Banyan, Sal Species To Neutralize Air Pollution In Angul-Talcher Area In Odisha

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The time has come, or one can say it is overdue, that a green belt has to be set up around Angul-Talcher region of Odisha, which is one of the most polluted in India. The people of this region are subjected to air, water, sound and land pollution due to heavy industrialization. A green strategy by planting multi-tolerant species like Banyan, Neem, Mango, Sal and other eco-friendly plants will considerably reduce pollutants which cause contamination by floating in the air, environmentalists opined. No one will deny that over a dozen of open cast mines, thermal power plants and ancillary industries have destroyed the ecological balance in Angul-Talcher industrial belt over the years. The pace of industrialization in Angul-Talcher region is increasing day by day and so the pace of environmental pollution goes up matching with this phenomenon. Studies have revealed that the air of the region is filled with heavy metals and radio active elements that are dangerous for human beings. Environmentalists are of the opinion that the need of the hour is to grow as many ecofriendly plants as possible and this process has to be done scientifically. They said the green strategy formula introduced in cities like Bhubaneswar and Rourkela has shown positive response to counter environmental contamination. The multi-tolerant species have shown high degree of absorption capacity to neutralize toxic effects in the air.

Species Suitable For Angul-Talcher:

1.Neem saplings are ideal to be planted in buffer zones for green cover. The buffer zones are between industries and human habitation.

2.Mango trees, apart from giving fruits, provide wider canopy which are suitable for birds to build their nests. This helps to boost biodiversity in the region.

3.Banyan trees and Peepal trees are also suitable for increasing biodiversity which release of oxygen day in and day out.

4.Sal trees are naturally grown in Angul district in Odisha. Theses species are proved to be the best among those which act as pollution repellants. But, unfortunately, Sal forests are denuded due to extensive mining operation in Angul-Talcher and Chhendipada regions in the state.

5. Jamun species are fast-growing as well as fruit bearing and widely acknowledged as for their medicinal value and air purification capabilities.

6. Karanja is also known as high tolerant tree and suitable for industrial areas to contain high pollution impact.

Green Cover Strategy:

The strategy should be carried out to plant saplings in close proximity to opencast coal mines and thermal power plants in Angul-Talcher area. The saplings must be Sal and Banyan for high absorption of pollutants floating in the ambient atmosphere. Mixed species like Mango, Peepal can be opted for colonies and residential areas as well as parks for purifying air quality. Due attention must be given to protect biodiversity by planting species which are known to have wide canopy to be used as nests for birds. However, the strategy to counter contamination effectively rests on proper participation of different stakeholders in the region such as local communities, non-government organizations, academic institutions and the industries.

Sal Forest Dwindling:

Extensive mining operation in Angul-Talcher-Chhendipada region has almost wiped out Sal species which have high tolerance to air pollution. Social activists working in the region have alleged that as many as one lakh Sal trees have been chopped off to make way for open cast coal mines in Chhendipada area. The region will witness over a dozen coal mines denuding large tracts of lush green Sal forest and displacing hundreds of thousands of families from their homestead land. The widely advertised slogan 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (One tree in honour of mother) by the government has come in for criticism following widespread felling of Sal trees from reserved forest areas in Chhendipada forest range for handing over the land to mining barons.

Elephant-Man Conflict: Satkosia Villagers' Livelihood At Stake, Angul Wildlife Division Never Cares!

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The killing of elephants either by electrocution, booby traps or by poachers have always attracted media attention, but damage to livelihood of villagers in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Angul district of Odisha gets little amount of space in the mainstream media in these days. This mindset amply reflects the apathetic attitude of the press towards the villagers of Satkosia who are victims of Elephant-Man conflict. The Wildlife Division is also not left behind either. It has its share in this matter too. Top brasses of Angul Wildlife Division are also allegedly indifferent towards the miseries of people living in 28 villages in Tainsi-Kothabhuin region. Gross ecological mismanagement of Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary has triggered Elephant-Man conflict in the region. Several acres of mango orchards in Kothabhuin grampanchayat under Pampasar forest range in Satkosia Wildlife Division have been devastated by elephants.

Herds of jumbos have destroyed mango orchards and other vegetation in Laimunda, Olaberi, Nuapada, Hinjagola and Baragotha villages in Satkosia. Mohan Pradhan and Dhruba Charan Behera said they have requested Divisional Forerst Officer(DFO), Angul Wildlife Division, for taking measures to drive away the elephants from their villages as they fear for their lives. But, no action has been taken so far by the wildlife division to provide them relief, they alleged. The villagers alleged that night patrolling was rarely done in most parts of Satkosia division. Pradhan and Behera said the elephants have not only ravaged their orchards, but broken down the economic backbone of the villagers who earn good amount by selling mangoes to businessmen from West Bengal , Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states in this season. The traders from the above mentioned places make a beeline to buy fruits grown in natural environs of Satkosia forest. The mangoes fetch good price in metropolitan cities of India for their taste, the villagers of Laimuda said. Aggrieved villagers of Kothabhuin panchayat said elephants have not only ravaged their orchards but also deprived them of their main source of income. We have to live in utter penury again, they added with dejection.    

