THURSDAY

www.thestatesman.com
06 FEBRUARY 2025
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KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR

TRUMP PROPOSES GEN CHAUHAN T’GANA GOVT FACES ABHISHEK SHARMA

U.S.A. TAKING OVER LAUNCHES KEY OBJECTION OVER JUMPS TO NO.2 IN ICC
THE GAZA STRIP INFRA INITIATIVES QUOTA FOR MADIGAS T20I BATTERS’ LIST

P10 P5 P6 P16
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WEATHER
BGBS bags multiple BJP comeback in Delhi after 27 years,
big setback for AAP, predict exit polls
Partly cloudy. Hazy in the evening.
Maximum and minimum temperatures
likely to be around 30°C and 18°C
respectively.
investment pledges NIKHIL VYAS
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY
Reliance Group to invest Rs 50,000 cr more in Bengal within a decade
RAINFALL: NIL Exit polls telecast by different
RELATIVE HUMIDITY RITWIK MUKHERJEE private TV channels, on
Max. 63% Min. 60% KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY The state govern- Wednesday evening, predicted
TEMPERATURE ment will begin comfortable victory for the

T
Max: 30.2˚C Min: 18.3˚C he Mukesh mining at the BJP in the Delhi Assembly
SUN RISES SUN SETS
06:13 hrs 17:28 hrs
Ambani-led worldÊs second elections.
MOON RISES MOON SETS Reliance Group, largest coal block Voting for the 70-seat Delhi
11:32 hrs 00:29 hrs which has invest- Assembly ended at 6 p.m.
ed more than Rs 50,000
at Deucha-Pachami with the turnout hovering
Full Moon on 12 February in Birbhum district
crore in West Bengal over around 60 per cent. Voter
the last 8 years, will double from Thursday turnout stood at 57.70 till 5
THUMBNAILS his group’s investment p.m, with the highest registered
figures in “Mamata Didi’s from Kolkata to some at Mustafabad constituency
Bengal” within this decade. European destinations. at 66.68 per cent. The 11-hour
Sajjan Jindal-owned The chief minister said voting remained largely peace-
JSW Group will invest Rs that over the last seven ful except for some sporadic
16,000 crore at Shalboni seasons of the Bengal complaints of bogus voting
in Midnapore to put up Global Business Summit, and model code violation
2x800 MW power plant healthcare and education Deucha-Pachami in Birb- the state has received If the exit polls prove correct, Congress. According to the dicted 39-45 seats for the
and subsequently invest sector in the state. The hum district from Thursday investments worth Rs the saffron party will return Peoples Pulse poll survey, the saffron party and its allies in
another Rs 16,000 crore diversified conglomerate itself. Initially, Mining 19,50,000 crore, out of to power in the national capital BJP and its allies may get 51- Delhi while the AAP is poised
to double its power capacity ITC Ltd, on its parts, is Development And Oper- which projects entailing after a gap of 27 years. The 60 seats out of 70 seats, AAP to win 22-31 seats.
there. JSW will also invest also in the process of ator will start work for investments of Rs 12,00,000 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), may win up to 10-19 seats Matrize exit poll has pre-
Art College students celebrate as they take in Durgapur (Andal’s) investing large sum in removing the soil layers, crore are already in different according to the exit polls, and Congress zero seats. dicted a close contest between
the idol of Goddess Saraswati for immer- Aerotropolis project to manufacturing facilities, the Chief Minister said. stages of implementations. could finish with 25 to 30 seats As per P-MARQ, the BJP the BJP and AAP. It said the
sion marking the end of the occasion of make the airport larger IT, and hotels, besides She hoped that this project She said that as many as in the 70 member Delhi Assem- and its allies may get 39-49 the saffron party is likely to
Saraswati Puja, in Patna. � ANI and set up JSW Industrial putting up their global entailing an investment six economic corridors bly while Congress may end seats while the AAP is poised win 35-40 seats and the AAP
Park over 2,000 acres. centre of excellence for of Rs 35,000 crore, will be besides different highways up with one seat. to win 21-31 seats. It has pre- 32-37 seats. It has predicted
Bangladesh resumes visa and consular Harshavardhan Neo- AI in Kolkata. a gamechanger not only will also fuel economic Most of the exit polls have dicted 0-1 seats for the grand one seat for the Congress.
services in Agartala after 2-month suspen- tia-owned Ambuja Neotia All these were for Birbhum but for the and industrial growth of predicted a big win for the old party. According to People's
sion: The Bangladesh Assistant High Com- Group will shell out Rs announced at the 8th Ben- industrial scenario of the the state. BJP as the saffron party is pro- According to the WeePre- Insight exit poll, the BJP is
mission in Agartala has announced the 15,000 crore to put up five gal Global Business Centre entire state. Industrialists present jected to get over 40 seats out side exit poll, the AAP may likely to emerge victorious in
resumption of visa and consular services star category hotels, seven (BGBS) here on Wednes- That’s not all. Miss on the occasion attributed of 70 assembly seats in Delhi get 46-52 seats while the BJP 40-44 seats and AAP 25-29
from 5 February, ending a two-month sus- five-star hotels and one day, much to the pleasure Banerjee is hopeful that the state's success in attract- while only two exit polls have may win up to 18-23 seats. It seats. The Congress, it said,
pension imposed after a security breach at Golf-themes Township of Bengal Chief Minister responding positively to ing fresh inflows to the predicted the victory of the has also predicted 0-1 seats can win a 0-1 seat.
the mission. The services were halted on 3 across West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee. her request to N Chan- state to transparency, effi- AAP. for the grand old party. Meanwhile, Chanakya
December, a day after a group of protest- Sanjiv Goenka-led Meanwhile, the state drasekhar, chairman Tata ciency, ease of doing in The Delhi Assembly polls Poll Diary has predicted Strategies has predicted 39-
ers stormed the mission premises in RPSG group, on its part, government will begin Sons, the group, which business and Miss Baner- saw a triangular contest 42-50 seats for the BJP and its 44 seats for the BJP, 25-28
response to the arrest of Hindu monk Chin- will invest more than Rs mining at the world’s sec- now owns Air India, may jee's leadership. between the ruling AAP and allies and 18-25 for the AAP. seats for the AAP and 2-3 seats
moy Krishna Das in Dhaka. (Page 13) 10,000 crore in energy, ond largest coal block at also start direct flights (More reports on Pg 4) Opposition parties BJP and Meanwhile, JVC has pre- for Congress.

Cong’s Rahul Gandhi reiterates US C-17 military

aircraft lands in
nationwide caste census call Amritsar with
illegal immigrants
IMRAN MOJIB tribals and backward classes
PATNA, 5 FEBRUARY of the society. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
However, he promised CHANDIGARH, 5 FEBRUARY
The Leader of the Opposition that it wouldn’t continue
in the Lok Sabha, Rahul anymore and asserted that As many as 104 illegal Indian
Gandhi, reiterated his call Dalits and the backwards immigrants deported from
for a nationwide caste census would get a share in power the United States landed
as he underlined the paradox as per their population. on Wednesday at Sri Guru
of representation without In order to achieve these Ramdasji International Air-
power for the country’s Dalits, goals, Mr Gandhi stressed port in Amritsar in a US
Other Backward Classes the need to conduct a caste military aircraft.
(OBCs), and tribals. survey across the country, Thirty of them are from
Speaking at a programme making policies based on Punjab, 33 each are from
pertaining to the birth anniver- the collected data and imple- Haryana and Gujarat, while
sary of the Dalit icon Jaglal menting them with full deter- three each are said to be
Chaudhary in Patna, Mr why, according to him. the mination. He also cited the from Maharashtra and Uttar
Gandhi, observing that India’s BJP and the RSS wanted to example of Telangana in this Pradesh, and two are from
backward classes do have change it. regard. Chandigarh, sources said.
political representation, but Invoking Rohit Vemula, “The Caste Census will Initially, there were
that has not translated into a student activist who com- tell us the actual number of reports that the US C-17
real power in their hands. mitted suicide in January Dalits, backward classes, Globemaster aircraft was
“Dalits have been given rep- 2015, he said that all RSS minorities, and the poor from carrying 205 illegal Indian
resentation, but due to lack leaders did bow to Ambedkar, the general category. Based immigrants but the authorities
of actual participation in the but they didn’t respect what on this, we will analyse their were not disclosing any spe-
power structure, it means he fought for. “They will do representation in the judi- cific details in this regard.
nothing,” Mr Gandhi said. it in a subtle way to deceive ciary, media, institutions, Punjab NRI Affairs Min-
He also repeated his call you,” he said. and bureaucracy to uncover ister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal
to save the Constitution of Mr Gandhi said the new the reality,” he said. Tuesday said that many peo-
India, contending that only political establishment under Mr Gandhi said that not ple from the country entered
the Constitution could give Prime Minister Narendra a single Dalit, OBC, or tribal the USA on work visas which
the backward classes true Modi has further diminished holds a leadership position later expired, making them
representation, and that is the representation of Dalits, in India's top 200 companies. illegal immigrants.

Mahakumbh: PM takes holy dip at Triveni Sangam

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE he added.
MAHAKUMBH NAGAR, Prime Minister Modi
5 FEBRUARY arrived at Prayagraj Airport
in the morning and proceeded
Prime Minister Narendra to the DPS helipad aboard
Modi took a sacred dip at an MI-17 helicopter, where
the confluence of the Ganga, Chief Minister Adityanath
Yamuna, and the mythical received him. From there,
Saraswati during the Prayagraj he travelled to Arail Ghat and
Mahakumbh here on boarded a boat to head toward
Wednesday. the Triveni Sangam.
He immersed himself in Accompanied by CM
the Triveni Sangam amidst Adityanath, the Prime Minister
the chanting of Vedic hymns. discussed the arrangements
Before his ritual bath, PM made for the Mahakumbh
Modi offered prayers to Lord and the facilities provided
Surya, chanted on Rudraksha Himachali cap, he offered puja, PM Modi and CM for devotees. During the boat
(dried seeds used for prayers akshat (raw unbroken rice Adityanath shared a boat ride ride, he also acknowledged
by Hindus and Buddhists) sprinkled with water), back to the helipad. the greetings of the devotees
beads, and performed rituals, naivedya (offering to deity After his Sangam dip, PM gathered at the Sangam and
honouring the rivers Ganga, or nature), flowers, fruits, Modi wrote on social media: waved to them. Upon reaching
Yamuna, and Saraswati, fol- and a red chunari (cloth used “Blessed to be at the Maha the Triveni Sangam, PM Modi
lowed by Ganga Puja and to cover the top of a dress) to Kumbh in Prayagraj. The joined thousands of common
Aarti. Adhering to traditions, the divine confluence, amid Snan at the Sangam is a devotees already performing
Prime Minister Modi first Vedic hymns reverberating moment of divine connection, their ritual baths. Notably,
touched the holy waters in in the air. and like the crores of others despite the VVIP movement,
reverence before offering Following the dip, he per- who have taken part in it, I there was no restriction on
tarpan (offering made to formed Aarti of the three was also filled with a spirit of public participation, allowing
divine entities) and prayers sacred rivers. The Tirtha Puro- devotion.” “May Maa Ganga devotees to continue their
to the Sun. Clad in a black hit present at the site honoured bless all with peace, wisdom, sacred dips alongside the
kurta, saffron sash, and a him with a tilak. After the good health and harmony,” Prime Minister.
02 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

Entry fee to Ballavpur

wildlife sanctuary in
Sittong Tourism Festival: Armed Bangladeshi
miscreants attack
Birbhum withdrawn Blend of culture, BSF in S Dinajpur
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
BIRBHUM, 5 FEBRUARY adventure & tradition STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
SILIGURI, 5 FEBRUARY
The tourists visiting Ballavpur Darjeeling Hills, located in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, is part of the Kanchenjunga
Sanctuary will no longer have Regional Tourism Circuit, comprising north Bengal, Sikkim, Eastern Nepal, and Bhutan Tension escalated along the
to buy a Rs 100 ticket for Indo-Bangladesh border in
entering the sanctuary at San- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Malikpur, South Dinajpur,
tiniketan in Birbhum. The SILIGURI, 5 FEBRUARY as Bangladeshi miscreants
forest department has issued golden jackals, monkeys, tur- launched yet another attack

T
a notification and has with- tles, peacock, rabbit, mon- he 2nd Darjeeling on BSF personnel in the early
drawn the entry fee for the goose, snakes and a large Ecotourism and Cul- hours of Wednesday.
visitors. number of bird species in tural Festival will be Armed with sharp danger, the BSF troops fired
The tourists had to cough the vast waterbody, including held at Ahal Ground, weapons, sticks, and wire non-lethal munitions to
up Rs 100 to enter the sanc- permanent residential birds Sittong III, Kurseong, under cutters, the miscreants illegally deter the attackers, but the
tuary. The state government and also winter migratory the Gorkhaland Territorial crossed the International miscreants remained unde-
has plans to further develop birds. Administration (GTA) from Border (IB) twice within terred. As the situation wors-
the wildlife sanctuary to boost It is the only deer conser- 7-9 February. hours, attempting to smuggle ened, a BSF soldier fired in
tourism in the district. vation sanctuary in West Ben- Organised by the Sittong- goods and loot villagers near self-defence, forcing the
Recently, during her north gal. On 11 July, 1977, the deer III Homestay Owners’ Welfare the fenced area. attackers to flee. Due to
Bengal official tour, chief park was opened for the public Society, the festival aims to During the first intrusion dense fog in the area, the
minister Mamata Banerjee and it has been spread over promote rural tourism, home- on the intervening night of miscreants vanished under
had expressed her concern 700 acres with trees like Sal, stays, adventure activities, 4-5 February, BSF personnel cover of darkness. A subse-
about the entry fees imposed Pial, Sishu, Cashew, Amlaki, and traditional practices. intercepted the miscreants, quent search operation led
by the state forest department Baharea, Sirish, berries, Darjeeling Hills, spread holders from Arunachal & Tourism (ACT), the Home- tition. On 8 February, activities forcing them to retreat. How- to the discovery of an injured
for entering the Bengal Safari mohua, sonajhuri etc. across Darjeeling and Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, stay Owners’ Association begin with birdwatching, fol- ever, just hours later, another Bangladeshi national, who
Park in Siliguri. After her Already beautification Kalimpong districts, is part Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, launched this festival in lowed by GTA idol auditions, larger group re-entered the was immediately evacuated
strong statements, the forest works have started with ini- of the Kanchenjunga Regional and Bhutan have visited the 2024 to celebrate this trans- rock climbing, rappelling, a area, armed and ready for to Gangarampur Hospital
department has withdrawn tiatives like lake beautification Tourism Circuit, which region to study its success. formation. plantation and orchard tour, confrontation. When chal- for medical treatment. As
the entry fees of Bengal Safari and cleanings, plantation includes north Bengal, Once known for colonial- The festival opens on 7 and a bustling fair with stalls. lenged by the BSF, the mis- of now, his condition is sta-
Park. The withdrawal of entry drive etc. Sikkim, Eastern Nepal, and era tourism with tea gardens, February with a grand recep- A momo-making competition creants turned aggressive, ble.
fees in this sanctuary also Jyotish Barman, range offi- Bhutan. toy trains, and Dak Bunga- tion featuring Nepal’s all- for women will be the highlight launching a violent attack The BSF also recovered
seems to have been taken cer of Bolpur Forest Range Rural tourism in the lows, Darjeeling Hills now women band, Naumati Baja, of the day. The final day, 9 with dahs (machetes) and sharp weapons, sticks, and
after the instruction of CM said that the entry fees have region traces its roots to thrives on community-led followed by the inauguration February, starts with yoga other sharp-edged weapons. wire cutters from the site.
to the forest department in been withdrawn, but the Tinchuley village, where the rural tourism. This shift has of stalls. The chief guest, and pranayama, followed by Despite warnings, the intrud- Medical aid was provided
north Bengal. tourists and the visitors must first homestay movement reduced migration, strength- guest of honour, and special cultural events, village games, ers encircled the BSF team to the injured BSF personnel.
The Ballavpur Wildlife produce an authentic identity in India began in the mid- ened local economies, and guests will officially inaugurate and an orange-eating com- and attempted to snatch a The incident has once again
Sanctuary, located in the card before entering the 1990s. Over nearly three instilled a sense of pride in the festival at 11 a.m. The petition. The festival will con- soldier's firearm, leading to raised serious concerns
Khoai region in Birbhum is Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary. decades, the model has indigenous food, culture, afternoon will showcase local clude with a grand closing a fierce scuffle. One BSF about the rising audacity of
host to huge numbers of deer The Ballavpur sanctuary is inspired similar initiatives and lifestyle. With support cultural performances, along ceremony from 3 p.m. to 5 jawan sustained injuries in cross-border criminal net-
in the state, including cheetal about two kilometres from across the country and neigh- from GTA Tourism and tech- with competitions such as a p.m, marking the end of three the assault. works, prompting heightened
deer and blackbucks. The the Visva-Bharati University bouring nations. Policymak- nical assistance from the Tarul (yam) eating contest days of celebration, culture, According to a Press state- security measures along the
sanctuary also hosts foxes, in Santiniketan. ers and rural tourism stake- Association for Conservation and an ethnic dress compe- and community spirit. ment, faced with imminent Indo-Bangladesh border.

T E N D E R

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KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025 03
04 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

Mamata calls on industry to Jharkhand CM praises

investor-friendly Bengal
come and help transform Bengal
Miss Banerjee called for the younger generation to join business to take the state to the next level

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE years. The investments will

KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY span across healthcare, hos-
pitality, tourism, residential
Jharkhand chief minister and commercial real estate,
Hemant Soren, one of the and a first-of-its-kind golf-
special invitees at the 8th themed township, reaffirming
BGBS, showered praises on the Group’s long-term com-
Bengal and also on chief min- mitment to the state’s eco-
ister Mamata Banerjee, the nomic growth and develop-
host. He said: “Under the ment.
visionary leadership of the Speaking at the Summit,
Hon'ble Chief Minister, West Harshavardhan Neotia, chair-
climate and talent pool and and evidence when you say Bengal has emerged as a hub man, Ambuja Neotia Group,
invited other industries to so much against us?" She for industry and investment, expressed gratitude to the
invest in the state, which, said: "I would not have come both nationally and inter- government for fostering a
according to them, is poised up with these facts and figures nationally. This significant business-friendly environ-
RITWIK MUKHERJEE saying: "My sisters and brothers ~ the Bengal CM said: “From entrepreneurs, Miss Banerjee for the next big leap. to counter them (political development has far-reaching ment. “Bengal has always
KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY from the industry and the where ever you are, do not called for the younger gener- In remarks directed at her critics). I don't care. I am not implications, particularly in been our home and our
world of entrepreneurship, forget that Bengal is your sweet ation to join business and detractors, Miss Banerjee, accountable to them. But I fostering stronger inter-state karmabhoomi. We are com-

Q
uite like how Swami come and help us grow and home. Do not forget us, we entrepreneurship to take the while highlighting the state's am pointing these out because relations that can propel mitted to its growth and
Vivekananda transform the state further." will not forget you.” state to the next level. achievements and success I am accountable to the com- mutual growth and position development, and these proj-
enthralled the audi- Moved and turbocharged While highlighting the fact Much to the pleasure of stories on the economic and mon people and they must West Bengal as a key driver ects will create new oppor-
ence so many years by the praise that industrialists that the state has the highest the chief minister, the likes of industrial fronts, said: “When know the facts. They must of India's economic growth.” tunities, enhance infrastruc-
ago in Chicago, chief minister ~ from Mukesh Ambani, Sajjan percentage of women repre- Mr Ambani, Mr Jindal, Mr I say something, I say with know what's happening on Meanwhile, Ambuja Neo- ture, and strengthen Bengal’s
Mamata Banerjee moved a Jindal, ITC chairman Sanjeev sentatives in Parliament (from Goenka, Mr Neotia and Mr documents and evidence. I the ground." tia Group promised to invest position as a business and
packed Biswa Bangla Con- Puri to Harsh Neotia, Sanjiv her party) and the state has Puri vouchsafed for the state’s ask them (political opponents) (Photos from Biswajit over Rs 15,000 crore in West tourism hub,” said Har-
vention Centre on Wednesday, Goenka and Saurav Ganguly the highest number of women industrial, socio-economic where are your documents Ghoshal and ANI) Bengal over the next five shavardhan Neotia.

Kalimpong DM hails Kalimpong entrepreneurs at meet BGBS: CPM, BJP doubt investments in state
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE T, adding that their partici- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE there," Chakraborty alleged. industrial scenario. "BGBS
SILIGURI, 5 FEBRUARY pation could open new busi- KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY The CPM leader also crit- stands for the bombs, guns,
ness opportunities for the icised Mamata Banerjee for and garood (explosives)
Two entrepreneurs from district. The Bengal Global Business ignoring pressing issues like industry. If Bengal had truly
Kalimpong have made their Gideon Lepcha, the Summit (BGBS) has once the pending wages of rural witnessed an industrial
mark at the Bengal Global founder of Acme AI, is devel- again become a political bat- workers under the 100-day boom, why are poor and
Business Summit, which oping cutting-edge AI solu- tleground, with the opposition job scheme. "She is not con- middle-class youth leaving
began today in Kolkata. tions, particularly for docu- CPM and BJP ridiculing the cerned about villagers, who the state in search of jobs?"
The participation of Nitesh ment management. Mean- state government over its are not getting their wages. he questioned. Khan accused
Sharma, a drone and power while, Nitesh Sharma’s com- claims of attracting invest- Instead, she is obsessed with the TMC government of fos-
electronics manufacturer, pany, KLM Power Private ment. what industrialist Mukesh tering a climate of fear among
and Gideon Lepcha, an AI Ltd, specialises in advanced Senior CPM leader and Ambani has said about Ben- investors due to rampant
and technology entrepreneur, robotic systems for air, land, central committee member gal," he said. Mocking factionalism and extortion.
has brought pride to not just and sea, with a focus on civil- Sujan Chakraborty termed Ambani’s statement that "Industrialists are afraid to
Kalimpong but also district ian, industrial, and defense the event a "magic show" state. It’s laughable. Every "Bengal means business," come here. Mamata Baner-
magistrate Balasubramanian applications. The company with zero results. Chakraborty year, the TMC government Chakraborty questioned why jee's government has
T, who expressed his happi- produces UAVs and drones criticised chief minister organises BGBS, but the net the billionaire himself was destroyed Bengal’s industrial
ness over their achievement. of various sizes, aiming to Mamata Banerjee for inviting result is zero," he remarked. not investing in the state. prospects, just like it did
Sharma and Lepcha have dignitaries from across the nations taking part. become a global leader in Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, He further claimed that while "The chief minister is only with Tata Motors' Nano car
showcased their products at world. Meanwhile, the Biswa "This is a proud moment the sector. who, according to him, used Mamata Banerjee travels to sponsoring chop and egg roll project," he said. Taking a
Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Bangla Convention Centre for Kalimpong. For the first Both entrepreneurs the platform to promote his Maharashtra to bring investors businesses here," he quipped. dig at the state’s business
with Sharma exhibiting at is hosting the global inaugural time, two of our tech entre- expressed their gratitude for own state rather than Ben- to Bengal, she has failed in Senior BJP leader and environment, Khan added:
Hall A, Stall 25 and Lepcha session, country-specific dis- preneurs have been given the opportunity and acknowl- gal. her mission. "Soren indirectly MP Soumitra Khan said that "The only industries flour-
at Hall A, Stall 95. The summit cussions, and high-level busi- stalls to showcase their work edged the support of DM "Hemant Soren came, hinted that Jharkhand has a he would soon demand a ishing here are bomb-making
venue features 225 business ness meetings, with repre- at a global business event," Balasubramanian T in helping took advantage, and left, better administration than report from the central gov- units and street food stalls
and start-up stalls, attracting sentatives from 20 foreign said DM Balasubramanian them reach this platform. inviting industrialists to his Bengal and invited businesses ernment on Bengal's actual selling chops and egg rolls."

