to Marnus Labuschagne (91) raised The 21-year-old and Rohit Sharma get in the first two Tests. aggressive approach. make, we are the players and we go where we are told and do what we need to do, but we would like to visions of a 450-plus total by taking (26) added 70 in 27 overs but more The first two sessions could be ide- play at the Gabba for sure. the side to 206/2 at one stage. importantly set the stage for skip- ally described as fascinating with STEVE SMITH Rakesh, Nauttam India junior eves Tokyo Olympics still fashion Lions win No recognition for NSFs not hockey team set uncertain, feels IOC complying with Sports Code to tour Chile PRESS TRUST OF INDIA he Japanese public is becoming PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Najmi Waziri said. National Sports Development Code Tskeptical. A poll of 1,200 people last The court listed the matter for is the law of the today because the New Delhi, Jan 8: The Indian jun- month by national broadcaster NHK New Delhi, Jan 8: National Sports further hearing January 22. The spe- Supreme Court has said it has to be ior women’s hockey team will re- showed 63 per cent favored another Code is the law and the federa- cial bench was hearing a plea chal- sume competition after more than postponement or cancellation. followed in totality. tions which are not complying lenging the recognition granted to the “You (Centre) will not recognise a year following the coronavirus-in- he budget for the Tokyo Olympics with it cannot be granted recog- 41 National Sports Federations (NSFs). those who are complying with the duced break when it tours Chile Tis also soaring. The new official POST NEWS NETWORK nition, the Delhi High Court Friday During the hearing, senior ad- sports code. They will go out today for six matches later this month. budget is USD 15.4 billion, which is made it clear while granting a last vocate Sachin Dutta and central itself. If you want to take over, do The Indian team, which last USD 2.8 billion above the previous Cuttack, Jan 8: Rakesh K opportunity to the Centre to show government standing counsel Anil it,” the bench said. played against Australia and New budget. Several audits by the Japanese Pattanaik (54 n o; 1/7) and Nauttam that the 41 NSFs granted recogni- Soni, representing the Centre, Mehra, in his plea, has claimed Zealand in a three Nations tour- government have said the costs are Bhanja (3/17; 23 n o) helped Odisha tion were complying with the re- sought some more time to file a ‘abject inaction’ by the Centre with nament in December 2019, will closer to at least USD 25 billion. Lions overpower Odisha Jaguars quirements of the code. reply in the matter. regard to alleged maladministration take on junior Chile team January he University of Oxford in a study in their match of MGM Odisha T20 The high court said in case of This was opposed by petitioner of NSFs and the Indian Olympic 17 and 18. Thereafter, the side will Richard Pound, Canadian IOC member Tpublished four months ago said Cricket League at the Barabati failure of the Centre in complying lawyer and sports activist Rahul Association (IOA). be up against the senior Chile these are the most expensive Summer Stadium scripting a seven-wicket with its direction, the secretary of Mehra who said enough time has al- The high court, November 6 last team January 20, 21, 23 and 24. ASSOCIATED PRESS Olympics on record. This was before victory here, Friday. sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and ready been granted to the authori- year, had asked the Centre to show the cost of the delay was added. All Opting to bat, Jaguars could Sports will have to be present before ties who have filed an affidavit ear- that the 41 NSFs granted recogni- THE SQUAD: Khushboo, Rashanpreet Kaur, Mahima Choudhary, Priyanka, Tokyo, Jan 8: A senior member of but USD 6.7 billion of Olympic funding muster only 99/8 in the stipulated in the hearing. lier and washed off their hands. tion in October were complying is public money. Suman Devi Thoudam (C), the International Olympic 20 overs. Shamsul A Khan (29) “We grant one last opportunity The bench, which was annoyed with the requirements of the Gagandeep Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Committee (IOC) has said he “can’t and Girija P Rout (21) were the to the Respondent (Centre) to com- over non-compliance of its earlier National Sports Development Code Sushma Kumari, Akshata Dhekale, be certain” the postponed Tokyo crisscrossing the country for four only batsmen to offer some re- ply with the order of November 6, order, said, “You need to change of India, 2011. Baljeet Kaur, Chetna, Mariana Kujur, Olympics will open in just over six months leading to the opening sistance . For Lions, Nauttam was 2020 failing which we direct the the game you are playing. You were It had directed the ministry to Ajmina Kujur, Reet, Prabhleen Kaur, months because of the surging ceremony July 23. the star with the ball. In reply, secretary (sports), Ministry of Youth playing soft ball, now you have to show that each of the 41 NSFs, Vaishnavi Phalke, Preeti, Jiwan pandemic in Japan and elsewhere. Pound also hinted athletes should Lions comfortably chased down Affairs and Sports to remain pres- play hard ball. There is no com- which were granted recognition, Kishori Toppo, Mumtaz Khan, Rutuja The comments by Canadian IOC be a high priority for a vaccine be- the target, courtesy a wonderful ent during the next hearing. The af- pliance of the sports code. What have complied with every require- Pisal, Sangita Kumari, Beauty member Richard Pound to British cause they serve as “role models.” half century by the ‘Man of the fidavit shall be filed within 10 days,” is this happening?” ment of the sports code as these Dungdung, Lalrindiki & Deepika. broadcaster the BBC came as Pound’s comments seem to con- match’ Rakesh and Nauttam. a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and The bench observed that the bodies are funded by public money. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide tradict IOC President Thomas Bach. Hockey India Friday named a Suga declared a state of emergency Bach said in a visit to Tokyo in 24-member junior women’s squad, on Thursday for Tokyo and sur- November that athletes should be which will be led by defender rounding prefectures. “I can’t be cer- encouraged to get a vaccine, but Suman Devi Thoudam, while tain because the ongoing elephant in would not be required to. He also Colaco late strikes lift Hyderabad FC Ishika Chaudhary will serve as the room would be the surges in the indicated they should not be a pri- the vice-captain. virus,” Pound said speaking about the ority. Bach said that nurses, doctors AGENCIES NEUFC defence before slotting past The tour will serve as a much- future of the Tokyo Games. and health care workers should be the keeper with aplomb. needed preparations for the Indian Japan’s emergency order, which first in line for a vaccine, ahead of Goa, Jan 8: Liston Colaco came off Earlier, HFC couldn’t have hoped team for the all-important Junior is largely voluntary, will be in force healthy, young athletes. the bench to score a brace helping for a better start as Santana put World Cup this year. until the first week of February. “Athletes are important role Hyderabad FC register a 4-2 vic- them ahead in the third minute. Joel The junior colts had a fair out- Tokyo reported a record of 2,447 new models, and by taking the vaccine tory over NorthEast United FC Chianese fired a low cross from the ing in Australia when they last cases Thursday, a 50 per cent in- they can send a powerful message (NEUFC) in their ISL encounter at right flank into the box and Santana travelled for an international as- crease from the previous day — that vaccination is not only about Tilak Maidan, Friday. met the ball to open the scoring. signment, winning two matches, which was also a record day. Japan personal health, but also about sol- With the scores locked at 2-2, In the 36th minute, the setter drawing one and losing one. has attributed over 3,500 deaths to idarity and consideration for the Colaco put HFC ahead in the 85th turned scorer as Chianese doubled Hockey India and the Chilean COVID-19, relatively low for a coun- well being of others in their com- minute. He dribbled into the box the HFC lead. However, the lead Field Hockey Federation will be cre- y try of 126 million. munities,” Pound said. from the right, skipping past mul- was shortlived. NEUFC pulled one ating a bio bubble for all the per-