Why Jumbos Destroy Mango Orchards?

Environmentalists and nature lovers alleged that there is little food left for the world's largest animal and said this trend is going on over decades in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary. They said the wildlife habitat has undergone a substantial ecological change and added that the local forest wing has undermined the importance of bamboo reserves.

Shortage of bamboo in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, the staple food of elephants, has raised concern among environmentalists   

Bamboo shoots are the most favourite food of the pachyderms, but these are now alien to Satkosia wildlife Division. Several years ago the region was home to lush green bamboo forest, but in the present day a visitor to the wildlife sanctuary rarely finds a patch of bamboo plants in the sanctuary. The forest department is allegedly concentrating more on plantation of teak which is commercially profitable. The second reason is destruction of elephant corridors. The elephants, by nature are migratory, and therefore, they require forests with connected routes to move around for food and mating. The development projects like four-lane drives, dams, canals and high-tension electric towers have snapped the corridors preventing the movement of jumbos from one forest to another. Therefore, the pachyderms have no choice but to force their way to human settlements in search of food, setting the stage for elephant-man tussle in the region.

Jumbo-Man Coexistence Possible?

Recently two elephants were electrocuted in Angul district raising serious doubt over their protection by the wildlife division. While one elephant died in Bantala forest range jurisdiction, the other one was electrocuted at Dangapal village in Chhendipada range. Forest officials said the dead elephant was part of a herd that sneaked into Chhendipada forest from Redhakhol division in Sambalpur district. The elephant received the shock after coming in contact with live electric wire used as fence around a poultry farm in Dangapal village. It is worthwhile to mention that Odisha accounts for nearly twenty percent of country’s jumbo deaths from unnatural causes. Villagers retaliate as wild elephants damage their crops and vegetation in the dead of night. Farmers living in Satkosia have no alternative than to resort to electric fences and traps to protect their produce from marauding elephants. Regional Chief Conservator of Forest(RCCF) Sanjay Kumar Swain who visited the spot along with senior forest officials promised that the culprit responsible for the death of the elephant will be brought to book soon. Meanwhile, media reports said that police have arrested the man responsible for the electrocution of the animal.

Leading Causes Of Jumbo Death:

Electrocution has of late become one of the main reasons responsible for the death of elephants in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary. These are accidental and intentional as well. This is accidental, when peasants living in the proximity of wildlife sanctuary, often surround their farmlands with live electric wire to shoo away wild animals like jumbos and wild boars. The wild animals get electric shock and most often get caught losing their lives.  The intentional theory is known to all as poachers kill elephants and get away with the tusks which are highly priced in international market. Poachers most often use extension of high-tension KV lines passing through the forest to kill tuskers. They lay high voltage electric wires on the routes inside the forest through which the wild elephants pass. Poachers also use country-made rifles to kill the animal. Angul police have recently busted a gunrunning racket in the district. The police have also seized manufacturing units of country-made rifles in several parts of the district. These country-made rifles were reasonably priced and mostly sold to poachers for killing elephants in the district. Poor coordination between forest divisions, shortage of patrolling staff and advanced surveillance equipment have been posing logistical challenges for minimizing poaching of elephants in Angul wildlife division. Therefore, the poachers are taking advantage of this lacuna, social activists working for conservation and protection of environment said.

Lack Of Monitoring:

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working for protection of environment and preservation of biodiversity alleged that elephant deaths due to electrocution and poisoning in Satkosia wildlife division  can be attributed to failure for adequate monitoring of the ground situation. In a number of occasions forest officials have tried to hide the death of elephants to escape the responsibility. Whenever NGOs and wildlife activists try to expose their misdeeds, they are often met with resistance.

Role Of Media:

The mainstream media's role is often lopsided which fail to discuss about the causes behind elephant-man conflict and how the public can be educated to reduce the menace. Elephants are often seen destroyer of crops and houses by the local communities, but this narrative has become inimical for conservation of the animal. Their existence on the planet earth is essential for the prevalence of a better ecosystem. Grassroots environmental education will help the communities for better understanding of the importance and peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife.