IEM-UEM integrates microcredit 9,000 people visit Sebaashray

Classified and micro-internships in curriculum camps on Wednesday
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE bridging the gap between
KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY academia and industry by STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC SITUATION incorporating bite-sized KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY
CHANGE OF NAME
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE VACANT The Institute of Engineering learning modules and short-
and Management (IEM) and term internships from leading Sebaashray camps in
24-01-2025, Achintya the University of Engineering global companies into all Metiabruz recorded the pres-
Wanted Faculty of and Management (UEM) courses, across disciplines. ence of over 9,000 people
Bera and Achinta Kumar
Mathematics as per Bera is the one and same have announced a ground- Microcredit courses are today.
NCTE norms 2014 for identical person. breaking initiative, becoming designed to offer students Thirty health camps have
'Mathurapur Mass the first university group in flexible, skill-based learning been opened in Metiabruz.
Eastern India to integrate that supplements their pri- So far 5, 47,970 people have
Teachers Training microcredit and micro- mary coursework. These visited the Sabaashray camps
I, AVISEKH Mukherjee,
Institute' (D.El.Ed.) at son of Asit Mukherjee, resid- internships from top global courses are endorsed by since its inception on 2 Jan-
Te n t u l b e r i a , ing at Flat-304, Block-B, 14, companies into the curricu- leading international cor- uary. Metiabruz, this initiative is
N K Babu Lane, Post: lum of all courses. This pio- porations and provide tar- The initiative has been proving that governance is
Mathurapur, South 24 Bhadrakali, Dist.: Hooghly,
neering move is set to rev- geted knowledge in emerging taken by Abhishek Banerjee, about action that touches
Parganas. Pin Code-712232, hereby
declare that, in my birth cer- olutionise the academic fields such as artificial intel- Trinamul Congress MP from lives, restores dignity and
Apply earliest by mail: tificate, my name was erro- landscape, equipping stu- ligence, data science, fintech, Diamond Harbour and party’s eliminates barriers.”
mathurapur.mass@ neously mentioned as dents with real-world expe- digital marketing, cyberse- national general secretary. Mr Banerjee visited the
gmail.com Abhishek Mukherjee. On rience and industry-relevant curity, and more. Through Mr Banerjee on his X- model camp at Metiabruz
January 29, 2025, by the skills while they study. With this initiative, students will handle wrote: “Healthcare yesterday and oversaw the
Affidavit No. 1220, before
the First Class Judicial the rapid evolution of indus- have access to certified micro is often seen as something arrangements.
Magistrate of Serampore tries and technological courses from industry leaders people must seek out but The Sebaashray camps,
CHANGE OF NAME Court, Hooghly, my name advancements, higher edu- like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Sebaashray is rewriting that the first of its kind in the
Avisekh Mukherjee and cation institutions worldwide Amazon, and Tesla, among narrative. Here healthcare country, would be held in
Abhishek Mukherjee known are rethinking traditional others. By completing these doesn’t wait to be asked for all the seven Assembly seg-
as one and the same per-
I, UMA Rani Majumder, son. From now and onwards learning models. IEM and microcredit programmes, – it reaches the people first. ments that fall under Dia-
W/o. Late Krishna Das my name is known as UEM Group’s latest initiative students can earn globally “From Diamond harbour mond Harbour Lok Sabha
Majumder of South Colony, Avisekh Mukherjee. aligns with this global trend, recognised certifications. to Falta, from Bishnupur to seat.
Mal, Dist.: Jalpaiguri-
735221, presently residing

Book traces vanishing ‘para’ culture in Kolkata

at Purabi Abasan, 3A Kaji
Nazrul Islam Sarani, I, CHHAYA Rani Patra,
Konnagar, Hooghly-712235 wife of Bablu Patra, R/o.
have changed my name to Dhansatra, Indupur-
Uma Majumder declared Gosainijanara, P.O.: TARUN GOSWAMI the post of the inhabitants Tagore songs.
SITUATION before the 1st Class Judicial Gosainijanara, Dist.: KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY were fishermen, Lattupara, Mahasay Mahesh Ghosh
VACANT Magistrate, Calcutta vide Bankura have changed my
Affidavit No. 4532 & 4533 name to Chhaya Patra vide
where many residents made was a resident of Bihar, who
dated 28-01-2025 for all affidavit before Notary A unique book on the nostalgia lattus (tops), Kumarpara, used to run a private army
future purposes. Uma Rani Public, Dhanbad dated: 07- embracing Kolkata titled Lat- where the residents made and whose sole purpose was
Wanted Faculty of Majumder & Uma Majumder 01-2025. tuparar Letti Kotha was clay idols and so on. to punish the dacoits and
is same identical person. launched at the ongoing 48th Lattupara was situated other hoodlums who had
Mathematics as per
International Kolkata Book close to Lady Dufferin Hospital unleashed a reign of terror
NCTE norms 2014 for
Fair (IKBF). on Amherst Street. Some res- in Bihar.
'Mass Education I, ACHINTA Kumar Bera, Penned by Asok Kumar idents used to manufacture Ei Europe Ekhon penned
Teachers Training S/o. Chandi Charan Bera, Mukhopadhyay, the books lattu of different sizes and by Hiran Singha Roy has
Vill.: Paschim Readers are requested to make appropriate enquiries and
give detailed pictures of the shapes. In the 1960s and given the readers a picture
Institute' (D.EI.Ed.) at Joykrishnapur, P.O.+P.S. seek appropriate advice before sending money, incurring
any expenses, acting on medical recommendations or city during the 19860s and 1970s lattu was very popular of present day Europe. Singha
Haripal, District: Hooghly,
Atasura, Magrahat, have changed my name
entering into any commitment in relation to any advertise-
1970s. The cover has been among boys. Roy, who retired as a senior
All Advertisements are carried ment published in this publication. The Statesman Group
designed by Hiran Mitra. were close connections among Mr Mukhopadhyay speaks banker, went to England four
South 24 Parganas. from Achintya Bera to doesn't vouch any claim made by the advertisers of prod-
Free of cost on our website Achinta Kumar Bera, vide ucts and services. The printer, publisher, Editor and own-
The city’s skyline started the local residents which about the enthusiasm in the decades ago. A brilliant student
https://epaper.thestatesman.com Apply earliest by mail: affidavit (No.-374) before
ers of The Statesman Group publications shall not be held
changing from the middle became a thing of the past people over the birth cente- of Economics, he stood first
liable for any consequences, in the event such claims are

metti.magrahat@ 1st Class Judicial not honoured by the advertisers. For any loss incurred, the
1980s when many old build- when the apartments came nary of Rabindranath Tagore in the humanities group in
Magistrate Court at onus lies entirely with advertisers and not with the publica-

gmail.com Chinsurah Hooghly dated tion. ings were pulled down to up. in 1961. A huge rally was Higher Secondary examina-
make room for high rises. There were localities which taken out in the city with tion in 1965. He has studied
Old localities, known as ‘paras’, were associated with pro- Satyajit Ray in the forefront the social condition prevailing
disappeared. Earlier there fessions like Jelepara, where and Debabrata Biswas singing in European society.
 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025 05 TENDER
THUMBNAILS
General Chauhan launches key
infrastructure initiatives
Raj Assembly adjourned
following slogan shout-
ing: The Rajasthan assem-
bly was on Wednesday
MORE TENDER ADS
ON PAGE 2
adjourned for 15 minutes
amidst uproar and slogan
The developments align with the national objective of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
shouting over formation of modation units, and essential
new districts and subse- utilities at the Naval Base.
quent abolition of some Additionally, the station is
districts. As several mem- backed by three 3 MVA Captive
bers tried to raise the Power Plants, ensuring a reli-
issue, Parliamentary Affairs able power supply even during
Minister Jogaram Patel emergencies.
said, "Since the matter is These projects are part of
subjudice, it won't be the broader Phase IIA of Proj-
appropriate to discuss it in ect Seabird, which aims to
the House." Leader of the bolster the naval infrastructure
Opposition Tikaram Julie at Karwar, enabling the
said that the cases pertain- berthing of more ships and
ing only 2 districts are submarines. The phase also
pending before the high includes the development of
court, therefore, the a Naval Air Station, a full-
House can discuss the fledged Naval Dockyard, and
issues excluding the two various logistics facilities.
districts. However, Minister The ongoing construction
Patel maintained that he has created 7,000 direct and
has placed the ruling from 25,000 indirect jobs, further
the Chair that the matter contributing to local economic
is sub judice hence, this growth.
could not be raised in the The developments align
House. Harish Chaudhary with the national objective
(Congress) said "The House of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with
business procedure rules over 90% of the materials
give powers to the Chair STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE accommodation for Senior to enhance both living and is part of the ongoing effort and equipment sourced from
(Speaker) for holding the NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY Sailors and a Main Distribution operational conditions at the to improve the quality of life Indian vendors. Additionally,
discussion.” The Parliamen- Sub Station, significant mile- base. for senior sailors stationed the project meets the envi-

G
tary Affairs Minister said eneral Anil stones under Phase IIA of The new residential at Karwar. ronmental standards set by
that the Chair's ruling Chauhan, Chief of the ongoing Project Seabird. accommodation, constructed The Main Distribution the Ministry of Environment,
should not be discussed in Defence Staff (CDS) Accompanied by Vice by M/S NCC Pvt. Ltd. of Sub Station, built by M/S Forest and Climate Change
the house. The members in and Secretary of the Admiral Krishna Swami- Hyderabad, consists of four ITD Cementation India Ltd. (MoEF&CC) and the Indian
the opposition benches Department of Military Affairs nathan, Vice Chief of the towers with 240 dwelling from Mumbai, features four Green Building Council
were not satisfied and an (DMA), inaugurated key infra- Naval Staff, SG Dastidar, DAS, units, designed to provide 33/11 KV – 35 MVA trans- (IGBC), ensuring sustainable
uproar continued that structure developments at FA (DS), and other senior comfortable housing for Mas- formers, capable of delivering and responsible infrastructure
forced Speaker Devnani to the Naval Base in Karwar, officers, General Chauhan ter Chief Petty Officers a stabilised 65 MVA power growth, a statement from the
adjourn the House for 15 Karnataka. The event marked inaugurated the state-of-the- (MCPOs) and Chief Petty supply. This system will sup- Naval spokesperson
minutes. the opening of residential art facilities which are expected Officers (CPOs). This addition port operational piers, accom- stated.

Acknowledge failure Bihar: Tejashwi meets Governor

of Make in India: Rahul over deteriorating law and order
IMRAN MOJIB themselves are openly accept-
sector has witnessed a decline. address what’s holding our PATNA, 5 FEBRUARY ing the crimes sponsored by
Referring to the prime manufacturing sector back, the government. The state
minister’s reply to the Motion and prepare it to be compet- Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and central ministers are jus-
of Thanks on the President’s itive in the global economy Tejashwi Prasad Yadav Today tifying the firing of hundreds
address in the Lok Sabha on of the future.” met the Governor of Bihar of rounds. There is a worrying
Tuesday, Gandhi said: “Prime “This vision for production Arif Mohammad Khan and situation of anarchy and
Minister, in your speech you in India must also have a submitted a memorandum chaos in the state. The Chief
didn’t even mention 'Make specific focus on emergent highlighting the deteriorating Minister is unaware of all
in India'. The prime minister technologies like electric law and order situation in this,” he added.
should acknowledge that motors, batteries, optics, and Bihar and informed him about order situation in Bihar, record In Madhubani, Maulana
‘Make in India’, although a AI. This is the only way to the chaotic situation prevailing breaking incidents of murder, Mohammad Feroz was beaten
good initiative, is a failure.” revive our manufacturing in the state due to lawlessness firing, rape, robbery, theft, up by the police during vehicle
On the manufacturing sector, develop cutting edge and corruption. snatching and extortion are checking. After an investiga-
sector, the Congress leader manufacturing ability, and After the meeting, Tejashwi happening every day in the tion, police personnel accused
pointed out that it has fallen create the jobs we need,” he lashed out at the state gov- state and smuggling of liquor of assault have been sus-
from 15.3 per cent of GDP in said. ernment and targeted Nitish and drugs is at its peak. Hun- pended and police station
2014 to 12.6 per cent – the The leader of the Oppo- Kumar, as the Chief Minister dreds of people are being in-charge trainee DSP Gaurav
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE lowest in the last 60 years. sition said: “China is 10 years is also the minister responsible murdered every month. The Gupta has been removed
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY Stating that India's youth ahead of us and has a stronger for the Department of Home. police administration is tor- from his post.
desperately need jobs, Gandhi industrial system, this is what He said that Bihar is not in turing the common citizens However, the incident
Leader of the Opposition in said: “No government in gives them the confidence safe hands as law and order on the basis of caste and reli- continues to be in the limelight.
the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi recent times, UPA (United to challenge us. The only way has collapsed in the state. gion. Muslims are especially Leader of Opposition in Bihar
said on Wednesday that Prime Progressive Alliance) or NDA to compete effectively with Madhubani’s painful incident being targeted and harassed.” Assembly Tejashwi Yadav
Minister Narendra Modi (National Democratic them is to build our production is the latest example. “The criminals are embold- also visited Madhubani and
should acknowledge that Alliance), has been able to systems and for that we need In a post on social media ened under the protection met the victim Firoz. This
‘Make in India’ is a failure as meet this national challenge vision and platform X, Tejashwi wrote: of the government. The min- has further politicised the
the country’s manufacturing at scale. We need a vision to strategy.” “Due to the poor law and isters of the state government incident.

PM Modi mourns demise of Row over

MP govt to phase out alcohol J’khand DGP
shops; open milk shops Prince Karim Aga Khan IV appointment
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE ensuring growth and progress
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY
health, education, rural
development and women
violating SC
BHOPAL, 5 FEBRUARY for the region. empowerment will continue order
The CM also declared the Prime Minister Narendra to inspire several people. I
Reiterating the BJP-led Mad- establishment of an engi- Modi on Wednesday con- will always cherish my inter- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
hya Pradesh government’s neering college in Narmada- doled the passing of Prince actions with him. My heartfelt RANCHI, 5 FEBRUARY
commitment to social welfare, puram district to enhance Karim Aga Khan IV, Con- condolences to his family
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Diwas celebrations late Tues- higher education opportu- sidered by his followers to and the millions of followers The appointment of Jhark-
has announced that liquor day evening. nities. be a direct descendant of and admirers across the hand’s Director General of
shops across the state will Speaking about the Nar- Dr. Yadav also presided Prophet Muhammad. world.” Police (DGP) has sparked
be phased out and instead madapuram district’s future, over the foundation laying The PM lauded him as a Earlier in the day, the a political storm in the
milk shops will be opened he assured that every effort and inauguration of 30 devel- visionary, who dedicated Aga Khan Foundation wrote state.
all over the state. will be made for its develop- opment projects worth Rs his life to service and spiri- on x: ''His Highness Prince BJP state president and
He made the announce- ment. He said that Narmada- 104.72 crore, including Bhoo- tuality. He hailed his con- Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan former chief minister Bab-
ment while addressing the puram would be transformed mi Pujan for 24 projects tributions in areas like health, IV, 49th hereditary Imam ulal Marandi has strongly
Narmada Prakatotsav and into a modern city, on par valued at Rs 29.96 crore and education, rural develop- of the Shia Ismaili Muslims opposed the appointment
Narmadapuram Gaurav with Indore and Bhopal, the inauguration of six com- ment and women empow- and descendant of the of Anurag Gupta as the
pleted projects worth Rs 74.76 erment. In a post on X, Mr Prophet Muhammad (peace state’s regular DGP, calling
crore. To mark the occasion, Modi wrote: “Deeply sad- be upon him), passed away it a violation of Supreme
1.25 lakh flour-based lamps dened by the passing of His peacefully in Lisbon on 4 Court directives. He has
were lit at Sethani Ghat, cre- Highness Prince Karim Aga February 2025, aged 88, sur- urged the Jharkhand High
ating a visually striking and Khan IV. He was a visionary, rounded by his family.'' Court to take suo motu
spiritually uplifting atmos- who dedicated his life to The announcement of cognizance of the matter.
phere along the Narmada service and spirituality. His his designated successor The BJP claims that the
coastline. contributions in areas like will follow. Hemant Soren government
appointed a tainted officer
to the top police post, dis-

Substantial increase in cargo regarding due process.

Marandi pointed out that
on 7 January, the state cab-

handled at major airports inet had decided to form a

selection committee, com-
prising a retired judge, the
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE is a continuous process. It Chief Secretary, a Public
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY involves the construction of Service Commission mem-
new berths and terminals, ber, and the JPSC chairman,
The cargo handled at Major mechanisation of existing to shortlist candidates for
Ports has increased from berths and terminals, capital the DGP post.
581.34 million tonnes in dredging for deepening of However, the govern-
2014-15 to 819.23 million drafts for attracting larger ment bypassed this process
tonnes in FY 2023-24, a CAGR vessels, development of road and directly appointed
of 3.5 % which is comparable and rail connectivity, etc. Gupta.
to global standards. Further, Vadhavan Port in Referring to the Supreme
During 2023-24, the cargo Maharashtra has been Court’s 2006 directive, BJP
handled consisted of 33.80 approved to be developed leaders argued that DGP
per cent liquid bulk, 44.04 bananda Sonowal told the as the mega container port appointments must be
per cent dry bulk, and 22.16 Rajya Sabha in a written in the country catering the based on recommendations
per cent container cargo. reply that infrastructure requirement of handling from the State Public Service
Minister for Ports, Ship- development and capacity new generation mega size Commission unless specific
ping and Waterways Sar- augmentation of major ports container vessels. laws are enacted.
06 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

THUMBNAILS
T’gana govt faces objection Kerala HC rules ragging worse than
vandalism, stays re-admission of
over quotas for Madigas
Three workers killed in
wall collapse in Hyder-
abad: Three workers
were killed in a wall col- accused veterinary students
lapse on a construction Cong disciplinary committee issues a show cause notice to Mallana for criticising caste census
site in Hyderabad on AGENCIES faced action including expul- was underway by the Uni-
Wednesday. Another STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE a Madiga himself, for failing KOCHI, 5 FEBRUARY sion from the institute. versity.
worker was injured in the HYDERABAD, 5 FEBRUARY to guard the interest of the After some time in jail, The division bench, while
incident that occurred in Madigas. A divisional bench of the these students later got bail, staying the order of the single

O
LB Nagar. According to bjections have been It was Manda Krishna Kerala High Court on Wednes- and in December 2024, a judge permitting the re-
police, the incident raised against the Madiga who had held a public day stayed the order of the single bench of the High admission of the students at
occurred when the work- Scheduled Caste rally with Prime Minister single judge which allowed Court quashed the order the campus in Mannuthy
ers were engaged in dig- categorisation Narendra Modi, paving the the re-admission of 18 stu- expelling the accused students observed, "Students indulging
ging a pit for the cellar announced by the Telangana way for SC categorisation. dents at the College of Vet- and allowed them to take in ragging are worse than
of an under-construction Congress government as The judicial commission set erinary and Animal Sciences re-admission at the Mannuthy those indulging in vandal-
building of a hotel. A Manda Krishna Madiga, who up by the state government at Mannuthy who were impli- campus. ism".
compound wall in the spearheaded the movement, recommended that the 59 cated as accused in the suicide The single bench also The appellant-mother
same premises fell on the has opposed it. sub castes among the SCs in of junior student J. S. Sid- directed a fresh disciplinary argued that the single judge
workers, burying them He alleged that the forward Telangana be divided into harthan. inquiry against the accused. should not have permitted
under the debris. Police castes within the SCs have three groups. Madigas have Sidharthan's body was Deeply aggrieved by the the students to take re-admis-
and Disaster Response been recognised among the been placed in the second found in the hostel toilet on order of the single judge, sion to the Mannuthy campus
Force (DRF) personnel most backward ones under group with 9 per cent reser- 18 February, 2024, and it was Sidharthan's mother filed a by showing leniency since
rushed to the spot and the categorisation approved vation. The Congress disci- alleged that he committed writ appeal before the division such relief was not even
launched rescue opera- by the state government. He plinary committee issued a suicide. bench. sought in the writ petition.
tion. Bodies of three said Madigas should have show cause notice to party Later, when it became a The division bench of Jus- The CBI, which took over
workers were pulled out received 11 per cent reservation A Revanth Reddy is scheduled gas along with the numbers. MLC Teenmar Mallana for big issue, it was alleged he tice Amit Rawal and Justice the investigation, said 19
from the rubble. A fourth but they were given only 9 to meet party MLAs and key Instead, the castes were cat- criticising the state caste was a victim of ragging and K.V. Jayakumar granted her accused persons had com-
worker was critically per cent. functionaries tomorrow to egorised according to political census report. He had alleged assault by some of his class- leave to appeal. mitted grave offences.
injured. He was shifted to Meanwhile, the Congress, gear up for the upcoming considerations. The castes that the data was manipulated mates and seniors. It said that the mother The High Court has now
a private hospital, where which also faced rebellion local body polls now that the that are most forward have to bring down the reservation As many as 18 students should also be heard while posted the case to 4 March
his condition was stated within the party over backward SC categorization and been included in Group A, of BCs. He had also burnt a were arrested in the case and the fresh disciplinary enquiry for further consideration.
to be critical. The classes reservation served a enhanced reservation for BCs meant for the most backward copy of the caste survey state-
deceased were identified show-cause notice to its MLC have been sorted. castes among SCs." ment in the Assembly.
as Ramu (22), Veeraiah
(52) and Vasu (19).
Dasarth was critically
Teenmar Mallanna after he
alleged that the caste census
was a conspiracy to suppress
Manda Krishna Madiga,
who heads the Madiga Reser-
vation Porata Samithi, said:
He said this was done to
benefit the Mala community,
which wields political power.
Mallana, however, con-
tinued his tirade against the
caste census even after receiv-
DK Shivakumar calls for pressure
injured. They all belong
to the same family.
BCs further.
Telangana Chief Minister
“The categorisation ignored
the backwardness of the Madi-
He blamed state health min-
ister Damodar Rajanarsimha,
ing the show cause
notice. on Centre to withdraw flawed NEP
AGENCIES Education Policy rolled out ical colleges and 250 engi-

Rat faeces and cockroaches found in NALSAR canteen BENGALURU, 5 FEBRUARY

Karnataka Deputy Chief

by the Union government
has many flaws. The Kar-
nataka government has gone
neering colleges. Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, Telangana and
Andhra Pradesh also have
Minister DK Shivakumar on ahead and brought in some good colleges," he added.
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The team found rat faeces FSSAI license was obtained at store room. Windows and to be insect-infested. Whole Wednesday called for build- amendments. The output "Our federal structure
HYDERABAD, 5 FEBRUARY and cockroach infestation in the registered address instead doors of the food preparation green gram (30kg) was found ing pressure on the Union from this conclave must is unique and our Consti-
the store room, insect-infested of the food preparation prem- area and dining area do not without a packing date, expiry government and the Uni- reach the Centre." tution offers many rights.
A task force of the Telangana muskmelon seeds, and food ises. There was no Food Safety have insect-proof screens. The date, and batch number. The versity Grants Commission "Karnataka has been There is diversity in language
Commissioner of Food Safety, items without packing date, Training and Certification floor where food is prepared raw rajma (90kgs) was also (UGC) to withdraw the flawed the pioneer in the field of too. We should not be com-
during an inspection at the expiry date, or batch number. (FoSTaC) trained supervisor. was found to be slippery. Tem- found to be not labelled. National Education Policy education in the country. peting at the national level
canteen of the NALSAR Uni- According to the Commissioner Pest control records and water perature records were not The report was posted on (NEP). Students from North India but at the international level.
versity, one of the premier law of Food Safety, the task force analysis reports were not avail- maintained. Raw materials the social media handle of the Addressing a conclave have been belonging to the For this, we need to change
schools in the country, came inspected the food establish- able. were kept on the floor without Commissioner of Food Safety, of higher education ministers state for higher education the NEP. We need to bring
across shocking violations of ments in the NALSAR University Rat faeces and cockroach pallets. Muskmelon seeds used prompting worried parents to from various states, Shiv- for more than three decades. in reforms at the university
hygiene. Canteen at Shamirpet the infestation were found in the for gravy curries were found demand action. akumar stated: "The National Karnataka has over 70 med- level too," he said.

