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12 PAGES | `5.00BHUBANESWAR | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 2021

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Actor Mrunal Thakur says her upcoming warfilm ‘Pippa’ taught her a glorious chapterof Indian history

ENRICHING EXPERIENCEIndian men and women’s hockey teams bag mostprizes at the FIH Awards, Belgium federationexpresses displeasure

INDIANS WIN IT ALL

SPORTS | P12LEISURE | P2

China shows a new intensity as it continues toharass Taiwan by violating air space ofthe latter INTERNATIONAL | P10

TENSIONS INTENSIFY

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 188 | www.orissapost.com

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1st malaria vaccine approved by WHO Geneva: The World Health Organization(WHO) endorsed Wednesday the RTS,S/AS01malaria vaccine, the first against themosquito-borne disease that kills more than400,000 people a year, mostly African children.The decision followed a review of a pilotprogramme deployed since 2019 in Ghana,

Kenya and Malawi where more than two million doses were given of the vaccine,first made by pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987. The WHO said it wasrecommending widespread application of the vaccine among children in sub-SaharanAfrica and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission. P10

78 days’ bonus for over 11 lakh Railway staff New Delhi: The Union Cabinet chaired byPrime Minister Narendra Modi approvedWednesday productivity linked bonus (PLB)equivalent to 78 days’ wages for thefinancial year 2020-21 for all eligible non-gazetted railway employees, excluding theRPF and the Railway Protection SpecialForce personnel. Information and

Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that the financial implication of paymentof 78 days’ PLB to railway employees has been estimated to be `1984.73 crore. A totalof 11.56 lakh non-gazetted employees will be benefited.

AGENCIES

New Delhi, Oct 6: Cooking gasLPG price was hiked Wednesdayby `15 per cylinder while petroland diesel rates saw their steep-est increase in recent weeks, push-ing prices to all-time high levelsacross India. Rates of both sub-sidised and non-subsidised LPGwere hiked, taking the total in-crease in rates since July to `90per 14.2-kg cylinder. Cooking gasnow costs ̀ 899.50 per cylinder inDelhi and Mumbai, and `926 inKolkata, according to a price no-tification of state-owned fuel re-tailers. A five-kg LPG cylindernow costs `502 while the price ofa 14.2kg cylinder in Bhubaneswarwill now also be `926.

This is the fourth increase inLPG prices since July. Rates wereincreased by `25.50 per cylinderin July, followed by hikes of `25each August 17 and September 1.

To add more woes to consumers’pockets, petrol price was increasedby 30 paise per litre and diesel by35 paise a litre.

Petrol price in Delhi rose to its

highest-ever level of ̀ 102.94 a litreand to ̀ 108.96 in Mumbai, the no-tification showed. Diesel rates tootouched a record high of ̀ 91.42 inDelhi and `99.17 per litre inMumbai.

The seventh increase in fuelrates since the ending of a nearlythree-week hiatus has sent petrolprices above `100 a litre in mostmajor cities of India. Similarly, the10th increase in prices has shot updiesel rates above ̀ 100 mark in sev-eral cities in Madhya Pradesh,Rajasthan, Odisha, AndhraPradesh and Telangana.

No let-up in fuel prices n LPG is slowly inchingtowards the `1,000 percylinder-mark with afourth hike in rates since July

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: A fresh lowpressure area is very likely to formover north Andaman Sea aroundOctober 10 and it is likely to be-come more marked and move to-wards south Odisha and northCoastal Andhra Pradesh, the IMDsaid Wednesday. The IMD addedthat the low pressure area mayturn into a cyclonic storm in thenext three-four days.

In a bulletin, the IndiaMeteorological Department saidthe low pressure area, after for-mation, is likely to become moremarked and move west-north west-wards towards south Odisha andnorth coastal Andhra Pradesh in4-5 days. If the storm takes shapeit will be titled ‘Cyclone Jawad’,the IMD informed.

According to various modelsand local weather experts, anotherlow pressure area will form around

October 12 and after that both sys-tems are likely to get merged andturn into a very severe cyclonicstorm around October 14.

As per current estimation if thecyclone takes shape, it is likely tomake landfall between south Odishaand north Andhra Pradesh aroundOctober 15 or 16. The wind speedof the cyclone may be around 130to 140 kmph, sources said.

Under its impact, the districts ofGanjam, Gajapati, Koraput,Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nayagarhand Kandhamal will face highwind speeds and heavy rainfall.If the situation turns bad, it will

certainly dampen the festive spiritof the people as Dussehra is onOctober 16.

However, the IMD has not madeany specific prediction whetherthe system will finally take theshape of a cyclonic storm.

Bhubaneswar MeteorologicalCentre director HR Biswas said,“So far, our forecast says that alow pressure area is likely to beformed over north Andaman Seaaround October 10. The picturewill be clear in the next three to fourdays. There are possibilities that thesystem will be more marked and in-tensify further.”

Similarly, local weather expertSarat Sahu said the detailed fore-cast of the possible cyclone canonly be known around October 10.If the system converts into a cyclone,it would hit either Odisha or AndhraPradesh coast and its intensitywill be more than ‘Cyclone Gulab’.The low pressure area can turninto a severe to very severe cy-clone, added Sahu. Due to the pres-ent development, the withdrawalof south west monsoon from Odishawill be delayed.

Recently, cyclonic storm Gulabpummeled through north Andhraand south Odisha coast before mak-ing landfall near Srikakulam witha wind speed of 70 to 80 kmph gust-ing up to 90 kmph. Several parts ofsouth coastal and south Odishasuffered extensive damages to prop-erties due to the storm.

It should be stated here that cy-clones in Odisha in the month ofOctober have become a common af-fair for the past few years.

‘Jawad’ threat looms largenThe month of October isnotorious in Odisha forcyclones. The Super Cyclone(1999), Phailin (2013), Hudhud(2014) and Titli (2018) have allhit the state in October

FINAL GROOMINGArtisans give finishing touches to idols of goddess Durga and others in Old Town locality of Bhubaneswar OP PHOTO

AGENCIES

Lucknow, Oct 6: Congress leadersRahul Gandhi and Priyanka GandhiVadra Wednesday met the familymembers of farmers killed in theviolence in Lakhimpur Kheri andpromised them all assistance. Theyarrived in Lakhimpur after theUttar Pradesh government allowedthem visit the violence-hit district.

Rahul and Priyanka left forLakhimpur together in a car froma police guest house in Sitapurwhere she was kept in detentionsince Monday morning. Earlier inthe day, the UP government hadreleased Priyanka from detain-ment. This was confirmed bySitapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate(Sadar) Pyarelal Maurya.

Punjab Chief Minister CharanjitSingh Channi and his Chhattisgarhcounterpart Bhupesh Baghel ac-companied the two in another car,while Congress leaders RandeepSurjewala and Deepender SinghHooda travelled in a separate vehicle.

Their first stop was home of de-ceased farmer Lovepreet Sigh inPalia tehsil. From there, they leftfor the native place of journalistRaman Kashyap, who was one ofthe victims, in Nighasan tehsil.

The Congress leaders’ visit cameafter Uttar Pradesh permitted politi-cians to travel to Lakhimpur Kheribut not more than five people at a time.

Earlier in the day, a high-voltagedrama played out at the airport herewhere Rahul staged a dharna brieflyto protest the administration’s deci-sion to take him to Lakhimpur in apolice vehicle instead of his own.Later, the administration relentedand the former AICC president reachedSitapur guest house in his own vehicleon his way to Lakhimpur Kheri.

“We want to go in our own vehi-cles, but they want that we shouldgo in their cars. First, I was toldthat I can go in my own vehicle,

now you are saying that you will goin a police vehicle. They are doingsome mischief,” Rahul told reporters.

Rahul said he or Priyanka beingsent to jail was irrelevant as themain question was ‘people beingcrushed by criminals’, referringto the Lakhimpur Kheri episode.

Before, the high-level Congressteam reached Lakhimpur, a dele-gation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)landed at Dhaurahra tehsil, homeof farmer Nachatar Singh. Delhichief minister Arvind Kejriwalalso spoke to the family of NachatarSingh over phone and expresseddeepest condolences. He assured allhelp to the bereaved family.

The BJP meanwhile stated thatthe Congress and the other politi-cal parties were trying to getmileage out of the tragedy atLakhimpur Kheri. BJP leaderSambit Patra alleged alleged thatthe Gandhi family had nothing todo with either farmers or any othersection of society. “They are noteven concerned about the Congress.All they want is that their fortunesshould not be scuttled,” Patra said.With Rahul claiming that farmershave been ‘systematically attacked’by the government, Patra said theyhave been ‘systematically uplifted’,citing a number of pro-farmersschemes.

Day of high draman Priyanka was released fromdetention of over 48 hours asthe UP government finallyallowed political parties to meetfamilies of the deceased

Petrol `103.84 (+0.31)

Diesel `99.72 (+0.39)

FUEL PRICES

Chemistry Nobel for List, MacMillanPRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Stockholm, Oct 6: The NobelPrize for chemistry has beenawarded to German scientistBenjamin List of the Max PlanckInstitute and Scotland-born sci-entist David WC MacMillan ofPrinceton University.

They were cited for their workin developing a new way for build-ing molecules known as ‘asym-metric organocatalysis’. The win-ners were announced Wednesdayby Goran Hansson, secretary-gen-eral of the Royal Swedish Academyof Sciences. The Nobel panel saidList and MacMillan in the year2000 independently developed anew way of catalysis.

“It’s already benefiting hu-mankind g reatly,” Per nillaWittung-Stafshede, a member of

the Nobel panel, said.Speaking after the announce-

ment, List said the award was a‘huge surprise’. “I absolutely did-n’t expect this,” he said. TheNobel winner added that he wason vacation in Amsterdam withhis family when the call fromSweden came in.

List said he did not initiallyknow that MacMillan was work-ing on the same subject and figuredhis hunch might just be a ‘stupididea’ until it worked. “I did feel thatthis could be something big,”stated List.

The prestigious award comeswith a gold medal and 10 millionSwedish kronor (over USD 1.14million).

The prize money comes from abequest left by the prize’s creator,Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel,who died in 1895.

Mystery womantraced to Pak inespionage case

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: The OdishaCrime Branch said Wednesday thatthe IP address of the mysteriouswoman in the DRDO espionagecase has been traced to Pakistan. Sofar, five workers of DRDO havebeen arrested in the case for al-legedly passing on vital informationthrough this woman to foreignagents.

Speaking to mediapersons, CrimeBranch ADG Sanjeeb Panda saidthat the woman had used fourFacebook accounts to contact thefive accused. Panda informed thatall the four accounts were being op-erated from Pakistan – three fromIslamabad and one from Rawalpindi– when the five were trapped.

“The woman used proxy IPs ofthe US, India and Germany to keepher location secret. However, stillnow some of the accounts are func-tioning and they have a number ofnew chat boxes,” informed Panda.

“Most of the time they wereusing proxy IP addresses ofPakistan. But at times the IPs ofIndia, the US and Germany wereused,” Panda added without di-vulging whether any other staffof DRDO is still in contact withthe mysterious ‘operative’.

Panda informed that the firstphase interrogation of the five ac-cused is underway and the CrimeBranch is collecting all technicaldata from different agencies. “Oncewe collect all the data, we maybring them to our remand again,”said Panda.

David WCMacMillan

Benjamin List

l THE LOW PRESSURE AREAIS EXPECTED TO TAKESHAPE OCTOBER 10

l IF IT TURNS INTO ACYCLONE, IT WILL HAVELANDFALL OCTOBER 15-16

Containment zones return

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: Followinga gap of nearly three months,‘containment’ zones have again re-turned to the state capital aheado f t h e f es t ive s ea s o n . T heB h u ba n esw a r Mu n i c i palCorporation (BMC) declaredRajendra Vihar Apartment in theForest Park area as a contain-ment zone following detection ofmultiple Covid-19 cases.

In a notification, the civic au-thority said that about 20 posi-tive cases were detected out of 11households in the large buildingcomplex. Sources said that thecases were found during contracttracing. With more than 350 peo-ple residing in the complex the au-

thorities are expecting more newcases to come up. So containmentorders were given.

“Outsiders shall not be allowedto move into the containment zoneand inhabitants will not moveout. All the inhabitants withinthe containment zone shall strictlyremain at home. BMC will supplyessentials and ensure medical re-quirements for the inhabitants. Allgovernment and private institu-tions located within the boundaryof the containment zone is herebyclosed forthwith,” the BMC saidin the notification.

The last time the BMC hadmarked a containment zone withinits jurisdiction was in July. Thena residentia l bui l ding inKhandagiri and the block of anapartment complex in Rasulgarhwere declared as ‘micro-contain-ment’ zones.

While this is the only contain-ment zone at present, the BMChas in the past weeks clamped onbuildings violating Covid-19norms. Earlier in September, theoffices of Bhubaneswar sub-col-lector and tehsildar were sealedafter several tested positive.Similarly several kalyan man-daps and bars and restaurantswere also sealed for operatingduring shutdown hours.

The fresh announcement ofcontainment zones came on a daywhen Odisha reported 593 newCovid-19 cases, 140 more than thenumber reported Tuesday. Eightyof the new patients are childrenand adolescents.

nThe last time BMC hadmarked containment zones wasin July. So the new development isa worry with festivities on the anvil

New Delhi: The Supreme Court hastaken cognisance of the LakhimpurKheri incident in which eight peoplewere killed in violence during afarmers’ protest, with a bench head-ed by Chief Justice of India NVRamana scheduled to hear the mat-ter Thursday. According to thecauselist uploaded on the apexcourt website, a three-judge benchcomprising CJI Ramana and justicesSurya Kant and Hima Kohli wouldhear the matter titled ‘In re violencein Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) leading toloss of life’ Thursday. It has beenalleged that Union Minister AjayMishra’s son Ashish was responsiblefor mowing down farmers.

SC TAKES COGNISANCE

Streamer Discovery Plus Wednesday announced theirnew original documentary, titled India’s Space Odysseythat captures the nation’s six decade long journey inspace exploration.

Set to premiere October 7, the documentary hasbeen narrated by actor R Madhavan in Hindi. India’sSpace Odyssey features different experts from ISRO aswell as space historians, researchers and ISRO’s for-mer chairman Dr G Madhavan Nair.

The experts speak about their challenging yet whole-some journey working in the India’s Space Programmeand through the documentary they will highlight thecountry’s most revolutionising space developments.

Madhavan said he is honoured to have narrated forIndia’s Space Odyssey as he believes the docu-

mentary will inspire the future generations. “I thank Discovery India for this wonderful

learning opportunity, and I feel honoured tohave lent my voice to a project that could in-spire future generations to embark on theirquest to explore space,”the actor said.

ISRO Chairman Sivan, said they are de-lighted to collaborate with Discovery for thedocumentary.

Discovery+ ropes in Madhavanfor India’s Space Odyssey

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar:Odia filmmaker HiteshKumar Sarangi, after bagging 50awards at various film festivals acrossthe globe in a year, is all set to enterIndia Book of Records, one of the topcurators and custodians of Indianrecords.

While Hitesh’s three short films -Maa Pari Kie Heba, Vijayini and Sapna-bagged six awards at the recently con-cluded Covid International FilmFestival, his documentary film ShriJagannathwon two international ho-nours at Roshni International FilmFestival held at Aurangabad.Similarly, his musical film JayatuJayatu Bharatamof seven-minute

duration based on paying tribute toCOVID warriors and film Vijayini ofthree-minute based on domestic vio-lence have been officially se-lected for Sydney LiftoffInter national FilmFestival and London

LiftoffInternational Film

Festival.

Besides, Hitesh’s films like JayatuJayatu Bharatam, Azaadi, Lockdownat Home and Vijayini have got manyinternational and national awards.

Hitesh, who attributes his successto his teammates, says. “I was bittenby the acting bug when I was a kid.I used to participate in drama andplays organised in our school andmade my debut in an Odia film Asibu

Kebe Tu Saji Mo Rani when in col-lege. Though I launched

a production housein 2009, full-fledged

work began in 2014.Apart from 84 docu-mentaries andshorts, I also did afew cor porate

films. If all goeswell, I may be in-ducted into the

India Book ofRecords soon."

P2 ADELE TO RELEASE HER FIRST SONG IN SIX YEARS

leisureAdele has announced she will be releasing newmusic in almost six years. Tuesday, Adeleannounced on social media she will be releasingher new single Easy On Me October 15. She postedon Instagram a black and white video with a pianomelody. “Easy On Me - October 15,” she wrote.

The upcoming Disney Princess Concert tour has beenpostponed due to concerns over the spread of Covid-19, Disney Concerts announced Tuesday in astatement posted on Twitter and Instagram, reportsBillboard.com. The show celebrates popular Disneyprincesses through songs, animation, and stories.

THURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

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AQUARIUSFinancially, you are on astable ground today, somake the most of it. You willgive a tough fight to your competitors,and leave them far behind in the race asnot many can beat you in your own game.Beware of those green-eyed peoplearound, alerts Ganesha, as they are wait-ing for you to make a mistake and get offthe track.

PISCESDo not make or take anydecision or activity lightlytoday, says Ganesha. Fordecisions taken today could have far-reaching consequences. You will beforced to compromise on certain issuestoday. But owing to your adaptability, theday should pass by peacefully enough,says Ganesha.

SAGITTARIUSIt's raining money, literallyas your bank accountsswell. When it comes tofinancial security, now, you are a happyman. However, Ganesha advises you tostay away from pessimistic people whomay adversely affect your future.

LIBRAGanesha says that you shallbe attracted to the oppositesex today. Today during theafternoon, you will meet people whoshare the same ideas and thoughts asyou do and you will be able to share yourfeelings with them. You will be interestedin knowing new things on various topics.

SCORPIOYour far sightedness willmake you realise the impor-tance of financial security.Thus, you are in a mood to make longterm investments. Social recognitionawaits you in the evening. Ganesha feelsthat people look up to you as a wise per-son and thus seek high values from you.

LEOChampagne, anyone? Well,Ganesha seems to favour agood celebration today asyou give a major boost to your reputationin your chosen field. You will bring suc-cess and glory to all your associates. Donot be misled by the initial stress of yourworkplace, as it shall fade away with thepassage of day. Let love and affection ofyour loved ones be the highlight of yourday, says Ganesha.

VIRGOReap and harvest the goodthings in your life. You mayseem to arrive at your wits'end today. Ganesha predicts that youwill probably sort all of it when yousit down with your better half anddiscuss the issues at hand.

GEMINIFamily comes first for you,and today will be no differ-ent. You will be preoccupiedby thoughts of providing comfortsand luxuries to your family members,says Ganesha. At the workplace, yourability to take initiatives will benefityou. A grand dinner with those closeto you is also on the cards.

CANCERThe day proceeds lazily. Butyour work will pick up pacelater in the day. Ganeshacautions about your health. As chance ofstomach upset is likely, be careful of whatyou eat or drink. Do not neglect any ail-ment and contact doctor promptly.

ARIESYou will understand thatbeing generous with yourknowledge is a very satisfy-ing thing. Ganesha says when you givesomething, it will be returned to you nine-fold in the future. Since you have decidedto be more open-minded and considerate,you will gain a lot by way of respect.

FORTUNE FORECAST

TAURUSIt is quite possible thattoday you will enjoy yourresponsibilities at the homefront, says Ganesha. You may not get thebest of the support from your subordi-nates. The value of something is theamount of effort you have put in to get it.