Call To Action:

It is primary duty of the wildlife staff Angul to ensure participation of villagers in community-based conservation programmes and must be educated that the jumbos are not destroyer of their crops, but they are a part of biodiversity of Satkosia region. The forest, environment and climate change ministry of the Odisha should take measures on a war footing to restore elephant corridors to ensure safe movement of the animals as the first step to mitigate human suffering in the form of Elephant-Man tussle. Restoration of elephant corridors will considerably reduce Elephant-Man conflict as the jumbos move freely between forests to get food. Projects close to reserve forest and sanctuaries in the state must not be given government clearance without environmental impact assessments surveys.

Satkosia is one among the biodiversity zones in Odisha like Similipal in Mayurbhanj and Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada districts. River Mahanadi, the largest in the state, flows through the sanctuary and the deep narrow valley extends its gorge to seven miles down the river. Spread over a sprawling 796 sq km, the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, bustling with flora and fauna. This sanctuary is a home to rare species of wildlife such as bisons, flying squirrels besides a large number of elephants.

Displacement Throes Echo In Kalinga Nagar,Talcher In Odisha, To Africa

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik laid the foundation stone of Kalinga Nagar Industrial Area in Jajpur district on May 10, 1992 for setting up of the second steel plant in the state after Rourkela Steel Plant. Over 18 steel, cement and chemical industries have been established in Kalinga Nagar making it the largest industrial hub not only in Odisha but in eastern India. Thirty three years have elapsed since late Biju Patnaik laid the foundation stone of Kalinga Nagar,but the legendary figure would be watching from the heaven that his efforts to make Odisha an industrial leader in the country has come to nought as thousands of villagers are yet to be rehabilitated with due compensation who have sacrificed everthing for the development of Odisha as well as the country. The oustees of Tangarsahi, Arasahi, Kacherigaon and Kudumisahi of different panchayats in Jajpur district are still waiting for 33 years to get  compensation.

The people in Kalinga Nagar are not the sole sufferers of industrialization. In Odisha's Sambalpur district, the displaced person following the construction of Hirakud Dam, the largest clay dam in the world, are yet to get their dues. Likewise, the oustees in Rengali and Talcher coalmines in Angul district of the state, are resorting to agitations to get their compensation, but the government has not taken enough measures to provide them even homestead land, let alone jobs for their sustenance. The double-edged sword of development has forced scores of families to lose their home and hearth. The eastern state of Odisha is gifted with natural and mineral resources, but the tribal and marginalized sections of the society have paid a heavy price for development.

Odisha's displacement throes can be compared with and similar global patterns in countries like US, Germany, France and Africa.The Hirakud Dam was constructed in 1950s in Sambalur district and it submerged over 300 villages displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Hirakud is India's first post-Independent mega dam project and a similar dam project like Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in US can be compared with ours in terms of displacement. Over 15000 families were ousted for the construction of hydel power at Hirakud. The construction of such mega projects are always beneficial to national development, but neither Odisha nor the Central government in India cared little about cultural or social costs. While the American government has provided the oustees some relief in the form of housing, education and employment, in the case of Hirakud, neither Odisha nor Indian governments ever took a decision to provide basic facilities to the displaced persons even after several years of completion of the projects.  

The Rengali reservoir was built in 1980s over river Brahmani in Angul district. Over fifty thousand people were displaced as their houses were submerged due to the construction of the dam. They were yet to be rehabilitated with proper compensation. Similar projects in Ghana and Ethiopia in Africa have trigerred displacement issues ousting a great number of people. Reports said Africa's Akosombo project of 1965 had displaced over 80,000 people. They are yet to get compensation.Twelve tribals were killed in police firing in Kalinga Nagar in Odisha during an agitation in 2006 who demanded compensation in the form of housing and employment. There are numerous instances how climate protesters are suppressed with lathis and guns by vested interest groups in government machinery. The use of police is a common method of silencing protesters who urge the governments to look into their grievances.

The Open Cast coal mine in Talcher area resembles an artificial lake at a place where human habitation was once thriving 

Talcher-Africa Case Comparision:

The Talcher case of displacement in Odisha can be compared with with Nigeria where people suffer from the oil curse. Although coal mines are useful for economic development, a large number of people have been rendered homeless due to open cast mines in Talcher in Angul district since 1970s. They are living in hell like situation with pollution all around and contracting asthma and other respiratory ailments. Cobalt and lithium mining activities in Democratic Republic of Congo has left thousands of people displaced. The displaced person are deprived of basic facilities and due compensation like the people in Talcher who have lost everything for the economic development of their country.