T E N D E R
MORE TENDER ON
PAGE 13
 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025 07
Deal with terrorism with a ‘MEA working on new law
for Indians working abroad’
ruthless approach: HM Shah AGENCIES
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY
i.e. not later than one year.”
Replying to a question in
Union home minister holds review meeting of security situation in Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha on 11 November
The Ministry of External last year on the issue of com-
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE ‘zero infiltration’ goal. Affairs (MEA) is "seriously pensation for Indian migrant
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY Shah further pointed out considering" enacting a new workers, Minister of State
that the narcotics network law tentatively titled 'Overseas for External Affairs Kirti Vard-

T
he Union Home Min- was providing support to infil- Mobility (Facilitation and han Singh had said that there
ister, Amit Shah asked trators and terrorists to carry Welfare) Bill, 2024' that will are around 15 million Indian
all security agencies out their activities, while replace the "outdated pro- Mobility (Facilitation and nationals abroad including
to tackle infiltration expressing the need to take visions" of the Emigration Welfare) Bill, 2024’,” the unskilled workers, skilled
bids and acts of terror in prompt action against terror Act 1983, the Parliamentary report by the Committee, workers and professionals.
Jammu and Kashmir with a funding from the proceeds of Committee on External Affairs which is chaired by Congress “Ministry maintains the
ruthless approach, adding narcotics trade with alacrity stated in its fourth report MP Shashi Tharoor, men- data in respect of Indian
that the goal should be to and rigour. He also directed that was presented to Lok tions. workers, holding Emigration
completely uproot the existence the concerned agencies to Sabha on Monday. It adds: “The Ministry has Check Required (ECR) pass-
of terrorists. He directed the make new appointments in “Keeping in view the con- further informed the Com- ports, proceeding for overseas
security agencies in the region the posts of Forensic Science temporary global migration mittee that the proposed employment through e-
to be vigilant and continue to Laboratory (FSL) to facilitate dynamics and the needs of draft is under consultation Migrate portal to any of the
work in synergy to fully elim- the timely implementation of Indian citizens, the Committee with line Ministries and will, 18 notified ECR category
inate terrorism in J & K. the three new criminal laws. has over the years underscored thereafter, be put up for countries,” he said.
Shah, who chaired a review On Tuesday, Shah held the pressing need for a com- public consultations. The The report also details
meeting in New Delhi on informed that due to its sus- ment in all parameters of the Secretary and the DGP of another important review prehensive legislative overhaul Committee desire that it that the Ministry stated that
Wednesday over the security tained efforts, the terror security scenario in the region. Jammu and Kashmir, along meeting on the security situation to replace the outdated pro- should be consulted on the in recent years, there has
situation in Jammu and Kash- ecosystem in J&K has weak- The meeting was attended with senior MHA officials. in the region, which was attend- visions of the Emigration Act salient features of the Bill been a visible enhancement
mir, said that the Union gov- ened significantly. He also by the J&K’s Lieutenant Gov- At the meeting, the HM ed by the Chief of the Army 1983. After much delay, the and the enactment of a revised in India's standing as a global
ernment was committed to lauded the efforts of all the ernor, Manoj Sinha, Union directed all security agencies Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, Ministry is seriously consid- act reflecting changed global power with advances in eco-
completely wipe out terrorism security forces and agencies Home Secretary, Director of to step up their fight against the Home Secretary and other ering enacting a new law migration realities should be nomic, scientific and tech-
from the region, and further for the significant improve- the Intelligence Bureau, Chief terrorism, aiming for the senior Army officials. tentatively titled ‘Overseas done in a time bound manner nological arenas.

Major administrative reshuffle in Haryana, Nadda, Sachdeva, Malhotra visit Delhi Several schools in Noida
12 IAS, 67 HCS officers transferred BJP office amid voting for Assembly polls receive bomb threats
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE sioner and Secretary of Coop- Trade Fair Authority Haryana, STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE tunity," Tiwari told ANI after
CHANDIGARH, 5 FEBRUARY erative Department and Man- has been given the additional NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY casting his vote.
aging Director of Haryana charge of Excise and Taxation "We are not distributing
The Haryana Government has Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. Commissioner, Special Sec- BJP National President JP money. We are not distrib-
made a major administrative Phool Chand Meena, Com- retary of Excise and Taxation Nadda, accompanied by uting liquor...People of Delhi
reshuffle and issued posting missioner of Ambala Division, Department. Delhi BJP President Virendra should come out of their
and transfer orders of 12 IAS has been posted as Commis- Hitender Kumar, Managing Sachdeva and Union Minister homes and vote as much as
and 67 HCS officers with imme- sioner of Rohtak Division. Director, Cooperative Sugar Harsh Malhotra visited the possible," he added.
diate effect. Additional Chief Shekhar Vidyarthi, Director Mills, Karnal has been posted Delhi BJP office on Wednes- After casting his vote, BJP
Secretary of Health and Family General and Secretary of as Joint Commissioner, Munic- day amid voting for Delhi’s candidate from Karol Bagh
Welfare, Medical Education Archives Department, has been ipalCorporation,NIT,Faridabad. 70 Assembly seats. assembly constituency
and Research and AYUSH given the additional charge of Subhash Chander, Sub-Divi- Polling for the Delhi Dushyant Gautam said, "Peo-
Departments, Sudhir Rajpal Director General, Fire Services. sional Officer (Civil), Sampla Assembly seats and by-elec- ple want change. The people
has been given the charge of Dusmanta Kumar Behera, has been posted as Sub-Divi- tions for one seat each in of Delhi have seen examples
Additional Chief Secretary of Director General and Secretary sional Officer (Civil), Sonipat. Tamil Nadu and Uttar of double-engine gvot. Delhi
Women and Child Develop- of Development and Panchayat Meetu Dhankar, Zonal Admin- Pradesh commenced on - the heart of the country is
ment Department in addition Department, has been given istrator, Haryana State Agri- Wednesday morning, with on a ventilator under this STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE schools to conduct thorough
to his present duties. the additional charge of Trans- cultural Marketing Board, Guru- voting starting at 7 a.m. under (AAP) government...The peo- NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY inspections.
Amneet P Kumar, Com- port Commissioner and Sec- gram has been posted as Chief tight security. ple now believe that he After extensive searches,
missioner and Secretary of retary of Transport Department. Protocol Officer, Gurugram. Several BJP leaders cast (Arvind Kejriwal) lies only Several prominent schools the police confirmed that
Women and Child Develop- Anshaj Singh, Director General Parveen Kumar, Sub-Divi- their vote and exuded con- after almost 27 years. and does nothing; hence in Noida received bomb the emails were hoaxes, and
ment and Archives Depart- of Swarna Jayanti Haryana sional Officer (Civil), Julana, fidence in the BJP's win in Meanwhile, BJP MP Manoj they want the BJP govt this threats which later turned no suspicious objects were
ments, has been posted as Institute for Fiscal Management has been posted as Managing the Delhi Assembly polls, Tiwari cast his vote at a time." out to be hoax on Wednesday, found on any of the school
Commissioner and Secretary and Commissioner, Rohtak Director, Cooperative Sugar saying that a double-engine polling booth in Yamuna The New Delhi seat sees weeks after Delhi schools premises.
of Fisheries and Archives Division, has been posted as Mills, Jind. Jagdish Chander, government would be formed Vihar for the Delhi Assembly a high-profile three-way con- were targeted in a similar The DCP further men-
Departments. Ashima Brar, Director General of Swarna Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), in Delhi. election on Wednesday. He test with former Delhi CM manner. tioned that the cybercrime
Excise and Taxation Commis- Jayanti Haryana Institute for Ratia has been posted as Sub- These elections are high- slammed AAP, accusing them Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), BJP's The affected schools in branch has been assigned
sioner, Secretary of Excise and Fiscal Management and Com- Divisional Officer (Civil), Badhra. stakes elections for AAP, BJP of looting Delhi. Parvesh Verma, and Con- Noida include Step By Step to track down the source of
Taxation Department and missioner of Ambala Division. Rajesh Kumar, Sub-Divisional and Congress, as AAP is hop- "They (AAP) made Delhi gress's Sandeep Dikshit (son School, The Heritage School the threatening emails.
Managing Director of Haryana Vinay Pratap Singh, Director Officer (Civil), Ellenabad has ing to retain its power for sick. They looted Delhi. Now of former CM Sheila Dikshit). Noida, Gyanshree School, This incident follows a
Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd, of Human Resources Depart- been posted as Sub-Divisional the third term while the BJP we will do work. Now Delhi The counting of votes will and Mayoor School. Upon pattern of similar hoax threats
has been posted as Commis- ment and Administrator of Officer (Civil), Fatehabad. is eyeing to regain power is going to give us the oppor- take place on 8 February. hearing about the threats, in the last year as on 20
parents rushed to these insti- December, a private school
tutions to retrieve their chil- in Noida’s Sector 126 received

Manipur Speaker’s tribunal India reaffirms its commitment to global pharmaceutical dren, but authorities assured
them that there was no real
a bomb threat email, while
another school in Greater

to hear JD(U) MLAs’ standardisation and regulatory convergence

danger and that the situation
was under control.
Deputy Commissioner of
Noida faced the same situa-
tion on 17 December.

anti-defection case on 7 Feb STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY
vanshi, Secretary-cum-Sci-
entific Director, IPC, and
Police (Noida) Ram Badan
Singh said: "We received
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE -- Kh Joykishan, N Sanate, Drugs Controller General reports about the threats on
IMPHAL, 5 FEBRUARY Md Achab Uddin, L M Khaute, India on Wednesday reaf- (India), highlighted IPC’s the emergency helpline num-
and Thangjam Arunkumar - firmed its commitment to contributions in setting global ber on Wednesday morning.
The Manipur Speaker’s Tri- - defected to the BJP, strength- global pharmaceutical stan- benchmarks in pharma- Four schools which are Step
bunal has scheduled a hearing ening the ruling party’s grip dardisation and regulatory copoeial science. He elabo- By Step, The Heritage, Gyan-
on 7 February regarding the on the state legislature. convergence. rated on IPC’s initiatives, shree, and Mayoor Public
disqualification plea against According to Meitei, only Delivering the keynote including the IP Online plat- School received bomb threat
five Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] Kh Joykishan has submitted address at the 15th Interna- form, which enhances acces- emails."
MLAs who defected to the a counter-affidavit, while the tional Meeting of World Phar- sibility and usability of Indian Following this, law
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) other four MLAs have yet to macopoeias (IMWP) here, Pharmacopoeia standards. enforcement officials, includ-
shortly after the 2022 state respond. Union Minister of State for He emphasized the role of ing firefighters, bomb detec-
assembly elections, according “The Speaker has decided Health and Family Welfare scientific advancements and tion squads along with sniffer
to legal representatives involved to take up the matter expedi- Anupriya Patel highlighted regulatory cooperation in dogs were rushed to the
in the case. tiously, with the next hearing India’s role as the “Pharmacy shaping global pharmaceu-
The petition, filed by set for 7 February,” he said. of the World” and emphasised tical standards.
Manipur Congress vice-pres- The case against the JD(U) the importance of ensuring Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin,
ident Hareshwar Goswami, legislators is not an isolated access to high-quality med- WHO Representative to India,
seeks the disqualification of one. The Congress recently icines globally. commended India’s leader-
the five legislators under the filed separate disqualification She said the IMWP serves ship in pharmacopoeial stan-
anti-defection law. petitions against four National as a vital platform to foster dard-setting and emphasized
Speaker Thokchom People’s Party (NPP) MLAs international collaboration the importance of regulatory
Satyabrata Singh took up the who, despite their party offi- in pharmacopoeial science Organization (WHO). and Family Welfare, under- harmonization in ensuring
matter on Tuesday and decided cially severing ties with the and regulatory harmoniza- On this occasion, Patel scored the significance of patient safety and public
that it would be heard again BJP-led government two tion. also released the IPC Newslet- global partnerships in health.
on Friday, 7 February, accord- months ago, continued to The 15th International ter 2024 and a special IPC strengthening pharmaceu- The 15th IMWP, which
ing to Goswami’s counsel, N support the ruling coalition. Meeting of World Pharma- video film, which showcase tical quality standards. She commenced today, will con-
Bhupendra Meitei. The outcome of these hear- copoeias (IMWP) was hosted India’s advancements in reiterated India’s efforts in clude on February 7. The dis-
The JD(U) had contested ings could have significant by the Indian Pharmacopoeia pharmacopoeial science and aligning regulatory frame- cussions held over these three
38 seats in the March 2022 implications for Manipur’s Commission (IPC) under the the Commission’s efforts in works with international best days will set the stage for fur-
Manipur assembly elections political landscape, potentially aegis of the Ministry of Health ensuring high-quality phar- practices and ensuring the ther strengthening global
and secured six victories. altering the balance of power and Family Welfare, Gov- maceutical standards. availability of safe and effec- pharmacopoeial cooperation
However, in a swift political in the assembly and influencing ernment of India, in collab- Punya Salila Srivastava, tive medicines worldwide. and enhancing pharmaceu-
realignment, five of its MLAs future party dynamics. oration with the World Health Secretary, Ministry of Health Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghu- tical quality assurance.

Murdered Maha official’s brother urges CM to prevent conspiracy to destroy evidence

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE accused Vishnu Chate's in police custody once again Beed district in Maharash- will be held on 20 February.
MUMBAI, 5 FEBRUARY phone is destroyed. He has to find Vishnu Chate's tra. In a related development,
also demanded that Maha- mobile phone," murdered Munde mentioned two Leader of Opposition in the
Dhananjay Deshmukh, the r as h t ra C h i e f M i n i s t e r Massajog village sarpanch children in his affidavit to Maharashtra legislative
brother of murdered Mas- Devendra Fadvavis must Santosh Deshmukh's brother the Election Commission. council and Uddav Thack-
sajog village sarpanch San- ensure that all the accused Dhananjay Deshmukh said. However, the name of his eray-led Shiv Sena MLA
t os h D e s h m u k h u r ge d in the Santosh Deshmukh Meanwhile, a petition wife Karuna Munde has not Ambadas Danve has
Maharashtra Chief Minister murder case are remanded has been filed in the been mentioned, according demanded that the Enforce-
D ev e n d r a F a d n av i s o n in police custody. Aurangabad bench of the to the petition. The petition ment Directorate (ED) must
Wednesday, to ensure that "There is a lot of evidence Bombay High Court against also alleged that information investigate alleged financial
an alleged conspiracy to in Vishnu Chate's mobile Maharashtra Food & Civil about vehicles, flats, insur- relations between Dhanan-
make the mobile phone of phone. There is a conspiracy Supplies Minister Dhanan- ance policies, gold orna- jay Munde and his aide
one of the murder accused to make the mobile phone jay Munde. In the petition ments, as well as joint bank Valmik Karad, who has been
called Vishnu Chate, dis- disappear. It will not be filed by one Rajabhau Shri- accounts, properties and accused of murdering Mas-
appear along with the evi- enough to just file a case. ram Phad, it has been alleged pending court cases in sajog village sarpanch San-
dence it contains, does not Will the police and the that Munde concealed infor- Karuna Munde's name has tosh Deshmukh of the BJP.
succeed. administration take respon- mation about many things been concealed. The "The financial relations
Dhananjay Deshmukh sibility if the evidence is while filing his election Aurangabad bench has between Dhananjay Munde
also questioned if the police destroyed? The Chief Min- nomination papers for the ordered notices to be issued and Valmik Karad should
will take responsibility if ister must ensure that all MLA elections from Parli to Dhananjay Munde. The be probed by the ED," Danve
the evidence contained in the accused are remanded assembly constituency in next hearing on the petition said.
 08 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025 Vol. CXXXXXIX 31

Incorporating and directly descended

Budget Decoded A MEMBER
OF THE

ASIAN VOICES
from THE FRIEND OF INDIA - Founded 1818
The changes in tax rates reflect the government’s endeavour to make the Bright prospects
Deportation Drive private sector the growth engine of the economy. Since, private consumption beckon for

T he deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the

United States on a military aircraft marks a stark esca-
was not showing expected growth because inflation and high rates of direct
and indirect taxes had left the middle class with little disposable income, a tax
China-Europe ties

I
lation in immigration enforcement under President n a speech he delivered at this
Donald Trump’s administration. This move, the first such break of Rs.1 lakh crore was provided, so that disposable incomes of the middle year's World Economic Forum An-
deportation since Mr Trump’s return to office, highlights nual Meeting in Davos last week,
a renewed effort to curb illegal migration, using military
class may rise and consumption could receive a boost, which would, hopefully, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a
resources to expedite removals. It also signals a significant reverse the trend of a falling GDP growth rate. member of the Standing Committee of
shift in how the US government perceives and handles un- the Political Bureau of the Communist