It’s crunch time for Tokyo. Reports suggest that the vaccine tiple challenges and curled a de- back when Halizaran Narzary com- sonnel involved in the tour.

k k y y m m c c Organizers say the Olympics will rollout in Japan is likely to be lightful strike into the top left cor- mitted a foul on Ashish Mehta in- The governing body said ‘at all take place, but they are not ex- slowed by the need for local clini- ner of the net. side the box and referee pointed to times the Indian team has to stick pected to reveal concrete plans cal trials. Some vaccines might not In the dying minutes of the game, the spot. Federico Gallego converted to a strict health bubble and move until spring. That’s about the be readily available until May, al- he struck again. Aridane Santana LISTON COLACO the spot-kick. Soon after, Benjamin uniquely and exclusively from same time the torch relay begins though Suga said some would be chested a long ball into the path of Lambot struck the equaliser to level the hotel to the pitch and from March 25 with 10,000 runners ready in February. Colaco who got in behind the the scores at 2-2 at the halftime. pitch to the hotel’.

Printed and published by Tathagata Satpathy on behalf of Navajat Printers and Media Pvt. Ltd. and printed at Navajat Printers, B-15 Industrial Estate, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar -751010, Odisha;Phone:7894447142(Marketing). Editor: Tathagata Satpathy, RNI No. ORIENG/2011/37159