Social Impact Assessment:

In US it is mandatory to prepare Social Impact Assessment(SIA) before acquisition. In Germany and France, there are referendums before acquisition issues crop up. But, in Odisha Gram Sabhas and Palli Sabhas which are village level committees of Panchayats, rarely enjoy the power to nullify the decision taken by the government of the day for setting up a project, be it a dam or any power plant. The powers that be are allegedly little concerned about the oustees' problem.    

What Odisha Should Learn?

The government and other agencies in Odisha always treat displacements as a collateral damage to development or industrialization. But, they should understand that people of Odisha can proudly declare that their state has progressed due to rapid industrialization if the displaced families were given due compensation. The companies must stay away from human rights abuses by denying basic facilities to the families after acquiring their home and hearth and other landed property.  It is meaningless if the displaced families do not take pride declaring that they have contributed to the development of the nation by giving their land to the industries or coalmines. The true progress lies with the satisfaction of those who have contributed their land for such projects.The displaced families will love Odisha as their homeland and will no longer curse the governments that they are responsible for their miseries and privation for not providing them compensation they deserve.

Pollution Responsible For Kidney Disease In Sambalpur, Angul Districts Of Odisha

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Highly industrial districts like Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal in Odisha have become hotspots for kidney ailments. The Veer Surendra Sai Institute Of Medical Sciences And Research(VIMSAR) in Sambalpur, which is catering to the healthcare facility of Western Odisha along with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, has come out with a report that the number of patients suffering from kidney disease is on the rise. Such patients from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are also making a beeline to Sambalpur to get treatment at VIMSAR due its proximity with their states. According to VIMSAR, the dialysis of patients suffering from kidney complications, has recorded a three fold increase during 2020–2024. While statistics pointed out that one in twenty adults aged over 40 in Angul district suffered from chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2024, the groundwater of nearly forty percent of the villages situated close to industrial concerns in Dhenkanal district is contaminated that triggers kidney related diseases. This statistics have been revealed by the public health department (PHD) recently.

The above mentioned districts of Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal are mineral-rich with huge coal deposits and regarded as the power house of India generating electricity and supplying power to a number of states in India. The power behemoth National Thermal Power Corporations(NTPC) situated in Kaniha in Angul district is generating power from coal. The coalmines in Talcher, Kaniha and Chhendipada regions ensure raw material to the thermal power project. In addition to this, these districts houses National Aluminium Company(NALCO), Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) and a number of ancillary industries. The smoke belching chimneys of power plants have contaminated air and water of the region apart from producing high decibel sound inimical for human health. The Directorate of Health Services report of Odisha said that out of 5957 patients registered in the state in 2024, Sambalpur district alone has alone has a share of 1134, the highest in the state, followed by 1077 in Cuttack and 377 in Koraput districts. The report said Gajapati district has recorded 57 kidney patients,  the lowest in Odisha. According to the report of Regional Research Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, the Mahanadi River basin area is known for being associated with kidney ailments with a large number of patients coming from Cuttack district. But, Sambalpur district has surpassed Cuttack recently, the report added.

Environmental Pollution:

The thermal power plants, aluminium smelters, steel factories and coal mines in Angul and Dhenkanal and Sambalpur districts contribute to contamination of air and water following emission of effluents which contain radioactive elements dangerous for human health. The waste materials in the form of heavy metals, fly ash and other chemicals pollute air, water as well as soil. The Odisha State Pollution Control Board report in 2023 said groundwater samples collected from industrial regions like Talcher and Jharsuguda showed the presence of dangerous substances like lead, cadmium and other chemicals.

Ignorance

VIMSAR sources said villagers have little knowledge about the dreaded disease. They come to hospitals very late with most of them already reaching stage four or five. They ignore symptoms like fatigue and swelling and by time they consult doctors, it is too late for treatment. The physicians at VIMSAR emphasized that the priority should be given to awareness programmes mostly in rural regions of Odisha and particularly in Sambalpur-Angul-Dhenkanal belt to bring home the point that early detection can be beneficial and negligence will be fatal.  

Global Trends:

The Central American states have been reporting Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) among sugarcane workers who work in comparatively hot and humid conditions. Exposure to pesticides and heat stress are often the contributory factors for such disease. We can compare this scenario with Odisha in its rural regions where field workers toil under similar climatic conditions. As Odisha’s industrial regions suffers from dumping of effluents and there is little effective management of coal ash and other pollution prevention regimen, the people in Ghana and Nigeria are also exposed to the similar environment where contamination of water in slums is horrible. Countries like France and Germany have the lowest CKD due to early detection. Medical practitioners in France are given incentives for conducting regular kidney function tests at different centres for those who are affected with diabetes and hypertension. Germany has strictest environmental laws where coal plants are required to recycle most part of their fly ash to get a zero liquid discharge certificate by the government.