B
Party of China Central Committee, reit-
authorised Indian immigrants. The fact that India has ac-
udgets come and go ues this trend. Out of total ex- erated China's support for economic
cepted the arrivals without much fuss suggests the matter leaving behind a sea of penditure of Rs.50.65 lakh crore, globalization, and its resolve to contin-
was diplomatically resolved behind the scenes. At the heart unfulfilled expectations interest payments would ac - ue to uphold multilateralism.
of this policy is the administration’s broader crackdown of taxpayers. However, count for Rs 12.67 lakh crore Such a stance, as well as the prom-
on illegal migration, particularly from South Asia. While Budget 2025 will long be re - and the Government would ise that "China's door of opening up will
deportation flights have historically been used for illegal membered as one of the few borrow Rs 15.66 lakh crores, in- not be closed and will only open even
migrants from Central and South America, the latest move Budgets that warmed the cock- creasing the interest burden for wider" has injected certainty to boost
extends this aggressive approach to Indian nationals, re- les of middle-class hearts. future budgets. the stability of the world at a time when
flecting a shift in priority. The use of military aircraft sug- In fact, before the Budget Also, Central Schemes wo- the protectionist policies being adopted
gests a heightened sense of urgency, aligning with Mr Tru- was presented, an impression uld consume Rs.21.64 lakh by the world's largest economy are
was created that it would bene- crore. The Fifteenth Finance expected to bring more uncertainties to
mp’s long standing stance that illegal immigration threat-
fit the middle class immensely Commission had recommend- trade, technology and the geopolitical
ens national security and economic stability. For India, the and at the beginning of the ed a review of Central Schemes, landscape worldwide.
situation presents a diplomatic challenge. While New Delhi Budget Session, PM Modi sou- with axing of unviable ones. That's where China and Europe
has consistently opposed illegal immigration and affirmed ght special blessings of Goddess However, no review is in have common ground to strengthen
its commitment to taking back verified Indian nationals, Lakshmi for the poor and mid- sight, and a host of new sche- their relations. It is the responsibility
the optics of mass deportations can be problematic. It rein- dle class. mes have been announced in they have shared to uphold the global
forces concerns about irregular migration from India and FM Sitharaman obliged, the current Budget. free trade system and other forms of
places pressure on Indian authorities to address the root making incomes up to Rs.12 The table above shows that the benefit of lower taxes is not The Outcome Budget for multilateral cooperation that has con-
causes that push people to seek unauthorised entry into lakhs tax free ~ a benefit of evenly spread out, which militates against the concept of equity 2025-26 is a lengthy document tinuously injected vitality into China-
the US. Economic hardships, lack of employment oppor- Rs.80,000; for salaried individu- of around 280 pages which gives Europe ties. Ding's visit to Switzerland
als, who are entitled to standard has been increased after a num- with little disposable income, a the financial outlay, outputs and the Netherlands from Jan 19 to 24,
tunities, and the lure of better prospects abroad remain deduction, income up to Rs ber of years in which we saw tax break of Rs 1 lakh crore was and outcomes statement, out- therefore, marks a good start for the
driving factors behind such migration. Beyond the imme- 12.75 lakhs would be exempted considerable inflation. provided, so that disposable put and outcome indicators, mutually beneficial relations between
diate political implications, these deportations also serve from tax. A better idea could be to incomes of the middle class and specific output and out- China and Europe this year.
as a warning to potential illegal migrants. The US govern- This largesse is not for link the tax threshold and tax may rise and consumption come targets but most im - During Ding's visit to Switzerland,
ment has intensified border enforcement, making illegal everyone; persons filing returns deductions to the consumer could receive a boost, which portantly, omits to mention the the two sides agreed to further promote
entry increasingly difficult and risky. Deportations at this under the old tax regime will price index, as done by many wo uld, hopefully, reverse the achievement of targets set in their innovative strategic partnership
scale send a clear message that unlawful migration is not continue to be taxed as before. countries, so that no unneces- trend of a falling GDP growth Budget 2024-25. based on the same position they share
only unwelcome but also unsustainable. However, while Also, lower tax rates will kick in sary burden is cast on taxpayers. rate. Reviewing the performan- In the final analysis, an effi- on upholding free trade and opposing
deterrence may be a short-term goal, the reality is that from assessment year 2026-27, Then, despite rationalisa- ce of the Government for Fin- cient tax system along with a protectionism. Swiss President Karin
that is for income earned during tion of direct tax provisions, a ancial Year 2024-25, as against brake on profligacy can help the Keller-Sutter underscored that the suc-
many will still attempt dangerous routes through human
financial year 2025-26. number of anomalies remain. the budgeted expenditure of Government balance its books.
smuggling networks, exposing themselves to exploitation Another positive is that tax- For example, manufacturing Rs.48.20 lakh crore, Revised Es- A partial reform of the tax struc-
and hardship. The issue also raises critical questions about payers owning two houses that companies pay tax @ 15 per timates (RE) put the total exp- ture, by adjusting the minimum
legal migration pathways. The growing number of Indian are not rented out may claim cent, most other companies enditure at Rs.47.16 lakh crore. income liable to tax and lower- cess story of the China-Switzerland free
nationals illegally in the US suggests that existing visa pro- both to be self-occupied, which @25 per cent, but firms that run The total capital expendi- ing tax rates for small taxpayers trade agreement shows that mutual
grammes may not be accommodating the demand for would save them from having to small businesses are taxed at a ture is estimated at Rs.10.18 has been attempted. benefit can be achieved through open-
work opportunities abroad. If the US is serious about re- pay tax on notional rent receiv- flat 30 per cent. lakh crore in RE Concomitantly, rationalisa- ness and cooperation. Since it came
ducing illegal migration, expanding lawful employment able from the second house. The Govern- 2024-25, against tion of GST, with a view to lower into effect in 2013, the Sino-Swiss FTA
and student visa options could be a more sustainable ap- TDS provisions have been am- ment has further the budgeted fig- its incidence on the poor, sho- has played a positive role in promoting
ended so that there would be no complicated the ure of Rs.11.11 uld follow. bilateral trade, and enterprises in both
proach. Similarly, India must focus on creating economic
TDS for interest pay outs up to taxation structure lakh crore. To reiterate, a comp lete countries have greatly benefited from
opportunities at home to reduce the incentive for risky Rs.1 lakhs and rent payments by a system of sur- Revenue and review of the taxation structure it. China is now Switzerland's third-
migration. Furthermore, this development underscores up to Rs.50,000 per month. charges ~ individ- capital re ceipts should be done on priority largest trading partner, while Switzer-
the shifting global approach to immigration enforcement. The increase in threshold uals having an were also slightly because even in the third de- land is China's sixth-largest in Europe.
With increasing political pressure to secure borders, gov- for collecting TCS on foreign income exceeding less than the orig- cade of the twenty-first century, Likewise, during Ding's visit to the
ernments are resorting to harsher measures, often at the remittances from Rs 7 lakh to Rs Rs.5 crore pay sur- inal budgeted fig- Direct and Indirect taxes oper- Netherlands, the two sides agreed to
cost of humanitarian considerations. While no country is 10 lakh, will benefit many charge @37 per ures, showing a ate in different silos in India. uphold open cooperation and promote
obligated to accept illegal migration, the methods used to households, that have children cent, translating slight slowdown It is significant to note that an open world economy, while express-
address the issue must balance enforcement with fairness studying abroad. into a tax rate of DEVENDRA in the economy. most advanced countries have ing their firm support for multilateral-
The majority of other am- 42.74 per cent, SAKSENA However, as a integrated direct and indirect ism. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof,
and dignity. The latest deportation flight is a clear indica-
endments in income-tax provi- while companies The writer is a retired result of fall ing taxes long ago. during his talks with Ding, noted that
tion that the Trump administration is intensifying its crack- sions are aimed at rationalisa- with the same in- Principal Chief Commissioner
receipts and exp- The first report of the Tax the Netherlands is ready to work with
of Income-Tax
down. For Indian policymakers, this is a moment to re- tion and are not of much inter- come pay a sur- enditure, the fiscal Administration Reforms Com- China to safeguard free trade and pro-
assess migration policies, strengthen diplomatic engage- est to laymen. Coming to indi- charge of 7 per deficit was 4.8 per mission, headed by Dr Partha- mote openness and cooperation.
ment, and ensure that citizens seeking opportunities rect taxation, seven tariff rates cent, leading to an effective tax cent of the GDP, against a target sarthy Shome, submitted on Bilateral relations hit a snag recent-
abroad do so through legal and secure channels. have been removed for customs rate of 27.82 per cent. of 4.9 per cent ~ which is not a 30 May 2014, suggested integra- ly following the announcement that the
duty, leaving only eight tariff This anomaly is reflected in bad thing. tion of the two Revenue Boards, Netherlands would impose stricter
Neglected again rates including the ‘zero’ rate.
However, in most cases
tax collections ~ in recent times, Worryingly, for Financial
personal income-tax collection Year 2024-25, interest payments
but even this suggestion got lost
in the turf wars of the finance
export controls on certain semiconduc-
tor manufacturing equipment and soft-

A nation’s strength is not just measured in its econom- where Basic Customs Duty has has consistently exceeded cor- at Rs 11.38 lakh crore, would ministry. ware. The move, which has unreason-
ic growth figures but in the quality of life it ensures been removed or reduced, a porate tax collection. amount to 20 per cent of the Government economists ably expanded the concept of national
for its people. Yet, year after year, India’s budget allo- cess has been imposed leaving It can be expected that tot al expenditure, making sitting in the rarefied environs security, is believed to have been initi-
the amount of duty payable un- such questions would be addre- them the biggest item of expen- of North Block, who double ated under pressure from Washington
cations reflect a glaring imbalance ~ while infrastructure changed. ssed in the new Income-tax Act diture. budget size every three years, to crack down on China's high-tech
and other sectors receive attention, education and health- A question that may agitate that the Finance Minister has Debt receipts of Rs.15.18 could well heed the words of US industry. Given the semiconductor
care remain woefully underfunded. This disparity is not the minds of taxpayers could be promised to bring in shortly. lakh crore would overshoot the economist Martin Feldstein: industry is highly globalized, any abus-
just an oversight; it is a fundamental failure in policy priori- as to why the old tax regime was The changes in tax rates budget target of Rs.14.73 lakh “Increased government spend- ing of export controls poses a serious
ties that could have far-reaching consequences for India’s not phased out for individuals, reflect the government’s endea- crore, and so would external ing can provide a temporary threat to the stability of global industry
future. Education has long been touted as the key to India’s because the old scheme could vour to make the private sector borrowings. stimulus to demand and output and supply chains. That is why during
progress, but the reality on the ground tells a different be beneficial for a taxpayer only the growth engine of the Closely following interest but in the longer run higher lev- his talks with his hosts, Ding expressed
story. Public spending on education remains at a mere 2.9 if he was entitled to deductions economy. payments, Central Sector Sch- els of government spending the hope that “the Dutch side will con-
per cent of GDP, far below the 6 per cent target set decades exceeding Rs 3,50,000. Since, private consumption emes and Centrally Sponsored crowd out private investment tinue to provide a fair, equitable and
Also, continuation of two was not showing expected Schemes would consume funds or require higher taxes that nondiscriminatory business environ-
ago. The consequences are stark ~ overcrowded class-
taxation regimes unnecessarily growth because inflation and of Rs 15.13 lakh crore and Rs weaken growth by reducing ment for Chinese companies … and
rooms, a shortage of 1.2 million teachers, and an outdated complicates the filing process. high rates of direct and indirect 4.15 lakh crore, respectively. incentives to save, invest, inno- maintain stable and unimpeded global
curriculum that fails to equip students with the skills need- The tax threshold of income-tax taxes had left the middle class The present Budget contin- vate, and work.” industry and supply chains”.
ed for the future. In many government schools, the stu-
dent-teacher ratio exceeds 50:1, making meaningful learn- [email protected]
ing nearly impossible. Worse still, nearly 40 per cent of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
government-appointed teachers lack proper qualifications,
deepening the crisis in learning outcomes. The pressure
created by this broken system is crushing students. India
now has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world,
with one student dying by suicide every 42 minutes. The
Hurting America Trump’s move is dubious at best.
He invoked the International
Emergency Economic Powers
costs will be far outweighed by
the broader economic fallout.
This trade war reflects a deeper
rightly said that the freebie cul-
ture is the greatest threat to ach-
ieving our goal of Viksit Bharat.
Act, which grants the president problem in Trump’s governance. If the Centre is serious about
reasons are not hard to find ~ crippling academic pressure, SIR, Donald Trump has initiated nomic harm and a weakened authority to address extraordi- He unilaterally decides which achieving it by 2047, the freebie
lack of mental health support, and a rigid education system what could escalate into a des- global standing as a result. nary economic or security thre- issues to prioritise, exaggerates culture must be demolished by
that prioritises rote learning over creativity. Despite these tructive trade war. His adminis- Trump claims that the tariffs ats. However, this law has never threats, and applies blunt-force enacting the strongest law.
alarming trends, investments in student well-being and tration’s tariffs on Mexico, Cana- aim to combat the “major threat been used to impose tariffs. Both solutions. His approach to trade De mo cracy has become a
reforms remain negligible. This crisis demands immediate da, and China will immediately of illegal aliens and deadly Congress and the courts should is reckless, but the consequences toy for political leaders, they can
intervention. Without structural reforms, increased fund- disrupt the North American and drugs,” including fentanyl. While act to block this misuse of execu- of his chaotic leadership extend use it in any way to deceive the
ing, and a shift towards student-centered learning, India global economies, jeopardising his threats have already spurred tive power. far beyond economic policy. voters.
risks losing a significantly high number of youth to acade- decades of economic integration Canada and Mexico to tighten If they fail to intervene, the Yours, etc., Amarjeet Kumar, We pay taxes to the govern-
that have fueled American and border controls, these efforts consequences will be severe. The Hazaribagh, 3 February. ment and the Chief Ministers anf
mic stress and unfulfilled potential. The story of India’s
global prosperity. would likely have continued with- tariffs will directly contribute to the Prime Minister are giving
healthcare sector is just as grim. While the government has These tariffs are not driven out such extreme measures. higher U.S. inflation and slower freebies for votes.
increased allocations over the years, the system remains by legitimate trade disputes but Moreover, there are limits to economic growth. Retaliatory NO FREEBIES Yours, etc.,
critically short of resources. India has only 1.4 hospital beds serve as leverage for Trump’s what these nations can realisti- measures from affected nations SIR, In his article “Reforms in Birkha Khadka Duvarseli,
per 1,000 people ~ well below half the WHO-recommended domestic political agenda, pres- cally achieve ~ particularly Cana- will compound these effects. states”, Govind Bhattacharjee has Siliguri, 4 February.
standard of 3.5. In rural areas, where 70 per cent of the po- suring neighbouring countries for da, which plays only a minor role Trump appears to be wager-
pulation lives, access to quality healthcare is even more concessions they may not be able in the irregular immigration ing that since Canada and Mexico
dismal. The country faces a shortage of 2.4 million hospital to provide. Ironically, the U.S. and drug trade originating from are more reliant on trade than the NUTRITION
beds, and the doctor-to-patient ratio remains far below itself will suffer significant eco- Mexico. The legal justification for U.S. they will quickly yield to
global benchmarks. Adding to this burden is the high out- pressure. However, he is not only SIR, According to data, around 35-40 per cent of children in
threatening their economic well- rural areas in Maharashtra are underweight and the highest rate
of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, which accounts for being but also challenging their of malnutrition is found in north Maharashtra.
62.6 per cent of total medical costs in India. For millions sovereignty and national pride. Lack of access to nutritious food is one of the major factors
of families, a medical emergency means financial ruin. Yet, The breakdown of North behind malnutrition. With this backdrop it is surprising to learn
instead of urgently investing in public healthcare infrastr- American free trade will be a seri- that the state government dropped eggs from mid-day meals.
ucture, funds remain unspent due to bureaucratic ineffi- ous blow to American consumers Egg is a major source of protein and pulses are costlier than
ciencies and poor planning. While economic growth and and key industries, including oil eggs, so eggs should remain a core part of mid-day meals. If any
infrastructure development are important, true national refining, automobile manufactur- student does not want to eat it, he can skip it.
progress is also about ensuring that every child receives ing, pharmaceuticals, and agri- Earlier, states like Madhya Pradesh and Goa also made such
quality education and every citizen has access to affordable culture. Trump's trade actions decisions while it should be noted that a few states in southern
against China, though less dras- India have added the number of eggs given to children to ensure
healthcare. If India continues to underfund these crucial
tic, appear to be a prelude to protein requirements are met.
sectors, it risks squandering its demographic dividend more aggressive measures. Toge- Such drastic decisions could prove detrimental to the fam-
and stalling long-term economic progress. A truly strong ther, Mexico, Canada, and China ilies living below the poverty line.
nation is one that invests in its people ~ because a skilled, acco unt for nearly half of U.S. Yours, etc., Bal Govind,
healthy, and empowered population is the foundation of imports, meaning the estimated Noida, 4 February.
any great power. $100 billion in additional tariff

CMYK
 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025 09
From file notings to fine literature
100 YEARS AGO

OCCASIONAL NOTE
As an initial step towards the general
reduction of the cost of living it seems rea-
AMITABHA BHATTACHARYA lobbying for a post-retirement sonable that the British Post Office should
sinecure or other financially remuner- reduce the high rates now charged upon

T
he pen may be mightier than ative engagements, there can be two letters and postcards. In one sense the dep-
the sword, but why profession- pro-bono options - take to writing or utation which waited upon the Postmas-
al civil servants take to writing, involve with voluntary constructive ter-General on Tuesday chose somewhat
especially after their retire- work. For most, the former is often indifferent ground for its plea. The fact that
ment, perhaps like no other group of more convenient. the circulation of picture postcards in New
professionals, requires some intro- When I look at my friends and Zealand has gone up by 25 per cent since
spection. Members of the All-India and compatriots in Bengal where I hail the latest reduction in rates in calculated
central civil services, especially those from and erstwhile Andhra Pradesh to turn the average administrator against
from the IAS, have been writing all where I had worked much of my life - the thought of inviting a similar revival in
their working life, in the form of not- I find their writings can be broadly England. It is even better calculated to
ings on files or drafting policy papers, categorized. The first category is of prompt a demand for higher pay from the
executive orders, rules, regulations, memoirs and recollections that are harassed employees of the Post Office. But
and even legislations. But their out- largely autobiographical. The second even at the risk—the certainty rather—of
pourings in the form of books or comprises books written on the basis stimulating the picture postcard nuisance,
essays, once freed from the shackles of of the author’s expertise in a particu- the case for lower postal rates is over-
conduct rules and oath of secrecy, are lar field. The third category consists whelming. When Great Britain leads the
of a different texture altogether. of essays on diverse topics compiled way in the matter of lower rates it is to be
In India the higher civil services in the form of a book, and the fourth hoped that India will follow suit with the
have been aspirational, attracting a of writings which are wholly literary same alacrity as that displayed when the
fair share of the brightest university in nature - poems, short stories, criti- postage was increased.
products. There has understandably cisms, plays and novels - often
been an old tradition of scholar- enriched by real life experiences.
administrators. If we look at Bengal, In Bengal, especially in recent NEWS ITEMS
ICS officers such as Ramesh Chander decades, some powerful literary fig-
Dutt, Annada Sankar Roy and Ashok ures have emerged. Besides Anita their tenures at the Bank which are kind of enthusiasm that prompted decide how many of such books will
Mitra have contributed immensely
through their scholarly and literary
Agnihotri from the IAS, there are
about half a dozen award-winning
widely read and appreciated. K. Sujatha
Rao’s book on our indifference to the
Challa, at the age of ninety, to chroni-
cle his frank views, without losing opti-
survive the test of time.
Coming to specifics about those YOUNG AUSTRALIA
works. Administratively pecked at a authors from the state civil services. public health system belongs to this mism about the nation’s future. In I know personally, authors like R.N.
lower order, Deputy Collectors like
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay,
Less known, but perhaps the most
versatile and original amongst this
exclusive category. (Among serving offi-
cers, T.V. Somanathan’s works are of
similar vein, Parimal Brahma of the
Indian Audit & Accounts Service, has
Prasher, Jawhar Sircar, Abhay Shukla
and KJ Alphons are widely read. Irre-
SCHOOL BOYS TOUR
Nabin Chandra Sen and Dwijendralal
Roy continue to be household names
crop, is Ramchandra Pramanik of the
Indian Revenue Service, whose auto-
very high merit).
But Subbarao’s latest one on the
been writing incessantly, airing many
of his bold views.
spective of their political perspectives,
they are first-rate writers. Who does
IN EUROPE
for their pioneering contribution to biographical work ‘Hathak Darpan’, lessons he had learnt from his career What becomes evident is that not know of Upamanyu Chatterjee as (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS)
literature. In some form or the other, collection of short stories like Aba- in the IAS is also a very readable most of the authors effuse hope, not a noted literary figure? Others of my LEAFIELD (OXFORD), FEB. 2.
this tradition continues. haman Bharatkatha and Agunkhaki, account. Two former Chief Secretaries despair. Despite projecting the ills acquaintance include Aloke Lal of the ONE hundred and forty Australian
There may be many reasons for and plays like Kalpakka and of Andhra Pradesh, K. Pradeep Chan- that plague our governance system IPS, besides M. Ramchandran, schoolboys are at present in London. They
the continuity. Many of those belong- Akshahriday are amongst the finest in dra and K. Madhava Rao, had earlier and machinery, sometimes with exag- Alexander Luke, Priyadarshi Dash, have come under the auspices of the Young
ing to the higher administrative strata their class. Alapan Bandyopadhyay’s authored books on their interesting geration and often with sarcasm, the N.K. Raghupati, S. Bhalerao, S. Australia League and will spend six months
are often propelled by the urge to insightful essays collected in Amlar lives. Narendra Luther’s books on the central tenet, even for the most Manoharan, P.K. Basu, (late) Keshav in Europe.
express themselves to a larger reader- Mon (Mind of the Bureaucrat) and his heritage of Hyderabad are well known. ‘retired radicals’, is a longing for a Desiraju, Satya Mohanty, and Bibhu A busy programme in London has
ship, convinced that the wide experi- co-edited work (with Anup Matilal) But a tome like India: The Road to Ren- brighter future and a yearning for a Acharya from the IAS. I may have left been fixed for the next few days, during
ences they had acquired during the titled Philosopher's Stone: Speeches aissance, A Vision and An Agenda more just and inclusive society. out many others, but this example which they will visit all the sights and be
discharge of their official duties - at the and Writings of Sir Daniel Hamilton brought out by Bhimeswara Challa, Many such officers are mature would only illustrate how intellectu- received by the King, the Prince of Wales,
district, state and central levels - are deserve mention. who had served both in the IAS and in enough to know that their outputs ally fecund this class has been. the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord
important enough to be widely dis- The story is somewhat different in the United Nations, proposing ‘a pack- may not see a second edition, and a ‘Publish or perish’ is a term used Mayor of London, and other prominent
seminated. Shouldn’t hard earned Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The age of radical reform intended to shift few would have been produced at the in academic circles. Is this going to be personages. Next Monday they leave for
leisure, after a life-long grueling rou- outputs seem to be more focused and the very epicentre of political and eco- authors’ own cost. The younger civil true for the higher civil servants too? Paris. After visiting the battlefields of the
tine, be enjoyed in a manner that work-related. Two former Reserve Bank nomic decision-making to the level servants may not keep track of the This seems to be a healthy trend that late war and the principal towns in France,
would be mentally fulfilling too? For Governors, Y.V. Reddy and D. Subbarao, where the people lead their daily lives’ plethora of books coming out in this deserves some applause. Italy and Switzerland, the party will return
self-respecting civil servants, not have brought out authentic tomes on may be less focused, but it exhibits a genre. Only merit and readability will to spend April and May in the British Isles.
(The writer is a retired IAS officer.)

„TARIFFS BY THE

Brute power of an imperial presidency BACKDOOR‰

LIBERALS AND NEW
DANIEL DRACHE AND
MARC D. FROESE
significantly discounted due to a lack
of pipeline capacity. “It’s actually
Republicans who have voted
against Trump legislation during his
PROPOSALS
Canada that subsidizes the United first term faced high-profile chal- LONDON, FEB. 4.

