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Bhubaneswar, Sept 6 (LocalWire): The Manda buffalo germplasm was first identified and a detailed survey was made by the ARD department of Odisha in collaboration with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology under the leadership of Mr. Bishnupada Sethi, IAS then the Director and Dr. Susanta Kumar Dash, an Animal Geneticist.

The findings of the project was put to NBAGR for recognition of the indigenous unique buffalo – Manda at national level.

Now it has been declared as the 19th breed of buffalo in the country.

Manda buffalo is native to Odisha and having an isolated breeding tract and geographical distribution to hill ranges of Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region.

Manda are small-sized, sturdy buffaloes, and both males & females are being used for ploughing and in agricultural operations in the native tract of Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.

These buffaloes have ash grey and grey coat colour with copper colour hairs. The lower part of legs up to the elbow is a light colour with copper colour hair at the knee. Some animals are silver-white in colour.

These animals are resistant to parasitic infection and less prone to diseases and can live, produce and reproduce at low/nil input system.

There are around 1,00,000 buffaloes of this breed in the native tract mostly contributing to the family nutrition of households and all the agricultural operations in the undulated landscaping of the hilly terrain for generations.

The average milk yield of these buffaloes is 2 to 2.5 litres in single milking with more than 8% fat. However, a few of them yield up to 4 litres.

Manda buffaloes get matured at around 3 years and drop the first calf at around 4 years. Every 1.5 to 2 years they give birth to a calf for the whole life of around 20 years.

With national recognition of Manda buffalo, all efforts will be made by Govt. of India and Govt. of Odisha to conserve this unique buffalo genetic resource of Odisha and efforts will be made to enhance their productivity through breeding strategy and market the produce – milk, curd, ghee etc. at a premium price resulting in improvement of the livelihood of the stakeholders in the native tract.

Earlier under Mr. Sethi and Dr. Dash, the duo have contributed immensely to register 4 breeds of cattle – Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar, 2 breeds of buffalo – Chilika and Kalahandi and one breed of sheep – Kendrapada and now the conservation projects are in force for all the indigenous breeds in the state.

Binjharpuri cattle semen production and use through artificial insemination is a remarkable achievement in the country in the field of conservation process.

LocalWire

‘The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow’ – has become a cliche in recent years, but the veracity and the sheer universality of the statement shall never cease to exist. Generation after generation will come and go, handing over the reins of society and humankind at large to those succeeding them, and some will always emerge as leaders, drawing the horsecart that is human existence, over the bumpy terrain of evolution.

August 12 has been celebrated as International Youth Day since the year 2000. The purpose is to recognize the importance of youth in the context of the larger society and empower them to make positive contributions to their communities and nations.

We observe International Youth Day through various activities such as awareness campaigns, community concerts, and events, which help bring to the notice the socio-economic and socio-political issues that the youth face.

This year, we decided to celebrate this day in a unique way – by letting them expound on their perspectives. LocalWire spoke with some extremely talented individuals from various backgrounds, in order to ask them two important questions in the context of the current situation.

Q1 – How do you as a youth, envision your role in helping curb the current pandemic?

Q2 – In the current decade, how do you think you are contributing to taking India forward?

We got some really interesting responses from people. Read on to find out the thoughts of today’s Indian youth!

Sweeti Ghorai, 26, Architect

“During this pandemic, social distancing and following COVID appropriate behaviour is the only way we can ensure our safety. Taking care of my health by eating healthy and exercising is also something I follow, in order to put my best foot forward every day.

Even the smallest of actions of an individual can have an impact on the growth of a country. A country does not only grow economically, but it also grows socially, which is where we as the young generation come in. Personally, I believe in helping small businesses thrive, and always purchase things from the local shops in my neighbourhood. Delivery guys are another set of people who work hard for their daily bread. If my delivery gets late, I try to be understanding about it rather than giving them a bad rating straightaway. These small acts will help us be more compassionate as a society in general.”

Soumya Swain, 27, IT professional

“I believe we ourselves have to be responsible in order to deal with the pandemic properly. For my part, I follow all advocated precautionary measures and stay inside. I have reduced contact with outside/unknown people as much as I can.

I maintain that it is extremely important for people to conduct themselves in a way that helps shape India into a safe place for all, physically and mentally. I try my best to do so, as also to create and spread awareness on mental health and the importance of following one’s dreams. Nurturing spaces that allow judgement-free bonding of people helps them grow, and I feel it is my responsibility to be the kind of person that promotes that.

Suneli Patra, 28, MBA professional

“As I am the kind of person who loves going out, it was extremely difficult for me to stay at home for months on end during the lockdowns. However, I understand the importance of the measures that the government is taking for our safety, and as such, I try my best to be safe and follow COVID guidelines.

The pandemic came as a complete and utter shock last year. There were pay cuts and job losses, everyone had to adapt to the rapid technological changes at work, while going through huge changes in their personal lives brought on the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. While it took time for me to adapt to all these things myself, I have become better at handling things since, and am now entirely focused on growing professionally, as well as personally. I believe that for a nation to grow, the people of the nation should be willing to give their best on all levels.