 Indian Govt's Initiative:

The Central Government's initiative under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme for conduct of health camps and setting up of dialysis units in different regions have shown results. But, shortage of nephrologists, lack of early CKD detection and lack of awareness among people, particularly among rural populace, has put hindrances on the noble initiative, health experts maintained.

Call For Action:

Government must conduct water testing programmes in highly industrial regions in Odisha along with mobile health units for early CKD detection in rural areas where awareness level about the ailment is low. As part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the industries in Angul-Talcher-Dhenkanal and Sambalpur region must provide clean drinking water facilities to the people and conduct nephrology camps at regular intervals for early detection of the disease and subsequent medication. The services of Accredited Social Health Activists(ASHAs) in India, who are female community health workers acting as a bridge between community and public health system, and the school teachers, should be roped in for conducting awareness campaigns in the affected regions giving them proper advise to deal with the disease and early detection of the ailment for possible treatment.

Odisha must learn from France and Germany with the emphasis on early detection of the ailment and stricter pollution control measures. The services of NGOs and other community based institutions in the country should be roped in to tackle such a menace. The NGOs must be encouraged to conduct nephrology camps to effectively control the spread of the disease.

Environmentalists in Angul and Dhenkanal districts are of the opinion that the spread of kidney related complications is not only a health crisis, but an ecological and human rights issue. They maintained that building medical colleges in Odisha will not solve the crisis, rather the government of the day must enforce strictest regulation for banishing environmental pollution. The environmentalists said the kidney crisis in Odisha needs urgent attention and this problem must be nipped in the bud before it poses a greater challenge to the administration and takes the form of a health disaster in a few years.

The patients suffering from kidney diseases should know that Dialysis is not a cure, but the patients will remain alive till a kidney transplant is done. The waste products are removed through Dialysis as the kidneys are no longer able to function properly and dialysis acting as an artificial replacement for lost kidneys.

Why Nobel Laureate Yunus Has Failed To Establish Democracy In Bangladesh?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

International observers, especially of south Asian countries, believed that Bangladesh will be back in track following the exit of Sheikh Hasina from power and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus heading the interim government as advisor. But, Bangladesh is still in the grip of turmoil and anti-India, anti-Hindu violence has become an everyday happening. The establishment of a liberal government in Bangladesh seems to be a far cry and Yunus has belied all the hopes for materializing the goal. 

Allegations are rife and critics also argue that Yunus is trying to cling to anti-India and anti-Hindu stance and allegedly hobnobbing with pro-Pakistani elements like Jamaat-e-Islami to stay in power. His attitude has become evident after he was on record threatening India with a war and indulging in India bashing whenever the opportunity comes. Ever since Yunus took over as the advisor to the interim government in Bangladesh, the one thing to which he has given topmost attention is his foreign jaunts. He has already visited ten countries in the nine months and it will not be surprising if he embarks on more foreign visits to garner support from Western nations to cling to power.The Awami League leders of Bangladesh have leveled serious charges against Yunus who has been enjoying Western connections and particularly with leaders of US Demoratic party. They are of the opinion that Yunus is consistently pursuing his links with Western leaders to protect him from corruption charges and subsequent investigations by governments in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Army Chief Wakrul Jamal has gone on record expressing his dissatisfaction over the functioning of the caretaker government. The Army Chief has asked the government to conduct general election at the earliest but Yunus is currently busy on foreign trips grossly undermining the pressing issues relating to social, economic and political spheres in the country. The military is believed to be upset over the caretaker government's decision to dole out the Martin Island in Bangladesh to US for serving its interest. The economy is in a shambles with high inflation rate, the growth down from five percent to 3.5 and employment sector in crisis. Observers in Bangladesh see Jamal's displeasure as a bad omen for the country, given its past record of military coups. Critics who have a fair knowledge of Bangladesh affairs maintained that given the ongoing street violence and unrest in country, it will not be surprising if there will be reemergence of the situation that occurred way back in 1970, when the student strike had laid the path to birth of a new nation. Previously Bangladesh was known as east Pakistan.

Given the state of affairs through which Bangladesh going presently and the attitude of interim government headed by Yunus, it will not be surprising if the general elections are postponed till the middle of 2026 and Bagladesh might go for elections in December 2025 as demanded by political parties as well as the military. Bangladesh's Awami League members have alleged that Yunus is shying away from taking action against anti-Hindu and anti-India factions by maintaining silence on Hindu baiting.This has encouraged attacks on Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Their houses were attacked,properties gutted and family member being lynched in public, but the interim government headed by Yunus is doing precious little to save them from the disaster. This is quite unbecoming of a person who is a Nobel laureate, intellectual and a global icon, maintaining silence on anti-India and anti-Hindu violence and hesitate to come forward to condemn the act.