U
nited States President Don- States in this regard,” Harper said. lenges in the primaries as he funded “INDUSTRIES may henceforth secure.
ald Trump has agreed to Nevertheless, Trump’s preferred their opponents. Today, the war is protection if they prove to the satisfaction
delay punishing tariffs on foreign policy tactic is to hit first with waged against those who are insuffi- of the Board of Trade that their industries
all exports from Canada economic sanctions and negotiate ciently loyal, including the highest are suffering on account of unfair and
and Mexico, which resulted in a threat later. With his near total grip on U.S. ranks of the Coast Guard and the FBI. abnormal competition, and also demon-
of retaliatory tariffs from Canada. government, he can now achieve all The war against the administra- strate that industries are managed efficient-
Nonetheless, Canada’s closest his aims through tariffs. tive state involves the mass firing of ly and economically, but the period of pro-
ally is all but tearing up the Canada- Trump’s vision for his imperial independent inspectors, federal tection will be limited by the Finance Bill
U.S.-Mexico trade deal negotiated presidency is organized around an old lawyers and thousands of civil ser- in which such protection will be legalised.
only seven years ago. The rationale idea: the revenue tariff. Before income vants to be replaced by foot soldiers Moreover no applications will be consid-
behind what the Wall Street Journal taxes, border tariffs were the primary personally loyal to the leader. ered relating to food and drink.”
editorial board has called “the source of income for government. But The Trump administration has The foregoing summarizes a long
dumbest trade war in history” isn’t back then, government did a lot less. sent out “deferred resignation” White Paper which has been issued giving
even clear. For example, America’s 19th- notices that invite the entire civil serv- details of the Government’s safeguarding
The pessimistic view is that if century navy of wooden sailing ships ice to resign. This is the tactic Trump’s of industries policy. The paper has
Canada doesn’t give Trump everything was purchased with tariffs. But it key adviser, Elon Musk, implemented nesses and individuals during the do when their loyalties are divided received a mixed reception from the
he wants, he will bulldoze the country would be impossible to fund mod- at X, and it suggests a wave of firings pandemic. between Trump and Canada. Press. Conservative organs welcome the
with more tariffs, sanctions on banks, ern-day health care, student loans will soon begin. Unsurprisingly, Trump divides Furthermore, it’s anyone’s guess “eminently reasonable proposals,” which
enhanced border inspections and even and $13 billion aircraft carriers with The trade war against Canada Canada’s leadership. Alberta and how much the dissent of western they say must satisfy all but the “most
a travel ban — everything he recently tariff revenues. and Mexico is peculiar because nei- Saskatchewan have publicly criti- Canadian premiers has hurt Canada’s hidebound Free Traders,” the exception
threatened to do to Colombia. A recent study by the Peterson ther country has expressed any will- cized the Team Canada approach. case with Trump. Certainly, his pre- being the Morning Post, which charges
Canada’s political class is scram- Institute for International Economics ingness to abolish the United States- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ferred tactic is to divide and conquer. the Government with safeguarding not
bling because the U.S. has long been shows the math doesn’t add up. Tariffs Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is refused to sign the joint federal/ Finally, it’s unclear if Ontario Pre- only industries but pledges and compro-
a cultural sibling and an economic are levied on imported goods and are among the achievements of Trump’s provincial statement and played to mier Doug Ford’s “Captain Canada” mises of the Party, resulting in the likeli-
partner. But now it is toxic, threaten- worth about US$3 trillion. American first administration. her secessionist base. approach will earn the respect or dis- hood that industries may suffer for con-
ing and untrustworthy. Will Canada income tax is levied on incomes and Nevertheless, the paranoid Even so, former Alberta premier dain of Republicans — although, ulti- science sake.
sign another trade deal with Trump are worth more than US$20 trillion. Trump seems to be convinced that he Jason Kenney recognizes the peril, mately, it doesn’t matter what the rest Liberal papers, however, angrily
in office? The chances recede the Government would have to be much got a raw deal in 2018, and so he arguing that Alberta needs to “be pre- of the American political class thinks denounce what they describe as “Tariffs by
longer the tariffs remain in place. smaller, and tariffs would have to be so wants to scrap the whole treaty and pared to retaliate … we can’t be wusses because Trump and his inner circle the backdoor” and accuse the Government
It’s never been more clear that high they would choke American trade, negotiate something tougher that about this; we have to have a spine.” are calling all the shots. of a breach of pledge in not embodying
Trump is obsessive, seldom a bluffer for tariffs to make economic sense. brings more jobs home. Canada is an export-led economy In practical terms, there is little proposals in a regular Parliamentary Bill.
and always iron-fisted. He seems to And yet Trump has a broad man- In 2024, the cars that were ranked based on natural resources. Its strength Canada can do to address the false
have planned and executed this tariff date. In the summer of 2024, the U.S. most “American” in terms of their lies not in refusing to buy California wine accusations that it’s complicit in the
bomb to cause maximum pain and Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. content and final assembly were or Florida orange juice. Its main sources illicit drug trade and in migrants BURNEY SCHEME
chaos. Now he says the European United States that presidents require made by Tesla, Honda and Volkswa- of leverage are oil and gas, potash and crossing the border into the U.S. Facts
Union is next on his list.
Trump is counting on his new
a broadly defined “presumptive
immunity from prosecution for …
gen. By comparison, the best-selling
the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck
uranium, rare earth minerals, timber
products and hydroelectric power. But
don’t matter to Trump. He will even-
tually come up with a demand, and if BRITISH
majorities in U.S. Congress to ram
through his radical right populist
official acts.” This decision has given
Trump the legal clout to force the
ranked No. 43 on the list. What Trump
considers American and non-Ameri-
of all these, oil, uranium, and hydro-elec-
tric power are Canada’s biggest guns.
Canada doesn’t give in, he will ramp
up the economic pain.
EXPERIMENTAL
agenda, forcing other countries to
play a role in his melodrama.
entire federal government to answer
to the president himself.
can isn’t clear, even to voters.
A new Bank of Canada forecast
It’s not yet clear how effective the
Canadian government’s strategy will
Welcome to the post-liberal world
order.
SERVICE
In response to Trump’s charge Trump is using his vast new man- predicts that American tariffs may be. Previous rounds of retaliation after The official report of Sir Sefton
that the U.S. subsidizes Canadian date to wage multiple wars simultane- reduce Canadian GDP by six per the steel and aluminium tariffs in (The writers are, respectively, Professor Brancker’s interview with the Bengal
Emeritus, Department of Politics, York
trade, former Conservative prime ously. These wars against the cent. The federal government is plan- Trump’s first term did not drive him to University, Canada, and Professor of Political Chamber of Commerce (published exclu-
minister Stephen Harper pointed out guardrails of liberal democracy require ning an enormous bailout package the negotiating table. It’s also unclear Science and Founding Director, International sively in the Statesman on January 15) was
Studies Program, Burman University. This
that half of America’s imported oil the punishment of his enemies inside to compensate for widespread job what the CEOs of Canada’s branch- article was published on
issued yesterday.
comes from Canada, and its price is his own party. losses like the one offered to busi- plant multinational corporations will www.theconversation.com) Replying to questions Sir Sefton
Brancker said, that the scheme which he
CROSSWORD had outlined had grown out of what was
NO-293041 known as the Burney scheme. Command-
er Burney now had a contract to build one
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ship for which he was getting £300,000.
But in his agreement it was provided that
ACROSS 13 Encounter worthless 22 Unusual reproduction 3 Beak to imprison one 12 Banned cricketer over
horse in earphones gets creating clamour his fruitless he would be allowed to have the ship at
9
YETERDAY'S SOLUTION 1 Name first victim (4,4) distorted (5) efforts in match? £150,000 if he could satisfy Government
after school pianist 15 Busy worker recoils at (15) 4 Mike secretly (5) that he would employ it on an approved
I A T S D S I T (8) first drink 24 Commercial outlet in embracing the 14 Interwoven material air line. He was working with Messrs.
10 11 12 6 Gratitude from (4) run-up to Italian racket in mine that
N U M E R A T O R T O T H E
E O I A Y E H R Oscar-winner Tom? 17 Bird or birds migrating Christmas construction captivates the Vickers. Commander Burney’s ship would
B A R N A B Y C A P T A I N (6) west (4) (6) (8) French (5) be experimented together with the Gov-
13 14 15 R T N L C 9 Right to escape the 18 Race that generates 25 Natural illumination 5 Pacific group about to 16 First Minister tense, ernment ship. But the Burney ship would
I C I N G L I E I NWA I T Westminster more than local in view across one enter long-distance doctor admits
16 A S U I A E A be given back if Commander Burney
T H E O L D G E N T L E M A N
madhouse? (9,6) interest? French lake races (8)
17 18 10 Grunge band (8) (8) (6,2,7) 19 15 fuels explosive could show that he had a company offer-
E A H E L E T
D E C O R A T O R I N D I A unconvincing here at 20 Spar put in 6 Nature walks for dogs ability (6) ing to take it over and to establish a serv-
19
A H E E M last shows bite advertisement for DOWN (6) 21 Bookmarks upside ice. There was no need for Calcutta to
T A N G E L O H I D A L G O (4) e-mail manager 7 Some always gathered down in Vile Bodies
20 21
A A V U O E L U 11 Greatly increase (10) 2 Bananas in dull bag about noon (5)
think of spending money at the moment.
R U D G E S A L V A T I O N
receipts: that brings 21 Price of round and coming to (3) 23 Member starts with He wanted to explain the general pro-
N A N E E N N T
22 23
surprised reaction capacious cups? fantasy realm 8 Lip-smacking snack? three old examples gramme and definitely to ear-mark a site
(6,4) (4) (5-6-4) (7,8) (3) for the mast.
Sir Willoughby Carey said that he
24 25 thought that possibly politicians in Bombay
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. (By arrangement with The Independent, London) would be willing to finance a scheme for
themselves.

CMYK
10 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

Trump’s suggestion the US ‘take over’ the Gaza

Strip is rejected by allies and adversaries alike
The US president ’s suggestion came at a White House news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
ASSOCIATED PRESS the Gaza Strip, and we will place the Palestinian people
do a job with it too,” Trump from their land,” the state-
DUBAI, 5 FEBRUARY
said. “We’ll own it and be ment said. Trump announces withdrawal from UN human rights

P body and halt to funding for Palestinian refugees

resident Donald responsible for dismantling Similarly, Australian Prime
Trump’s proposal all of the dangerous unex- Minister Anthony Albanese
that the United States ploded bombs and other told reporters in Canberra,
“take over” the Gaza weapons on the site, level Australia, that his country AGENCIES Israel, which UNRWA denies. The United States, with
Strip and permanently reset- the site, and get rid of the has long supported a two- UNITED NATIONS, 5 FEBRUARY Trump’s announcement the world’s largest economy,
tle its Palestinian residents destroyed buildings, level it state solution in the Middle came on the day he met pays 22 per cent of the U.N.'s
was swiftly rejected and out, create an economic East and that nothing had President Donald Trump with visiting Israeli Prime regular operating budget,
denounced on Wednesday development that will supply changed. announced Tuesday that Minister Benjamin with China the second-largest
by American allies and adver- unlimited numbers of jobs.” “Australia’s position is the United States will with- Netanyahu, whose country contributor.
saries alike. The comments came amid the same as it was this morn- draw from the top U.N. has long accused both the “I’ve always felt that the
Trump’s suggestion came a fragile ceasefire between ing, as it was last year, as it human rights body and will rights body and UNRWA of U.N. has tremendous poten-
at a White House news con- Israel and Hamas, during remarks, Egypt’s Foreign Palestinian state was a “firm, was 10 years ago,” he said. not resume funding for the bias against Israel and anti- tial,” Trump told reporters
ference with Israeli Prime which the militant group Ministry issued a statement steadfast and unwavering Trump has already made U.N. agency helping Pales- semitism. in the Oval Office. “It’s not
Minister Benjamin has been turning over stressing the need for rebuild- position.” waves — and upset longtime tinian refugees. Trump’s executive orders living up to that potential
Netanyahu, who smiled sev- hostages in exchange for the ing “without moving the “The kingdom of Saudi allies — suggesting the pur- The U.S. left the Gene- also call for a review of Amer- right now. ... They’ve got to
eral times as the president release of prisoners held by Palestinians out of the Gaza Arabia also stresses what it chase of Greenland, the va-based Human Rights ican involvement in the get their act together.”
detailed a plan to build new Israel. Strip.” had previously announced annexation of Canada and Council last year, and it Paris-based U.N. Educational, He said the U.N. needs
settlements for Palestinians Egypt, Jordan and other Saudi Arabia, an important regarding its absolute rejec- the possible takeover of the stopped funding the agency Scientific and Cultural Organ- “to be fair to countries that
outside the Gaza Strip, and American allies in the Middle American ally, weighed in tion of infringement on the Panama Canal. It was not assisting Palestinian refugees, ization, known as UNESCO, deserve fairness,” adding
for the U.S. to take “owner- East have already rejected quickly on Trump’s expanded legitimate rights of the Pales- immediately clear whether known as UNRWA, after and a review of U.S. funding that there are some countries,
ship” in redeveloping the the idea of relocating more idea to take over the Gaza tinian people, whether the idea of taking over the Israel accused it of harbouring for the United Nations in which he didn’t name, that
war-torn territory into “the than 2 million Palestinians Strip in a sharply worded through Israeli settlement Gaza Strip was a well thought Hamas militants who par- light of “the wild disparities are “outliers, that are very
Riviera of the Middle East.” from Gaza elsewhere in the statement, noting that its policies, annexation of Pales- out plan, or an opening gam- ticipated in the surprise 7 in levels of funding among bad and they’re being almost
“The U.S. will take over region. Following Trump’s long call for an independent tinian lands or efforts to dis- bit in negotiations. Oct, 2023, attacks in southern different countries.” preferred.”

Protests against Trump and Project 2025 Sweden’s worst mass shooting leaves at least 11 dead, including the gunman
are planned in cities across the US AGENCIES
OREBRO, 5 FEBRUARY
treated for minor injuries and
was stable.
The shooting started Tues-
day afternoon after many stu-
AGENCIES ican government and society, Brianne said Tuesday. “But Jonas Claesson, regional dents had gone home following
WASHINGTON, 5 FEBRUARY and include messages such also I want to look back at Sweden’s worst mass shooting director of health and medical a national exam. Students
as “reject fascism” and “defend this time and say that I did left at least 11 people dead, services, said that two of the sheltered in nearby buildings,
A movement to oppose the our democracy.” In a coffee something and I didn’t just including the gunman, and gunshot victims were in inten- and other parts of the school
early actions of President shop just a block from Michi- sit back.” at least five seriously wounded sive care Wednesday. All of were evacuated following the
Donald Trump’s administra- gan’s Capitol, organizers of a Trump has signed a series at an adult education centre the victims are over age 18, shooting.
tion is taking off online, with planned action there Wednes- of executive orders in the first west of Stockholm. officials said. No other patients Authorities were working
plans to protest across the day pushed together tables, couple of weeks of his new The gunman’s motive related to the shooting were to identify the deceased. Police
U.S. on Wednesday. spreading out poster boards term on everything from trade hadn’t been determined by admitted to Orebro University said that officers discovered
The movement has organ- to write messages that read and immigration to climate early Wednesday as the Scan- Hospital overnight. the gunman dead at the school
ized under the hashtags “No Deportations Ever!” and change. As Democrats begin dinavian nation — where gun The school, called Campus when they arrived. It was
#buildtheresistance and #50501, “Workers Unite!” to raise their voice in opposition violence at schools is very rare Risbergska, offers primary and Justice Minister Gunnar visit the school district and unclear how the gunman died.
which stands for 50 protests, Kelsey Brianne, a key organ- to Trump’s agenda, protests — reeled from an attack. secondary educational classes Strömmer called the shooting attend a memorial service in Roberto Eid Forest, head
50 states, one day. Many of izer of Michigan’s rally, called have also begun. Officials said Wednesday for adults age 20 and older, “an event that shakes our the city, the palace said. Kris- of the local police, said that
the protests are planned at it a “real grassroots effort.” On Sunday, thousands of that three women and two Swedish-language classes for entire society to its core.” King tersson and Strömmer would the school’s large premises
state capitols, with some in She learned about the move- people marched against men, all with gunshot wounds, immigrants, vocational training Carl XVI Gustaf and Prime also be there. Soccer teams meant it took a long time for
other cities. ment Sunday night and has Trump’s plan for large-scale underwent surgery at Orebro and programmes for people Minister Ulf Kristersson ordered Degerfors IF and Orebro Syr- officers to search the campus
The movement has web- been coordinating speakers deportations in Southern Cal- University Hospital. All were with intellectual disabilities. flags to be flown at half-staff ianska will wear black arm- to ensure there were not any
sites and accounts across and safety protocols. ifornia, including in downtown in serious but stable condition The school is on the outskirts at the Royal Palace and gov- bands at a preseason match more victims. Police heard
social media. Flyers circulating “I got involved because I Los Angeles, where protests after being admitted to the of Orebro, which is about 200 ernment buildings. on Wednesday evening and gunshots when they arrived
online decry Project 2025, a knew that there was a need, shut down a major freeway hospital with life-threatening kilometres (125 miles) west The king and Queen Silvia hold a minute’s silence before and initially thought they were
hard-right playbook for Amer- and I knew what I could do,” for hours injuries. Another woman was of Stockholm. were in Orebro and would kickoff, Degerfors said. being fired upon, he said.

Congo calls rebels’ ceasefire declaration ‘false Philippine vice president impeached by House,
faces Senate trial as political battle rages
communication’ as reports of fighting continue AGENCIES political rift that involved which would serve as a tri-
AGENCIES Congo’s government the conflict, but that dialogue MANILA, 5 FEBRUARY the two highest leaders of bunal to try the vice presi-
GOMA, 5 FEBRUARY spokesperson Patrick Muyaya must occur within the context one of Asia’s most ram- dent, House of Represen-
told journalists. of previous peace agreements. The lower house in the bunctious democracies. tatives Secretary-General
Congo’s government on Tues- The M23 last week seized Rwanda and the rebels have Philippines impeached Vice Marcos has boosted Reginald Velasco told a ple-
day described the unilateral control of Goma, a city of 2 accused Congo of defaulting President Sara Duterte defense ties with his coun- nary House meeting in the
ceasefire declared by Rwan- million people at the heart of on previous agreements. Wednesday, accusing her try’s treaty ally, the United body’s last session before a
da-backed rebels in eastern a region home to trillions of Regional leaders are meet- of a wide range of crimes States, while the vice pres- four-month recess.
Congo as “false communica- dollars in mineral wealth. It ing Friday and Saturday in that included plotting to ident’s father, Rodrigo Among the signatories
tion,” while the United Nations remains under rebel control. Tanzania to discuss the con- assassinate the president, Duterte, nurtured cozy rela- of the impeachment com-
noted reports of heavy fighting The M23 had been reported flict. large-scale corruption and tions with China and Russia plaint was the president’s
with Congolese forces in the to be gaining ground in other Also Tuesday, Congo’s inte- failing to strongly denounce during his stormy term that son, Rep. Sandro Marcos,
region. areas of eastern Congo and rior minister, Jacquemain Sha- China’s aggressive actions ended in 2022. and cousin, House Speaker
The M23 rebels on Monday advancing on another provincial closer to Bukavu.” pressure. The M23 are the bani, said the death toll in against Filipino forces in At least 215 legislators Martin Romualdez. The peti-
announced the ceasefire on capital, Bukavu, in South Kivu. The M23 rebels are backed most potent of the more than last week’s fighting had reached the disputed South China in the lower house signed tion urged the Senate to
humanitarian grounds after On Tuesday, U.N, by some 4,000 troops from 100 armed groups active in 2,000, asserting that bodies Sea. the impeachment complaint shift itself into an impeach-
pleas for the safe passage of spokesman Stephane Dujarric neighbouring Rwanda, accord- Congo’s east, which holds had been put into one or more The move by legislators against the vice president, ment court to try the vice
aid and hundreds of thousands told journalists they had reports ing to U.N. experts. That’s far vast deposits critical to much mass graves. Shabani called in the House of Represen- significantly more than the president, “render a judge-
of displaced people. of heavy fighting in South more than in 2012, when they of the world’s technology. them “victims of massacres tatives, many of them allies required number to allow ment of conviction,” remove
But “all we are waiting for Kivu, though “we don’t have briefly captured Goma then Congo’s government has perpetrated by the Rwandan of President Ferdinand Mar- the petition to be rapidly her from office and ban her
is the withdrawal of the M23,” any reports of the M23 moving withdrew after international said it is open to talks to resolve occupation army.” cos Jr., deepens a bitter transmitted to the Senate, from holding public office.
 KOLKATA, THURSDAY, 06 FEBRUARY 2025 11
Opposition demands fresh Palestinians fear a repeat of their 1948 mass
expulsion in the wake of Trump’s remarks on Gaza

elections in Pakistan
Bank.
In Gaza, the refugees and
their descendants make up
around three-quarters of the
population.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gets ready to hold nationwide protests on 8 February Israel’s rejection of what
Palestinians say is their right
AGENCIES support for party founder who served as 18th Prime of return to their 1948 homes
ISLAMABAD, 5 FEBRUARY and former Prime Minister Minister of Pakistan (2017- has been a core grievance in
Imran Khan was bulldozed 2018), also called for joint the conflict and was one of

A
strong opposition by the country's military efforts to "protect constitu- the thorniest issues in peace
alliance is emerging establishment. tional rights" of the people talks that last collapsed 15
as Pakistan As per sources in the of Pakistan. years ago. The refugee camps
Tehreek-e-Insaf party, there are plans to "Opposition parties have AGENCIES 1948 expulsion as the Nakba, have always been the main
(PTI) gets ready to hold launch a massive anti-gov- reached a consensus during JERUSALEM, 5 FEBRUARY Arabic for catastrophe. Some bastions of Palestinian mili-
nationwide protests on 8 ernment campaign across the meeting to demand fresh 700,000 Palestinians — a tancy.
February , the first anniver- the country on the day with elections and release political Palestinians will mark this majority of the prewar pop- Now, many Palestinians
sary of last year's "rigged" a fresh call to release Khan prisoners", said Abbasi, a for- year the 77th anniversary of ulation — fled or were driven fear a repeat of their painful
general election in the coun- and other political prisoners mer senior member of Nawaz their mass expulsion from from their homes before and history on an even more cat-
try. who PTI claims have been Sharif's Pakistan Muslim what is now Israel, an event during the 1948 Arab-Israeli aclysmic scale.
Posing a fresh challenge falsely accused of being League–Nawaz (PML-N) who that is at the core of their war that followed Israel’s All across Gaza, Palestinians
to the government led by involved in 9 May, 2023 riots now heads the Awaam Pak- national struggle. establishment. in recent days have been load-
Prime Minister Shehbaz and other cases. istan Party (APA). But in many ways, that After the war, Israel refused ing up cars and donkey carts
Sharif, PTI has announced The opposition parties, The leaders, who held a experience pales in compar- to allow them to return because or setting out on foot to visit
anti-government protest demanding an immediate PTI leadership and other elections in the country as joint press conference, called ison to the calamity now faced it would have resulted in a their destroyed homes after
rallies in Khyber dissolution of assemblies parties, is pressing Shehbaz it was asserted that the pres- for an end to what they termed in the Gaza Strip — particularly Palestinian majority within a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas
Pakhtunkhwa's Swabi, and announcement of fresh Sharif to step down and ent government has come as "fascism". as President Donald Trump its borders. Instead, they war took hold 19 Jan. The
Peshawar and Lahore, stating elections, have begun strate- announce fresh elections. into power through rigged Experts reckon that chal- has suggested that displaced became a seemingly perma- images from several rounds
that 'Black Day' will be gising their next move and On Tuesday, PTI leader elections and illegal practices lenging times lie ahead of the Palestinians in Gaza be per- nent refugee community that of mass evacuations through-
observed across the country challenge the "authenticity" and former National Assem- during the general polls. ruling coalition as its main manently resettled outside now numbers some 6 million, out the war — and their march
on 8 February. of the ruling government. bly Speaker Asad Qaiser "The current government ally, the Pakistan People's the war-torn territory and with most living in slum-like back north on foot — are
PTI claims that it was on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- hosted dinner for opposition no longer represents the peo- Party (PPP), is also unhappy that the United States take urban refugee camps in strikingly similar to black-
8 February in 2024 that the Fazl (JUI-F) leader Fazl-ur- leaders where a joint call ple of Pakistan," said Qaiser. with the government's per- “ownership” of the enclave. Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and and-white photographs from
will of the people and their Rehman, along with the top was made for holding early Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, formance. Palestinians refer to their the Israeli-occupied West 1948.