Smita Santuka, 23, CA student

“Ever since the pandemic has begun, new practices have been established as part of our daily lives. People have had to get used to a lot of things that have the potential to shake up their core beliefs and practices. Amidst all this, we still have to be extremely careful regarding personal hygiene, COVID appropriate behaviour and practices as this would affect not only us, but the people around us. I, personally, make sure to wash my hands as often as I can, wear a mask at all times, and reduce going out as much as possible.

Since my childhood, I have had a soft spot for animals. When the pandemic began, the government requested citizens to feed stray animals in their lane, or in their neighbourhood. It was at that time that I began not only feeding the strays, but also working for their welfare. I have done numerous rescues of stray animals, by raising money through donations for their treatment and then getting them adopted by responsible and loving people. I also have rescued cows from being sent to slaughterhouses and facilitated their going to gaushalas where they are well-cared for. Going forward, this is my contribution to India – my vision of an India where animals are loved and cared for.

Naina Kujur, 26, B.Ed student

“I make sure that everyone in my family follows COVID appropriate behaviour as laid down by the GoI, and take the vaccine on time. I try to do the same for my friends, relatives and neighbours as well.

Being a B.Ed student, I hold the belief that in education lies the power to change everything for the better. Shaping young minds and helping them hone their skills in order to be the best version of themselves is a great responsibility, and I believe it is my duty to give my best in my endeavours for the same.”

Sanjay Bishi, 39, IT professional

“Creating awareness on cleanliness as well as COVID appropriate behaviour amongst people around me is my way of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone should stay as vigilant as humanly possible.

The worst thing that has happened in the current decade is the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has taught us that we need to be self-sufficient on many levels. For this reason, I am looking to work in start-ups, as I believe that my years of experience could be put to better use in a fast-paced learning environment. I also think that working on IT/technological start-ups will help boost India’s competence in this extremely important sector, which is slowly gaining a lot of significance.”

LocalWire

Bhubaneswar , August 03 (Local Wire ): One has to strengthen the wings, and the entire sky is yours.

The students of KiiT-IS have proved that. Amid circumstances which never augured the traits of a certainty, the young students of KiiT, Bhubaneswar have done it and done it well.

As always, they have made the institution of their learning proud once again braving many trying times, the consociation of KiiT-IS students, teachers and the staff could scale the heights and emerged with shining colours when the entire world was in turmoil.

KiiT International School stood out and apart, with all its students passing in first division in the CBSE Class X results which were declared on 3rd August 2021.

The School recorded an average of 85%, where 40% of the students stand with a score of above 90% (A1). Vaibhav Kumar topped the School with 99.4%, followed by Yash Khandelawal with 99%

Congratulating the successful students, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said, “The School has been posting excellent results consistently only due to proper care of students and modern teaching methodology”.

He thanked Chairperson Dr. Monalisa Bal, Principal Dr. Sanjay Suar, teachers and staff for their effort towards this success.

Bhubaneswar, July 27 (LocalWire): In yet another citizen-centric initiative, the State Government on Tuesday decided to provide a single-window to citizens for online preparation of deeds and online submission along with payment of stamp duty, registration fees and other fees.

This reform measure has been initiated by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management (DoR&DM) for improvement in delivery of Registration services and collection of duties/ fees at a single point to minimize the physical presence of citizens in Registration offices of the State, said Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi.

Chief Secretary SC Mohapatra has approved the proposal of the Principal Secretary DoR&DM and took the decision that while submitting the deeds online to concerned Registration offices, citizens will choose the date and time slot for presentation and registration of documents.

Sethi through a powerpoint presentation explained the steps being decided to improve delivery of Registration services and collection of duties/ fees at a single point.

The Registering Officer will verify the admissibility of the deed and confirm the auto calculated stamp duty, registration fees and ancillary fees payable, he said.

After scrutiny by the Registering officer, the deed/ document will be reverted to the applicant’s login ID for payment of stamp duty, registration fees and ancillary fees through a single payment gateway.

In order to further simplify the process for the citizens, they have been advised to take the help of ‘Mo Seva Kendras’ for online preparation of deed and payment of all types of duties/ fees and also for availing various online registration services, Sethi said.

The list of Mo Seva Kendras will be displayed in the IGR Portal, he said, adding that after successful payment, the applicant will execute and present the document before the concerned Registering officer on the appointed date and time.

An online token system with prior appointment will be introduced for capturing biometrics of executing parties and the identifiers.

The token holders will only be allowed to enter the office chamber of the Registering Officer on the scheduled date and time allotted for the presentation and registration of documents.

The integration of IGR portal and the payment gateway of Stock Holding Corporation RDM-Reg-REGN-0046-2020/5/2021 of India Ltd. (SHCIL) will be completed within a month for single point online payment of stamp duties and all types of fees.

Under the initiative, the E &IT Department will issue detailed guidelines for delivery of online registration services through Mo Seva Kendras, the personnel of which shall be imparted training on the online registration services, Sethi added.

The online deed preparation facility along with single point payment and token system for presentation and registration of documents will be piloted in three registration offices of the state within one month.

For seamless electronic registration of documents dispensing with the physical appearance of the concerned persons at the Registration offices, Revenue & DM Department will take steps for amendment of the Registration Act, 1908 in its application to the State of Odisha.

LocalWire