CAPRICORNYou have pulled up yoursocks and geared up to fin-ish off all pending work.You'll want to do proper planning and gothrough the right route to minimise thechances of errors and wastage of time,even if it means spending the whole dayfor it, predicts Ganesha.

BREVITY

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PEANUTS CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

SOLUTIONS

CRO

SSW

ORD

SUD

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CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW

post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, fill in the boxes in such amanner that every row, column and 3x3 box containsthe digits 1 to 9, without repeating any.

DISNEY PAUSES PRINCESS CONCERT TOUR DUE TO COVID CONCERNS

Mumbai: Actress Mrunal Thakur, who haswrapped up the shooting of the upcoming filmPippa that also stars Ishaan Khattar, says thefilm has given her a chance to know abouta glorious chapter of Indian history.

Mrunal said, “Pippa has shown mesuch a great time and enriched me as anactor. I thoroughly enjoyed readingabout the era as part of my prep. It isan honour to be part of a film that de-picts an Indian victory by making itpersonal. The experience of work-ing with Raja Krishna Menon, RonnieScrewvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur, andthe entire cast was fantastic.”

She will be seen essaying the roleof Ishaan Khatter and PriyanshuPainyuli’s reel sister in the film.

Produced by RSVP and RoyKapur Films, Pippa also fea-tures Soni Razdan.

While Soni has alsowrapped up her portion ofthe shoot, Khatter andPainyuli will continueshooting for the RajaKrishna Menon di-rectorial.

Based on TheBurning Chaffeeswritten byBrigadier BalramSingh Mehta,Pippa is a heroictank battle filmthat underlinesthe bravery of thewar veteran of the45th Cavalry tanksquadron who,along with hissiblings, foughton the easternfront during theIndo-Pakistanwar of 1971,which led tothe liberationof India’sneighbourBangladesh.

Pippa taught me a chapterof Indian history: Mrunal

Odia filmmaker eyes India Book of Records

JAJPUR-BASED MOVIEDIRECTOR HITESHKUMAR SARANGI HASBAGGED 50 AWARDSAT SEVERAL FILMFESTIVALS ACROSSTHE GLOBE IN A CALENDAR YEAR

Mumbai: National Award-win-ning actress Divya Dutta, whoturned an author in 2017 withher memoir Me and Ma, is nowall set to release her secondbook titled Stars In My Sky.

Her second book Stars In MySky, will have her emotionaljourney of becoming an actoralong with some of her definingmoments as an artiste.

Talking about herbook, Divya said:“The journey inthe movies hasbeen gratifyingand it would-n’t have beenpossible with-out all thosewho havetouchedmy life per-sonallyand pro-fessionally.”

The bookalso includesher interac-tions and

experiences with some legendslike Amitabh Bachchan, IrrfanKhan, and Rakeysh OmprakashMehra among others who playedan important role in her jour-ney as an actor.

She added: “Though I feelthat a new journey has startedwhen it comes to my career,

with some really exciting roles;through this book, I am happy toshare with my readers, my expe-

riences with peo-ple I connected

beautifullywith, be it myco-actors ordirectorswho im-

pacted mebig time.”

Divya’s second bookStars In My

Sky out

Hitesh with some of his awards

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P3THURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

PAYING HOMAGE

People offer Tarpan to theirancestors near the NorthGate of Srimandir in Puri onthe occasion of Mahalaya,Wednesday

downtown

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: The OdishaTourism Development Corporation(OTDC) in association with OdishaTourism Wednesday unveiled the sec-ond season of traditional pure Odiafood cooking competition ‘AmaGhara Ama Handishala’ at recentlyinaugurated Nimantran Odia cui-sine restaurant here.

On the occasion, OTDCChairperson Shreemayee Mishrasaid, “We decided to launch the sec-ond edition of ‘Ama Ghara AmaHandishala’ after witnessing thesuccess of first season, which waswidely acclaimed by the people ofthe state last year amid the Covidpandemic.”

Mishra mentioned that the world-famous handishala of LordJagannath called Ananda Bazaar isthe largest handishala (kitchen) inthe world. Also, in Odia culture,there is a saying that 13 festivalsare celebrated in 12 months inOdisha, during which many a spe-

cial Odia cuisine associated with thefestivities are prepared.

OTDC MD and Director ofTourism department Sachin

Ramachandra Yadav said OTDCorganised this Odia food cookingcompetition to bring the talent ofhousewives to the forefront. The

second edition of the competitionis being launched to promote Odiafood. The terms and conditions ofthe competition remain the same as

they were last year with a slightchange.

This year, the top 40 contestantswill prepare dishes at several touristdestinations of the state which willbe broadcast live on TV channels.Interested women candidates haveto send their videos of recipes on-line for selection.

Mishra added that Chief MinisterNaveen Patnaik supports the com-petition like he did last year andhe always tries to promote Odiafood among other politicians. Hehad also expressed his love forPakhala many times in the past.

OTDC launches 2nd season of cooking competition

OTDC Chairperson Shreemayee Mishra and other dignitaries unveil Ama Ghara Ama Handishala Season 2 at Nimatranrestaurant in Bhubaneswar, Wednesday OP PHOTO

This year, the top 40contestants will prepare dishes at several tourist destinations which willbe broadcast live on TV channels

BJD slams Centre for fuel price hikePOST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: Senior BijuJanata Dal (BJD) leader and FoodSupplies & Consumer WelfareMinister Ranendra Pratap SwainWednesday slammed the Uniongovernment for continuous risein prices of petrol and diesel.

Speaking to reporters here, Swainsaid fuel prices are totally con-trolled by the Centre and they areusing it as a political tool.

“Whenever there is an electionin any state, the Centre controls thepetrol and diesel prices. Once theelection is over, it again starts ex-ploiting the consumers,” Swain said.

Citing an example, he saidthere was no rise in fuel pricesfor 20-25 days ahead of the WestBengal polls but it started ris-ing from the very next day when

the polling was over.The prices of petroleum products

have been deregulated. However, thebenefit or money that would havecome to the consumer is being ap-propriated by the Central govern-ment since 2014 till today, the min-ister said.

In 2014, excise duty on petro-

leum products varied between`3.50-3.85. It has now been hiked toaround `34, he said,

“Moreover, now on the alibi ofCovid-19, the Centre has imposedcess on petroleum products. Thestates are now deprived of gettingthe share of the money that wasgoing to the divisible pool,” he stated.

The minister also said that thefuel price hike also has a cas-cading effect on the prices of es-sential commodities. It has af-fected the financial condition ofstates and the people as well, headded.

“Farmers are the worst-hit bythe price rise while they don’tget the minimum price for theirproduce,” Swain said.

Reacting to Swain’s statements,state General Secretary of BJPPrithiviraj Harichandan said themoney collected from the petro-leum products is being spent onCovid-19 management includingvaccination, free treatment ofthe patients.

“Instead of blaming the Centre,the state government should re-duce its tax for an interim periodin view of Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

BJP SAYS THE MONEY COLLECTED FROM PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IS BEING SPENTON COVID MANAGEMENT AND ASKS STATE TO CUT VAT ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

The prices of petroleumproducts have beenderegulated. However, thebenefit or money thatwould have come to theconsumer is beingappropriated by the CentreRANENDRA PRATAP SWAIN | FOODSUPPLIES & CONSUMER WELFAREMINISTER

POST NEWS NETWORK

Cuttack Sadar, Oct 6: The tall claimsof the state government about trans-parency in governance have come infor question as data sought underRight to Information (RTI) Act re-garding a road expansion project bythe Works department was deniedciting lack of information.

According to sources, Manoj KumarDebata, a resident of Jhinkiria under42 Mouza here, had August 12, 2021 ap-proached the PIO-cum-AEE (Estr)Cuttack (R&B) Division-II seekingdetails, including the expenditure,of proposed expansion of 42 MouzaMain Road (15.6 km Jhinkiria-Chanduli Road) under RTI Act.

In response, the PIO-cum-AEE(Estr) Cuttack (R&B) Division-IISeptember 18, 2021 asked Debata (let-

ter No-4468) to deposit `3,000 withthe office towards expenses for pho-tocopies. Accordingly, Debata de-posited the amount.

However, the applicant was takenaback to receive a letter (No-4718)October 4, 2021 informing about therefund of the deposited amount by theOffice of the Executive Engineer,Cuttack (R&B) Division-II citing ‘non-availability of record’.

“It’s shocking! If the office had norecord on the proposed road expan-sion project, how could it estimate theexpenses towards photocopies?”Debata asked, asserting that he wouldapproach the first appellate author-ity in this regard.

Notably, locals of 42 Mouza are ina tizzy as the proposed road expansionwould see eviction of many shopsand houses.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6:The NationalBank for Agriculture and RuralDevelopment (Nabard) Wednesdaysaid it has sanctioned an assis-tance of `303 crore to the Odishagovernment for construction of24 bridges in the state.

The rural infrastructure projectswill improve connectivity for 24.13lakh people in 823 villages across13 districts.

These projects have been ap-proved under the RuralInfrastructure Development Fund(RIDF), Nabard said in a state-ment.

The assistance is on the basis ofpriority fixed by the state gov-

ernment for developing rural in-frastructure for drinking watersupply, irrigation and connectiv-ity, it said.

The bridge construction proj-ects will play a key role in sup-porting the rural economy by im-proving the livelihoods of people.

The cumulative sanction underthe RIDF 2021-22 has reached ̀ 1,796crore so far, it added.

DATA SOUGHT UNDER RTI DENIED

Works dept blankon road expansion

NABARD SANCTIONS `303CR FOR 24 BRIDGES

The rural infrastructureprojects are expected toimprove connectivity for24.13 lakh people in 823villages across 13 districts

FOUNTAIN ON ROAD

Water gushes out of a breach in the supply line underneath the Ring Road near Raja Bagicha in Cuttack, Wednesday

Missing Assameseman found fromOlatpur in CuttackPOST NEWS NETWORK

Kantapada, Oct 6: A 40-year-old manfrom Assam who went missing on hisway to Bangalore for job was foundfrom Khandiaripur under Olatpur po-lice limits here.

Sijoy Basumatary of Kokalabariunder Simla police station in Baksa dis-trict of Assam was handed over to hisrelatives Wednesday, sources said.

Basumatary had left home forBangalore August 21 this year. However,he went missing in the midway afterlosing mental balance.

Some locals initially spottedBasumatary roaming in a market atBagalpur near Olatpur.

Later, the 40-year-old took shelternear a flourmill at Khandiaripur. Theowner of the flourmill somehow col-lected the address of Basumatary andcontacted the latter’s family members.His elder brother Ajoy and brother-in-law Chandrakant reachedKhandiaripur and convinced him to re-turn home, sources said.

OP PHOTO

POST NEWS NETWORK

Cuttack, Oct 6: The CuttackMunicipal Corporation (CMC)Wednesday seized around 3,000 rot-ten eggs from an auto-rickshaw inBajrakabati Road area here. Theeggs were being transported to a bak-ery unit in Saanta Sahi.

Acting on a tip-off, a special squadof the civic body waylaid the auto-rickshaw in Bajrakabati Road areaand seized the rotten eggs packedin 10 boxes.

“After inspection, we concludedthat the eggs were unfit for con-sumption. The vehicle’s driver toldus that the eggs were being ferried

to a bakery at Saanta Sahi in theMillennium City. Later in the evening,we raided the bakery and sent sam-ples of the items being manufac-tured in the unit to a laboratory forexamination. The bakery has beensealed,” said CMC city health officerSatyabrata Mohapatra.

Mohapatra added that the auto-rickshaw has brought the consign-ment from Bali in Athagarh area.“There’s a hatchery at Bali and we’vesummoned its owner. Further ac-tion will be taken after the hatcheryowner appears before the CMC,”Mohapatra pointed out. Locals ex-pressed their dismay over the stateof food safety in the Silver city.

3,000 rotten eggs on way to bakery seizedBhubaneswar: Commissionerate

Police Wednesday claimed to havearrested three inter-district drugpeddlers and seized 268 gram ofbrown sugar worth `27 lakh fromtheir possession during a raid at JailField under Dargha Bazar policelimits in Cuttack. Acting on a tip-off,the police raided the Jail Field andarrested the accused Tuesday. Theaccused are: Bapi Nayak, GopinathPatra and Bibekananda Jena. Twoscooters, `1.20 lakh in cash and fourmobile phones were recovered fromthem. “The accused were supplyingbrown sugar to the dealers inCuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda andJagatsinghpur after procuring thecontraband from Balasore’sJaleswar,” said a police official.

3 held with brownsugar worth `27L

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: The stateWednesday reported 593 new Covid-19 cases, 140 more than the previ-ous day, with the tally rising to10,29,412, a Health department of-ficial said.

Four more fatalities took thecoronavirus death toll to 8,227,he said.

The daily positivity rate stood at0.82 per cent, marginally up from0.77 per cent on the previous day,as the fresh cases were detectedfrom 71,749 sample tests in the last24 hours.

The infection rate among peoplebelow 18 years of age is at 13.49per cent as 80 new patients arechildren and adolescents, the offi-cial said.

Of the fresh cases, 346 were re-ported from quarantine centresand the remaining 247 detectedduring contact tracing.

Khurda district, which com-prises the state capital ofBhubaneswar, registered the high-est number of new cases at 290,followed by Cuttack (84).

Khurda and Cuttack districtstogether accounted for 63.06 percent of the 593 fresh patients, he

said. Eight districts – Boudh,Gajapati, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar,Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapadaand Rayagada – did not report anynew case in the last 24 hours.

Two patients each from Khurda

and Cuttack succumbed to the in-fection during the period, the officialsaid.

Fifty-three other Covid-19 pa-tients have so far died due to co-morbidities.

At least 557 people were cured ofthe disease since Tuesday, takingthe total number of recoveries to10,16,165, he said. Odisha now has4,967 active cases.

The state has thus far conductedover 2.03 crore sample tests, and theoverall positivity rate stands at5.05 per cent.

Altogether, 90,41,213 people havereceived both doses of the Covid vac-cines, the official said.

Meanwhile, the state govern-ment has asked the districtCollectors and municipal com-missioners to form committees forissuance of Covid-19 death cer-

tificates to family members of thedeceased for disbursal of com-pensation.

The state government had an-

nounced that it would provide afinancial assistance of Rs 50,000to the next of kin of each of thosewho died due to Covid-19.

downtownTHURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWARP4

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TPR up as state logs 593 more nCoV cases

Revising its Covid-related guide-line amid protests, the

Bhubaneswar MunicipalCorporation (BMC) said maxi-mum 50 people are allowed to bepresent at functions such as wed-dings and funerals at any givenpoint of time.

Earlier, the BMC capped thenumber of attendees at 50, butthis modification would helpguests go to such functions inbatches with a maximum of 50people at the venue at any givenpoint of time, officials said.

In a closed space only 50% ofthe hall capacity will be allowedfor use subject to maximum ceil-ing of 50 persons at any givenpoint of time, the new order issuedTuesday said. The ceiling of 50 per-

sons will be applicable to other of-ficial or business-related func-tions in the city as well, it said.

The BMC stated that the orderwill be in place till October 31.

The civic body said the modi-fication was made to obviate someconfusion in the earlier order.

As per the Covid-relatedguidelines for October, the stategovernment has allowed theparticipation of 250 people insuch functions across the state.The BMC, however, restrictedit to 50.

The revised order was issuedafter tent houses, florists, deco-rators, band party owners andothers associated with the sec-tor staged a demonstration infront of the BMC office here.

BMC revises Covid-19norms for weddings

The daily positivity rate stoodat 0.82 per cent, marginally

up from 0.77 per cent on theprevious day, as the fresh caseswere detected from 71,749sample tests in the last 24 hours

The infection rate amongpeople below 18 years of age

is at 13.49 per cent as 80 newpatients are children andadolescents

Khurda and Cuttack districtstogether accounted for 63.06

per cent of the 593 fresh patients

Diamond jubilee feteof UU Psychology deptBhubaneswar: The Psychologydepartment of Utkal Universityorganised the diamond jubileecelebration of the departmentvirtually Wednesday. A logocommemorating the 60 years ofthe department was also unveiledon the occasion. The departmentwas declared a Centre ofAdvanced Study in Psychology in1980, the first such centre inpsychology in the country. It hasample of experience onconducting studies on childhooddevelopment. This Centre alsotakes help of the otherdepartments in the university toconduct studies on diversifiedissues related to childhooddevelopment. The departmentwas established in 1953 atRavenshaw College in Cuttack as

an undergraduate department byProf Radhanath Rath.

Mo Sarkar office atPuri CollectoratePuri: District Collector SamarthVerma inaugurated a Mo Sarkaroffice at the Collectorate hereWednesday. Around six specially-abled women have been deployedat the office. Sources said thatthe Mo Sarkar office would storefeedback from people visiting theblock and Collector’s officesabout the implementation ofdifferent schemes and services ofthe government. As many as 225services of 27 departments haveso far been included in Mo Sarkarwith a database of at least 2crore people. The Puri Collectoralso inaugurated a few otheroffices, including that of the

additional Collector and districtchild protection officer, on theCollectorate premises.

Odia lad Subham bringsglory from TashkentBhubaneswar: Odia body builderSubham Mishra has baggedbronze medal in WorldBodybuilding Championship atTashkent, the capital city ofUzbekistan. Subham participatedin the mixed pair group underathletic category at Tashkent after his national-level selection in Chandigarh. He has beenparticipating in bodybuildingcompetitions at state and national level and has beenawarded two national and otherregional competitions. Subham isthe younger son of BMC’s deputycommissioner Srimanta Mishra.

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: UnionMinister Dharmendra Pradhanhas urged the Railways for con-version of Puri-Hatia TapaswiniExpress to Linke Hofmann Busch(LHB) design coaches.

This important train, whichpasses through the heart of Odishaand Jharkhand connecting Puriand other areas, has been runningsince 1996 and is much used bycommuters, he said.

“On my recent visit to Odisha,

I had the pleasure of travellingfrom Bhubaneswar to Redhakholon Puri-Hatia-Puri TapaswiniExpress and interacting withmany of my co-passengers, whomentioned their long-pendingdemand for LHB rakes on thetrain,” Pradhan said in a letter toRailway Minister AshwiniVaishnaw Tuesday.

He said LHB rakes have en-hanced safety features with mod-ular interior and fittings, moreseating capacity with less noiseand other attributes like high-ca-pacity cooling, improved sus-pension system for a hassle-free journey.

“Keeping in mind the welfareand comfort of the train com-muters, I seek your personal in-tervention for conversion of thePuri-Hatia-Puri Tapaswini Expressto LHB rakes as early as possi-ble,” Pradhan, the Union Ministerfor Education and Skil lDevelopment, added.

Pradhan wants LHB coaches for Tapaswini

Naveen to visitBrahmagiri today POST NEWS NETWORK

Puri, Oct 6: The Puri district ad-ministration has made elaboratearrangements for the scheduledvisit of Chief Minister NaveenPatnaik to Brahmagiri Thursday.

Ahead of Patnaik’s visit, FoodSupplies and Consumer AffairsMinister Ranendra Pratap Swainand State Planning Board DeputyChairman Sanjay Das BurmaWednesday inspected the meetingvenue at Kerandia and held dis-cussions with Collector SamarthVerma and Superintendent ofPolice (SP) Kanwar Vishal Singh.