US Senate confirms Pam Bondi as attorney general,

putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm
Remains of all 67 victims of the midair collision
AGENCIES of agents involved in inves- who recused himself from
near DC recovered as NTSB probes altitude data
WASHINGTON, 5 FEBRUARY tigations related to the pres- the Justice Department’s AGENCIES Hawk to verify the data. returning from the 2025 U.S.
ident, who has made clear investigation into potential ARLINGTON, 5 FEBRUARY The jet’s flight recorder Figure Skating Championships
The Senate confirmed Pam his desire to seek revenge on ties between Russia and his showed its altitude as 325 feet there.
Bondi as U.S. attorney general his perceived adversaries. 2016 presidential campaign. The remains of all 67 victims (99 metres), plus or minus 25 The Black Hawk was on a
Tuesday evening, putting a Republicans have praised While Bondi has sought of last week’s midair collision feet (7.6 metres). training mission. Army Staff
longtime ally of Donald Trump Bondi as a highly qualified to reassure Democrats that of an American Airlines flight Earlier in the day, crews Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28,
at the helm of a Justice Depart- leader they contend will bring politics would play no part and an Army helicopter near working in choppy conditions of Lilburn, Georgia; Chief
ment that has already been much-needed change to a in her decision-making, she the nation’s capital have been raised a number of large pieces Warrant Officer 2 Andrew
rattled by the firings of career department they believe also refused at her confir- recovered, authorities said of the jetliner from the Potomac Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills,
employees seen as disloyal unfairly pursued Trump mation hearing last month Tuesday. All but one has been River, including the right wing, Maryland; and Capt. Rebecca
to the Republican president. through investigations result- to rule potential investigations identified. the center fuselage and parts M. Lobach, of Durham, North
The vote fell almost entirely ing in two indictments. into Trump’s adversaries. Meanwhile the NTSB said of the forward cabin, cockpit, Carolina, were aboard.
along party lines, with only “Pam Bondi has promised And she has repeated Trump’s it was examining new data tail cone and rudder. Federal investigators are
Sen. John Fetterman, a Penn- to get the department back claims that the prosecutions that could put the helicopter “Our hearts are with the trying to piece together the
sylvania Democrat, joining to its core mission: prosecuting against him amounted to above its 200-foot (61-metre) victims’ families as they nav- events that led to the collision.
with all Republicans to pass crime and protecting Amer- political persecution, saying flight ceiling. The airport’s igate this tragic loss,” officials The collision occurred last this week. Full investigations typically
her confirmation 54-46. icans from threats to their the Justice Department “had air traffic control screen — said in a joint statement from Wednesday night as the plane On Monday salvage crews take a year or more, but they
Bondi, a former Florida safety and their freedoms,” been weaponized for years relying on radar sensors and the city and federal agencies was about to land at nearby were able to pull one of the hope to have a preliminary
attorney general and corporate said Senate Majority Leader and years and years, and it’s other data — had it at 300 involved in the search and Ronald Reagan National Air- two jet engines from the river, report within 30 days.
lobbyist, is expected to oversee John Thune, R-S.D. got to stop.” feet (91 metres), the agency recovery, including the U.S. port, killing everyone on board along with large pieces of the Wednesday’s crash was
a radical reshaping of the But Bondi has faced intense Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said. However that figure Army Corps of Engineers, both aircraft. plane’s exterior, Col. Francis the deadliest in the U.S. since
department that has been scrutiny over her close rela- praised Bondi as “accom- would have been rounded to Navy dive teams and Wash- Authorities said early on B. Pera of the Army Corps of 12 Nov, 2001, when a jet
the target of Trump’s ire over tionship with the president, plished and competent” but the nearest 100 feet, according ington police and fire crews. that they expected to recover Engineers said. slammed into a New York
the criminal cases it brought who during his term fired an said his “grave concern is to authorities. The chief medical examiner the remains of everyone who Sixty passengers and four City neighbourhood just after
against him. She enters with FBI director who refused to really about President Trump Investigators said they will be working to positively died, and they are now focusing crew were on the American takeoff, killing all 260 people
the FBI, which she will oversee, pledge loyalty to him and and what he is clearly demand- need to get more information identify the final set of remains, on retrieving the jet and hope Airlines flight from Wichita, on board and five on the
in turmoil over the scrutiny forced out an attorney general ing.” from the still-submerged Black officials said. to recover the helicopter later Kansas, including figure skaters ground.

EU ready for tough trade talks with US, says Ursula von der Leyen Iran praises US for cutting foreign aid funding as
AGENCIES
BRUSSELS, 5 FEBRUARY
own interests, however and
whenever that is needed. This
will always be the European
it looks for a Trump message on nuclear talks
European Commission Pres- way," she said. Earlier the Euro- AGENCIES nians worry what all this could
ident Ursula von der Leyen pean Commission criticised TEHRAN, 5 FEBRUARY mean for them. On Wednesday,
said that the European Union US President Donald Trump's Iran’s currency, the rial, plunged
(EU) is prepared for tough tariff imposed upon three Iran’s government seems to to a record low of 850,000 to
negotiations with the US to countries, saying they disrupt be welcoming some recent $1 after Trump’s order, showing
safeguard its economic interests. global trade and are harmful decisions by the United States the ongoing economic volatility
Her remarks came after US to all, and vowing to hit back — even though they happen they face. A decade ago, it
President Donald Trump if targeted. "The European to come from a man Iranian stood at 32,000 rials to $1.
announced plans to impose Union (EU) regrets the US operatives have allegedly been “It encourages hard-liners
tariffs on imports from the on trade with Europe. The for tough negotiations when decision to impose tariffs on plotting to assassinate. inside Iran to continue repres-
EU. whole trade volume between necessary. "We will be ready Canada, Mexico, and China," President Donald Trump’s sions because they feel the
Speaking on transatlantic us is $1.5 trillion," she told a for tough negotiations where an EU spokesman was quoted moves to freeze spending on U.S. would have less capability
trade relations, von der Leyen conference of EU ambassadors. needed and to find solutions by local media. foreign aid and overhaul, ernment’s efforts to help crushing sanctions and the in supporting Iranian people
underscored the deep economic She stressed that both sides where possible to work out He highlighted the impor- maybe even end, the U.S. democracy worldwide. future of a program on the who seek freedom,” said
ties between the two sides, have much at stake. "There any grievances and to set the tance of "open markets and Agency for International Devel- At the same time, Iranian precipice of enriching Maryam Faraji, a 27-year-old
noting that millions of jobs are jobs, businesses, and indus- foundations for a stronger respect for international trade opment have been lauded in officials appear to be signaling weapons-grade uranium. waitress in a coffee shop in
depend on the partnership, tries here and in the US that partnership," she said. rules," saying they are essential Iranian state media. that they are waiting for a And even when signing an northern Tehran.
Xinhua news agency report- rely on the transatlantic part- She reiterated that the EU for strong and sustainable eco- The reports say the decisions message from Trump on executive order to reimpose The state-run IRNA news
ed. nership. So we want to make remains open and pragmatic nomic growth. "Tariffs create will halt funding for opponents whether he wants to negotiate his “maximum pressure on agency said that “cutting the
"European companies in it work," she said. in achieving its objectives but unnecessary economic dis- of the country’s Shiite theocracy over Tehran’s rapidly advancing Iran” on Tuesday, Trump sug- budget of foreign-based oppo-
the US employ 3.5 million While advocating cooper- will resolutely defend its eco- ruption and drive inflation. — pro-democracy activists nuclear program. At stake are gested he wanted to deal with sition” could “affect the sphere
Americans, and another million ation, von der Leyen made it nomic interests. They are hurtful to all sides," and others supported through potentially billions of dollars Teheran. of relations” between Tehran
American jobs depend directly clear that the EU is prepared "We will always protect our he added. programs as part of U.S. gov- withheld from Iran through Meanwhile, ordinary Ira- and Washington.

Third attempt to auction off the home of Myanmar’s Trump says heÊs exploring option to send jailed US criminals to other countries: President Donald Trump said Tuesday that
he was exploring whether he can move forward with El Salvador’s offer to accept and jail violent American criminals in the
ousted Aung San Suu Kyi fails to draw any bidders “most severe cases” even as he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both say it raises clear legal issues. Rubio reached an unusu-
al agreement with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele a day earlier that the Central American country would accept U.S. depor-
tees of any nationality, including American citizens and legal residents who are imprisoned for violent crimes. “I’m just saying if
AGENCIES elected government was than $142 million. there had been no bidders we had a legal right to do it, I would do it in a heartbeat,” Trump told reporters Tuesday in the Oval Office. “I don’t know if we
YANGON, 5 FEBRUARY ousted by the military in On Wednesday, the open- and end the proceedings. do or not, we’re looking at that right now.” � AGENCIES
February 2021. She is now ing asking price for the 1.9- “The auction is unsuc-
A renewed attempt to auction serving a combined 27-year acre (0.78-hectare) lakeside cessful as there is no bidder,”
off the family home of Myan- sentence after being con- property in Yangon was set the official, who did not
mar’s imprisoned former victed of a string of criminal at 297 billion kyats. That’s identify herself, announced
leader Aung San Suu Kyi charges that supporters say about $141 million at official outside the gate.
was unsuccessful Wednesday have been fabricated to dis- rates, or about $66 million The two-story colonial-
as the prospect of paying credit her. at black-market rates, which style building on Inye Lake
tens of millions of dollars Since then, resistance to better reflect the real value in Yangon, the country’s
for a property in a country the military government has of the kyat. largest city, was given decades
embroiled in a civil war failed grown and the country is Wednesday’s auction was ago by the government to
to attract any bidders. now in the midst of a brutal held in front of the closed Suu Kyi’s mother, Khin Kyi,
It was the third attempt civil war. gates of the property, which after her husband, inde-
to sell the lakeside property The court-ordered auction has served as an unofficial pendence hero Gen. Aung
where Suu Kyi had been followed a bitter decades- party headquarters and a San, was assassinated in July
held under house arrest for long legal dispute between political shrine for the coun- 1947.
nearly 15 years. It’s widely Suu Kyi and her brother, try’s pro-democracy move- Suu Kyi, 79, remained
viewed as a historical land- Aung San Oo, who has sought ment. there after her 2010 release
mark of her nonviolent strug- an equal division of the prop- While living there, Suu from house arrest until mov-
gle against military rule for erty. Kyi hosted visiting dignitaries ing in 2012 to the capital,
which she won the Nobel Each time the house has including U.S. President Naypyitaw, to serve in par-
Peace Prize. gone up for auction its price Barack Obama, Secretary of liament. She became the
In the previous attempt has been reduced, but there State Hillary Clinton and nation’s leader after a 2015
at auction last August, the has yet to be a bidder. U.N. Secretary-General Ban general election.
court-ordered asking price In March, the asking price Ki-moon. According to legal pro-
was $142 million; on Wednes- was 315 billion kyats, about Like the previous auctions, cedures, the court will con-
day it was reduced by $1 $150 million at official rates, it took less than a minute tinue to handle the auction
million, to $141 million. and the second was in August for a district court official process, but the details are
Suu Kyi’s democratically with 300 billion kyats, more to emerge and announce not yet known.
12 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

THUMBNAILS
Market closes lower due to RBI likely to cut repo rate by 25
basis points for 1st time in 5 years
losses in consumer stocks
ITI Bharat Consumption
Fund: ITI Asset Management
Company Ltd (ITI AMC) today lower and mid-income seg-
announced the launch of ITI ments.
Bharat Consumption Fund, an Among others, Nifty PSU Bank, Metal, OMCs & Media indices ended higher by over 1pc each It will also potentially
open-ended thematic fund enhance liquidity in the bank-
which will follow the consump- Amongthesectors,allsettled ing system making it easier
tion theme. The scheme inthegreenbarringNiftyFMCG, for developers to access financ-
would predominantly invest in Realty, Auto, and Consumer ing for their projects.
equity and equity related Durable indices, which ended According to Bajaj Broking
securities of companies lower by up to 1.85 per cent. Research, the potential rate
engaged in consumption and Among others, Nifty PSU cut is coming after the domes-
consumption related activities Bank, Metal, OMCs, and Media tic rate-setting panel has kept
or allied sectors. The scheme indices ended higher by over 1 the policy repo rate unchanged
opens for subscription on 6 per cent each. The rupee weak- for the last 11 consecutive
February and closes on 20 ened to 87.4875 against the U.S. meetings - after raising it by
February. dollar before closing at 87.4650, 250 bps between May 2022
down 0.4 per cent on the day. and February 2023.
Among the individual per- The Union Budget priori-
Zepto becomes worldÊs sec- formances, paint industry giant tises consumption and fiscal
ond most downloaded Asian Paints share tanked over discipline, leaving room for
mobile app in 2024: Indian 3 per cent as the company the central bank to stimulate
quick commerce startup, reported disappointing Q3FY25 growth. With GDP growth
Zepto, became the world’s results. Shares of Force Motors slowing to a seven-quarter
second most downloaded surged 6 per cent following the AGENCIES at 6.50 per cent. low of 5.4 per cent in Q2
mobile app in the foods and release of its January sales data, NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY Given the Union Budget's FY25, a rate cut seems immi-
drinks category in 2024, data signaling a strong performance emphasis on reviving con- nent, said the report.
released by the Sensor Tower in the commercial and utility The Reserve Bank of India sumption to support eco- RBI's recent liquidity meas-
said. McDonald’s, the US fast vehicle segments. (RBI), in all likelihood, is set nomic growth, the RBI might ures aim to stabilise the finan-
food chain, was the most MTNLsharesjumpednearly to cut the repo rate by 25 consider turning the policy cial system, reinforcing expec-
downloaded mobile app, the 18 per cent as optimism around basis points for the first time rate cycle. tations of monetary easing.
report said. Other Indian com- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE stocks amid weak earnings. (2.44percent),BharatPetroleum its asset monetization plans in almost five years, aligning Additionally, the govern- The central bank’s MPC
panies in the category were NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY Broader markets remained Corporation (2.07 per cent), for FY26 fueled a sharp rally. with the Budget's objectives ment's balanced borrowing shifted to a neutral stance in
food and grocery delivery resilient, with the BSE MidCap and Adani Ports & Special Eco- Shares of Food delivery of stimulating economic activ- plan and efforts to enhance October last year, providing

T
companies Zomato at number he stock marketclosed and SmallCap indices gaining nomic Zone (1.71 per cent). aggregator Swiggy fell 4 per ity while managing a prudent liquidity could support a flexibility in policy decisions.
five and its competitor Swiggy lower on Wednesday 0.7 per cent and 1.4 per cent, While on the losing side were cent ahead of its quarterly fiscal position, which provides favourable environment for Economists expect no change
at number nine. Zepto’s rival due to losses in con- respectively.Throughouttrading Asian Paints (3.36 per cent), results announcement. comfort on currency and such a rate cut, said Shishir in this stance in February,
Blinkit was the tenth most sumer stocks amid session, Nifty reached a high Titan Company (2.97 per cent), Brokerage firm Angel One inflation fronts, industry Baijal, Chairman and Man- with a shallow rate cut cycle
downloaded app in the cate- weak earnings. At close, Sensex of23,807.3andalowof23,680.45 Nestle India (2.20 per cent), soared over 6 per cent after the experts said on Wednesday. aging Director, Knight Frank anticipated.
gory. The category also includ- declined 0.4 per cent, shedding while the Sensex exhibited a Hindustan Unilever (1.93 per company released its January The central bank last India. “While the RBI ensures
ed fast food and fast casual 312 points to close at 78,271, tradingrangebetween78,735.41 cent), and Britannia Industries business update. The company reduced the repo rate by 40 A rate cut will be beneficial sufficient liquidity, a CRR cut
restaurants, restaurant order while the Nifty settled 0.18 per and 78,216.25. On Nifty, the (1.90 per cent). The Bank Nifty in its business update basis points to 4 per cent in for the real estate sector as it is unlikely in the next policy
and delivery, other food deliv- cent lower, losing 43 points to gainers were Oil & Natural Gas concluded the session at announced that its client base May 2020, to help the economy will make borrowings more announcement, as the central
ery services, dining and listing, end at 23,696.30. Corporation (2.97 per cent), 50,157.95, having reached an has increased 48 per cent year- tide over the crisis following affordable for home buyers bank maintains a supportive
reviews and reservations and The market was dragged Hindalco Industries (2.85 per intraday high of 50,522.15 and on-year to 3.01 crore in January the Covid-19 pandemic. Cur- and reinstate consumer sen- financial environment,” the
dining and restaurant apps. down by losses in consumer cent),ApolloHospitalsEnterprise a low of 50,215.45. 2025. rently, the repo rate stands timent, particularly in the report mentioned.

Centre of Excellence in Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Global gold demand spikes by 1 pc to

OpenAI’s Sam Altman, a record high of 4,974.5MT in 2024
Chip Design launched discuss collaboration in response to President Don-
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The new Centre of Excel- tre’s cutting-edge facilities, AGENCIES bring that cost down," he ald Trump's trade levies.
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY lence is poised to address the including the Project Lab and NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY asked, commiting to build a WGC in its quarterly report
growing demand for skilled Smart Classroom. The Project lost-cost AI model. highlighted that last year's
A National Institute of Elec- professionals in the semi- Lab will serve as a hub for IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Within the applications investment demand for gold
tronics and Information Tech- conductor and chip design collaboration on innovative met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in healthcare, in education, rose 25 per cent to a four-
nology (NIELIT) Centre of industries by offering state- chip design projects among and discussed India's strategy in agriculture, in weather fore- year high of 1,180 tonnes,
Excellence (CoE) in Chip of-the-art facilities for research, students, professionals and of creating the entire AI stack casting, in disaster manage- mainly because outflows
Design was inaugurated on innovation, and training in researchers. Meanwhile, the - GPUs, model, and apps. ment, in transportation, mul- from physically-backed gold
Tuesday at its Noida campus VLSI (Very Large-Scale Inte- Smart Classroom, equipped The minister wrote on X tiple different things India is exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
by Mr S. Krishnan, Secretary gration) and Chip Design. with advanced teaching aids, that Altman was willing to working on, he said. dried up for the first time in
of the Ministry of Electronics With a vision to become a will provide an immersive collaborate with India on all During the meeting, which four years.
and Information Technology. global leader in semiconductor learning experience for stu- three. The minister further had many startups in audience, STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE metal to hedge against global Indicating a major shift
This initiative, established innovation, it aims to advance dents. said that the OpenAI CEO Vaishnaw requested the startup NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY risks and as the US Federal in appetite for different prod-
in association with VLSI and chip design while A special demonstration appreciated Prime Minister community to come up with Reserve slashed interest rates. ucts, investment demand for
SoCTeamup Semiconductors empowering India as a hub of VLSI-based Intellectual Narendra Modi's vision of unique solutions. The World Gold Council In 2024, the central banks, bars rose 10 per cent, while
Pvt Ltd, a DPIIT-recognised for cutting-edge electronics Property (IP) was also con- democratising technology. The Minister shared a clip (WGC) on Wednesday said a major source of gold coin buying fell 31 per cent.
startup, marks a significant and IT. By fostering world- ducted, underscoring the During the meeting with Alt- of his interaction with Altman the global gold demand demand, have bought over Notably, the WGC said
step toward advancing India’s class education, research, Centre’s commitment to man, Vaishnaw while referring and the startup group. In the including over-the-counter 1,000 tonnes of the metal for that the gold jewellery con-
semiconductor design and and industry collaboration, advancing the design and to Chandrayaan 3 mission video the minister said, "We (OTC) trading rose by 1 per the third year in a row. sumption, the biggest category
development capabilities. the Centre seeks to drive inno- development of intellectual apprised Altman on how India are very soon starting a kind cent to a record high of 4,974.5 WGC highlighted that the of physical demand, fell 11
The launch of the NIELIT vation and develop a highly properties in the semicon- had sent a mission to the of open competition (for AI)." metric tonnes in 2024. National Bank of Poland was per cent in 2024, while mine
Centre of Excellence in Chip skilled talent pool to meet ductor sector. The demon- moon at a fraction of the cost Earlier, speaking at the It said the central banks the largest such buyer, adding production was steady and
Design is in line with the gov- global semiconductor stration highlighted the Cen- that many other countries India Today-Business Today have sped up buying in the 90 tonnes to its reserves. recycling rose 15 per cent.
ernment of India's vision of demands, strengthening tre’s role in building a strong did. Budget Roundtable, the min- fourth quarter. Gold prices hit another The WGC expects jewellery
s semiconductor technology India’s position in the global knowledge base in VLSI and "Why can't we do a model ister said India will have its Notably, the spot gold all-time high on Tuesday, demand to remain under
capabilities and furthering electronics and IT sectors. cultivating a pool of talent to which will be a fraction of the first foundational Artificial prices rose by 27 per cent last driven by safe-haven demand pressure and recycling to
India’s emergence as a global During the inauguration, meet the growing needs of cost that many other countries Intelligence model in at max- year, which is the most since after China retaliated with rise further this year due to
leader in Electronics and IT. Mr Krishnan toured the Cen- the industry. do? So yes, innovation will imum 10 months from now. 2010, as investors chose the tariffs on the United States high prices.