Who Is Muhammad Yunus?

Muhammad Yunus, born in 1940, shot into limelight for his Grameen Bank concept of microcredit through which he introduced poverty alleviation programmes that benefited scrores of people living in Bangladesh in utter poverty. Yunus was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.The ruling Awami League has treated Yunus with suspicion as he harbours political ambitions and once tried to form a political party with military backing a year after he got the Nobel Prize.

The relationship between Yunus and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government was sour after the former's sacking as managing director of Grameen Bank in 2011. Although supporters of Yunus alleged that it was political vendetta, Bangladesh government denied accusation thoroughly. The Sheikh Hasina government even alleged that Yunus had prevailed upon the Western players including US and the World Bank to deny funding for some projects in the country. The government labeled Yunus as someone who is against the development of Bangladesh using his stature as a Nobel laureate. Although Yunus is acclaimed internationally for his microfinance and poverty alleviation programmes, his standing in Bangladesh has always remained fluid. He has been accused of undermining the interest of the country and encouraging foreign elements to play a role in Bangladesh affairs and distancing itself from India, its traditional friend.

Impact On Indo-Bangla Ties:

The Indian government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ties with Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh is always cordial as she has contained the Islamic extremism and cross-border terrorism against India. But, critics alleged that Yunus is following an ambiguous policy and allegedly not tring to contain anti-India and anti-Hindu stance by pro-Pakistani elements in Bangladesh. They argued that it is a known fact that although Yunus has little role in curating policies for Bangladesh, he is globally acclaimed as an intellectual and therefore seems to be in a position to influence the foreign actors. It has always been India's priority to have a good neighbourly relationship with Bangladesh and India would never want the formation of another Pakistan in the eastern sector that will be inimical to its interest. India is already fed up with Pakistan and has been praying the price in the form of terrorism since division in 1947. Whatever be the situation, the allegations that Yunus has a dubious personality, has created diplomatic discomfort for India.

The Indian leaders, especially the ruling clique, seem to be worried about the Nobel laureate's hobnobbing with pro-Pakistani parties in Bangladesh, and not buying the idea of the Yunus defenders that there were not enough inkling that he has an anti-India stance. His defenders argued that as Yunus is not holding public office, influencing state policy on different matters including communal or diplomatic is not tenable and for this reason, he should not be held accountable for which he is remotely concerned.

They argued that Yunus has promoted economic empowerment of many Hindus and minorities benefiting from Grameen Bank ’s microcredit programs for poverty alleviation. How a person can be termed as communal when he has dedicated his entire career for banishing poverty and hunger? they argued. His supporters further argued that Yunus has become an eyesore for his world wide acclaimation, intellectual standing and criticism of governance. India's foremost interest has always been to ensure stability in Bangladesh. Because, India has already acquired a sparring partner, Pakistan,to its misfortune, which is indulging in cross border terrorism by  killing hundreds of innocent people every year. And, it never wants Bangladesh to go in Pak way. The recent incident in Pehelgam in Kashmir was barbaric as Pak trained terrorists killed innocent people in broad daylight on the basis of religion.

 

Will US Trade Threats Dampen India's Viswa Guru Vision?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The tariff strategy by the Trump administration has received a jolt after a trade court in US has ruled that the US President has gone out of his way to impose taxes on countries including India which is beyond his authority. The court said President Donald Trump has overstepped his authority by using his emergency powers in the name of economy.

Trumps's aggressive economic policy and trade war with China has become a cause for concern among the international community and of late India has also been targeted by Trump himself despite his announcement that PM Modi is one of his best friends. It is worthwhile to mention here that during his earlier presidency (2016–2020), events like Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump in US and India were sufficient enough to sent message across the world about the level, quality and weight of the friendship Modi and Trump had nutrured. True, Indians were enamoured that Modi's friendship with Trump, the most powerful ruler of the world, will bring in efflorescence to the country economically and militarily.

But, the US role after the events following the cold-blooded killings of innocent people in Pehalgam in Kashmir by Pak trained terrorists and India's airstrikes at selected terror hideouts in Pakistan is unfathomable. India continued its military operations against the terrorists in Pakistan for four days relentlessly, but the abrupt ceasefire when India had the upper hand, at the behest of American President, was not easily digested by Indians. Before India could declare the ceasefire, President Trump in his X Post(Twitter) said his administration had burnt the midnight oil for days for brokering a truce, took all Indians by surprise. In fact, most Indians and the world came to know about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after going through President Trump's X Post which was on the air a few hours before Indian government actually declared the ceasefire.