As per the schedule, the ChiefMinister will reach Kerandia by achopper at 4pm and distributesmart health cards under BijuSwasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).He will also review some develop-mental projects through virtualmode before retur ning toBhubaneswar at 4:50pm.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: OdishaSamaj UAE (OSUAE) - the associ-ation of non-resident Odias acrossthe Middle East and North Africaregion in collaboration with in-ternationally-acclaimed film pro-ducer, promoter and curator fromOdisha, Jitendra Mishra is goingto organise a one-of-its-kind film fes-tival ‘Cine Odisha - TimelessCinema of Odisha’ during the pres-tigious World Expo 2020 in Dubai,UAE from October 22 to 23.

The objective of the festival is topromote Odisha’s rich art, culture,language and heritage valuesthrough handpicked films fromthe state that include national andinternational award winning filmslike ‘Maya Mirig a’ (NiradMohapatra, 1984), ‘Neeraba Jhada’(Manmohan Mahapatra, 1984) ,‘Lavanya Preeti’ (Apurba KishoreBir ,1993) ‘Indradhanura Chhai’(Susant Misra, 1993), ‘Tara’ (BijayaJena / Dolly Jena, 1992), ‘JatraJeevan Jeevan Yatra’ (KapilashBhuyan, 2006), ‘Kathantara’(Himanshu Sekhar Khatua, 2006),‘Samayara Chhaire’ (Shankhajeet

De, 2016), The Lord Of The Universe(Shibu Prusty, 2016), ‘Kalira Atita’(Nila Madhab Panda, 2019), ‘SalaBudhar Badla’ (SabyasachiMahapatra, 2019) among others.

While Cine Odisha intends tocelebrate 85 years of Odia cinema,the festival will also pay tribute tothe legendary film personalitieswhom the state has lost during lasttwo years of Covid pandemic.

During the two-day fest, multi-ple panel discussions and indus-try forums are also scheduled;several dignitaries from the in-dustry are expected to be a part ofthis unique event.

“We at OSUAE have been try-ing to promote Odia culture inDubai for many years through var-ious cultural events and social ac-tivities, we are proud to organisethis first-of-its-kind film event atworld’s biggest exhibition plat-form Expo 2020 Dubai,” said Amiya

Kumar Mishra, President of theOdisha Samaj, UAE.

Jitendra Mishra, curator of CineOdisha fest said, “Odisha is a sto-ried land of rich art, culture, val-ues and cinema. This land hasgiven birth to numerous great sto-rytellers who have always madeus proud through their incrediblework at national and internationalplatforms. At the same time, wealso have several young talentswith outstanding ideas in the statefilm industry who have high po-tential in global markets.”

The 35th World Expo was inau-gurated in Dubai, United ArabEmirates, September 30 and will beopen to the world from October 1to March 31, 2022.

Odia flicks to be screened at Dubai ExpoThe 35th World Expowas inaugurated inDubai, United Arab

Emirates, September 30and will be open to the

world till March 31, 2022

While Cine Odishaintends to celebrate 85years of Odia cinema,the festival will also paytribute to the legendaryfilm personalities whomthe state has lost duringlast two years of Covidpandemic

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: The EastCoast Railway (ECoR) Wednesdayorganised the 66th annual award cer-emony at the Railway Auditoriumhere with strict adherence to Covidprotocols. Khurda Road divisionreceived the overall efficiency shieldfor its remarkable performanceacross different fields.

ECoR General Manager (GM)Vidya Bhushan graced the occa-sion as chief guest. ECoR AdditionalGeneral Manager (AGM) SudhirKumar was also present at theaward ceremony.

While Khurda Road division re-ceived the overall efficiency shieldfor its remarkable performanceacross different fields, Brahmapurrailway station won the best majorclean station shield and Handapastation received the best minorclean station shield.

This apart, several departmen-tal units and employees were fe-licitated for their meritorious work.

Khurda Road division baggedcivil engineering, operations andcommercial efficiency shields.Waltair division received finance,best coaching depot and person-nel efficiency shields. Similarly,Sambalpur division received en-ergy management and mechani-cal efficiency shields.

ECOR AWARD CEREMONY

Khurda Road div bagsoverall efficiency shield

LAKHIMPUR AFTERMATH

Congress workers stage a sit-in at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar, Wednesday, protesting the alleged murder of farmers at LakhimpurKheri in Uttar Pradesh OP PHOTO

POST NEWS NETWORK

Barang, Oct 6: The authorities ofNandankanan Zoological Park(NZP) here are all set to resumethe toy train service for the visitorsduring the celebration of 67thNational Wildlife Week October 8.

Forest and Environment MinisterBikram Keshari Arukha will ded-icate the refurbished toy train to thevisitors, sources said.

The minister will also lay stonefor the ropeway facility at the zoo.

The toy train service at NZP wasdiscontinued in 2014. As per therecommendation of the IndianRailways, Rail India Technical andEconomic Service (RITES) has re-paired and renovated the engineand buggies of the toy train. This

apart, the tracks and station of thetoy train service have also been re-furbished. “The toy train has fivebuggies which can accommodate 72people for a joyride. The train hasa battery-operated engine to checkpollution,” said a zoo official.

On the other hand, a private com-pany from Kolkata has been ropedin by the zoo authorities to resumeropeway facility at NZP. Around Rs13 crore would be spent on the proj-ect. Notably, the ropeway facilitywas discontinued at NZP in 2011.

NZP toy train to start chugging Oct 8SJTA deposits 500kgsilver in treasuryPuri: The Shree Jagannath TempleAdministration has deposited 500kg of sliver in the district treasuryfor storing it till the next Rath Yatrain 2022, when the metal would beused for refurbishing an inner doorof the shrine. Eight gates of thetemple would be coated with 2,500kg of silver ingots, of which 1,300 kgwas donated by a Mumbai-baseddevotee, SJTA sources said. “A totalof 500 kg of silver is kept in 11boxes, both in shape of plates andthe designed format. The metal willbe brought to the temple during thenext Rath Yatra for renovation ofthe ‘Kalahata Dwar’,” an officialsaid. “Since the deities are insidethe temple, it will be difficult toundertake the silver plating workduring normal days,” he added.

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POST NEW NETWORK

Jajpur, Oct 6:Even as the state gov-ernment has announced stringentmeasures to check industrial pol-lution, it continues unabated inthe district much to the chagrin ofresidents, a report said. The stategovernment announced it will holdthe revenue divisional commis-sioner responsible for any aber-ration on pollution control, the re-port said.

Two hard coke plants -- PureHard Coke Pvt Ltd and KrishnaHard Coke -- operate in the dis-trict by encroaching on 50 acres ofgovernment land in Anjira mouzaunder Dharmasala tehsil. Theydon’t have consent of the StatePollution Control Board (SPCB).

Locals alleged the SPCB is notignorant of the development, buthas chosen to remain silent on theissue. The functioning of the twoplants without adhering to pollu-tion control norms has led to airand water pollution in the area.

Black fumes could always beseen emanating from the chim-neys of these plants polluting thesurrounding areas. The fumeschoke the residents of adjoiningBali Sahi , Bhejigotha,Shaymsundarpur, Godipatia,Mukundpur, Muraripur,Alasaganda, Burusahi, Anjira andGambharia villages.

Students are worst affected bypollution as Anjira residentialschool, a primary and high schoolat Balisahi and a governmenthealth centre are situated closeby. These plants have not createda green cover around their prem-ises as per SPCB norms.

Black dust particles emanating

from these plants have envelopedthe area. Black dense fog covers thearea from morning till late in theday. A thick layer of black dustcould be seen settled on houses,trees, leaves, land and water bod-ies. The black dust could also beseen on the clothes of people whilewater in the wells and nearbywater bodies has become unfit forconsumption, locals alleged.

The pasture land can also befound covered with black ash forwhich domestic animals often fallill. The pollution has triggered anunprecedented situation in thearea. However, the SPCB author-ities remaining silent on the issueinstead of taking action against thetwo firms has surprised many.

Sources said, the Pure HardCoke plant has been operating inthe area by encroaching on 25 acresof government land in Anziramouza on plot no-6368/6344/6336/6316/6345/633/6317of Sabak khata no-416 and Halkhata no-1728.

Locals alleged the law enforce-ment agencies fear to take actionagainst the plant as its owner whois from outside the state runs theplant with the help of influentialpolitical persons.

Reports said, Anjira hill hasseveral black stone quarries andthe district and SPCB officialsoften visit the hill to check ille-galities. However, none of them hasthought to pay a visit to the two

plants and review their function-ing. Similarly, another hard cokeplant namely Krishna Hard cokeis operating by encroaching uponover 20 acres of government land.

Villagers alleged no public hear-ing has been held prior to the es-tablishment of these plants.Moreover, they have not receivedany consent to operate. Residentsdemanded the authorities take im-mediate action against the ille-galities failing which they will re-sort to agitation.

When contacted, Pramod KumarBehera, regional officer of SPCBat Kalinganagar said action will betaken against the two hard cokeplants if any complaint is lodgedagainst them.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Berhampur, Oct 6: Even as or-chid flowers have a high demandin the national market, farmersin Ganjam district growing orchidflowers face loss due to stiff re-strictions imposed in the after-math of spread of Covid-19, a report said.

The flower is cultivated in the dis-trict with the assistance of the dis-trict horticulture department. Theflower to bloom depends on themoisture content present in theatmosphere. Farmers said the tem-perate climate prevailing in thedistrict is favourable for the culti-vation of the flower.

However, farmers in the districtare facing loss over the last twoyears due to stiff restrictions im-posed following the spread of the pandemic.

Farmers usually sell the flowerfor `5 to `10 per piece but theirprofit margin and the demand havegone down after the imposition ofCovid-19 curbs in the state. Farmersdo not get the volume of ordersthey got in the past. The flower isin high demand during marriage,Bratopanayan and other celebrations.

The flower is transported toBang alore, other par ts ofKar nataka, Tamil Nadu,Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh andto state capital Bhubaneswar. Anexamination has confirmed that thequality of flowers cultivated inGanjam district is better than theflowers produced in Tamil Nadu.This has pushed its demand in themarkets in other parts of the country.

The annual turnover from theflower business in the distrcit ismore than `1 crore. Keeping itsprofitability in mind, the districthorticulture department promotesself-help groups (SHGs) to get in-volved in the orchid cultivation.The district horticulture depart-ment has been providing 70 percent subsidy to the SHGs taking uporchid cultivation.

Prompted by this move, a womenself-help group at Bhikaripalliunder Chhatrapur block took up or-chid farming on an experimentalbasis and has reaped success. Thishas motivated others to come for-ward as Balakumari, Singhasiniand Bhairavi SHGs have taken upthis farming.

Sarat Chandra Behera, deputydirector of district horticulturedepartment said orchid cultiva-tion was undertaken in the dis-trict on an experimental basis in2012. The harvest and businesswas quite well in 2017-18. Orchid

saplings that cost `56 a piece arebrought from Pune.

The yellow, white and pink va-rieties are cultivated in Ganjam.Currently, the cultivation is beingdone on 12 to 14 units inRangeilunda, Humma,Sanakhemundi, Kabisuryanaga,Chhatrapur and Pursottampurblocks. The cultivation is spreadmore in Humma block where thebest quality orchid is produced,he added.

Sanjeev Purohit, a farmer ofSanakhemundi, said ̀ 15 lakhs to`17 lakhs is required for cultiva-tion of the flower and coconutcoir ropes for an area of 1000square metres, covered by a plastic net.

He added that the ropes aresprinkled with water throughwhich the saplings receive mois-ture from the atmosphere. Thesaplings take around six monthsto grow. The flower produced is soldat `10 a piece in the market.

POST NEW NETWORK

Balasore, Oct 6: An influentialfamily of Barabati locality inBalasore district has kept alive a 224-year old tradition of ‘Ghata puja.’But the family has been worshippingidol of Goddess Durga for 160 years.This is said to be the oldest Durgapuja in the district. People lovinglyhave christened the ritual as‘Karghara Durga puja.’

It is said that the process of wor-ship observed by the Kar familyhere has its own distinct traditionand character.

Legend has it that ancestors of Karfamily were from Mayapur andBurdwan in West Bengal. They werea mercantile family. Their ances-tors were upset over the oppressiveand tyrannical administration byMuslim subedars and Marathasand decided to shift elsewhere.Panchanan Kar, a member of theKara family was a resident ofSahajabad in West Bengal. In 1697he went into maritime trade withboats and barges. He had commer-cial interests with Barabati localityin the district. So he took a deci-sion to leave Bengal for good and set-tle down with his family in Barabati.With time, the maritime businessgrew with countries like Indonesiaand Brahmadesh (now Myanmar).The family grew prosperous.

In 1798, the Kar family initiatedthe ghata puja (worshipping pitch-ers as representative form of GoddessDurga) at their Devibadi building inBarabati area. As time passed by,they became one of the most influ-ential business families in the town.

The family spread the businessinterests in other areas like Soro,Bhadrak, Chandbali, Chhanua andChatrukhunta. They bought vastplots of land and soon came to beknown as ‘zamidars’. The family

had 20 boats and barges operatingon the seas. By 1822, the Kar fam-ily was owner of 14,500 acres ofland at different places. Under theirzamindari, they had 27,000 farmertenants working for them.

The family believed that theirhuge business empire and mas-sive property required protectionof divine power. They decided toconduct Shakti puja. They con-sulted with priests and seers inthis regard. In 1822, the familybought idols of Hara, Parbati,Laxmi, Saraswati, Ganesh andKartik – all made of brass. Theystarted observing puja with muchpomp and splendour. With the pas-sage of time other reputed familiesof this town like the Debs, Das’s andMandals joined the Kars in wor-shipping the deities.

In 1862, pitchers and brass idolsof other deities and Goddess Durgawere worshiped on the verandahof the residence of the Kar family.However, then a feud broke out be-tween the Kar family and the oth-ers and they parted ways.

Unique puja styleDevi Durga is worshipped along

with Hara-Parbati. Other deities likeGanesh, Kartik, Saraswati andLaxmi are also worshiped alongwith Goddess Durga. Soil is col-lected and idol making starts on anauspicious day.

On Saptami, pitchers of water arelifted from Budhabalanga river forthe puja. Seven priests (Pradhanacharya, Pustakacharya, Chandi,Hota, Japa, Tulasi and Pujak) areengaged in the water lifting ritual.

Ashtami and Sandhi Puja areobserved with pomp. A total of50kg of rice, five quintal of woodand 20kg of pure ghee are used dur-ing the Sandhi Puja.

A new ritual has been added tothose already being observed inthe last few years. Women of thefamily now indulge in ‘sindoorkhela’ (application of vermillion onthe face and hair) after immersionof the idols in the river. As pertradition, even if Bijaya Dashamifalls on a Thursday, the family im-merse the idol that day itself.

Jajpur: Hard coke plants run sans SPCB nodACUTE POLLUTION IN DHARMASALA; STUDENTS WORST HIT

Locals alleged the SPCB is not ignorant of thepollution issue, but has chosen to remain silent on

it. They added that the functioning of the twoplants without adhering to pollution control norms

has led to air and water pollution in the area

Black fumes could always be seen emanating from thechimneys of the plants polluting the surrounding areas. Thefumes choke the residents of adjoining Bali Sahi, Bhejigotha,Shaymsundarpur, Godipatia, Mukundpur, Muraripur,Alasaganda, Burusahi, Anjira and Gambharia villages

Artistes displaying swords at an annual workshop on traditional Khanda dance of Gond community at Balipokhari village in Keonjhar district, Wednesday OP PHOTO

A DISTINCT DURGA PUJA KEEPING ALIVE A 224-YEAR-OLD TRADITION

POST NEW NETWORK

Baliguda, Oct 6: The Special Task Force(STF) of Odisha Crime Branch Wednesdayseized a leopard hide following a raid nearSiptiguda village under Baliguda WildlifeRange in Kandhamal district. The STF alsoarrested a trader who dealt in wild animal body parts.

The anti-smuggling squad had received re-liable inputs that the accused was negotiatingwith a party to sell the leopard hide. Swinginginto action, the STF personnel conducted araid with the help of forest department of-ficials of Baliguda in the morning.

The arrested man was identified asBidyadhar Nayak from Hatapada Sahi underBaliguda block in Kandhamal district, anofficial said. Following a thorough search,several incriminating instruments wereseized from the possession of Bidyadhar. Asthe accused could not produce any valid doc-ument in support of possessing the leopardskin, he was handed over to the forest de-partment for due legal action.

Later in the day, Bidyadhar was producedin local court. During a special drive thatstarted in 2020 against wildlife criminals andpoachers, the STF has so far seized 16 leop-ard hides, nine elephant tusks, two deerhides, four live pangolins and 15 kilogramof pangolin scales and arrested 33 wildlifecriminals, the official informed.

STF seizes leopardhide, one arrested

Covid curbs leave Ganjamorchid farmers high ‘n’ dry

FOLK DANCE

power post P6

W ith the price of Bitcoin reaching new highs, and El Salvador andCuba deciding to accept it as legal tender, cryptocurrencies are hereto stay. What implications will this have for money and politics?

Money depends on trust. It is accepted in exchange for goods and serv-ices only because people can confidently assume that others will acceptit in the future. This is as true for the US dollar as it is for gold. To arguethat cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are merely a confidence game – or a spec-ulative bubble, as many economists have emphasised – is to ignore theirpopularity.

And yet, cryptocurrencies lack the stable institutional foundationsneeded to bolster the public’s trust in them. Trust thus ebbs and flows, mak-ing them fragile and volatile, as Bitcoin’s wild gyrations have amply demon-strated.

Moreover, with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that rely on ‘proof-of-work’ mechanisms, transactions must be continuously verified andlogged in a decentralised ledger (in this instance based on blockchain). Thisrequires millions of computers to operate continuously to update and ver-ify transactions – work that is incentivised by the opportunity to be rewardedwith newly minted Bitcoin.

The energy consumed in these ‘mining’ op-erations now exceeds that of a medium-sizedcountry like Malaysia or Sweden. Now thatthe world has awoken to the dangers of cli-mate change (and to the paltriness of our re-sponse to it so far), this massive waste shouldmake Bitcoin highly unattractive.

And yet, despite its volatility, fragility, andmassive carbon footprint, five factors haveconspired to make Bitcoin an attractive propo-sition to many people: its political narrative;the criminal activities it enables; the seignior-age it distributes; the techno-optimism of thecurrent age; and the desire to get rich quick ata time when few other economic opportunitiesbeckon. Let’s consider each in turn, going inreverse order.

We live in an era of dwindling economicprospects. Even workers with a college degreecan no longer count on securing a stable jobwith good and rising pay. When economic op-portunities are so scarce, get-rich-quick schemesbecome especially alluring. Not surprisingly,there is now an entire industry dedicated totelling people that they, too, can strike goldby investing in Bitcoin. Money has been pour-ing into the cryptocurrency because millionsof people in the United States and around the world think they can realisesignificant returns from it.

The narrative of massive returns for amateur and retail investors froma cryptocurrency is in keeping with our technology-obsessed age. We areconstantly being told that technological ingenuity is creating a brighter fu-ture. And on the surface, there is no denying that Bitcoin is a marvel of tech-nological innovation. It took genuine creativity and mastery to create suchan intricate decentralised system, capable of functioning without any over-sight or government enforcement.