Indian stock market witnesses spike in Service sector PMI slowdowns in

participation of women investors: NSE almost 2 years at 56.5 in January
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE activity over the next 12 months,
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE respective regions. NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY citing advertising, competitive
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY The NSE report further pricing, and new client inquiries
observedthegrowingdominance A business survey showed on as key drivers. However, overall
Indian stock markets has been of young investors in the Indian Wednesday that India's dom- sentiment dipped to a three-
witnessing spike in the partic- stock market. inant services sector growth month low, aligning with the
ipation of women investors The proportion of investors was slowest in over two years broader trend.
since the calendar year 2022, a aged below 30 years has risen in January amid cooling Finance Minister Nirmala
report by the National Stock significantly from 22.7 per cent demand. However, it remained Pranjul Bhandari, chief Sitharaman in the Union Budg-
Exchange (NSE) said. in 2018 to 39.9 per cent in 2024, historically strong and led to India economist at HSBC said, et gave some tax relief to the
Women's share in new indi- makingthemthelargestinvestor a substantial rate of hiring. “The business activity and new middle class but shied away
vidual investor registrations group. The share of mid-aged The HSBC final India Serv- business PMI indices eased from announcing big reforms
has been gradually increasing, investors (40-49 years) has ices Purchasing Managers' to their lowest levels since which are much needed to
reaching just below 25 per cent dropped from 20.1 per cent in Index, compiled by S&P Global, November 2022 and November prop up growth.
as of December 2024, report 2018 to 15.6 per cent in 2024. fell to 56.5 in January from 2023 respectively.” India’s retail inflation rate
by the NSE said. Similarly, the percentage of 59.3 in December, a tad lower “That said, new export for December eased at 5.22
“Female participation in investors over 50 years has than a preliminary estimate business partly countered the per cent increasing the chances
individual investor registrations percent) has the highest female These states have a higher ticipation are Bihar (15.6 per declined from 26.2 per cent to of 56.8 but comfortably ahead downtrend and continued to of easier monetary policy. The
has shown a gradual increase representation in stock market share of female investors than cent), Uttar Pradesh (18.4 per 15 per cent in the same period. of the 50-mark separating con- rebound from a dip in late Reserve Bank of India is widely
since CY22, to slightly shy of a participation. the national average of 24.1 per cent), and Odisha (19.7percent) Even the 31-39 age group has traction from growth. 2024, in line with official data." expected to cut its key repo
quarter as of December 2024,” It was followed by Maha- cent in CY24. recording a female investor seen a decline, though less sig- Notably, the PMI in January Despite the slowdown, rate at its MPC meet, an
it said. rashtra (28 per cent) and Tamil On the other side, those lag- base below 20 per cent of total nificant compared to older age has been the lowest since service providers remained announcement for which is
As per the report, Delhi (30 Nadu (27.7 per cent). ging in terms of women's par- individual registrations in their groups. November 2022. optimistic about business set to be made on Friday.

Tata Power to set up small modular reactors to generate electricity

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Act,” Sinha asserted. nuclear reactors," Sinha said. nuclear reactors, mostly to Sinha expected peak fired thermal power plants
MUMBAI, 5 FEBRUARY Earlier, the government He informed that initially replace captive coal-fired power demand in India to used by steel, aluminium,
had voiced its plans for active Tata Group companies like thermal power plants, in overtake 2024's 250 gigawatts copper and the cement indus-
Tata Power Company Ltd. partnerships with private Tata Steel and Tata Motors order to achieve a net-zero to about 265 to 270 GW due tries.
has announced that it envis- players to set up SMRs. The could be potential customers emission goal by 2070. to an expected "intense" "We are going to take the
aged to set up small modular government had also prom- for the company's nuclear “Small nuclear plants summer. A Tata Consulting old design of the PHWR and
reactors (SMRs) across India ised amendments to the power. need stringent approvals Engineers (TCE) official had then reconfigure and redesign
in order to generate electricity Atomic Energy Act and Civil "We are also quite gung- and the approval process stated in August 2024 that it to be modular, scalable
from nuclear fission, informed Liability for Nuclear Damage ho about it but of course, it usually takes about 24 months the Department of Atomic and safety-aligned to post-
Tata Power’s CEO & Man- Act to encourage private requires policy support as while reactor construction Energy's (DAE) 220-Megawatt Fukushima standards," TEC's
aging Director, Praveer Sinha. investments in the nuclear well as cost-efficient tech- and industrial sector. lay of Rs 20,000 crore. She takes around five years after electric (MWe) Pressurised MD & CEO Amit Sharma had
However, he did not reveal energy sector. nology, which is effective to It may be recalled that in had mentioned that at least approval. Today SMR projects Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) said in August 2024.
the amount likely to be invest- "We are actively consid- generate power at an afford- Budget 2025, Union Finance five indigenously developed are becoming very common is being redesigned using TEC has been associated
ed. ering it, but it's subject to able tariff," Sinha said. The Minister Nirmala Sitharaman SMRs would be operational in various parts of the world. 3D design platforms to devel- with DAE for several decades,
“We are keen to participate what policy directions, what interaction with him reveals had announced the launch by 2033 and had set a target With many new technologies op what is being called the with an 85 per cent market
but are awaiting more clarity amendment in the Atomic that Tata Power plans to of a Nuclear Energy Mission of 100 GW of nuclear power coming in, we should be in Bharat Small Modular Reac- share in engineering services
on the amendments to the Energy Act are made, and package its nuclear power for the research and devel- capacity by 2047. Incidentally, a position to implement tor. The idea is to achieve a in the nuclear sector and is
Atomic Energy Act & Civil how it provides us the oppor- as part of its clean energy opment of Small Modular India has plans to deploy them much faster in the high degree of standardisation implementing several power
Liability For Nuclear Damage tunity to get into SMRs and solution to the commercial Reactors (SMRs) with an out- around 50 small modular country," Sinha said. to replace old captive coal- projects.
 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

T E N D E
13
R
‘PM Modi to attend Advantage
Assam 2.0 Summit in Guwahati’
The Prime Minister will attend and see the Jhumoir extravaganza on 24 February
AGENCIES
GUWAHATI, 5 FEBRUARY The Chief Minister
further mentioned

A
ssam Chief Minister that, apart from the
Himanta Biswa Prime Minister, sever-
Sarma announced al Union Ministers will
on Wednesday that
Prime Minister Narendra
also be part of the
Modi will arrive at Guwahati Advantage Assam
airport at approximately 5 conclave which will
pm on February 24, and be held in Guwahati.
would attend the Advantage
Assam 2.0 Summit. of the people of Assam to
"The Prime Minister will PM Modi for approving a
attend and see the Jhumoir urea plant in Namrup,
on February 24. On February terming the decision of the
25 he will attend the Advan- Central Government as a
tage Assam conclave from 'game-changer in the state's
11-30 am to 1-30 pm," CM developmental journey.'
Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The upcoming Advantage
The Chief Minister further Assam 2.0 Summit also came
mentioned that, apart from Corridor, Majuli-Jorhat bridge preparatory review meeting arika said. up for discussion, with the
the Prime Minister, several and reviewed the Jorhat- of 'Jhumoir Binondini', the Earlier, CM Sarma met Chief Minister acknowledg-
Union Ministers will also be Dibrugarh road, discussed grand Jhumoir extravaganza, PM Modi on Monday at Par- ing the valuable guidance
part of the Advantage Assam Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel, which will take place in the liament House, according he received from the Prime
conclave which will be held ring road and other projects," presence of Prime Minister to a statement from the Chief Minister and also the mega
in Guwahati. the Assam Chief Minister Modi on 24 February. Minister's Office (CMO). Jhumur performance to be
"During my recent Delhi said. "Discussed key aspects As per the statement, in staged a day before the
visit I met Union Minister Meanwhile, Assam Min- of preparations for a suc- the course of the meeting, investment and infrastruc-
Nitin Gadkari and discussed ister Pijush Hazarika on cessful celebration of Assam's CM Sarma expressed his ture summit, said a state-
about Kaziranga Elevated Wednesday attended the vibrant culture," Pijush Haz- heartfelt gratitude on behalf ment.

Bangladesh resumes visa and consular Police checking identity cards

services in Agartala after 2-month suspension of voters in Milkipur assembly
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE had been wrongfully on February 5,” Md Al Amin, bypolls: Akhilesh Yadav
AGARTALA, 5 FEBRUARY detained. First Secretary at the mission,
His arrest sparked outrage confirmed in a notice issued
The Bangladesh Assistant among Hindu groups in both on Tuesday.
High Commission in Agartala Bangladesh and India, par- Tripura, which shares
has announced the resump- ticularly in Tripura, where an 856-km border with
tion of visa and consular historical and cultural ties Bangladesh, sees a signifi-
services from 5 February, with Bangladesh remain cant number of visa appli-
ending a two-month sus- strong. The demonstrators, cants daily as many locals
pension imposed after a some of whom managed to travel to Bangladesh for
security breach at the mis- enter the mission premises, business, medical treatment,
sion. demanded his immediate and cultural exchanges. The
The services were halted release and accused the temporary closure had
on 3 December, a day after Bangladesh government of caused disruptions for those
a group of protesters stormed religious persecution. dependent on these serv-
the mission premises in Following the incident, ices.
response to the arrest of security at the diplomatic Tripura, for long, had
Hindu monk Chinmoy Krish- office was reviewed, and deep historical ties with
na Das in Dhaka. authorities took strict action, Bangladesh, dating back to STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE while informing that the offi-
The incident led to the including reinforcing per- the 1971 Liberation War, LUCKNOW, 5 FEBRUARY cers spoke to agents of political
suspension of three police sonnel deployment. To when the state served as a parties and have solved their
personnel responsible for ensure smooth operations, crucial refuge for millions Samajwadi Party’s President, problems. “The viral picture
security at the diplomatic the Tripura Police and Border of Bangladeshis fleeing the Akhilesh Yadav has alleged on social media is misleading,”
office while Bangladesh’s Security Force (BSF) have conflict. that in the Milkipur by-elec- the SSP asserted.
Assistant High Commissioner increased vigilance around In recent years, economic tion, police officers were On the other hand, SP’s
in Agartala, Arif Mahamad, the High Commission. and cultural cooperation trying to intimidate the voters MP from Faizabad (Ayodhya),
was summoned to Dhaka Despite the tensions, the has grown, with Agartala by checking their identity Awadhesh Prasad said that
for discussions on the breach. mission has now resumed serving as an important hub cards. EVMs were not working at
The protests were fueled normal operations. “All visa for cross-border trade and Posting a picture on social many places in Milkipur and
by allegations that Chinmoy and consular services of the connectivity projects, includ- media X, he wrote that the booth agents were chased
Krishna Das, a well-known Bangladesh Assistant High ing the India-Bangladesh Election Commission should away from booths and fake
spiritual leader in Bangladesh, Commission will resume Maitree Bridge. immediately take cognizance voting has been held in many
of the photographs related places.
to the news which reported Leader of Uttar Pradesh
K’taka to decide on Tripura CM Manik Saha that the police of Ayodhya,
including important police
Legislative Assembly and SP
leader Mata Prasad Pandey,
allowing Class 10 highlights cooperatives as path to officers, were engaged in said: "The BJP government
girls to wear hijab economic growth and stability checking the ID card of voters
in Milkipur.
knows that it has lost the
election and hence is not
for exams; convey STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE engaged with cooperatives Senior Superintendent of allowing people to vote,
decision to SC AGARTALA, 5 FEBRUARY in some capacity. The chief
minister expressed optimism
Police of the district, Rajkaran
Nayyar has responded to
threatening them and driving
our polling agents from some
AGENCIES Tripura Chief Minister Manik that this number could rise AkhileshYadav's post. He polling booths. It is against
BENGALURU, 5 FEBRUARY Saha has underscored the to 20–30 lakh, significantly said that it was being alleged democracy. The police admin-
crucial role of cooperative bolstering the state’s econ- by some political parties that istration is working as BJP
Karnataka Home Minister G. societies in driving economic omy and improving liveli- the police of Ayodhya were workers, and DM, SDM, SP
Parameshwara stated on development, reducing hoods. “With a population checking the ID card of voters are all trying to win this seat
Wednesday that the govern- unemployment, and curbing of around 40 lakh, the poten- in Milkipur. He said the alle- in any way on behalf of the
ment will hold a meeting to militant activities in the state. tial for cooperatives is gation was completely wrong, government."
decide whether to allow Class Speaking at the state- immense,” Saha remarked,
10 students in the state to wear level conference on “Pro- highlighting the sector’s
thehijabwhileattendingexams motion and Development untapped opportunities.
and will convey its stance to of Cooperatives” at Rabindra He credited Prime Min-
the Supreme Court. Satabarsiki Bhavan on Tues- ister Narendra Modi and
When asked whether any day, Saha emphasised the Home Minister Amit Shah
discussion had taken place need to expand the cooper- for strengthening India’s
regarding allowing female stu- ative movement for socio- cooperative ecosystem since
dents wearing hijabs to appear economic uplift. 2014, leading to substantial
for exams, HM Parameshwara Currently, nearly nine nationwide growth in the
said: “A meeting on this matter lakh people in Tripura are sector.
has not been held yet, but we
will conduct one.”
When asked whether the
governmentcoulddecidewhile
the hijab issue is still before
theSupremeCourt,herespond-
ed, “It is not about making a
decision despite the case being
in the Supreme Court. We
needtomakeourowndecisions
and also communicate our
stance to the court. We must
present our opinion based on
the current situation, and we
will do so.”
The government in Kar-
nataka is treading cautiously
in connection with the matter
of allowing students to write
exams wearing the hijab.
During the tenure of the
previous BJP government, the
hijab crisis made international
news and created a furore in
the state.
While answering a question
on whether the government
will allow female students
wearing the hijab to attend
exams, Home Minister G. Para-
meshwarasaidonTuesday:“We
need to discuss the matter in
detail and after discussions
we will take a decision in this
regard.”
14 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025

Laws that help are many success stories that highlight

Active citizenry the power of active bystandership.
is a When Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant
was involved in a serious car accident,
Constitutional his car veered off the road and burst
into flames, it was two bystanders, Rajat
duty, says Kumar and Nishu Kumar, who witnessed
Srinivas Madhav the accident in the dark and heroically
pulled him from the burning vehicle
and rushed him to the hospital.

T
he 75th anniversary of the Indian Brahm Dutt, an e-rickshaw driver in
Constitution presents a unique Delhi, thwarted the kidnapping of two
opportunity to emphasise the girls by simply questioning both the
importance of Article 51A, which kidnapper and the girls about their
outlines the Fundamental Duties of relationship. The conflicting answers
every citizen. The realization of Article gave him a crucial clue.
51A requires a nationwide initiative to In Hyderabad, five bystanders saved
instil the principles of active citizenry a woman from a knife attack, demon-
as a civic responsibility, thereby strength- strating the power of collective action.
ening constitutional ideals such as Bal Krishan used his rifle to repel
justice, equality, and fraternity. militants in Jammu, protecting his
Recent incidents across the country, village from harm. In Goa, Nayan, a
however, have highlighted a disturbing local, saved a Dutch tourist, ensuring
trend: the increasing prevalence of her safety and upholding India’s global
bystanders who prioritize recording an image.
incident of crime or an accident on These stories are a testament to the
their phones over offering assistance inherent goodness and responsibility
or even dialling emergency numbers of Indians. With proper training and
like 112 or 100. These situations demand awareness programs on active bystander-
urgent attention. ship, we can empower more individuals
Many crimes happen on streets to fulfil their Fundamental Duties and
where bystanders remain mute spectators stand as protectors of their communi-
and do not intervene. It is often assumed ties.
that citizens have become unconcerned Good Samaritan Law in India: Accord-
and lost empathy. ing to section 134A of the Motor Vehicles
Fortunately, this is not entirely true. Act, 1988, a Good Samaritan is a person
Bystanders can generally be cate- who, voluntarily comes forward to
gorized into two groups: those indifferent administer immediate assistance or
or paralyzed by fear, and those who emergency care to a person injured in
feel empathy but are held back by the an accident, or crash, or emergency
"bystander effect" - a psychological medical condition, or emergency situ-
phenomenon where everyone assumes ation.
someone else will step in to help, and The Central Motor Vehicles (12th
finally, none acts. This assumption Amendment) Rules, 2020, which came
often results in no one taking respon- into force from 29 September 2020,
sibility, leaving the victims alone without recognize certain rights for them.
assistance. Good Samaritans can leave imme-
Another obstacle is "pluralistic igno- diately after taking the accident victim
rance," where people interpret others' For example, bystanders often hide BIT in their prevention programs. munities and campuses, with effects attitude among children, stories of child to the hospital. They do not need to
inaction as a sign that no help is needed. emotions even when they witness deadly France’s Article 223-6 of the French lasting up to two years post-training. bravery awardees are integrated into disclose their name, mobile number,
Sadly, this mute inaction also gives the crimes - fear, worry, concern, or anger. Penal Code mandates individuals to The study noted that 70 per cent of training sessions. The motto “We can address or other personal details to
perpetrator a sense of approval. Expression of emotions by a simple assist someone in danger if they can do participants felt more confident inter- save others” fosters a stronger sense of anyone. They can disclose their personal
Active Bystander Intervention Training shout, or calling others’ attention to so without significant risk to themselves. vening after ABIT, while 54 per cent community responsibility than the self- details only if they agree to be a witness.
(ABIT) helps individuals recognize and the situation can break the collective Failure to act can lead to penalties of reported actually intervening in real- preservation mindset of “Save your- Those who disclose their personal details
overcome invisible barriers, empowering inertia, prompting action from others. up to five years imprisonment and a life scenarios. India may consider self.” can also ask for a certified letter from
them to intervene safely. An active Similarly, when someone is being fine of 75,000. adopting similar legislation to encourage Fundamental Duties and Nation- the hospital detailing the help they
bystander is someone who not only harassed, simply asking for the time or Germany’s Section 323c of the German proactive citizen involvement while Building: ABIT aligns with the Funda- have provided. Details of these rights
observes a situation but also takes action directions can create awareness and Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch) requires providing safeguards to protect those mental Duties enshrined in Article 51A should be displayed at the entrance of
to help, intervene or at least reduce the signal observation, potentially helping bystanders to provide reasonable assis- who seek help. of the Indian Constitution, particularly every hospital. Every year, the Department
violence. A short one- to two-hour to protect the victim. Or drop something tance during emergencies. Failure to Applications of ABIT: ABIT has the Clause (e) - “promoting harmony and of Transport may also give a Good
session can teach individuals how to or start a casual conversation with the comply can result in fines or imprison- potential to address a wide range of renouncing practices derogatory to the Samaritan Award and a cash prize.
recognize psychological barriers like victim or harasser to disrupt the situation. ment for up to one year, while Good societal challenges, including crimes dignity of women” and Clause (i) - 474 people die every day due to road
the bystander effect and pluralistic For example, accidentally spilling a tea Samaritan protections safeguard those against women and children, ragging “safeguarding public property and abjur- accidents in India. If we can take the
ignorance. It equips them with skills, cup or asking, "Excuse me, can you who act in good faith. and bullying in educational institutions, ing violence”. victim to the nearest hospital immediately
such as assessing the situation, distracting help me with this?" Germany’s high rates of bystander human trafficking and drug abuse, as We can instil a culture of mutual at the time of the accident, instead of
the perpetrator, involving others, doc- The United States White House Task intervention reflect the effectiveness well as terrorism and public safety respect and proactive citizenship by thinking that our responsibility is
umenting and reporting incidents. Force to Protect Students from Sexual of such legal obligations combined with threats. introducing ABIT in educational insti- complete by calling for an ambulance,
Active bystandership does not always Assault highlights ABIT as one of the public awareness. By teaching practical tools such as tutions and workplaces. This can sig- we can save some of these lives.
require physical intervention. Sometimes, most promising prevention strategies. A 2023 meta-analysis (National Insti- distracting, shouting, seeking help or nificantly reduce violence, promote
simply calling for help, intervening Under the Campus Sexual Violence tutes of Health, USA) of 45 studies con- forming groups, ABIT empowers citizens gender equality and build a more empa-
verbally or mere offering support can Elimination Act (2013), schools receiving cluded that ABIT programmes reduce to take action and prevent harm. To thetic society. (The writer is a Transparency and Equality
Advocate and Author. The opinions expressed
make a significant difference. federal funding are mandated to include assault rates by 15–30 per cent in com- inspire confidence and a proactive Active Bystandership in Action: There are personal.)