After his X Post in which he mentioned that he mediated over Kashmir issue, President Trump even did not stop and go on saying that trade threat to both India and Pakistan worked well. During his Saudi visit, President Trump even went on the record saying Vice President Vance and foreign secretary actually brokered the deal between India and Pakistan and trade threat was at the top.

This is known to all that the US President's 'America First' policy which he has been pursuing from the first tenure during his presidency (2016–2020) has resulted in the flaunting of sheer highhandedness ignoring the interest of other nations especially India. It is hard to believe what sort of friendship is flourishing between Trump and Modi when Indians are sent back home handcuffed and stuffed in an airplane for hours allegedly without basic arrangements.

Recently, Trump has bluntly asked Apple's CEO Tim Cook not to carry out its operations in India. He virtually ordered Apple that it must not build its products in India and if it disobeys the diktat then be prepared to face the music. Although Apple is yet to abide by his instructions, it is widely believed that Trump has a clear intention of connecting his broader trade or tariff war with India also.

The iPhone market in India is already on the upsurge and the American Tech giant Apple has already stepped up its production with a view to manufacture around 25% of global iPhones in the country.

 The Wall Street Journal report said Trump administration is considering temporary tariffs of up to 15% on various global goods for 150 days after the initial setback by a federal court asking the President to act within the limit and stay away from abusing emergency powers. But, the report is yet to be confirmed.

The Wall Street Journal report said Trump administration is pursuing a backup plan to continue its tariff policy following the adverse decision by the trade court. It is believed that Trump’s team has started exploring alternative approach to carry on their tariff war and the trade agenda.

The aggressive tariff policies by US in the name of America First and economic nationalism has sparked trade wars with China and this action has a potential blowback on India also. The high tariff has not only alarmed global markets, but also has given an unexpected twist to US-India relationship following President Trump's orders to Apple to wind up its business in India.

Trump started his America First policy during his first presidency (2016–2020) imposing heavy tariffs on Chinese goods with a view to whittle down US trade deficit and create more jobs for the Americans in the manufacturing sector. If we analyze his 2025 tariff policy, then he has already proposed a 10 per cent duty on all imports and more imposition of sixty to one hundred percent on Chinese products.

Will India Suffer?

It is believed that India is not directly targeted by Trump administration, but caught between US-China trade war. The global tech company, Apple, has deserted China and is currently working with Indian manufacturers in Chennai. This will create a huge upsurge in job market bringing billions in Foreign Direct Investment. But, Trump's decision to close down operations in India has severely jeopardized the prospects.

If Apple pulls out of India, then this will destroy India’s manufacturing ecosystem severely hitting country's employment markets in southern Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This will demolish India's export front which is hoping to become a global export hub for electronics in the years to come. The proposed high tariffs will make Indian products less competitive in US market.

In the light of Trump's trade war, it is high time that India, especially the Modi government, should take measures to pursue diplomacy with both Republican and Democratic circles in Washington. The Indian government must tie-up with US corporate sector for expansion of operations in the country. Therefore, a clear FDI policy will do well to attract the US corporates.

Options For India:

India should learn from this threat. Countries are increasingly using economic power as a geopolitical weapon for pursuing their big brotherly attitude. This is a warning, but opportunities are hidden within if properly understood. Indian policy makers must understand this possibility. The Modi dispensation in Delhi has been trumpeting for years that India will become a Viswa Guru( World Leader)in future, but this will remain as an wishful thinking if India fails to retain investors' confidence through expansion of multilateral trade.

Covid Returns To Odisha, State On High Alert

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Covid has returned to the state nearly after three years with six persons being affected with the dreaded disease. Health officials in the Odisha are a worried lot as resurgence of the disease has occurred at a time when the production of lifesaving vaccines like Covishield and Covaxin has been stopped since 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The Covishield was manufactured under licence from AstraZeneca by Serum Institute of India and country's first indigenous Covid vaccine was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research. Indian health ministry said people should not panic as there is enough stockpile of vaccines. It may be recalled that nearly one billion people were vaccinated with either Covishield or Covaxin following outbreak of Coronavirus.The health experts,however, maintained that there is nothing to fear as those who have already got vaccinated in the past year might retain some degree of protection against illness. They are of the views that the rentention will work even if they are newly contracted. Reports said nearly 1000  active cases were recorded from cities like Lucknow, Mumbai, Varanasi and states like Karnataka and Arunachal Pradesh. India is witnessing surge in COVID cases, a total of 1,010 actives cases as on May 27, 2025. The situation in Karnataka is alarming as the state records 40 positive cases. Reports said though the situation in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha has worried health officials of these states to certain extent, the preparedness to tackle the upsurge of Covid is satisfactory.