Seigniorage, or the additional purchasing power conferred (typically togovernments) by control of the money supply, is another factor in Bitcoin’sappeal. When the US government puts new currency into circulation, it canuse it to purchase services or pay its debt. The prospect of gaining seignior-age is very attractive, and probably helps to explain why there are now morethan 1,600 listed cryptocurrencies. In the case of Bitcoin, the absence of acentralised authority means that seigniorage is distributed, thus provid-ing an incentive for mining efforts (which are now being conducted bymore than a million people around the world).

A dedicated source of demand can help a new currency establish a reli-able footing. For cryptocurrencies in general, and for Bitcoin in particular,this anchor is planted firmly in the criminal world. In its early days, demandfor Bitcoin was boosted by dark-web sites such as Silk Road, which en-abled all sorts of illicit transactions. To this day, criminal activities accountfor almost half of Bitcoin transactions, by some estimates.

Each of these four factors has boosted Bitcoin artificially. Obviously,our society’s economic ills will not be solved by people making moneyfrom Bitcoin. Nor has the prevailing techno-optimist mood been borne outin the real world. And whatever benefits there are from distributing seignior-age via mining, they are more than offset by the massive waste of energy.

That leaves the political argument for Bitcoin. Will it liberate us from unduestate power over the economy? Not really.

True, the US Federal Reserve sometimes acts in mysterious ways, and theWall Street bailout during the 2008 financial crisis was rightly seen as aninside job that benefited banks and bankers at the expense of ordinary peo-ple. The desire to reduce politicians and policymakers’ excessive power isthus understandable.

But Bitcoin is not the answer. It appeals to a puerile libertarian ideologyin which a lone genius battles an overweening state to liberate individualexcellence. Indeed, the real-world person – or persons – who designedBitcoin and wrote its inspiring manifesto under the pseudonym SatoshiNakamoto is even more deserving of the ‘visionary’ label than the fic-tional John Galt (the hero of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged).

Yet the vision itself is pure fantasy. The risk of Western governmentsproducing runaway inflation or undermining the international monetarysystem is vanishingly small. The real existential threat today lies in politicalpolarisation, the unraveling of democracy, and democratic political sys-tems’ inability to keep economic elites and authoritarian politicians in check.

A new currency will not solve these problems. What are needed aremeasures to ensure that politicians, bureaucrats, and Silicon Valley and WallStreet tycoons act responsibly. This requires democratic participation andactive civic engagement. Gimmicks like Bitcoin are a distraction from thereal work that must be done.

The writer is Professor of Economics at MIT. ©PROJECT SYNDICATE

A fter the United NationsGeneral Assembly meetingin New York last month, the

UN is being asked to take on anoutsize role in Afghanistan. TheTaliban are eagerly seeking inter-national legitimacy, and global andregional powers should extend it –but only when certain political andhumanitarian conditions are met,in line with recent official state-ments and UN Security Councilresolutions on Afghanistan.

The UN is well-placed to facili-tate this process. During the pastfour decades of nearly continuouswar in Afghanistan, the UN re-mained engaged. Thousands ofdedicated UN staff assumed ex-traordinary risks to alleviate humansuffering and, in the late 1990s, fa-cilitate negotiations between theTaliban and their rivals. Today,given the West’s almost non-exis-tent political leverage with thegroup, the UN must resume its cen-tral role in promoting reconcilia-tion, providing humanitarian aid,and encouraging development.

These functions will require ad-ditional structures, staffing, andresources. September 17, theSecurity Council approved a six-month extension of the currentmandate of the UN AssistanceMission in Afghanistan and askedUN Secretary-General AntónioGuterres to provide “strategic andoperational recommendations” forthe mission’s future by January

31, 2022. Looking ahead, the UN’srole in Afghanistan should be ex-panded in at least five key areas.

First, in support of the SecurityCouncil’s recent call for “an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process of na-tional reconciliation,” the UN mustprovide its good offices to all ofthe conflicting parties. The UN canserve as an impartial and experi-enced adviser in the effort to forma more diverse, broad-based gov-ernment, owing to its long trackrecord of working with govern-ments and non-governmental peace-making organisations in the re-gion. The UN’s role in implementingthe Bonn Agreement to form a newgovernment in Afghanistan in 2001-05 offers a framework that canguide this process. Guterres’Personal Envoy on Afghanistanand Regional Issues, Jean Arnault,was a deputy to renowned UN trou-bleshooter Lakhdar Brahimi, whoplayed a central role in the BonnAgreement negotiations.

Second, to head off a humani-tarian crisis, the UN should facil-itate consensus and constructive en-gagement between the Taliban,global leaders, regional powers,and donors. The recent wars inAfghanistan all have had a promi-nent international component, andbasic security and stability – not tomention something resembling adurable peace – are unlikely with-out the cooperation of the country’sneighbours and the permanent

members of the Security Council.Third, the UN mandate should

include regular monitoring andreporting to the Security Councilon critical human rights issues.To receive the international recog-nition and aid for Afghanistan thatthey reportedly desire, the Talibanwill need to comply with a set of in-ternationally agreed political andhumanitarian conditions. Theseconditions could include progresstoward an inclusive and repre-sentative government, measuresto prevent the return of interna-tional terrorist organisations, andsteps to protect civilians.

Fourth, the UN can help coor-dinate medical relief, food aid, andother donations. In her briefing tothe Security Council in August,UN Special Representative forAfghanistan Deborah Lyons notedthat 18.5 million Afghans – nearlyhalf of the country’s population –require humanitarian assistance.Recognising this alarming trend,which is compounded by droughtand the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNconvened a high-level ministerialmeeting on Afghanistan’s hu-manitarian situation in GenevaSeptember 13 at which govern-ments pledged more than $1.2 bil-lion in aid.

Finally, the UN has a criticalrole in organising the internationaldevelopment assistance that will bekey for building Afghanistan’s fu-ture. The goal of this assistance

should be maintaining the deliveryof basic public services, includinghealthcare, education, and powergeneration. With bilateral aid likelyto decline, the UN could serve as achief oversight body and conduitof international assistance throughemergency trust funds.

In reflecting on his UN leadershiprole in overseeing the BonnAgreement, Brahimi remarked:“One of my own biggest mistakeswas not to speak to the Taliban in2002 and 2003 ... we should havespoken to those who were willingto speak to us.” The internationalcommunity must not make thismistake again. Even the Talibanknow that the country they now con-trol is far different from the one theyruled until 2001.

With some encouragement fromthe UN, perhaps the Taliban can bepersuaded to work with a new, ed-ucated generation of Afghans to em-bark on a development path thatleads away from brutal violence, ex-ploitative corruption, and wide-spread deprivation. In the nearterm, such an approach representsthe least bad option for the inter-national community and, aboveall, for the Afghan people.

The writer is Director of theGlobal Governance, Justice &

Security Programme at theStimson Centre.

©PROJECT SYNDICATE

The least bad option for Afghanistan

DISMAL STATE OF FARMERS R

eleased this Septemberby the Ministry ofStatistics and ProgrammeImplementation, the NSS

77th round on the SituationAssessment of AgriculturalHouseholds (SAS) survey resultsare insightful for the farm sec-tor in many ways; more so for astate like Odisha where agricul-ture makes about 18 per cent con-tribution to the state’s GDP. Thesurvey findings put on the tableseveral facets of sectoral chal-lenges. The last such assessmentwas exercised in 2013.

The survey found that inOdisha, the percentage of farmhouseholds as a share of totalrural households is 59 per cent andabout 48.5 per cent of rural house-holds are self-employed in agri-culture that includes crop pro-duction, livestock, and otheragricultural activities. However,crop production remains the mainavenue for self-employment anda negligible proportion of self-employment in livestock (0.9 percent) and other agricultural ac-tivities (0.1 per cent) indicates aslow-paced farm diversification.Landholding size is an importantdeterminant of farm income but93.9 per cent of agricultural house-holds reported owning land ofup to just two hectares. The av-erage landholding size in the statein 2015-16 was 0.89 ha, signifi-cantly lower from 1.89 ha in 1970-71. The diminishing landholdingsize explains the trend of a grow-ing number of landless labourersand a falling landowner count.

Doubling farmers’ income is anambitious development agendaand also a high-pitched sloganbut the average monthly incomeof a farm household is just ̀ 5,112,registering a minuscule incre-ment from ̀ 4,976 in 2013 and suchlow oncome paints a worryingpicture as the average size of afarm household is 4.2. Moreover,it doesn’t compare well with otheragriculturally progressive stateslike Punjab (`26,701), Haryana(`22,841). Incomes from wages

(51.8 per cent) and crop produc-tion (31 per cent) constitute amajor portion of the monthly in-come. In comparison to MadhyaPradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra,the farming of animals in Odishacontributes considerably less (8.8per cent) to the household in-come. Such statistics cast ap-prehension on achieving the as-pirational goal of doublingfarmers’ income by 2022.

Timely credit availability at areasonable interest rate is an en-abler of farm growth. Though theaverage amount of outstandingloan per agricultural householdin the state is one of the lowest inthe country (`32,721), the propor-tion of indebted agriculturalhouseholds is 61.2 per cent (57.5 percent in 2013) as against the na-tional average of 50.2 per cent.Exasperatingly, 37.5 per cent ofthis outstanding loan was sourcedfrom non-institutional sourceswhich are usually exploitative in

nature. Interestingly, 82.6 per centof agricultural households with4-10 ha of land are indebted com-pared to 67.2 per cent of thosewho own up to 2 ha land, con-trasting the usual notion thathigher indebtedness is specificto smaller farmers. While com-mercial banks and cooperatives arethe dominant credit sources for allcategories of farmers, marginaland small farmers consider SHGsas another major credit source.

MSP is a mechanism to pledgefarmers a reasonable price fortheir produce. However, only 65.5per cent of farm households arein the know of this price-guar-antee scheme for paddy—the prin-cipal cereal crop in Kharif season,and 42.8 per cent households havethe knowledge about designatedprocurement agency for sale, butbarely 21.4 per cent of them couldmanage to sell at MSP. Crop di-versification with the promotionof pulses is a policy priority of the

state government, though just 20-30 per cent of farm households areaware of the MSP for pulses. Sadly,none of those households havebeen able to sell pulses through aprocurement agency. This glar-ing issue warrants an appropri-ate resolution as the state aspiresto become self-reliant in pulses.

To provide farmers a safetynet in the event of crop damageresulting from climatic vulnera-bility, the flagship programme—Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana (PMFBY) is being keenlyimplemented in the state. However,during July-December, 2018, 87.1per cent of paddy-growing house-holds were left out of insurancecover and 10.7 per cent were in-sured only when they receivedfarm-loan. The three major rea-sons for this poor coverage are:farmers are not aware of insur-ance, have no knowledge aboutfrom where to receive the facility,and their lack of interest in cropinsurance. Among those insuredpaddy-growers just 40.8 per centgot insurance documents, rais-ing concerns over the trans-parency of the process.

With 83 per cent of rural pop-ulation and 62 per cent of 17.5million workforce engaged inagriculture, it is a policy imper-ative that the farm sector in thestate evolves and improves at anaccelerated pace. The meagrefarm income and unavoidablefragmentation of landholdingsgive a clarion call for augmenta-tion of crop diversification, non-crop farming, and collectivisedproduction and marketingarrangements. Enhanced accessto MSP and PMFBY are importantprovisions but should serve thesector in a farmer-centric sys-tem. Boosting the economic via-bility of agriculture is indispen-sable to improve the food securityof the state. It is high time we acton this fact.

The writer is a Bhubaneswar-based

agricultural economist.Views are personal.

FOCUS

SPECTRUM

The meagre farm income and unavoidable fragmentation of landholdings give a clarioncall for augmentation of crop diversification,non-crop farming, and collectivised production and marketing arrangements

Bitcoin fountainhead

THURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

We must watch over our thoughts.A bad thought is the mostdangerous of thieves.

THE MOTHER

GOVERNANCE

BOOSTING THEECONOMIC

VIABILITY OFAGRICULTURE ISINDISPENSABLE

TO IMPROVETHE FOOD

SECURITY OFTHE STATE

Mosharaf Hossain

WISDOM CORNERThe true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing.

ISAAC ASIMOV

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.ARTHUR ASHE

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comeswith his freedom.

BOB DYLAN

ODISHA

Readers of Orissa POSTare most welcome to contribute letters(200 words), articles andcolumns (between 750-1250words). Contributors arerequested to send theircontact numbers and fullpostal address/email ID. They may alsosend in their valuable comments, opinionand suggestions, preferably by email, to: edit@orissapost.com

B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate,Bhubaneswar-751010

LettersTO THE EDITOR

TO HEAD OFF AHUMANITARIANCRISIS, THE UN

SHOULD FACILITATE

CONSENSUS ANDCONSTRUCTIVE

ENGAGEMENTBETWEEN THE

TALIBAN, GLOBALLEADERS,

REGIONAL POWERS, AND

DONORS

Richard Ponzio

Plutocrats exposed

Sir, After Panama Papers and Paradise Papers, now emergedthe Pandora Papers. The Pandora Papers is a leak of almost12 million documents that reveal hidden wealth, tax avoid-ance and, in some cases, money-laundering by some of the world’srich and powerful. The data was obtained by the InternationalConsortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in WashingtonDC, which has been working with more than 140 media or-ganisations on its biggest ever global investigation. The filesexpose how some of the most powerful people in the world -including more than 330 politicians from 90 countries - usesecret offshore companies to hide their wealth. According tothe report, many of the accounts were designed to evadetaxes and conceal assets. Names of more than 300 wealthyIndians, including businesspersons, have figured in thePandora Papers. The findings by the ICIJ and its media part-ners highlight how deeply secretive finance has infiltrated globalpolitics and offer insights into why governments and globalorganisations have made little headway in ending offshorefinancial abuse. Asit Mohanty, JAJPUR

Festival care

Sir, Ever since the pandemic broke out, Indians have been sceptical aboutperforming festival rituals; the anxiety and apprehension stemming from thepossibility of overcrowding. Fortunately, Ganesh Chaturthi went off uneventfully.As compared to last year, a few states had relaxed their lockdown norms, sopaying obeisance to the deity wasn’t that tough. Similarly, a few states hadeased rigid restrictions on the conduct of the festival. In Maharashtra, whereGanapati festival is observed with pomp and gaiety, it helped that the publicpandals were banned because that way people gathering together at a placewas averted. However, at some places, there was a mad rush to buy idols ofthe deity. Fortunately, these small congregations have not acted as super-spread-ers. Coming to Dussehra and Diwali, maintaining social-distancing is quitetough during these festivities. Children, who are allured by firecrackers,are at the risk of contracting infections if adequate caution is not exercisedby parents. Having said all this, the major worry during the festival seasonlies in travel. All modes of transport will be teeming with people. It is herethat the authorities have to tighten their grip on proper scrutiny. The gen-eral idea that the virus has lost its steam has emboldened some states to allowmore than that is required for a safe and secure life. A few months of caution is all that is required to secure lives. Ganapathi Bhat, AKOLA

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Daron Acemoglu

When economicopportunities are so scarce, get-rich-quick

schemes become

especially alluring

LOL

Shoplifter caught

Ashoplifter was caught red-handed trying to steal a watch

from an exclusive jewellery store.“Listen,” said the shoplifter, “I knowyou don’t want any trouble either.What do you say I just buy the watchand we forget about this?”

The manageragreed and wrote

up the sales slip. The crook looked atthe slip and said, “This is a littlemore than I intended to spend. Canyou show me something lessexpensive?”

stateTHURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWARP7

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cmykPOST NEWS NETWORK

Berhampur, Oct 6: Police haveaverted a major robbery bid inBerhampur by arresting five peo-ple Tuesday night. At a desolateplace near Gurunthi RoadPanimahabrabhu, the five wereplanning to commit the robbery

at a filling station. Acting on a tip-off, police con-

ducted a raid in the area in thewee hours of Wednesday. They ar-rested the five– identified as KMohana Rao (35), Tarini Das ofLochapada Ramkrsuhnanagar,Druba Sahu (23) of Jhadankuli,Kuna Gouda (25) of Lathi GoudaSahi, Ajit Swain (21) ofDigapahandi.

In a press note, ASP PrabhatRoutray said police seized twoswords, two iron rods and fourbombs from them.

A case had been registeredagainst the five. The accused wereproduced in court Wednesday.

Police said, there are severalcases pending at different police sta-tions against them. During inter-rogation, the accused admittedthat they were planning to rob apetrol pump.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Keonjhar, Oct 6: Five legislatorsof tribal-dominated Keonjhar dis-trict have demanded establishmentof a tribal university in the dis-trict. They have drawn attention ofChief Minister Naveen Patnaik totheir demand in a letter.

They stated there are 48 collegesin the districts which were underUtkal University. In 1998, these col-leges were brought under NorthOdisha University at Baripadawhich is 180 km from the districtheadquarters.

As distance became a problemfor students, the second campusof the North Odisha Universitywas set up in Keonjhar in 2015.

They said the second campus ofthe north Odisha university bemade a full-fledged university.

Ghasipura MLA BadrinarayanPatra, Telkoi MLA PremanandaNayak, Anandapur MLABhagirathi Sethi, Patana MLAJagannath Nayak and ChampuaMLA Minakhi Mohant have citedvarious problems faced by stu-dents in the absence of a full-fledgeduniversity.

The campus of the North OdishaUniversity is spread over 14.50acres at Keonjhar. Post graduationand MPhil programmes in Odia,English, Sanskrit, Geology andPhysics are offered to studentshere.

However, most official works ofthe campus are operated fromBaripada. “Commuting on busesfrom Keonjhar to Baripada is notconvenient while the travel time iseight to 10 hours. Students and thecollege authorities have been fac-ing a lot of problems while dealingwith official works by traveling tothe distant place,” they observed.

They also said that courses viadistance education are offered, butthey are not working properly.

In view of all such problems,all the colleges in the district shouldbe brought under a university.Hence, there is a need for a tribaluniversity as one third of the pop-ulation of the district are tribals,they pointed out.

If the tribal university is estab-lished, students will pursue higherstudies and research. Recently, aBJP delegation sought a centraluniversity in the district.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Rourkela, Oct 6: After the namesof two Odias -- Manish UdayaRajgaria, 26, from Rourkela andAvin Dinanath Sahu, 30, ofRaghunathpalli of Sundargarhdistrict -- surfaced in the sensa-tional rave party in a cruise shipinvolving Aryan Khan, son of Hindifilm actor Shah Rukh Khan inMumbai October 2, Sahu’s fatherDina Sahu Wednesday denied hisson’s involvement in the drug party.

Avin has a jewelry shop atRingroad Taxi Stand in Rourkelewhile Manish Udaya Rajgaria hasa sponge iron plant atRaghunathpalli.

Avin’s father said, ”As festival sea-son set in, his son had gone toMumbai two weeks ago to pur-chase jewelry. He travels to Dubai,Mumbai, Amritsar and other placesto buy jewellery items.”

His father and other family mem-

bers claimed that Avin did not takedrugs. “While in Mumbai, Avinwas accompanied by some of hisfriends to attend a separate bach-elors’ party in the cruise ship.When he came to know that Aryanis in the ship, he was waiting to takea selfie with Aryan. At this time,NCB team conducted a raid all offa sudden. Avin and Manish werecaught in the mess,” his father said.