Decay in Pakistan’s legal profession

Pakistan’s legal machines, their education rooted in
rote memorisation and devoid of ana-
system lytical depth.
perpetuates Many UoL and Lums graduates see
the mess, leave, and thrive in jurisdictions
privilege more where the law is respected. Since they
land cushy jobs and secure their futures,
than it serves this piece is not about them. This is
justice, says about the majority: local law graduates,
particularly first-generation lawyers,
Ahsan Jehangir from institutions the world has never
heard of, struggling to navigate a pro-
Khan fession that is seen as a ‘kala-coat’
mafia. For these students, the finish

I
n Pakistan, becoming a lawyer has line is not a top-tier firm or a glamorous
never been free from navigating a Supreme Court or Islamabad High Court
labyrinth of class divides and sys- clerkship; it is a desk (or corner) in a
temic inefficiencies. The system district court chamber, handed down
was never equitable, and its failings by a ‘senior’ who reminds them daily
have deepened over time. Today, once of their inferiority.
a student finishes high school and opts Litigation is presented as the only
to pursue a career in law, two distinct career option because the Pakistan Bar
paths emerge: the three-year University Council, responsible for setting the
of London (UoL) programme — a standards of legal education, remains
degree as much about privilege as legal entrenched in its old-school mentality.
education — or the five-year local law Populated by a generation steeped in
programme, a commitment often made rote learning and adversarial litigation,
out of necessity, not choice. The former it views modern legal avenues as alien,
equips you to dazzle elite firms; the pursued only by those who can afford
latter, with one exception, prepares international training.
you for the grind of litigation in the Ironically, the children of the council’s
district courts and beyond. elders are immune from this thinking.
Let’s begin with the UoL graduates: For everyone else, the council feels
polished, articulate, and trained in legal that a lawyer who does not appear in
systems far removed from the realities court is not a lawyer at all. Never mind
of Pakistan. The only comparable cohort that the world has moved on to arbi- how to ask for adjournments and grease less about service and more about They are seen to favour bar leaders constitutional bench, and why the
among local law graduates is from tration and mediation. In Pakistan, if the right palms. Over time, they learn securing future clients. Officeholders and ‘senior’ counsel while dismissing Supreme Court is apparently toothless,
Lums, who are in fact better rounded, you are not shuffling papers in a court- the unwritten laws of flattery, fear, are not about lawyer welfare or regulation ‘junior’ lawyers. The term ‘junior lawyer’ we must first confront the decay of
with training that combines academic room or grovelling before a judge, you and shortcuts in district courts. Efficiency, but influence, their roles riddled with itself is a tool of subjugation. Once the legal profession itself. The problem
rigour, practical exposure, and an under- are doing it wrong. innovation, and integrity are not part inertia and political machinations. admitted to the bar, you are a lawyer, begins in law schools, where students
standing of both local and international For first-generation lawyers, training of the syllabus. Nor is basic legal Together, these entities ensure that period. Yet, in Pakistan, it is not your are taught to memorise rather than
legal frameworks. UoL and Lums alumni begins with survival. They join chambers drafting — just go to the tens of pho- Pakistan’s legal fraternity remains a skill or merit that defines you; it is think; it snowballs into a judiciary
stand out in critical thinking, research, not for mentorship but exploitation. tocopiers at the courts premises and pressure group, not a profession. your surname, your connections, and that rewards the powerful. What
and English fluency, securing them ‘Mehnat’ (hard work), they are told, get a sample plaint, written statement, Judges, of course, are not always how often the judge has seen you at remains is a profession that no longer
top-tier jobs. will make them great, as if greatness is or complaint. seen as innocent bystanders. Many weddings or on the golf course. serves justice but perpetuates
In contrast, local law graduates, forged in the fires of unpaid labour. Enter the bar associations and provin- ascend to the bench with the backing Before we look at why the 26th privilege.
besides the chosen few from Lums, Their first mentor? The chamber cial bar councils, the bastions of democ- of these very bar associations and Amendment has come about, why it
are churned out as statute-spouting clerk, or munshi, who teaches them racy and fraternity. Here, elections are councils, and their gratitude is evident. will inevitably be protected by a The writer is a lawyer. (Dawn/ANN)
 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2025
15
ISL: FC Goa gun for second position, ISL: East Bengal defender Hijazi
Maher ruled out for rest of season
Odisha FC chase maiden playoffs spot
Big rewards at stake as in-form Goa take on a diffiicult challenge from the team from the east
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
MARGAO, 5 FEBRUARY

F
C Goa will be eager to
displace Jamshedpur
FC from the second
spot on the points
table when they lock horns
with Odisha FC in an Indian
Super League (ISL) clash at
the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
in Margao on Thursday.
FC Goa are currenly at the
third spot with 33 points, just
one point behind Jamshedpur
FC, who are sitting pretty at
the second position.
Goa are aiming for a third
league double against Odisha
FC, since they had won the
reverse fixture by a 4-2 margin
on January 4. FC Goa have
won seven out of the 11
encounters against the Jug-
gernauts against the ISL. This
makes them only one of the
two teams in the league history,
besides Mohun Bagan Super
Giant (against East Bengal
FC), to stay unbeaten against STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Mumbai City FC. Despite
a single opponent after facing KOLKATA, 5 FEBRUARY initial hopes of a recovery,
them over 10 times. medical assessments have
In their previous clash, East Bengal FC suffered a now confirmed that Maher
FC Goa lost 1-3 to Jamshedpur major setback ahead of the will not return before the
FC, which snapped their 12- crucial final phase of the end of the season.
game-long unbeaten run that Indian Super League (ISL) His absence leaves East
comprised eight triumphs. 2024-25 season, as defender Bengal’s defense vulnerable
The Gaurs will be eyeing to Hijazi Maher has been ruled as they continue their uphill
avoid consecutive defeats in out for the remainder of the battle to climb the league
the same season for the first campaign due to a knee table. Maher has been one
time since April last year, injury. of East Bengal’s most reliable
when they were defeated by The club confirmed players this season, featuring
Mumbai City FC twice. Maher’s absence dealing a in 13 matches and contribut-
Odisha FC, on the other blow to their already struggling ing two crucial goals, both
hand, have momentum in season. "After evaluating of which helped the team
their side, since they won back-to-back away wins only (34), whereas Odisha FC are per game thus far. Diego blocks away from equaling petitive like in the previous Hijazi’s medical reports, we secure victories against Punjab
their last away game by 3-2 twice, between November- also three points (25) adrift Mauricio leads their charts the record for most in a single games," Marquez was quoted can confirm that the defender FC and Kerala Blasters FC.
against Bengaluru FC, and December 2024 and Decem- the sixth-placed Mumbai City by finding the back of the ISL season by an Odisha FC as saying in a release from will miss the remainder of With East Bengal currently
then drew 2-2 at home against ber 2023-February 2024. FC FC (28). FC Goa have emerged net nine times, followed by player (24 - Steven Taylor, ISL. the season due to a knee placed 10th in the standings
NorthEast United FC. Prior Goa are placed third in the victorious in all three home Jerry Mawihmingthanga (5), 2020-21). FC Goa coach The two teams have faced injury," East Bengal posted with just five wins in 18
to the match against the Blues, points table with 33 points matches against Odisha FC, Mourtada Fall (4). Manolo Marquez encouraged each other 11 times in the on 'X'. matches, losing a key defender
the Sergio Lobera-coached from 18 matches, as they scoring exactly three goals Mourtada Fall has recorded his team to rediscover their ISL, with FC Goa winning The 27-year-old center- at such a stage is a massive
side was on a three-game- have won nine encounters in each encounter. 21 blocks this season, making form after their 3-1 loss to seven times and four games back sustained the injury blow. East Bengal will next
long winless streak on the and drawn six times. They Odisha FC have scored him one of only two players Jamshedpur. "We need to producing draws. An average during a training session late face Chennaiyin FC at the
road (D2 L1). The Juggernauts will want to surpass the sec- the second-most goals in the to surpass 20 blocks (alongside play in the way that we were of 3.27 goals has been scored last year, just before East Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata
have previously managed ond-placed Jamshedpur FC ISL (36), averaging two strikes Alex Saji - 23). Fall is three doing, at least, to be com- in this fixture. Bengal’s goalless draw against on Saturday.

Bangalore Strikers blow away Chennai Singams CHAMPIONS IN ACTION

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

THANE, 5 FEBRUARY

Bangalore Strikers rode a

superb batting display by
openers Ajaz Shaikhlal Bepari
and Saroj Paramanik to humil-
iate Chennai Singams by
nine wickets in a totally one-
sided Indian Street Premier
League (ISPL) encounter at
the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium
in Thane on Wednesday
evening.
Chasing a difficult target
of 88 runs, the Strikers swept
past the victory post with
ease, losing just one wicket
along the way and 2.4 overs
to spare.
Bepari was the top scorer
with 47 runs off just 28 balls.
His innings included five
boundaries and two sixes. Bepari was caught near the was studded with four hits at 16-2. However, Sumeet
Paramanik remained boundary while going for to the fence. Dhekale joined Ketan Mhatre
unbeaten on 26 runs off 16 another big shot, the issue The Singams were off to in the middle and the duo
balls, with 1 boundary and 2 was almost decided in the a poor start as opener Jagan- brought the innings back on
sixes. Strikers' favour. nath Sarkar was sent back to track with a 28-run stand.
The duo made short work Earlier, Sumeet Dhekale the dugout by Farman Khan Mhatre scored 20 runs off
of the seemingly challenging plundered 40 runs off 25 before even a single run had 18 balls and provided much
target as they navigated the deliveries to propel Chennai been scored. needed stability at one end Action during the Indian Super league clash between defending champions and current league Mohun Bagan Super Giant and
Chennai bowling with ease, Singams to a challenging With Prashant Gharat also of the pitch even as Dhekale Punjab FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday evening. Mohun Bagan are well on their way to
putting together an openig total of 87/5. Dhekale's losing his wicket in the third tried to increase the run rate succesfully the League Shield title as they are currently at the top of the points table and enjoy a big lead over second-placed
stand of 83 runs. By the time unbeaten stay at the crease over, Chgennai were in trouble from the other. Jamshedpur FC� MOUL Mondal

Jugraj Singh: From water boy at Attari border to becoming HIL top scorer
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE would pave the way for my plan it, but once I scored two or junior. I constantly work has given me everything.”
NEW DELHI, 4 FEBRUARY future, and it did,” he was goals, I felt in my zone and on improving myself, and will He also expressed gratitude
quoted as saying by Hockey went for the third. Winning continue to do so till the day to his Shrachi Rarh Bengal
The sport of hockey has changed India in a release on Tuesday. the top-scorer award in my I’m playing hockey.” Tigers captain, Rupinder Pal
many lives, producing rags- Despite these early chal- maiden HIL season is a huge As he looks forward to the Singh, for trusting him with
to-riches galore. From the rural lenges, Jugraj’s passion for personal milestone, which I’ll upcoming international tour- crucial penalty corners in the
heartlands of Punjab and Uttar hockey, inspired by his elder cherish for a lifetime.” naments, Jugraj is keen to carry HIL, saying, “Rupinder’s faith
Pradesh to the tribal enclaves brother, never wavered as he The 28-year-old defender his form into the upcoming in me allowed me to prove
of Jharkhand and Odisha, many began playing hockey at the made full use of the HIL as a FIH Pro League in my worth on the field. He
youngsters have used hockey age of seven. “My brother platform to showcase his talent. Bhubaneswar. “The HIL has guided me throughout the
to change their own lives and played hockey in our village, “I knew the HIL was a big given me a massive confidence tournament, and I owe a lot of
those of their families. but when our father’s health opportunity for me to show boost. I am in good form, and my success to his mentor-
Jugraj Singh is the latest deteriorated, he gave up the what I’m capable of. I wanted if given the opportunity, I will ship.”
inspiring story of how a teenager, game to take on our father’s to prove that I could be a carry this momentum into the Looking ahead, Jugraj has
who used to once sell Indian job. However, he encouraged reliable goal-scorer and penalty FIH Pro League and give my set ambitious goals for himself
flags and water bottles to me to never stop playing and corner converter not just for absolute best for the Indian in hockey. His eyes are firmly
tourists at the Attari-Wagah pushed me to excel in the the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers team. It’s a big tournament, fixed on achieving success at
border near Amritsar to support sport. He deserves all the credit but also for the Indian team. and I want to keep pushing the World Cup, the Asian
his family, became the top- for where I am today.” This tournament has given my limits.” Games, and the next Olympics,
scorer of the recently-concluded Jugraj’s perseverance cul- me the perfect stage to demon- Jugraj’s journey from the where he hopes to help India
Men's Hockey India League minated in an outstanding strate my skills.” Attari-Wagah border to becom- complete a hat-trick of medals
(HIL). performance during his first- Jugraj attributes his success ing one of India’s top hockey after winning bronze in Tokyo
The young drag-flicker Jugraj ever HIL season, where he in HIL to his meticulous prepa- talents is a powerful testament and Paris. “I am motivated to
represented eventual cham- netted 12 goals and played a ration and dedication to self- to the importance of resilience keep improving and delivering
pions Shrachi Rarh Bengal pivotal role in his team’s tri- improvement. “I always focused and perseverance. for the Indian team on the
Tigers in the HIL and scored a umph. His memorable hattrick on reading the opposition “I’ve faced my share of biggest stages. I want to win
hat-trick in the final against porter in the Indian Army, fell questioned why I was doing table. in the final against Hyderabad goalkeepers before each match, obstacles, but I’ve always Gold at the World Cup, Asian
Hyderabad Toofans. ill, Jugraj took on the respon- it. At that time, my family was “Selling water bottles and Toofans was the icing on the which helped me convert believed that hard work can Games, and the Olympics.
Born in Attari, Punjab, sibility of earning for his family my top priority, and I knew flags was my way of supporting cake. Reflecting on the moment, penalty corners. I have made overcome anything. I will con- That’s my next big goal, and I
Jugraj’s journey has been one at a young age. that my hard work was the my family when we had no Jugraj said, “Scoring a hat- it a point to learn from every tinue to work hard as long as will continue to work hard
of perseverance and grit. When Recalling those challenging only way to support them and other income. I believed that trick in a final is something tournament, every game, and I have the strength to play for and prepare myself for these
his father, who served as a days, Jugraj says, “I never once ensure we had food on the hard work, in whatever form, every player dreams of. I didn’t every player, whether senior my India because this country challenges.”
 MITCHELL SANTNER JOINS SURREY
KOLKATA
THURSDAY, 06 FEBRUARY 2025 16
Surrey have secured a major boost for their T20
campaign, signing New Zealand’s Mitchell
Santner for the majority of the 2025 Vitality
Blast season. The experienced all-rounder,
known for his left-arm spin and handy
batting, is set to play eight group-stage
matches and, if Surrey qualify, the
knockout rounds in September
For more updates www.thestatesman.com

THUMBNAILS
Telangana CM announces
Rohit, Virat’s form in focus vs England ICC Rankings: Abhishek vaults to
second spot in T20I batters’ list
Rs 1 crore cash reward for
India U19 Women's crick-
eter Gongadi Trisha: Telan-
as India prepare for Champions Trophy STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY
second T20I five-wicket haul
on the way. He is now level
gana Chief Minister Revanth
Reddy on Wednesday met
Star batters desperate to shake off prolonged spell of poor form ahead of premier ICC tournament India batter Abhishek Sharma
on rating points with Eng-
land's Adil Rashid, who had
women cricketer Gongadi TRIDIB BAPARNASH to get a debut to strengthen took a giant leap of 38 places shot up to the top of the
Trisha and announced a cash NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY his case for inclusion in the to find himself on the second rankings during the series
reward of Rs 1 crore for her Champions Trophy squad. spot in the ICC rankings for only to lose his top spot to

A
"brilliant" performance in s the focus shifts to He troubled the England batters men's T20I batters after his Akeal Hosein after returning
the India's Under-19 ICC white-ball cricket, the in the T20Is after bamboozling blazing knock of 135 from figures of 1 for 41 in Mumbai.
World Cup 2025 triumph. two superstars of the Bangladesh in another home just 54 balls in the 54-ball Both Varun and Rashid
Trisha was awarded the format — Rohit Shar- series last October. The team 135 in the fifth and final T20I are just two points below
Player of the Match and ma and Virat Kohli — will management will be spoilt for against England in Mumbai. Hosein. Another India spin-
Player of the Series for her hope to get back to beast mode choices for the spin all-rounder’s Abhishek’s knock saw him ner, Ravi Bishnoi, also took
stunning performance in the three-match ODI series position. Ravindra Jadeja, who get 829 rating points, as he some big steps in the rankings,
throughout the tourna- against England as India begin hasn't played an ODI since replaced his team-mate Tilak moving up four spots to go
ment. She finished the cam- their final preparations for the the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Varma in the second spot. sixth. He got 1 for 9 from
paign with 309 runs and upcoming ICC Champions Axar Patel and Washington The Punjab youngster one over in Mumbai, and
seven scalps to her name. Trophy, starting 19 February. Sundar are all in contention had also started the series finished the series with five
Minister P Srinivasa Reddy, The two stars, after making and it is not yet clear how this against England on a high, wickets. England quick Jofra
Chief Secretary Santhi hyped but disappointing will be settled. England too bashing 79 off only 34 balls Archer, who conceded 55
Kumari, Government Advisor appearances in Ranji Trophy will look to work on their short- to power India’s modest runs from his four overs in
Vem Narender Reddy, SATs last month, will be eyeing comings and present a stronger chase of 133 in Kolkata. the same match, dropped
Chairman Shivsena Reddy, strong performances in a challenge. Joe Root is the only Although he didn't cross 29 four spots to go tenth.
CM Secretary Shanwaz format that they have domi- addition to their batting line- in the next three innings, he The latest Test rankings
Qasim and others are also nated for several years. They up which will largely be the lit up the stage in the fifth saw a host of Australian play-
present at the CM's resi- were the top two run-getters same as the one that struggled T20I. The southpaw smashed ers gain ground and that
dence in Jubilee Hills during of the 2023 World Cup with in the T20Is. Wicketkeeper seven fours and 13 sixes should come as no surprise
the meet. Telangana CM also Kohli scoring 765 and Rohit Jamie Smith is likely to miss during that record innings, given their impressive effort
announced a cash reward of smashing 597. Since that World the first two ODIs due to a calf thus setting the base for in defeating Sri Lanka by an
Rs 10 lakhs for Dhruti Kesari, Cup, which India let slip in could be a make-or-break most consistent middle-order by injuries and could be key issue. India's 150-run victory. innings and 242 runs during
a member of the Under-19 the final after going unbeaten event for the two stalwarts batters. to India's success in the Cham- Squads: While Travis Head leads the recent first Test in Galle.
World Cup team from Telan- throughout, the two have only who have already retired from On the other hand, the left- pions Trophy. India: Rohit Sharma (C), the T20I batting charts, Phil Stand-in skipper Steve
gana, while Head Coach featured in a three-match ODI T20Is. Besides the form of the handed Pant offers variety in While Shami played two Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Salt and Suryakumar Yadav Smith gained three places
Nausheen and trainer Shalini series loss to Sri Lanka where iconic duo, the outfit faces a India's right-hand dominated T20Is against England in the Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas round off the top five batters to move up to fifth on the
are being given Rs 10 lakh Rohit scored two fifties while few other headaches, and the top order. The Indian think recently-concluded series, Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh in the rankings. updated rankings for Test
each cash prize, according Kohli didn't have a great run. primary one is the choice of tank could always go with Kuldeep hasn't donned the Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Meanwhile, mystery spin- batters following his 35th
to a statement from Telan- The slump intensified in red- the wicketkeeper-batter both but that would likely India colours since the first Ravindra Jadeja, Washington ner Varun Chakravarthy, who Test century, while opener
gana CMO. In the battle of ball cricket and in the last between KL Rahul and Rishabh come at the expense of Iyer, Test against New Zealand in Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep finished as the highest wick- Usman Khawaja gained six
unbeaten sides, India suc- three months, the two architects Pant. With skipper Rohit and who despite under-performing October. In the absence of Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. et-taker in the series against places to rise to 11th after
cessfully defended the of India's most recent T20 his deputy Shubman Gill likely in the Sri Lanka series, has pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun England, moved up three contributing his highest Test
Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup triumph have faced to open, followed by Kohli, been a prolific contributor. who was dropped from the Chakaravarthy spots to go joint-second in score of 232 during the romp.
World Cup title with a nine- numerous calls to decide on Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya, His exploits in the domestic 16-member squad against England: Jos Buttler (c), the T20I bowling charts. It is almost a carbon copy
wicket win against South their future. the wicketkeeper-batter is season are hard to ignore. England, although he’s still in Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Varun’s 14 wickets in the job in the rankings for Test
Africa on Sunday in Kuala The ODI series against Eng- likely to slot in at number five. Big test for Shami the Champions Trophy squad, Root, Philip Salt, Jamie Smith, five games came at an average bowlers, with veteran spinner
Lumpur. The defending land is India’s only build-up Rahul, who kept wickets in The series will also test the Shami will be expected to lead Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, of a meagre 9.85. Varun, Nathan Lyon improving two
champions produced an all- in the run-up to the Champions Pant’s absence during the fitness of seasoned pacer the attack alongside left-arm Liam Livingstone, Jamie Over- whose performances in the spots to jump to sixth overall
round display to lift the cov- Trophy, to be held in Pakistan 2023 World Cup, performed Mohammed Shami and wrist quick Arshdeep Singh. ton, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, T20Is saw him added to and pacer Mitchell Starc up
eted title for the second and Dubai from February 19. admirably, scoring 452 runs spinner Kuldeep Yadav, both In-form mystery spinner Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, India’s ODI squad against two places to 12th following
successive time. The eight-team competition and proving to be one of India's of whom had been laid low Varun Chakravarthy is expected Mark Wood England as well, bagged his their efforts in Galle.

An unfit Bumrah will negatively affect India’s

chances at ChampionsTrophy: Ravi Shastri

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Shastri warned India of the Year after a marvellous having to burden most of
NEW DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY against rushing Bumrah for year with the ball. the load,” Ponting said.
the mega event, calling it a India’s Champions Tro- “And that's probably what
Former India cricketer and ‘high-risk’ move. phy chances happened, and might even
head coach Ravi Shastri feels “I think it’s high risk. Shastri said without the have something to do with
India’s chances of winning There's too much big cricket 31-year-old Bumrah, India’s why he (Bumrah) got hurt.
the upcoming ICC Champions coming up for India. And at chances of winning the tour- He probably ended up having
Trophy will be down by 30 this stage of his (Bumrah’s) nament would reduce mas- to bowl a bit more in that
per cent without star quick career, I think he's too precious sively. series with Shami not being
Jasprit Bumrah. The fast to be just called on for one “Bumrah not fit will reduce there.
bowler injured himself during game out of the blue and India's chances (of winning “So look, if Shami’s fit,
the fifth and final Test of the asked to deliver. The expec- the Champions Trophy) by that’s a positive.”
Border-Gavaskar Trophy in tations will be so much. 30 per cent, literally by 30- Shami featured in the third
Sydney last month. They'll think that he'll come 35 per cent. With a fully fit and fourth T20Is against Eng-
Despite his injury concerns, in straight away and set the Bumrah playing, you are land, returning 3/25 in his
Bumrah has been named in world on fire. It's never that guaranteed of those death latest outing.
the Champions Trophy squad easy when you come back overs. It would’ve been a dif- Shastri said Shami’s fitness
and he’s currently under the from injury,” Shastri told ICC ferent ball game altogether,” will be watched closely in
supervision of the BCCI’s Review. he added. the upcoming ODI series
medical staff at the BCCI’s Bumrah had a stellar year Former Australia skipper against England.
Centre of Excellence in Ben- in 2024, playing a pivotal role Ricky Ponting also seemed “It will be interesting to
galuru. While announcing in India’s last ICC Trophy to be on the same page as see if India play him out in
the squad for the mega event, triumph during the T20 World Shastri, and believes the spot- all three, or they give him
chief selector Ajit Agarkar Cup 2024, where he finished light now shifts to Mohammed the first one and the third
revealed that Bumrah would as the joint second-highest Shami, who made his return one, and then ease him into
not be available for the first wicket-taker of the tourna- for India from injury in the the Champions Trophy,”
two ODIs of the series against ment with 15 wickets from ongoing limited-overs series Shastri said. “But he'll be
England. eight matches. Bumrah was against England. watched very closely because
However, after the latest deservedly adjudged Player It was his first outing for 10 overs is totally different
squad update for the three- of the Tournament after India since the final of the to four overs, and then you're
match ODI series against India’s historic win. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup going to see how he pulls up
England, Bumrah has been Bumrah was recently in November 2023. in the field as well having
removed from the 16-member bestowed with the prestigious “My biggest concern about bowled those 10 overs.”
squad altogether, raising fur- honour of ICC Test Cricketer India when they came for India begin their ICC men’s
ther doubts over his partici- of the Year for scalping 71 Australia in the Test series Champions Trophy campaign
pation in the Champions wickets in the format in 2024. was Bumrah not having Shami against Bangladesh on 20
Trophy. He also won the ICC Cricketer there as a backup and him February in Dubai.

Printed and published by VINEET GUPTA on behalf of THE STATESMAN LTD and printed at L.S Publications Pvt Ltd, 4 Canal West Road, Kolkata 700015. Published from 4 Chowringhee Square, Kolkata 700001 * Editor: RAVINDRA KUMAR * Managing Editor: ARYA RUDRA (c) The Statesman Ltd., RNI No. WBENG/2708/57