Odisha Situation:

The state has reported six new cases this month and first case is of a 75-year-old man. His case was detected in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Places like Khurda and the capital city Bhubaneswar also reported Covid cases. Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, has said that there is nothing to panic and added that the affected persons are being treated effectively.

According to Health Director Bijay Mohapatra, the infrastructure is fully geared up to meet the eventuality and added that the healthcare system is at the right place do deliver the goods.Free healthcare services launched by the government through erstwhile Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) card, now renamed as Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), by present BJP dispensation in Bhubaneswar has come as a boon to nealy 70 lakh families in the state. The scheme offers annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakhs per family and the female members of the family entitled to get Rs 7 lakh.

Reports said the state health wing is geared up to handle coronavirus cases by conducting mock drills to prepare for the eventuality. All the hospitals across the state have been asked to keep ready and in  working condition of all the oxygen lines and ventilation systems along with essential kits like personal protective equipment and medications.

Awareness Initiatives By Odisha:

The government has already embarked upon awareness drives in different regions across the state to educate citizens to wear masks and keep themselves at safe distance from affected persons. The senior citizens and children are advised not to visit crowded areas and never hesitate to take early medication if they feel uneasy anytime. The government has further advised the general public to avoid huge gatherings such as public functions or celebrations where there are too much huddling. Odisha health officials said the situation is under control even though new subvariants of Covid in the country has kept them in high alert. They emphasized on the strict adherence to Covid protocol and cooperation of the communities across the state for better management of the resurgence of the dreaded disease. It is the prime duty of the general public to remain neat and clean and stay indoor if necessary to keep the Corona at bay, they added.The health officials said the state has enough stockpile of vaccines and other equipments to tackle the situation and exhorted the general public to stay safe with all precautions.

Genesis Of COVID-19:

It all began in the Chinese city of Wuhan, located in the central region, in December 2019. Corona was initially dected as a pneumonia-like illness. It was believed that the Chinese wet markets are primarily responsible for the spread of Corona as many patients were taken ill after eating meat and other seafood. This phenomenon established the fact that Corona could spread from animal to human.

After a hue and cry worldover, China reluctantly notified World Health Organisation (WHO) on December 3, 2019 about the dreaded disease. Although China closed its wet markets and started disinfection, January 2020 saw the beginning of the spread of the dreaded virus to different contries forcing the governments to take lockdown measures.The first death linked to Coronavirus was reported from China by January 11, 2020 and withing a few day the virus created havoc in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and other nearby regions of the Communist-ruled country. Health experts by mid-January established the fact that the dreaded virus could spread from animal to human. Although several theories were advanced on the outbreak of the dreaded disease, scientists believed that the virus originated from bats.It was widely believed that the virus might have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology that was studying coronaviruses. This theory gained momentum as the laboratory was located in Wuhan.

The Chinese city Wuhan was brought under lockdown on January 23, 2020 after more than 11 million people were affected and WHO declared Covid as a pandemic afterwards. The virus spread to different countries of the world by mid-2020. A high level delegation led by WHO visited Wuhan in 2021, the epicenter of Covid, and tried to investigate the origin of the virus. Although there were reports of non-cooperation by the Chinese officials for an impartial investigation into the spread of the killer disease, they later agreed for greatere transperancy after WHO and countries like US exerted pressure on China to give in for the cause of humanity. Although several theories are still doing the round, the actual origin of Coronavirus still remains a mystery even years after it surfaced. Virologists believed that it originated in Wuhan as some early cases being linked to wet markets but laboratory leaks are yet to be confirmed.

Precautions To Follow:

1.Pursue the habit of wearing a mask as was the wont during the outbreak of Coronavirus four years ago. This is a must while travelling in crowded vehicles and attending functions or marriage parties.

2. Thoroughly wash hands with soaps, handwashes and leave the foam for atleast for few minutes. Ensure that the sanitizer contain atleast sixty percent alchohol. One should wash hands as frequently as possible.

3. Social distancing is a must, stay safe from affected persons.

4. Always try to avoid touching face, eyes, nose and mouth as these are believed to be the entry points for the dreaded Coronavirus.

5.Try to disinfect your latches of doors, mobile phones and other electronic appliances of daily use.

6. Keep away from the affected persons at home and try to arrange a separate lavatory for use.

7. Take booster doses for extra safety

8. Regularly keep track of Coronavirus symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and respiratory complications.

9. Confine yourself at home if affected.

10. Adhere to all the guidelines announced by the administration or government from time to time.