He also said that as his son was

caught without any base, he wouldtake legal recourse.

Similarly, Udaya Rajgaria, fa-ther of Manish Udaya Rajgaria,said his son had gone to Mumbaiseveral times in the past to attendbachelors’ parties.

The NCB lawyer reportedlyclaimed that both Manish and

Abina were on the cruise as guests.The NCB officials seized 2.4 gramsof ganja from the possession ofManish while Sahu confessed tohave consumed ganja twice on board.

The arrest of the two has setvarious circles abuzz about theiralleged drug consumption.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Badagaon, Oct 6: Lakhs of ru-pees have allegedly been misap-propriated by showing old farmponds in Barangakachhar pan-chayat under Badagaon block inSundargarh district, a reportsaid.

According to the report, thesoil conservation departmenthad sanctioned a farm pond toKumarmani Sa of Mundagoanin 2010. This pond was shown asa new project in official paperswhile wags of the job card hold-ers have been embezzled.

As per information availablefrom the website on MGNREGS,Rs 41,886 has been paid to labour-ers engaged in the farm pond ofKumarmani.

W h e n a s ke d ab o u t i t ,Kumarmani, the farm pond ben-eficiary, said the pond sanctionedby the soil conservation depart-ment was dug up 10 years ago.

“A few days ago, two officialscame to my pond and got thebanks of the pond cleaned. Then,they took my photograph nearthe pond. I heard that the farmpond was sanctioned in my nameagain. Wages of labourers have

been embezzled even though thepond has not been excavated,”he added. Manoj Chudia, a resi-dent of Mudangoan, has been en-listed as a daily wager in them u s t e r ro l l p re p a re d fo rKu m a r m a n i ’s f a r m p o n d excavation.

When asked about it, Manojsaid he has never worked in thepond excavation. Wage was cred-ited into his account, he said,adding that Prakash Nayak ofhis village withdrew wage from

his account after paying him only Rs 200.

Many other labourers whosenames have been enlisted in themuster roll have denied workingin the excavation of the farmpond. In another case, Rs 98, 646sanctioned for a farm pond inthe name of another beneficiaryJanmejay Rautia has been em-bezzled. The project was sanc-tioned in February, 2021. Theamount was shown as wages oflabourers engaged in the pond

excavation. It was learnt that wages of 24

days in the name of Kruti Dharua;12 days in the name of DhanuDharua and 24 days in the nameof Prafulla Dansana have beenmisappropriated.

When asked about the wages,all the daily wagers denied hav-ing worked in any pond excava-tion. When contacted, DhaneswarMunda, an official of the water-shed department, said the matterwill be investigated.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Dhenkanal, Oct 6: A proposalhas been submitted to the stategovernment to include Kandharaand Nandinia reserve forests (underHindol range) as part of Satkosiatiger corridor in Angul district.Besides, an initiative has beentaken to start a safari in Kapilashsanctuary.

According to reports, if the stategovernment approves the proposal,the two reserve forests will be madepart of the Satkosia sanctuary. Theforest department has identified

the reserve forests as a tiger corridor.

Sources from Dhenkanal forestdivision said, in order to ensuresafety and give big cats a widerrange for movement, the Satkosiadivisional forest officer has giventhis proposal to the state government.

Meanwhile, the forest depart-ment has initiated the process for

counting of tigers in Dhenkanal dis-trict in the current year. It waslearnt that there are seven leop-ards in different reserve forests ofthe district.

Pictures of big cats and theirmovement have been captured intrap cameras fixed in variousforests. As many as 60 trap camerashave been installed in reserveforests. However, three of the cam-

eras have been stolen. It is sus-pected that poachers might havestolen the trap cameras to carry ontheir illegal activities without anyevidence.

The forest department has startedan investigation into the matter.Meanwhile, the forest departmenthas started its first phase of train-ing progamme for forest officialsto be engaged in the tiger census.It was said after all preparations areput in place, the tiger census willbe started from next year.

The forest department has beenworking to provide safe and wider

environment for growth of tigersand other wildlife population inthe district. As part of this exercise,the department has started workon measures to increase populationof herbivorous animals, which aremajor source of food for big cats.Varieties of grass will be grown inforests for herbivores to proliferate.

Besides, before summer the de-partment will dig up ponds andwater bodies inside reserve foreststo ensure water for wildlife. n theother hand, the forest departmentintensified patrolling in forestedareas to ward off poaching activ-

ities while trap cameras are beingchecked for pictures every month.

In Kapilash sanctuary, the de-partment will make arrangementsfor tourists to visit the area spreadover 10 sq/km inside the Kapilashsanctuary.

DFO Prakash Gogineni said aproposal has been sent to the gov-ernment to include Kandhara andNandinia reserve forests ofDhenkanal in the Satkosia sanctu-ary. He also added that safari pro-gramme will be launched in Kapilashsanctuary soon while vehicles willbe arranged for the purpose.

2 Dhenkanal reserve forests in Satkosia sanctuary soon

A proposal hasbeen sent to thegovernment to

include Kandhara andNandinia reserve forests ofDhenkanal in the Satkosiasanctuary. Safari programmewill be launched in Kapilashsanctuary soon whilevehicles will be arranged forthe purposePRAKASH GOGINENI I DFO,DHENKANAL

The forest department has initiated theprocess for counting of tigers in

Dhenkanal district in the current year. It waslearnt that there are seven leopards indifferent reserve forests of the district

Pictures of big cats and their movementhave been captured in trap cameras

fixed in various forests. As many as 60 trapcameras have been installed in reserveforests. But three of the cameras have beenstolen. It is suspected that poachers mighthave stolen the trap cameras to carry ontheir illegal activities without any evidence

CONSERVATION OF BIG CATS

Mayurbhanj Collector Vineet Bhardwaj (extreme left) and senior civic body officials distributing food to sanitary workers and Swacch Sathis at a programmeto ensure better cleanliness in Baripada town, Wednesday OP PHOTO

REACHING OUT

An overhead high transmission power cable hangs precariously on road posing serious threat to the lives of residentsin Angapada village under Kishorenagar block in Angul district. The wire has been allegedly hanging for last one year

Legislators seek tribalvarsity for Keonjhar

Ripples of scam in farm pondsAs per information available

from the website onMGNREGS, Rs 41,886 has beenpaid to labourers engaged inthe farm pond of Kumarmani

Many other labourerswhose names have

been enlisted in themuster roll have deniedworking in the excavationof the farm pond

In another case, Rs 98, 646sanctioned for a farm pond in

the name of another beneficiaryJanmejay Rautia has beenembezzled in February, 2021

Father denies Avin’s role in rave partyDRUGS IN CRUISE SHIP His family members

claimed that Avin did nottake drugs. While inMumbai, Avin wasaccompanied by some ofhis friends to attend aseparate bachelors’party in the cruise ship

POST NEWS NETWORK

Baripada, Oct 6: A youth sus-tained critical burn injuries in anLPG cylinder blast at Bhanjapurunder Baripada Town police lim-its in Mayurbhanj on Wednesday.

The injured was identified asSritam Panigrahi in the area. Onbeing informed, neighbours rushedhim to Pandit Raghunath MurmuMedical College and hospital inthe town. Doctors said he has sus-tained over 90 per cent burn in-juries and is under observationafter administration of treatment.

Sources said, Sritam was cookingon a gas stove in the morning.Meanwhile, the cylinder burst all ofa sudden. As a result, he sustainedcritical burn injuries in his body.Police registered a case and launchedan investigation at the spot.

POST NEWS NETWORK

Rairangpur, Oct 6:Police arresteda teacher on charge of outragingthe modesty of a minor girl on pre-text of marriage under RairangpurRural Police limits in Mayurbhanjdistrict, Wednesday.

The accused was identified asArjun Kumar Soren, 30, of Barangvillage under Ramchandrapur po-lice limits in Keonjhar district, SIMadhusudan Dutta of RairangpurRural police station said. Sorenwas arrested over a complaint bythe survivor’s family. A case was reg-istered in this connection and theaccused produced in court after amedical examination was con-ducted on him and the survivor.

Police said Soren came in contactwith the girl and expressed his lovefor her. Later, he forced for physi-cal relationship on the pretext ofmarriage. However, he soon wentback on his promise and tried toevade the girl, the SI added.

Youth critical in LPG cylinder blast

Teacher held for rape of minor

POST NEWS NETWORK

Barbil, Oct 6: Police recovered ahuman skeleton in Gandhalpadaforest under Rugudi police lim-its in Keonjhar Wednesday. Theskeleton was sent to forensic med-icine department in Cuttack forpost mortem. It is suspected thatthe man might have been killeda nd his b ody dumped in the forest.

However, the identity of the de-ceased has not been established.

It was learnt that a person ofGulai Chhak was missing a monthago. His family members werecalled to the forest to identify thebody. However, the family membersfailed to confirm his identity onthe basis of his trousers and belt.Given circumstantial evidence,police suspected it to be a murderand started an investigation afterregistering a case.

Five planning to rob filling station held

Human skeletonrecovered, murder suspected

FILE PHOTO

OP PHOTO

ENDANGERING LIVES

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DELHI

THURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

P8JAMMU &KASHMIR

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

Srinagar, Oct 6: Jammu andKashmir is home to a blend of richand diverse cultures. People ofmulti-religious, ethnic, lingualidentities live here. The UT pridesitself on its fairs and festivalswhich have great cultural, tradi-tional, and religious significance.Prime Minister Narendra Modihas taken a special interest inbringing Jammu and Kashmir tothe mainstream and integratingit with the rest of India.

One rather famous fair of thisseason is the Mela of Sudhmahadev,known as the Kudd ofSudhmahadev, a four-day longmajor cultural event of Chenani(Udhampur, J&K). The traditionsof Chenani are closely linked withits cultural and religious heritage.The festival begins with a series ofreligious rituals called Jattars.Kudd is the folk dance of the regionperformed around a bonfire atnight during the harvest seasonto pay regard to the Kul Devi -Devtas (local deities).

Back in the day, the Kings ofChenani used to participate in thisKudd, as Sudhmahadev was theirsummer camp office. With them,Kudd was popularized far and wide.The season is very pleasant at thistime with large fields of maize andseasonal crops ready to be cut. It is

said some evil entities called Zogansand Dyans harm the crops throughrain, wind, storm, and unfavor-able climate. To rid themselves ofill-effects the farmers show theirgratitude to the Gods for the ripenedcrop and offer male sheep or goatsin the hope to please Kul Devtas forprosperity and good yield of cropsand protection from natural calami-ties. The picturesque Sudhmahadevand glories of Lord Shiva's bless-ings on the locals at Sudhmahadevare also a reason for celebration.This year Kudd was held onSeptember 10, 2021.

Celebration processions are car-

ried through the villages with lead-ers carrying symbolic Iron madeweapons of deities on their shoul-ders. The followers carry burningwood torches, Jagara, in theirhands through dense maize fields,plains, and hilly slopes of the vil-lage in darkness shouting "Hos -Dayo - Hos - Dayo" without stoppingtill they reach Sudhmahadev.

While the main processionstarts from Chorat, two other pro-cessions start from Kuna-Laidand Batal area towardsSudhmahadev. The leaders of theprocession and tantriks calledDawala ease villagers' concerns on

safety and prosperity. They arecontinuing a tradition of cen-turies started by their ancestorsin Rudhar area of Doda District.It is also the symbol of unityamong the people in villages.

The Kudd of Sudhmahadev isheld after all the Jattars are suc-cessfully wrapped up. It is uniquein its setup and rituals and the Peerof Shri Shool Panishwar Shiv JiSudhmahadev Temple is honoredgreatly. The community dresses inthe typical Dogra dress and Kudddance is performed in a circle on dif-ferent tunes of Dhol and Bansuri,along with Dogri singing, through

the night under the open sky.The National Highways and

Infrastructure DevelopmentCorporation Limited (NHIDCL),owned by the Ministry of RoadTransport and Highways, are alsoeager to bring Udhampur in lime-light as construction for anInternational Yoga Centre atMantalai is underway.

But the region's most awaitedconstruction is the Zojila tunneland the Z-Morh tunnel. The Zojilatunnel (between Baltal andMinamarg on the Srinagar-Lehsection of the NH-1), will be Asia'slongest (14.15 km) and highest bi-directional all-weather tunnel oncompletion and will surpass theAtal tunnel at 11,575 feet abovesea level. It will reduce travel timefrom 3.5 hours to just 15 minutes!Currently, the Chenani-Nashritunnel is the longest bi-directionaltunnel in Asia standing at 10.89 km.The Z-Morh, another bi-direc-tional 6.5 km tunnel, will allow all-weather access between Srinagarand Kargil (between Gagangirand Sonmarg).

Both projects are being built tothe highest safety standards withprovisions for escape tunnels underNHIDCL, and are expected to becompleted by December 2023. Thesetunnels will further boost tourismand convenience and put the re-gion on the world map.

Quantum leap for J&K’s culture, tourism & economy

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

Srinagar, Oct 6: Three civiliankillings in less than three hours ofeach other in Kashmir Tuesdaycannot be dismissed as yet ‘anotheract of frustration by terrorists’.

These are message killings whoseimport on the developing securityand political situation in Jammu andKashmir cannot be wished away.

Charity must begin at home. Somust the safety of innocent citizensin Kashmir before we intend tobring back thousands of KashmiriPandits who were forced out oftheir homes nearly 31 years agothrough terror acts like those ofTuesday.

Makhan Lal Bindroo was a re-spected and trusted man for allthose who bought medicines fromhis shop, ‘Bindroo Medicate’ nearthe Iqbal Park in Srinagar city.

When the majority of Bindroo’scommunity including his relativesand friends migrated out of thevalley in early 1990s, Bindroo stoodhis ground.

He continued to sell medicinesat his shop which was then locatedat the top end of the Hari SinghHigh street in Srinagar.

There was a security force bunkersome distance away from Bindroo’sshop. Militants hurled grenadesand fired at the bunker more thana dozen times during militancy.

Bindroo remained undeterred.

He was a common Kashmiri whowas living a normal life withoutmessing around with anythingelse. Long years of having livedand survived normally added toBindroo’s confidence that he hadnothing to fear.

He shifted his business to a big-ger shop outside the Iqbal Park inSrinagar. His wife started assistinghim during peak hours to dispensemedicine to the needy.

His doctor son had also set up aclinic in the first floor of the sameshop where he treated patients.

It was a rather dull, sleepy au-tumn Tuesday evening whenBindroo was behind his counterwith hardly a customer around.

Terrorists entered the shop andfired at him from close range.

Doctors at the hospital said hehad sustained four critical bulletwounds and had died en route to thehospital.

Bindroo’s murder is no ordi-nary revenge killing. This brazenact of terrorism has occurred at atime when the government of Indiahas announced an ambitious planto retrieve the properties ofKashmiri Pandits who had soldthese properties in distress whilefleeing the Valley.

For the time during the last 30years something tangible was beingdone to bring back the migrantPandits to the Valley.

By murdering an innocentKashmiri Pandit, who had neithermigrated nor cast his lot with thou-sands of his community members,terrorists intended to send a pow-erful message to the community.

How the government restoresan already shaken confidence of themigrant community will have to bewatched.

The second civilian killingTuesday was of a street vendorbelonging to Bihar. The poor fellowsold Bhelpuri by the roadside in theLal Bazaar area of Srinagar.

He was killed by the terroriststo assert their nefarious design ofnot allowing outsiders to settle inKashmir after the abrogation ofArticles 370 and 35A. The thirdcivilian killing happened in northKashmir Bandipora district.

Muhammad Shafi Lone of ShahMohalla was killed by the terror-ists within less than three hours ofBindroo’s murder.

Lone was a taxi driver who hadrecently been chosen as the pres-ident of Sumo taxi drivers union.

Rumours in the area said someyears back there had been an en-counter at Lone’s home in whichsome terrorists were killed.

Rumours said the terrorists sus-pected Lone to have tipped off thesecurity forces about the presenceof the militants.

Whether the rumour is credi-ble or not, there is hardly any doubt

about why the terrorist killed Lone.Killing on mere suspicion has

been the hallmark of terrorists inKashmir.

In the background of these mes-sage killings, it is clear that un-less the security of those living inthe Valley is ensured, trying towoo the Kashmiri Pandit migrantsback would be asking for too much.

3 CIVILIANS KILLED IN 3 HOURS

Message killings not acts of frustrationIN THE BACKGROUND OF THESE MESSAGE KILLINGS, IT IS CLEAR THAT UNLESS THE SECURITY OF THOSE LIVING IN THE

VALLEY IS ENSURED, TRYING TO WOO THE KASHMIRI PANDIT MIGRANTS BACK WOULD BE ASKING FOR TOO MUCH

Family members of ML Bindroo grieve near his body in Srinagar, Wednesday.Bindroo was shot dead by militants near his shop Tuesday. PTI PHOTO

‘Fake narrative ofnormalcy in tatters’SRINAGAR: PDP presidentMehbooba Mufti Wednesdaysaid the recent spate of civiliankillings in Kashmir lays in‘tatters’ the Centre’s ‘fakenarrative’ of normalcy in theValley. Three civilians, includingKashmiri pandit Makhan LalBindroo, owner of Srinagar'sprominent pharmacy, were shotdead by suspected militantsTuesday in separate incidents inSrinagar and Bandipora districtsof Jammu and Kashmir. “Withthe recent spate of civiliankillings in Kashmir GOIs fakenarrative of normalcy lies intatters. An utterly desensitisedgovt that has devalued humanlives & pushed J&K into furtherperil & chaos by its ruthlesspolicies of collective punishmentall in the garb of security,”Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Jammu, Oct 6: Several organisa-tions representing the KashmiriPandit community and someJammu-based outfits staged anti-Pakistan protests here Wednesdayover the killing of businessmanMakhan Lal Bindroo and two othercivilians by terrorists.

They demanded enhanced se-curity for the Kashmiri Panditcommunity. Activists of the YouthAll India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS)led by its president RK Bhat stageda protest in Jammu over the killingsand raised slogans against Pakistan.

“We demand justice. We demandpunishment for culprits. This is amove to scuttle the plan of returnand rehabilitation of KashmiriHindus back in the valley,” Bhat toldreporters here.

He said that Pakistan is the epi-centre of terrorism in Kashmirand it needs to be dealt with sternly.

Hundreds of Kashmiri Panditsliving in Jagti town also held a

protest and demanded justice forthe Bindroo family. They allegedthat several members of the com-munity were killed by terrorists inKashmir in the past few months,but the government has failed to pro-tect them.

Bindroo, a Kashmiri Pandit, wasgunned down by terrorists at hispharmacy in Srinagar Tuesday.

Activists of the Shiv Sena and theDogra Front took out rallies inJammu in protest against thekillings. They raised anti-Pakistanslogans and burnt a flag of Pakistan.

“The government must deal withterrorists, their supporters withinKashmir with an iron hand beforedealing with Pakistan. Justiceshould be delivered,” Shiv Senaleader Ashok Gupta said. Theseterror attacks are aimed at de-railing the plan of the governmentto resettle Kashmiri Pandits backin the Kashmir Valley, he said.

Activists of the RashtriyaBajrang Dal and the KP Sabha alsoheld protests.

