Kolkata, Sep 17 (PTI) Following are the top stories of the Eastern Region at 5 pm. CAL 1 OD-MINERAL EXPLORATION Need for increase in mineral exploration activities in eastern states, says Centre Bhubaneswar: The Centre has urged Odisha and its neighbouring states to explore untapped mineral resources in order to cater to rising demand and reduce import bills. CAL 2 AS-STUDENT-SHORTS-ROW Big storm over short pants Guwahati: A 19-year-old girl appearing for an examination in Assam was made to wrap a curtain around her legs by an invigilator who chafed at her wearing shorts, provoking outrage and allegations of gender bias, and prompting university authorities to order an inquiry. CES 1 MZ-VIRUS-CASES Mizoram reports 1,121 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more fatalities Aizawl: Mizoram"s COVID-19 tally rose to 76,591 on Friday as the state registered 1,121 new cases, 281 less than the previous day, an official statement said. CES 2 AR-VIRUS COVID-19 recoveries outpace fresh cases in Arunachal Itanagar: Single-day recoveries outnumbered fresh COVID-19 cases in Arunachal Pradesh, with 56 more patients recuperating as against 47 new infections, a health department official said on Friday. CES 4 OD-VIRUS-CASES Khurda, Cuttack account for over 57 pc of 628 new COVID-19 cases in Odisha Bhubaneswar: Khurda and Cuttack districts accounted for over 57 per cent of the 628 new COVID-19 cases detected in Odisha on Friday, a health official said. CES 5 OD-PM-BIRTHDAY-PATNAIK Patnaik greets PM on his birthday, wishes him good health Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday and wished him good health. CES 6 WB-TMC-ARPITA Arpita Ghosh appointed as TMC’s Bengal general secretary Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress Friday appointed former party MP Arpita Ghosh as its state general secretary, two days after the Rajya Sabha chairman accepted her resignation from the Upper House. PTI RG RG