Kashmiri Pandits hold anti-Pakistan protests

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: DelhiEnvironment Minister Gopal RaiWednesday said the city govern-ment will run a campaign fromOctober 7 to 29 to curb dust pollution.

The minister also said the gov-ernment will launch a web portalfor monitoring compliance of dustcontrol guidelines Thursday.

Rai said 31 teams, including 17of the Delhi Pollution ControlCommittee and 14 of green mar-shals, have been constituted to con-duct inspections at constructionsites and monitor the situation.

The Delhi government had ear-lier issued 14-point guidelines forconstruction and demolition agen-cies to curb dust pollution.

“The project proponents found

violating the norms will be issued ashow-cause notice. Action will betaken against them if they fail toreply within two days. A stop workorder will be issued if they continueto violate the norms,” Rai said.

According to the National GreenTribunal’s guidelines, a fine rang-ing from `10,000 to `5 lakh can beimposed for violation of rules at con-struction sites.

Under the 14-point guidelines,construction sites should be coveredfrom all sides using tin sheds. Thesites measuring more than 20,000square metres will have to deployanti-smog guns.

Vehicles carrying constructionmaterial should also be covered.There should be no collection ofconstruction and demolition (C&D)waste on the roadside.

Delhi to run anti-dustcampaign from today

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

New Delhi, Oct 6: The SupremeCourt reacted sharply as the AAPgovernment Wednesday soughtagain an urgent hearing on its pleaagainst the amended Governmentof National Capital Territory ofDelhi (GNCTD) Act, passed by theParliament in March this year.

As senior advocate AM Singhvi,representing the Delhi government,submitted before a bench headed byChief Justice NV Ramana and com-prising Justices Surya Kant andHima Kohli that the plea may belisted for hearing, the court said thatthe day before, a lawyer mentionedthe Delhi-Centre case.

“Every day, we have to hear theDelhi government matter only?We will list it, Mr Singhvi, leave itthere...”

The bench said it will put the mat-ter before an appropriate bench. TheDelhi government plea also chal-lenges some provisions of theTransaction of Business Rules,which allegedly hands over morepower to the Lt Governor.

Singhvi cited the distinction be-tween the case mentioned by him

and the other matter, which wasmentioned Tuesday by senior ad-vocate Rahul Mehra, saying that hewas referring to writ petition whichpertains to Article 239AA (statusof Delhi under the Constitution) andchallenged the GNCTD Act and 13Rules of the Transaction ofBusiness of the Government ofNational Capital Territory of DelhiRules, 1993.

September 13, the top court hadagreed to list the matter. The Delhigovernment has moved the topcourt seeking quashing of the fouramended sections of the GNCTD

Act and 13 Rules on variousgrounds, arguing that the amendedsections violate the doctrine ofbasic structure, separation of power,as the Lt Governor has been be-stowed with more authority thanthe elected government.

The Delhi government, Tuesday,had sought urgent hearing on an-other plea, arising out of a 2019split verdict on the contentiousissue of who should control ad-ministrative services in Delhi.The top court had said that itwould constitute a bench for itafter Diwali vacation.

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: With phased un-locking and resumption of eco-nomic activities, Delhi’s peak powerdemand inched past that of 2020,discom officials said.

This year, between July andSeptember, Delhi’s peak power de-mand was 53 per cent higher incomparison with the correspondingdays of 2020 and 34 per cent morethan 2019, discom officials said.

The process to resume economicactivities that were shut downdue to the second wave of COVID19, began in Delhi by the end ofMay, allowing manufacturing andconstruction work with certainguidelines.

In the following days, transportfacilities, shops, markets, offices andother such activities were restartedin a phased manner by Delhi gov-ernment in view of the impact ofthe Covid-induced lockdown oneconomy.

Apart from the unlocking and re-sumption of economic activities,weather also has had a profound im-pact on the city’s power demand,they said.

Analysing on a monthly basis,Delhi’s peak power demand was70 per cent higher than on corre-sponding days in 2020.

On the other hand, on accountof the rainy season, the peak powerdemand in September 2021 hasbeen lower than that of September2020 on most corresponding days,officials said.

Earlier July 2 this year, Delhi’speak power demand had clockedthis season’s highest at 7,323 MW.In fact, this was only the third yearin Delhi’s power history that the

peak power demand crossed 7,000MW, they said.

In 2018, the peak power demandhad crossed the 7,000 MW for thefirst time, clocking 7,016 MW.

In 2019, it reached 7,409 MW. In2020, Delhi’s season’s highest peakpower demand had only clocked6,314 MW.

The peak power demand inAugust 2021 was 14 per cent morethan the peak power demand ofAugust 2020 and 1.18 percent morethan the peak power demand ofAugust 2019, they added.

The BSES discoms are fullygeared-up and sourcing adequateelectricity to meet the power de-mand to serve over 4.5 million con-sumers and 18 million residentsin South, West, East and CentralDelhi, including essential servicessuch as hospitals, labs, quarantinecentres, vaccination centres, saida spokesperson of the discom.

Apart from a robust distribu-tion network and accurate load-forecasting, BSES discoms havealso made proper arrangement,including long-term power pur-chase agreements and banking tomeet the electricity demands ofDelhi, he added.

‘Every day we have to hearDelhi govt matters only?’: SC

Delhi’s peak power demand inches past that of 2019, 2020APART FROM THE UNLOCKING AND RESUMPTION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, WEATHER ALSO HAS

HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE CITY’S POWER DEMAND

This year, between Julyand September, Delhi’speak power demand was53 per cent higher in comparison with corresponding days of 2020 and 34 per centmore than 2019

PICTURE USED FOR REPRESENTATION

P9

nationalTHURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

The BJP government hassurpassed the atrocities

committed by the British. Itsminister of state of home isthreatening farmers to suppresstheir voice. Such tone and tenorshould not be there in democracyAKHILESH YADAV | SAMAJWADI PARTY CHIEF

Only 7 per cent Indian adults arecurrently hesitant to gettinginoculated against Covid, thelowest vaccine hesitancy levelin the country so far, accordingto a new survey

SURVEY FINDING

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The SVAMITVAYojana, ascheme

towardsestablishment ofclear ownership ofproperty in ruralareas, has enhanced strength of therural economy and it will write a newchapter of development of villages inthe country

NARENDRA MODI | PRIME MINISTER

of theday uote

Supreme Court,there was atime when

there was noYouTube, no socialmedia. The SupremeCourt acted suo motuon the basis of news in the printmedia. It heard the voice of thevoiceless

KAPIL SIBAL | CONGRESS LEADER

A WelfareBoard for Non-Resident Tamils

would be set up anda total allocation of`20 crore shall bemade

M K STALIN | TN CM

Heroin seizure: NIAtakes over probeNew Delhi: The NationalInvestigation Agency (NIA)Wednesday took over theprobe into the seizure of 2,988kg narcotic at the Mundra portin Gujarat, an official said. Inpursuant to a Ministry of HomeAffairs order issued onWednesday, the NIA has takenup the investigation of the caseunder sections of the IPC, theNDPS Act and the UnlawfulActivities (Prevention) Actagainst MachavaramSudhakaran, Durga PVGovindaraju, Rajkumar P andothers, the agency official said.

Boy drinks acid Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh):A 17-year-old boy allegedlyconsumed acid after hisfather refused to buy him amotorbike. MughalpuraStation House Officer (SHO)Amit Kumar said, "The boywas rushed to the Moradabaddistrict hospital, from wherehe was referred to a privatefacility in the city in view ofhis critical condition."According to reports, the boyon Tuesday had an argumentwith his father who is a brasstrader and when the latter refused to buy him abike, the boy consumed acidin a fit of rage.

Soldier injured Srinagar: An Indian Armyofficer and soldier wereinjured in a road accident inJ&K's Anantnag districtWednesday, police said.Police said a Casper vehicleof 19 Rashtriya Rifles fell intoa gorge in Upper Hallanvillage of Verinag inAnantnag, injuring two.

One hurtNew Delhi: A 40-feet longand 10-feet high wallcollapsed in the nationalcapital, injuring one person,official sources said hereWednesday. A firedepartment official said theyreceived a call at about 7.55a.m. that a wall located atRajender Marg near a petrolpump in the Tis Hazari areaof the city has collapsed.Unknown people contactedthe fire department after the incident and threefire tenders were rushed to the spot.

One killed Hyderabad: One person waskilled and 11 injured when aTSRTC bus fell off the roadafter collision with a car inTelangana's Peddapallidistrict on Wednesday, policesaid. The accident occurrednear Battupally in Manthanimandal when the TelanganaState Road TransportCorporation (TSRTC) buscollided with a car coming inthe wrong direction.

SHORT TAKES

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: A total of 845children who were orphaned dur-ing the pandemic have been ap-proved as eligible for benefits underthe PM-CARES for Children schemetill now, a senior official saidWednesday.

Of the 3,915 applications receivedfor support under 'PM-CARES forChildren' scheme, applications of845 children have been approved,the Women and Child DevelopmentMinistry official said.

The ministry has come out withguidelines for the scheme in whichresponsibilities at all the levelshave been fixed. Ministry of Womenand Child Development shall bethe nodal Ministry for execution of

the scheme at the central level. The department of Women and

Child development or the depart-ment of Social Justice in theState/UT implementing the ChildProtection Services scheme shallbe the nodal department for thescheme. Additional ChiefSecretary/ Principal Secretary/Secretary of the department shallbe the State Nodal Officer for im-plementation of PM CARES forChildren Scheme.

The official said currently amonthly stipend of `2000 is beinggiven which would be increasedto`4000. According to the guidelines,the lump sum amount will be trans-ferred directly in the post officeaccount of beneficiaries upon open-ing and validation of the account

of the beneficiaries. A pro-rataamount will be credited upfrontin the account of each identifiedbeneficiary such that the corpus for

each beneficiary becomes Rs. 10lakh at the time of attaining 18years of age.

"Children will receive monthly

stipend once they attain 18 years ofage, by investing the corpus of `10lakh. The beneficiary will receivestipend till they attain 23 years of age.They will receive an amount of Rs.10 lakh on attaining 23 years ofage," the guidelines said.

The PM-CARES for Childrenscheme aims at ensuring compre-hensive care and protection of chil-dren who have lost their parent(s)to Covid pandemic. The schemeinter alia provides support to thesechildren through convergent ap-proach, gap funding for ensuringeducation, health, monthly stipendfrom the age of 18 years, and lumpsum amount of Rs. 10 lakh on at-taining 23 years of age.

All children who have lost bothparents or surviving parent or

legal guardian/adoptive par-ents/single adoptive parent due toCOVID-19 pandemic shall be enti-tled to benefits under this scheme.

The guidelines said that thedistrict magistrate shall anchorthe scheme in the district. "TheDM (by designation) shall act asthe guardian of these children,under this scheme, for all practicalpurposes. The DM shall identifythe beneficiaries with the assis-tance of Child Welfare Committee( C WC ) a n d D i s t r i c t C h i l dProtection Unit (DCPU). Aftersatisfying themselves regardingthe authenticity of the benefici-ary, she/he will verify and confirmthe details of the child on the PMCARES for Children portal," according to the guidelines.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE

ART AND DEVOTION

An artist gives final touches to an idol of Goddess Durga ahead of Durga Puja, in Nadia district, Wednesday PTI PHOTO

845 Covid orphans approved for benefits under PM-CARES FundTHE DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT OR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE STATE/UT IMPLEMENTING

THE CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES SCHEME SHALL BE THE NODAL DEPARTMENT FOR THE SCHEME

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

New Delhi, Oct 6: After a stormyhearing, the Supreme CourtWednesday ordered immediatesuspension and a full-fledged probeagainst some Tihar Jail officials,who were identified by the DelhiPolice Commissioner in a report forextending undue assistance to ex-Unitech promoters Sanjay Chandraand Ajay Chandra.

On August 26, the top court hadordered shifting of Chandra broth-ers, in a money laundering caseinvolving Unitech company, to sep-arate jails in Mumbai. The DelhiPolice informed the top court thata criminal case has been lodgedagainst the jail officials under rel-evant sections of the Prevention ofCorruption Act.

A bench comprising JusticesD.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah,against the backdrop of DelhiPolice chief's report, said primafacie, it appears jail officials haveconnived with the accused; there-fore, they should be placed undersuspension.

The order was passed afterDelhi Police chief Rakesh Asthana,in his report, sought permissionfor a full-fledged criminal inves-tigation against "the person men-tioned and also against the un-known persons who are notmentioned". "We direct those of-ficials of Tihar Jail, who wereprima facie found to be complicit,will be suspended for the timebeing till the pendency of pro-ceedings," the order said.

Meanwhile, senior advocateVikas Singh, representing Chandrabrothers, urged the top court toprovide them access to forensicauditor Grant Thornton's report,which is necessary for the accusedto defend themselves.

SC directs suspensionof Tihar officials

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: The with-drawal of the Southwest monsooncommenced Wednesday and it re-ceded from some parts of WestRajasthan and adjoining Gujarat,the India Meteorolo gicalDepartment (IMD) said.

This is the second-most delayedwithdrawal of the SouthwestMonsoon since 1975. Monsoon with-drawal from northwest India in2019 started on October 9, accord-ing to R K Jenamani, senior fore-caster with the National WeatherForecasting Centre of the IMD.

The withdrawal of the SouthwestMonsoon from northwest Indiausually begins from September 17.The wind system is expected to re-treat from Delhi in three to fourdays. "In view of the establishmentof an anti-cyclonic circulation inthe lower tropospheric levels overwestern parts of northwest Indiaand substantial reduction in mois-ture content and rainfall, the with-drawal of the Southwest Monsoonhas commenced," the IMD said ina statement.

The Southwest Monsoon haswithdrawn from some parts ofWest Rajasthan and adjoiningGujarat, it said.

Southwest monsoon withdrawal begins

AGENCIES

New Delhi, Oct 6: India's securityconcerns will be the "first and fore-most" and at the"front and centre"for Washington, US DeputySecretary of State Wendy Shermansaid Wednesday on New Delhi'sapprehensions about the spilloverof ter rorist activity fromAfghanistan.

Sherman, who held talks withForeign Secretary Harsh VardhanShringla and NSA Ajit Doval, alsosaid that India and the US have"one mind and one approach" on de-velopments in Afghanistan.

Noting that the US appreciatesIndia's concerns over spread ofterrorism from Afghanistan, shetold a select group of reportersthat Washington is putting to-

gether a robust programme for"over-the-horizon" (OTH) capa-bility for Afghanistan but did notelaborate on it.

The US Deputy Secretary ofState said both India and the UShave a similar approach on theway forward in Afghanistan thatincluded the Taliban ensuring aninclusive government and thatAfghanistan must not become asafe haven for terrorists.

She also emphasised safe and or-derly travel for those who want toleave Afghanistan and called for theneed to ensure respect for humanrights. The senior US official saidthat the Taliban must act, and notjust speak words and that no coun-try is in a rush on recognising thedispensation in Kabul or givinglegitimacy to it. She said that there

was a need to help the Afghan peo-ple. Sherman arrived here onTuesday on a three-day visit.

‘US appreciates India’s concerns’Will resolve differences,says ShermanNEW DELHI: US DeputySecretary of State WendySherman Wednesday hoped thatthe US and India will be able toresolve the differences over NewDelhi's procurement of a batchof S-400 air defence missilesystems from Russia. Shermantold a group of select journaliststhat any decision on possiblesanctions on the S-400 deal willbe made by President Joe Bidenand Secretary of State AntonyBlinken. Her comments camewhile replying to a question onthe issue. Chief of Air Staff AirChief Marshal VR Chaudhary onTuesday said that the first batchof S-400 missile defence systemwill arrive in India by this year."We've been quite public aboutany country that decides to usethe S-400. We think that isdangerous and not in anybody'ssecurity interest. That said, wehave a strong partnership withIndia," Sherman said.

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: In a relief tothousands of young doctors pur-suing higher specialisation courses,the Centre Wednesday told theSupreme Court that in the interestof students, it has decided to im-plement changes in the pattern ofthe NEET-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) examination from the academicyear 2022-23.

The government indicated thatit may defer the examination for theacademic year 2021-22 by a coupleof months as they have to startthe process all over again.

The top court was hearing abatch of pleas of 41 post-graduatedoctors and others who had chal-

lenged the last-minute changesmade to the syllabus after the no-tification was issued on July 23 forthe test to be held on November

13 and 14.A bench of Justices DY

Chandrachud, Vikram Nath, andBV Nagarathna recorded the sub-

mission of Additional SolicitorGeneral Aishwarya Bhati and dis-posed of a batch of pleas of studentswho have challenged the Centre'sdecision to implement changes inthe examination pattern of NEET-Super Speciality from this year.

Bhati said, “In the interest ofthe students, who have prepared inline with the old scheme, the gov-ernment in consultation with thetwo expert bodies (National MedicalCommission (NMC) and NationalBoard of Examination (NBE)) hasdecided that this revised schemeof NEET-SS will be implementedfrom 2022”.

She said that this will mean thatthe current NEET-SS-2021 will beheld in accordance with the norms

that were there in the NEET-SS-2020. The bench recording the sub-

missions said, “The Union of Indiastates that a decision has beentaken by it in consultation withthe NMC and the NBE to the effectthat having regard to the interestof the body of students, who wouldhave commenced preparations forthe ensuing NEET-SS-2021 exam-ination before the change in the pat-tern was notified, the modified pat-tern shall be given effect to onlyfrom the academic year 2022-23”.

During the brief hearing, Bhatisaid that she wanted to allay the ap-prehension which the court hasexpressed on Tuesday about an at-tempt being made to fill privatemedical college seats.

UNITECH CASENEET SS revised exam pattern to be implemented in 2022: Centre RELIEF TO YOUNG DOCTORS

Bengal flood: Mamata writes to PM KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written toPrime Minister Narendra Modi urging for an immediate and permanentsolution to the recurring flood situation in the state. In a four-page letterwritten to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister terming the flood as "man-made" alleged that the "unplanned discharge of water from DVC dams atPanchet and Maithon has led to unprecedented deluge in many districts ofthe state". Giving a detail of releasing more than 5 lakh cusecs in a span ofthree days, the Chief Minister alleged that DVC (Damodar ValleyCorporation) authorities did not pay heed to IMD warnings of heavy rainfall,and "kept the water discharge from the dams at a low level and when therewas heavy rainfall, it discharged about 10 lakh acre-feet of water betweenSeptember 30 and October 2, which caused serious devastation in lowerDamodar region before the festive season".

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Mumbai, Oct 6: The NationalistCongress Party (NCP) allegedWednesday that the NCB's raid ona cruise ship off the Mumbaicoast on October 2 was “fake”,and no narcotic drugs were foundduring it.

The party also questioned thepresence of two persons along withthe NCB team during the raid, andalleged that one of them was a BJPmember. The BJP said in its reac-tion that had there been no evi-dence, the court would have grantedbail to Bollywood actor Shah RukhKhan's son Aryan in the case. TheNarcotics Control Bureau alsotermed the allegations as baseless.

The NCB has so far arrested 17people, including Aryan Khan, afterallegedly seizing drugs from theGoa-bound ship on Saturday. “Thedrama (the raid) was fake. Theydid not find drugs on the ship,”NCP spokesperson and MaharashtraMinorities Affairs Minister NawabMalik claimed. He also released afew videos, purportedly of the raid.

A man named 'Gosavi' who isseen escorting Aryan Khan in oneof the videos was not an NCB of-ficial, and his social media profile

states that he is a private detectivebased in Kuala Lumpur, the NCPleader alleged. Further, two menare seen escor ting ArbaazMerchant, also arrested in thecase, in another video, and one ofthem is a member of the BJP,Malik alleged.

“If these two men are not offi-cials of the NCB, then why werethey escorting two high-profilepeople (Khan and Merchant)," heasked. The man seen with Merchantwas in Gujarat on September 21-22and could be connected to theseizure of about 3,000 kilograms ofheroin at Mundra Port, Malikclaimed, asking the BJP to comeclear on this person's credentials.

"The entire NCB is being used bythe BJP to malign the Maharashtragovernment and Bollywood," hesaid, alleging that the anti-drugagency was targeting those whoare against the saffron party. Notably,Malik's son-in-law Sameer Khanhad been arrested by the NCB onJanuary 13, 2021, in an alleged drugcase. He got bail in September. In astatement, Deputy Inspector Generalof NCB Gyaneshwar Singh said"some allegations" leveled againstagency were baseless, and mighthave been made "in retaliationagainst earlier legal actions" carriedout by it. Its procedure "has been andwill continue to be professionally andlegally transparent and unbiased,"the statement said.

"Individuals named as PrabhakarSail, Kiran Gosavi, ManishBhanushali, Aubrey Gomez, AdilUsmani, V Waigankar, Aparna Rane,Prakash Bahadur, Shoib Faiz andMuzammil Ibrahim were associ-ated with NCB as independent wit-nesses (panchas), " the agency said.

Raid on cruiseship ‘fake’: NCP

P10THURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

I would like to express tothe church child sexualabuse victims mysadness and pain for thetrauma that they sufferedPOPE FRANCIS

One in seven cancer patientsaround the world missed outon potentially life-savingoperations during Covid-19lockdowns, according to astudy that used data from 65countries, including India

LOCKDOWN WOES

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PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Islamabad, Oct 6: In a surprise mil-itary shake-up, the Pakistan ArmyWednesday announced that thepowerful spy agency ISI chief LtGen Faiz Hameed has been ap-pointed as Peshawar Cor psCommander - a crucial positionin view of the Taliban's takeoverof neighbouring Afghanistan.

Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum was ap-pointed as the new Director-Generalof Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)in place of Lt Gen Hameed, whowas transferred as Peshawar CorpsCommander, said the Inter-ServicesPublic Relations (ISPR) – the mediawing of the Pakistan Army.

The ISI chief is appointed bythe Prime Minister but as part ofa tradition he executes this power

in consultation with the PakistanArmy chief.

The post of ISI chief is consid-ered one of the most importantin the Pakistan Army, which hasruled the country for more than halfof its 73 plus years of existence andhas hitherto wielded considerablepower in the matters of securityand foreign policy.

Initially, the Army said in a

statement that Lt Gen Hameedwas posted out but his replace-ment on the key post of the ISIchief was not immediately an-nounced.

Lt Gen Anjum, who belongs tothe Punjab Regiment of thePakistan Army, has served asKarachi Corps Commander as wellas the commandant of Commandand Staff College Quetta.

WHO nod to world’sfirst malaria vaccine

AGENCIES

Taipei, Oct 6: With record num-bers of military flights near Taiwanover the last week, China has beenshowing a new intensity and mil-itary sophistication as it steps upits harassment of the island itclaims as its own and asserts its ter-ritorial ambitions in the region.

China's People's Liberation Armyflew 56 planes in international air-space off the southwest coast ofTaiwan Monday, setting a newrecord and capping four days of sus-tained pressure involving 149flights. The actions came as China,with growing diplomatic and mil-itary power, faces greater push-back from countries in the regionand as Taiwan pleads for moreglobal support and recognition.

At the same time as the flights,the US stepped up naval maneuversin the Indo-Pacific with its allies,challenging Beijing's territorialclaims in critical waterways.

Taiwanese Defence MinisterChiu Kuo-cheng told legislatorsWednesday that the situation "is themost severe in the 40 years sinceI've enlisted." While most agree thatwar is not imminent, TaiwanesePresident Tsai Ing-wen warnedthat more is at stake if Beijingmakes good on past threats to seizethe island by force if necessary.

"If Taiwan were to fall, the con-sequences would be catastrophicfor regional peace and the demo-cratic alliance system,” she wrotein an impassioned op-ed in ForeignAffairs magazine published

Tuesday. “It would signal that intoday's global contest of values,authoritarianism has the upperhand over democracy."

China regularly flies militaryaircraft into Taiwan's "air defenceidentification zone," internationalairspace that Taiwan counts as abuffer in its defense strategy, al-though previous flights have usu-ally involved a handful of planesat most.

Perhaps more significant thanthe number of planes was the con-stitution of the group, with fight-ers, bombers and airborne earlywarning aircraft, said EuanGraham, a defense analyst withthe International Institute forStrategic Studies in Singapore.

Controlling Taiwan and its air-

space is key to China's militarystrategy, with the area where themost recent sorties took place alsoleading to the west Pacific and theSouth China Sea.

The latest maneuvers bring thetotal number of flights to morethan 815 as of Monday since theTaiwanese government startedpublicly releasing the numbers alittle more than a year ago.

China has been rapidly im-proving and strengthening its mil-itary, and the most recent flightsdemonstrate a greater level of tech-nical expertise and power, saidChen-Yi Tu, a researcher at theInstitute for National Defence andSecurity Research in Taiwan. It'sa marked contrast from 20, 30 yearsago, when Chinese forces couldn't

refuel in the air, or fly across thewater, said Oriana Skylar Mastro,a fellow at Freeman Spogli Institutefor International Studies at StanfordUniversity and non-resident sen-ior fel low at the AmericanEnter prise Institute in Washington, D.C.

A few days earlier, the Britishfrigate HMS Richmond transitedthrough the Taiwan Strait, an-nouncing its presence on Twitterand angering China, which con-demned the move as a "meaning-less display of presence with an in-sidious intention."

The international actions arean attempt to counter China's fre-quent claim that its own actionsare in response to American moves,and demonstrate that democraciesintend to defend established mar-itime laws and nor ms, Graham said.

"When the UK sends a shipthrough the Taiwan Strait for thefirst time since 2008 and it saileddown the median line, the point thatit's making is that they know Chinaknows where that line is,” he said.“In order for the status quo to bemeaningful, it has to be upheldand the most emphatic way to dothat is to physically demonstratewith a government asset like a warship."

Australia, which also spoke outagainst China's recent flights, lastmonth announced a deal with theUS and Britain to obtain nuclear-powered submarines, which wasseen as a strong statement itplanned to play a greater role.

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

Geneva, Oct 6: The WorldMeteorological Organisation(WMO), a specialised agency ofthe United Nations (UN), haswarned that climate change in-creases the global risk of water-related hazards like floods anddroughts, and the number of peo-ple affected by water scarcity isalso expected to soar.

In its new report entitled "TheState of Climate Services 2021:Water," the WMO said Tuesdaythat 3.6 billion people globallyhad inadequate access to water atleast one month per year in 2018,and by 2050 this number is ex-pected to exceed five billion,Xinhua news agency reported.

The WMO's data show thatwater-related hazards have in-creased in frequency over the

past 20 years. Since 2000, flood-re-lated disasters have risen by 134per cent compared with the two

previous decades, while duringthe same period the number andduration of droughts also in-c re a s e d by 29 per cent.

Most drought-re-lated deaths oc-curred in Africa,indicating a needfor stronger end-to-end warnings y s t e m s fo rdrought in that re-gion. Most of theflood-related deaths andeconomic losses were recorded inAsia, while Africa was hit themost by drought-related deaths.

"Increasing temperatures areresulting in global and regionalprecipitation changes, leading

to shifts in rainfall patterns andagricultural seasons, with a major

impact on food security andhuman health and well-

b e i n g , " s ay s W M OSecretary-General

Petteri Taalas.Last year saw a

continuation of ex-treme water-relatedevents, which dis-

placed millions ofpeople and killed hun-dreds across Asia,

while in Africa morethan two billion people still livein water-stressed countries andsuffer lack of access to safe drink-ing water and sanitation, ac-cording to the WMO chief.

Underlining the important role

of water resources managementin reducing water-related disas-ters, the WMO recommends thatcountries, especially small is-land developing states and leastdeveloped countries, increase in-vestment in integrated water re-sources management and indrought and flood early warningsystems.

The WMO also urges countriesto fill the capacity gap in col-lecting data for basic hydrologi-cal variables, which underpinclimate services and early warn-ing systems, and national levelstakeholders to co-develop andoperationalise climate serviceswith information users to betters u p p o r t a d ap t at i o n i n t h e water sector.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Geneva, Oct 6: The World HealthOrg anization (WHO) saidWednesday the only approved vac-cine against malaria should bewidely given to children in Africa,potentially marking a major advance against a disease that killshundreds of thousands of peopleannually.

The decision followed a reviewof a pilot programme deployedsince 2019 in Ghana, Kenya andMalawi where more than two mil-lion doses were given of the vaccine,first made by the pharmaceuticalcompany GSK in 1987. After re-viewing evidence from those coun-tries, WHO said it was "recom-mending the broad use of theworld's first malaria vaccine", theagency's director general TedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The WHO said in a statementit was recommending the wide-spread application of the vaccineamong children in sub-SaharanAfrica and in other regions withm o d e r at e t o h i g h m a l a r i a transmission.

Many vaccines exists againstviruses and bacteria but this wasthe first time that the WHO rec-ommended for broad use a vac-cine against a human parasite.

"From a scientific perspectivethis is a massive breakthrough," saidPedro Alonso, Director of the WHOGlobal Malaria Programme.

The vaccine acts against plas-modium falciparum -- one of fiveparasite species and the most deadly.

Malaria symptoms include fever,headaches and muscle pain, thencycles of chills, fever and sweating.Every two minutes, a child dies ofmalaria, according to the WorldHealth Organization.

Before the newly recommendedvaccine can reach African chil-dren, the next step will be fund-ing. "That will be the next majorstep... Then we will be set up for scal-ing of doses and decisions aboutwhere the vaccine will be mostuseful and how it will be deployed,"said Kate O'Brien, Director ofWHO's De par tment ofImmunization, Vaccines andBiologicals.

America’s stillthe largesteconomy in the

world, we still havethe most productiveworkers and themost innovativeminds in the world, but we're at riskof losing our edge as a nation

JOE BIDEN | US PRESIDENT

of theday uote

The world isone millimetreaway from a

deal on globalcorporate taxes andan agreement couldbe signed inWashington next week or at the G20

BRUNO LE MAIRE | FRENCH FINANCE MINISTER

I urge theUnited Nationsand the world

community to act tostop thehumanitariancatastrophe that'sabout to happen in the middle of Europe

SVIATLANA TSIKHANOUSKAYA |BELARUS' EXILED OPPOSITION LEADER

Student opens fireat Texas high schoolArlington (Texas): A studentopened fire inside a Dallas-area high school during afight, injuring four peoplebefore he fled, authorities saidWednesday. The shootinghappened at Timberview HighSchool in Arlington, which ispart of the Dallas-Fort Worthmetropolitan area. Twopeople were shot and twoothers had unspecifiedinjuries, Arlington AssistantPolice Chief Kevin Kolbye saidat a news conference.

New strategictransmission lineKathmandu: With the Indiansoft loan, Nepal hasconstructed a 220 KV DoubleCircuit Koshi Corridor powertransmission in eastern Nepaland handed over to NepalElectricity Authority, a semi-autonomous body to overseethe power generation anddistribution in Nepal. With theconstruction of the newstrategic transmission line, Nepal can evacuatepower up to 2000 mw, saidofficials, which will also easepower evacuation anddistribution in eastern Nepal.The strategic power corridorwas built with the soft loan ofIndia's Exim Bank.

Taliban arrest 4 IS militants Kabul: The Taliban arrestedfour members of the rivalmilitant Islamic State groupnorth of the Afghan capital,their spokesman saidWednesday, and witnessessaid two Taliban fighterswere shot and killed in thecountry's east, raising thespecter of a wideningconflict. ZabihullahMujahid, the Talibanspokesman, said anoperation was carried outTuesday night by the Talibanin Kabul province in whichdocuments and weaponswere seized. He provided noadditional details.

FB’s confessionLondon: The global outagethat knocked Facebook and itsother platforms offline forhours was caused by an errorduring routine maintenance,the company said. SantoshJanardhan, Facebook's vicepresident of infrastructure,said in a blog post thatFacebook, Instagram andWhatsApp going dark was“caused not by maliciousactivity, but an error of ourown making." The problemoccurred as engineers werecarrying out day to day workon Facebook's globalbackbone network; thecomputers, routers andsoftware in its data centersaround the world along withthe fiber-optic cablesconnecting them.

SHORT TAKES

UN agency warns of looming global water crisis

LARGE CROWD

Thesituation is

worsening by thefact that only 0.5

per cent of water on theEarth is useable

WORLD METEOROLOGICALORGANISATION

WAKE-UP CALL

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Vatican City, Oct 6: A Vaticantribunal absolved a former altar boyof charges that he molested ayounger boy in the Vatican's youthseminary, ruling Wednesday in thefirst clergy sexual abuse trial tobe heard by the pope 's criminal court.

The three-judge panel acquit-ted Rev. Gabriele Martinelli ofsome charges and ruled otherscouldn't be punished or allegedlyoccurred too long ago. The formerrector of the seminary, the Rev.Enrico Radice, was similarly ab-solved.

In a statement, the tribunal saidit had essentially confirmed thatthere had been a sexual relationshipbetween Martinelli and the allegedvictim, L.G., but no proof that L.G.,who was just seven months younger,had been forced into it.

The case concerned the closedworld of the St. Pius X youth sem-inary, a palazzo inside the Vaticanwalls just across the street fromwhere Pope Francis lives. The sem-inary is used as a residence forboys aged 12 to 18, who serve as altarboys at papal Masses in St. Peter'sBasilica.

The scandal over alleged abusein the residence erupted in 2017when former altar boys went pub-lic with allegations of misconductby Martinelli and cover-up by theseminary superiors.

Vatican courtabsolves formeraltar boy in sexabuse trial

China-Taiwan tensions intensifyTop diplomatic advisers to Biden and Xi met for talks Wednesday in Switzerland as the US

looks to improve communications at a time of rising tensions between the global powers

Chinese Air Force personnel march past a J10C fighter and JH-7A2 fighter-bomber during 13th China International Aviation and AerospaceExhibition, on Sept. 29 in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province.China has stepped up its military flights near Taiwan recently AP PHOTO

Pak army replaces ISI chief in surprise reshuffle

People gather outside a government passport office recently re-opened after Taliban announced they would be issuing a backlog of applications approved bythe previous administration in Kabul, Afghanistan PTI PHOTO

WHO decision followed a review of a

pilot programmedeployed since 2019 in

Ghana, Kenya andMalawi where more

than two million doseswere given

malaria vaccine

After ban onChinese fertiliser,SL turns to IndiaINDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

Colombo, Oct 6: Following theban on importing organic fertiliserfrom China after detecting harm-ful bacteria, Sri Lanka will importit from India instead.

Last month, Sri Lanka cancelledthe plans to import 99,000 metrictonnes of organic fertiliser at a costof $63 million from China's QingdaoSeawin Biotech Group Co Ltd.

Ag riculture MinisterMahindananda Aluthgamage saidin Parliament on Tuesday that lab-oratory tests conducted on the or-ganic fertiliser samples sent fromIndia have confirmed that theywere suitable for the use in SriLanka. Responding to an oppositionquestion raised on the ongoing fer-tiliser crisis, he said the NationalPlant Quarantine Service had ap-proved the fertiliser from India.

"If there is a delay, a decisionhas been reached to import thenano-nitrogen fertilizer from Indiausing air freight," Aluthgamagesaid. The opposition had ques-tioned the Minister as to how thegovernment was going to solve theproblem of farmers who are wait-ing for fertiliser to start the majorcultivation season.

The government had to drop theplans to import the Chinese or-ganic fertiliser after scientists, ac-tivists, and political parties stronglyobjected the move following thedetection of a harmful microor-ganism identified as 'Erwinia'September 17.

Representational image

P11

businessTHURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

At this stage, we arevery close to arriving

at something in terms ofthe specifics of the two-pillarproposition. We already had aconversation and agreed to aframework... We are in the laststages of finalising the detailsNIRMALA SITHARAMAN | FINANCE MINISTER

Xiaomi India Wednesday announced that it hassold over 20 lakh smartphones in 5 days of thefestive sale across channels. In the premiumsegment, Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G, and Mi 11XSeries received maximum demand, followed byRedmi Note 10S and Redmi Note 10 Pro, andRedmi 9 Series in the mid value segment

XIAOMI SELLS 20L PHONES IN 5 DAYS

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G20 hasretained itsrelevance...It's

relevance is onlybound to grow.Because 2023 will bethe year when mosteconomies will hopefully be goingahead of the pre-COVID level andbringing prosperity to us

RAJIV KUMAR | VC, NITI AAYOG

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Globally,equities tankedas risk

sentiment souredamid growingworries over increasein government bondyield, rising inflation and soaringenergy prices to multi-year highs

SIDDHARTHA KHEMKA | MOTILAL OSWAL

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Steel in India atpresent is inthe range of

`50,000-Rs 55,000 atonne. Shortage ofcoal has led to anincrease in its pricesthat will have an impact on steelwhich may also go up due to thisunprecedented rise

V R SHARMA | MD, JSPL

Cleanliness drive byTPWODL membersBurla: On Gandhi Jayanti, theemployees of TPDOWLorganized a cleanliness driveat a picnic spot to Zero Pointwith the aim to spreadcleanliness at places of publicinterest and its vicinity. A totalof 37 employees took part inthe drive with full dedicationand enthusiasm. Approximately75 full bags of waste wascollected and safely disposed.This initiative was the first ofits kind at TPDOWL as a part ofits Corporate SocialResponsibility and would befollowed by many similarinitiatives in future.

Visa launches CoFtokenisation serviceNew Delhi: Digital paymentsfirm Visa Wednesday launchedCard-on-File (CoF) tokenizationservices in India in line withthe recently issued guidelinesby the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) to secure customers’financial data. Visa’s cardtokenisation service iscurrently available withecommerce platforms such asGrofers, Bigbasket andMakeMyTrip. “Having launchedCoF tokenization services inover 130 countries globally, weare confident of thetechnology’s ability to build asafe, secure and seamlessenvironment for digitalpayments,” said TRRamachandran, Group CountryManager, India and South Asia.

Honda Cars rollsout festive offersNew Delhi: Honda Cars IndiaWednesday said it has rolledout festive offers, ranging upto `53,500, on its entire modelline-up till the end of thismonth. With the onset of theauspicious period of ‘Navratri’,customers can avail a host ofattractive offers whilepurchasing Honda cars acrossall authorised companydealerships till October 31,2021. The company is offeringfestive offers worth `53,500 onthe 5th Generation City, up to`22,000 on 4th Generation City,up to `18,000 on Amaze, up to`40,100 on WR-V and up to`45,900 on Jazz, it added.

Tata Steel’s outputgrows 7% in Jul-SepNew Delhi: Tata SteelWednesday reported a 7 percent rise in consolidated steeloutput to 7.78 million tonnes(MT) for the July-Septemberperiod this year. The company’sconsolidated steel productionwas 7.25 MT in the same periodlast year, Tata Steel said in astatement. Tata Steel’sconsolidated sales during thequarter under review fellaround 6 per cent to 7.4 MT,from 7.87 MT in the sameperiod of the preceding fiscal.

SHORT TAKES

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Riyadh, Oct 6: Saudi Arabia’s oilcompany Aramco reached a $2 tril-lion valuation as it hit near recordlevels Wednesday during tradinghours. It comes as crude oil pricesclimb to over $82 a barrel, the high-est in seven years.

Aramco was trading at around37.6 riyals a share, or a few centsover $10 a share, by middayWednesday before dipping to 37.2riyals a share, or around $9.92 ashare. It remains to be seenwhether it can hold this rally untiltrading closes.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed

bin Salman was the architect be-hind the effort to publicly list asliver of Aramco in late 2019, tout-ing it as a way to raise capital forthe kingdom’s sovereign wealthfund to then develop new citiesand mega-projects across the coun-try that create needed private sec-tor jobs for young Saudis. Thecrown prince has long sought themammoth $2 trillion valuationfor Aramco.

Despite fluctuations in Aramco’syearly earnings, the company hasstuck to its promise to pay an an-nual dividend of $75 billion until2024 to shareholders, the biggest ofwhich is the government.

The oil carter and other alliedmajor oil producers this weekare maintaining a gradual ap-proach to restoring productionlevels that had been slashed dur-ing the pandemic, agreeing toadd only 400,000 barrels per dayin November.

Aramco raked in a net incomeof around $47 billion in the firsthalf of 2021, double what it earnedover the same period last yearwhen the coronavirus groundedtravel and pummeled global de-mand for oil. This put Aramcoback squarely where it was be-fore the pandemic struck andsunk earnings.

Saudi Aramco hits $2tn valuation on back of higher oil pricesDEMAND FOR ENERGY IS PICKING UP, DESPITE THE ONGOING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC’S CONTINUED TOLL ON TRAVEL AND OTHER KEY GAS-GUZZLING SECTORS

Its market cap value putsAramco just behind Microsoft

and Apple as the world’s mostvaluable company

Demand for oil is forecast tohit 99 million barrels per

day by the end of the year, anda little over 100 million per daynext year

Aramco is mostly owned bythe government of Saudi

Arabia, with just under 2% ofthe company publicly listed onthe Saudi Tadawul stockexchange

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

New Delhi, Oct 6: Leading cryptoplatfor m CoinSwitch KuberWednesday said it has raised over$260 million in its Series C fundinground from Andreessen Horowitz(a16z), Coinbase Ventures and ex-isting investors, and will scale itsIndia operations, including hiringacross verticals.

With more than 10 million users,

CoinSwitch Kuber has become anew unicorn, and the most valuablecrypto company in India valuedat $1.9 billion.

“We wanted to remove all thecomplexities in crypto trading, ed-ucate consumers and give them asimplified experience of one-clickbuy and sell in crypto,” said co-founder and CEO Ashish Singhal.

With CoinSwitch Kuber,American venture capital form

a16z is making its first investmentin an Indian start-up. Existing in-vestors Paradigm, Ribbit Capital,Sequoia Capital India, and Tiger

Global also participated in the newfunding round. The company saidthat it plans to design ways of sim-plifying the investment journeyof Indians, and, in the process,offer multiple avenues of invest-ment for them through differentproducts and asset classes.

“We are incredibly excited aboutthe crypto market opportunity inIndia, and with its breakout growth,CoinSwitch has emerged as the

leading retail platform in the coun-try,” said Andreessen HorowitzGeneral Partner David George.

Started in 2017 by Singhal,Govind Soni and Vimal Sagar,CoinSwitch launched its India op-erations in June 2020. The Indiancryptocurrency market has beengrowing exponentially and is ex-pected to reach up to $241 millionby 2030 in India and $2.3 billion by2026 worldwide.

CoinSwitch Kuber becomes second Crypto unicornCoinSwitch Kuber said it will utilise the funds for onboarding 50 million Indians on its platform and introduce new crypto products

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: The UnionCabinet Wednesday approved thesetting up of 7 Mega IntegratedTextile Region and Apparel parksincluding one in Odisha with atotal outlay of `4,445 crore for fiveyears to position India strongly onthe global textiles map.

Mega Integrated Textile Regionand Apparel (PM MITRA) parkswere announced in the UnionBudget for 2021-22. The parks willbe set up at greenfield or brown-field sites located in different will-ing states.

Proposals of state governmentshaving ready availability of con-tiguous and encumbrance-free landparcels of 1,000 plus acres along withother textiles related facilitiesecosystem are welcome, said an

official release. Giving details about the deci-

sion taken at the Cabinet meeting,

Textiles Minister Piyush Goyalsaid 10 states have already showninterest in setting up the parks.The states are Tamil Nadu, Punjab,Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,Rajasthan, Assam, MadhyaPradesh, and Telangana.

Maximum Development CapitalSupport (DCS) of `500 crore to allgreenfield parks and a maximumof`200 crore to brownfield ones willbe provided for the developmentof common infrastructure (30 percent of the project cost). Also,`300 crore of CompetitivenessIncentive Support (CIS) will beprovided to each park for the earlyestablishment of textiles manu-facturing units.

The release further said theparks will be developed by a spe-cial purpose vehicle (SPV), whichwill be owned by the state gov-ernment and the central govern-ment in a public-private partner-ship (PPP) mode.

The Master Developer will notonly develop the Industrial Parkbut also maintain it during theconcession period. Selection ofthis Master Developer will hap-pen based on objective criteria de-veloped jointly by State andCentral Governments, the re-lease said.

This will enhance the competi-tiveness of the textiles industry, byhelping it in achieving economiesof scale and will create huge jobopportunities for millions of people,the release said. Leveragingeconomies of scale, the scheme willhelp Indian companies to emerge asglobal champions, it added.

PM MITRA SCHEME

Govt okays 7 textile parks; one in state

The scheme aims to establish holistic integrated textile processing regions across thecountry, which would integrate the currently scattered value chain of textile products

Atotal outlay of `4,445 crorefor five years has been

allotted to position Indiastrongly on the global textiles map

Textiles Minister Piyush Goyalsaid the parks will create

direct employment for 7 lakhpeople and indirect employmentfor 14 lakh

The parks will offer anopportunity to create an

integrated textiles value chainright from spinning, weaving,processing, dyeing and printingto garment manufacturing atone location

Under PM MITRA, 50 per centarea will be developed for

pure manufacturing activity, 20per cent area for utilities, and10 per cent of the area forcommercial development

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: The Departmentof Telecom has slashed perform-ance and financial bank guaranteerequirement of telecom operatorsby 80 per cent, according to a licenceamendment note issued Wednesday.

Under the amended norms, tele-com operators will be required toprovide a performance bank guar-antee of up to`44 crore for each serv-ice for the telecom licence com-pared to`220 crore mandated underthe old rule.

Telecom operators will need toprovide a financial bank guaran-tee of maximum `8.8 crore per cir-cle now, against the previous re-quirement of `44 crore.

The rule will not be applicable

in cases where bank guarantees(BG) have been furnished due to anycourt order or are subject to any lit-igation, the licence amendmentnote said.

The rules will not apply to tele-com operators, who are currentlygoing through the liquidationprocess. The move will unblock the cash of telecom oper-ators that they keep with banksto furnish BGs.

Bank guarantee fortelcos slashed by 80%

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: Moody’s InvestorsService Wednesday raised the rat-ing outlook for 18 Indian corpo-rates and banks, including RelianceIndustries, Infosys, SBI and AxisBank, to ‘stable’ from ‘negative’.

This follows the upgrade by theUS-based rating agency in India’ssovereign rating outlook to ‘sta-ble’ from ‘negative’ Tuesday. Theagency had affirmed the sovereignrating at ‘Baa3’.

The nine companies whose rat-ing outlook has been revised up-wards are RIL, TCS, Infosys, ONGC,Petronet LNG Ltd, UltraTech

Cement, Oil India, Indian OilCorporation and HindustanPetroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).

The agency also affirmed therating on privatisation-boundBharat Petroleum Corporation

(BPCL), but maintained the ‘neg-ative’ outlook.

The nine banks whose outlookhas been revised to ‘stable’ are SBI,Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, CanaraBank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank,

ICICI Bank, PNB, Union Bank andEXIM Bank.

Also, the rating outlook has beenrevised to ‘stable’ from ‘negative’on 10 Indian infrastructure issuers,including NTPC, NHAI, PGCIL,Gail, Adani Transmission andAdani Ports and Special EconomicZone Limited (APSEZ).

Moody’s raises ratings for 18 firms, banksPRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, Oct 6: The UnionRoad Transport and HighwaysMinistry Wednesday said the statesand union territories (UTs) will pro-vide up to 25 per cent rebate on roadtax for vehicles that are purchasedafter scrapping old vehicles underthe new National AutomobileScrappage Policy.

“As an incentive for scrapping,concession is stipulated in themotor vehicle tax for a vehicleregistered against submission ofCertificate of Deposit, which isissued by a Registered VehicleScrapping Facility. This conces-sion is up to 25 per cent, in case of

non-transport (personal) vehicles,and up to 15 per cent, in case oftransport (commercial) vehicles,”said the ministry in a press note.

The press note further said theconcession shall be available up toeight years, in case of transport ve-hicles, and up to 15 years, in caseof non-transport vehicles.

The road transport and high-ways ministry in a notificationsaid that these new rules may becalled the Central Motor Vehicles(Twenty fourth Amendment) Rules,2021, and they shall come intoforce with effect from April 1, 2022.

25% road tax cut for vehicles

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

New Delhi, Oct 6: As India re-opens, the enterprise spending onbusiness process outsourcing (BPO)services in India is set to grow ata compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of 5.8 per cent to reach$8.8 billion by 2025, driven by hugepush for outsourcing knowledge-based and vertical-specificprocesses, a new report showedWednesday.

According to GlobalData, a lead-ing data and analytics company,the BPO market in India is nowsupported by the country’s effortsto liberalise regulatory guidelinesfor the BPO industry in recenttimes to ward off competition fromcountries like the Philippines,Malaysia, Mexico, and Canada.

In June this year, the govern-ment liberalised guidelines forvoice-based BPO firms (classifiedunder other service providers(OSP)) by removing distinction be-tween domestic and internationalservice centres and allowing in-terconnectivity between all typesof OSP centres.

Besides, providing ease of workfor their employees who relocatedto remote areas after the pandemicand enabling them to work fromanywhere will also help BPO firmsto improve scale and speed of serv-ices.

In November 2020, the govern-ment had simplified BPO and ITESguidelines to ease the complianceburden on service providers and es-tablish the 'Work-From-Home' and'Work-From-Anywhere' framework.

The new guidelines will go along way in enabling ease of doingbusiness for the industry and es-tablishing the country as the mostpreferred hub for BPO services inthe world, said Tarasia.

Enterprise spending on financeand accounting BPO segment, onthe other hand, will grow at a fastestCAGR 9.6 per cent during the fore-cast period.

LIBERALISED REGIME

BIZ

BUZZ

Benz posts nearly 100%domestic sales growth MUMBAI: German premiumcar maker Mercedes-BenzWednesday reported nearly100 per cent growth in salesat 4,101 units in the domesticmarket in September of thecurrent year. Mercedes-Benz India had sold 2,058 cars in theIndian market in the July-September period of 2020. With thisrobust Q3 sales performance, Mercedes-Benz India sold 8,958units in the January-September 2021 period, a growth of 78per cent over 5,007 units sold in the same period last year,backed by a completely new product portfolio and resurgentcustomer sentiment, the company said.

Godrej enters baby care unitNEW DELHI: Leading FMCG major Godrej ConsumerProducts Ltd (GCPL) has made a foray into the babycare segment by launching a premium range of certi-fied products made from organic ingredients underbrand ‘goodnessme’. “The company is targeting therapidly growing online baby care market, which isestimated to be around `500 crore,” said GCPL CEOSunil Kataria. Goodnessme,an organic baby care brand,will be a digital native brandand the company is takingthe direct-to-consumerroute through its brand’swebsite along with onlinestores of its several e-commerce channel partners.

Stabilization in assetquality and improvedcapital are the main drivers of this ratingaction, Moody’s said

DPIIT NOTIFIES 100% FDI IN TELECOM

The government Tuesday notified its decision to permit 100 per cent FDI underautomatic route in the telecom services sector. In a press note, the

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said foreigninvestment in telecom services will be subject to the condition of Press Note 3 of2020. Accordingly, cases requiring prior government approval under the provi-sions of Press Note 3 will continue to be in place. As per the Press Note 3, an enti-ty of a country, which shares a land border with India or where the beneficialowner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such coun-try, can invest only under the government route.

SCRAPPAGE POLICY

BPO market to hit$8.8bn by 2025

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

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P12THURSDAY | OCTOBER 7 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Lausanne, Oct 6: India swept theInternational Hockey Federation’s(FIH) annual awards on Wednesday,claiming all the top honours basedon a voting system which was lam-basted as a “failure” by men’sOlympic champions Belgium,prompting the FIH to say that itwould try to figure why some as-sociations did not cast their ballot.

The men’s hockey team had wona bronze, its first in 41 years, in theTokyo Olympics, while the women’sside had finished an unprecedentedfourth in the showpiece.

Harmanpreet Singh won the

men’s ‘Player of the Year’ award andGurjit Kaur was recognised as thebest player in the women’s section.Veteran PR Sreejesh and SavitaPunia won the best goalkeeperawards in the men’s and women’ssection, while young strikerSharmila Devi (women) and VivekSagar Prasad (men) were adjudgedbest rising stars.

Men’s team coach Graham Reidand women’s coach Sjoerd Marijnewere also voted the best. WhileReid is still with the team, Marijne’stenure ended after the Tokyo Games.

Hockey Belgium reacted sharplyto the announcement of the win-ners and questioned the process as

none of their Tokyo Games cham-pions managed to win an award.

Votes from NationalAssociations – represented bytheir respective national captainsand coaches – accounted for 50per cent of the overall result, whilefans and players (25 per cent) aswell as media (25 per cent) madethe other half of the votes.

It is to be noted that only 19 as-sociations from the 42-strongEuropean bloc cast their votes,compared to 29 out of 33 in Asia.

“Hockey Belgium is very dis-appointed with the outcome of@FIH_Hockey Star Awards. Agold winning team with multi-

ple nominees in all categoriesbut doesn’t win a single awarddemonstrates failure of the vot-ing system. We will work withFIH to ensure a fairer system inthe future,” the Belgian associa-tion tweeted.

The sentiment was shared bythe team’s official handle as well.“We fully agree! This is not normal!The credibility and image of oursport is once again facing hardtimes. It’s a pitty (sic) @FIH,” statedthe Red Lions.

Following Belgium’s objection,FIH issued a statement to clarify itsstand and promised a review ifnecessary.

BELGIUM EXPRESS DISPLEASURE AFTER INDIAN HOCKEY TEAMS’ MEMBERS WIN IT ALL AT FIH AWARDS

Clean sweep for IndiaLIST OF WINNERS (MEN)

HARMANPREET SINGHPlayer of the Year

PR SREEJESHGoalkeeper of the Year

VIVEK SAGAR PRASADRising Star of the Year

GRAHAM REIDCoach of the Year

GURJIT KAURPlayer of the Year

SAVITA PUNIAGoalkeeper of the Year

SHARMILA DEVIRising Star of the Year

SJOERD MARIJNECoach of the Year

LIST OF WINNERS (WOMEN)

Anshu createshistory at WorldChampionshipsPRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Oslo (Norway), Oct 6: AnshuMalik Wednesday created historyby becoming the first Indian womanwrestler to reach the WorldChampionship final when she out-classed junior European cham-pion Solomiia Vynnyk but SaritaMor lost her semifinal and willfight for a bronze here.

The 19-year-old Anshu, the reign-ing Asian champion, controlledthe semifinal from the beginningand won by technical superiorityin the 57kg category to go into his-tory books.

Only four Indian womenwrestlers have won medals at theWorlds and all of them – GeetaPhogat (2012), Babita Phogat (2012),Pooja Dhanda (2018) and VineshPhogat (2019) – have clinched bronze.

Anshu also became only thesixth Indian ever to make the Worldsgold medal match after BishambarSingh (1967), Sushil Kumar (2010),Amit Dahiya (2013), Bajrang Punia(2018) and Deepak Punia (2019).

India has only one worldChampion in Sushil till date andAnshu can create another historyThursday. Anshu’s win also en-sured India’s first medal from thisedition of the event.

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Abu Dhabi , Oct 6 : RoyalChallengers Bangalore made amess of their run chase as bottom-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad dentedtheir hopes of a top-two finish witha narrow four-run win in a last-over IPL thriller, here Wednesday.

After putting on board a modest141/7, SRH returned to limit RCBto 137/6 for only their third winin the league. Chasing the total,Devdutt Padikkal (41) and GlennMaxwell (40) scored bulk of theruns but RCB kept losing wicketsand faltered in the end.

Defending 18 off last two overs,Jason Holder bowled a superb over,giving away just five runs for onewicket. AB de Villiers smashed asix in the fourth ball of the final overbowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar butcouldn’t take the team home asthe South African could not pull offa six the team needed in the last ball.

Earlier, opener Jason Roy (44)shared a 58-ball 70 run stand withskipper Kane Williamson (31) toset the platform but SRH lost threequick wickets for two runs in sevenballs to eventually end up with abelow-par total.

RCB were dealt an early blowin their chase when Bhuvneshwartrapped Virat Kohli in the firstover. The decision to promote DanChristian at No.3 also didn’t workas he was deceived by a slower de-livery by Siddarth Kaul.

At 18/2, Srikar Bharat joinedhands with Padikkal and producedtwo handsome shots for a six anda four to take RCB to 37/2 in sixovers. New pace sensation UmranMalik then struck in his fifth de-livery, removing Bharat as RCBslipped to 38/3.

New-man in Maxwell made hisintent clear, clobbering RashidKhan for a maximum. He repeatedthe treatment again, sending theAfghan spinner over long-on andthen sweeping him for another four.

But with Malik clocking 150kmplus consistently, RCB decided totarget the other bowlers. However,a poor call by Padikkal ended withMaxwell being runout, while the for-

mer too was caught at the bound-ary line as RCB further slumped to109/4 in 16.5 overs.

Needing 29 off 18 balls, ShahbazAhmed smashed two fours to bringthe equation down before being dis-missed by Holder in the 19th over.

For RCB, Harshal Patel (3/33)and Christian (2/14) did the max-imum damage after skipper Kohliopted to bowl. Spin duo ofYuzvendra Chahal (1/27) andAhmed (0/21) kept things in check,while George Garton conceded 29runs in two overs for his one wicket.

BRIEF SCORES: SRH 141/7(Jason Roy 44, Kane Williamson31; Harshal Patel 3/33, Dan Christian2/14) beat RCB 137/6 (DevduttPadikkal 41, Glenn Maxwell 40;Umran Malik 1/21) by 4 runs.

SRH dent RCB’s bidto get top-two finish

TODAY’S MATCHES

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PBKSCSK v

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a brilliant final over against RCB