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WEATHER

Generally clear. Hazy in the evening.

Manmohan Singh passes away
The two-time Prime Minister and architect of India's economic reforms had been in poor health for the past few months

“
Maximum and minimum temperatures

“
likely to be around 28°C and 17°C
respectively.
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
RAINFALL: NIL NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of
RELATIVE HUMIDITY Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to our former prime minister Manmohan Singh ji. I had

F
Max. 71% Min. 53% become a respected economist. He served in various government worked with him and saw him from very close quarters
TEMPERATURE ormer Prime Minister positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong in the Union cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were
Max: 28.2˚C Min: 17.3˚C Manmohan Singh passed imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms
SUN RISES SUN SETS
06:14 hrs 17:00 hrs
away here on Thursday. Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowl-
MOON RISES MOON SETS Singh, who had served as the extensive efforts to improve people's lives... Dr. Manmohan edged. The country will miss his stewardship
02:50 hrs 13:29 hrs Prime Minister during the previous Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and and I shall miss his affection.
Congress-led United Progressive I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive

“
New Moon on 31 December
Alliance (UPA), breathed his last deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. Mamata Banerjee
at the All India Institute of Medical His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this
THUMBNAILS Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr.
The Congress veteran was Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect Sardar
brought to the AIIMS after his admirers. Om Shanti. Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration
health condition deteriorat- for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly
ed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his
In a statement, the commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to
AIIMS said: “With pro- could not be revived and was leaving a strong imprint on our unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents. He was
found grief, we inform declared dead at 9:51 pm,” the economic policy over the years. genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous
the demise of Former AIIMS said. His interventions in Parliament until the end. A uniquely dignified gentleman in the rough
Prime Minister of Manmohan Singh was Prime were also insightful. As our Prime world of politics.

“
India, Dr. Manmo- Minister for two terms in the Minister, he made extensive efforts
han Singh, aged Congress-led United Progressive to improve people’s lives." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
92.” Alliance (UPA) government from Singh was a towering figure,
He was 2004 to 2014. He had been in and in a remarkable journey, he Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan
being treated poor health for the last few months. rose from humble beginnings to Singh ji! With the passing of the Former Prime Minister,
A view of Gurudwara Sri Fate- for age-relat- The former Prime Minister is the highest office, where he played India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unim-
hgarh Sahib on the occasion of ed medical survived by wife Gurcharan Singh a pivotal role in shaping the peachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled
Veer Bal Diwas. � ANI conditions and three daughters. nation’s economic and political stature... I mourn the loss of a lifelong senior colleague,
and had sud- Condoling the death of his landscape. a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who
AAP charge against Congress: The den loss of con- predecessor, Prime Minister From 1971 to 1996, Manmohan embodied the aspirations of India, having risen
Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party sciousness at home Narendra Modi in a post on X Singh held virtually all the key through the ranks with unwavering dedication.
(AAP) were on a collision course on Thursday, the premier wrote: "India mourns the loss of positions in economic policy-
with the AAP accusing its INDIA institute said. one of its most distinguished making. In 1991, he became 22nd Mallikarjun Kharge
bloc partner of being hand-in- “Resuscitative measures leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh finance minister, and unleashed
glove with the BJP in Delhi and were started immediately Ji. Rising from humble origins, a series of economic reforms that history of Independent India rupted tenure of 10 years (2004-
demanding action by the party at home. He was brought he rose to become a respected laid the foundation of India’s between 1991 and 1996 as India's 2014), making him the country’s
leadership against Ajay Maken for to the Medical Emergency economist. He served in various future growth and development. Finance Minister. third-longest serving head of the
calling former Delhi CM Arvind at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 government positions as well, He is primarily known for Later, he became India’s 14th Union government.
Kejriwal 'anti-national'. (Pg 5) pm. Despite all efforts, he including as Finance Minister, turning around the economic Prime Minister with an uninter- (Obituary: Page 3)
02 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024

Manipur Chief Minister to JPC holds meeting with representatives of

Karnataka, Rajasthan, MP govt on Waqf Bill in Delhi

police families: Avoid politics STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER

The Joint Parliamentary

On Friday, the panel
will have another
meeting where it
amendments. There was a
clause-by-clause discussion
on it. MPs also posed ques-
tions to them."
Prefabricated shelters being set up for families displaced by violence, says Biren Singh Committee (JPC) on the will hear state The committee included
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The inspection also show- fessionalism of the police Waqf (Amendment) Bill, representatives of Syed Abubakar Naqvi, the
IMPHAL. 26 DECEMBER cased the construction of force. He urged families to 2024 held a meeting here Uttar Pradesh, Odisha former Chairman and State
temporary barracks to trust the system and allow on Thursday to record oral and Delhi. Minister of the Waqf Board

I
n a bid to ensure trans- accommodate about 1,946 recruits to serve without evidence from state repre- in Rajasthan, and Prof.
parency and profession- recruits from the 10th and external pressure. sentatives as part of its delib- Mahrukh Mirza, the former
alism in Manipur’s police 11th Indian Reserve Battal- On a related note, the erations on the proposed ing of the Joint Parliamentary Vice Chancellor of Khwaja
force, Chief Minister N. ions (IRB), who recently CM addressed the ongoing legislation. Committee constituted on Chishti Moinuddin Language
Biren Singh has urged families completed training at an humanitarian crisis in the Talking to mediapersons the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, University, Lucknow.
of newly recruited personnel academy in Assam. These state. Thousands displaced after the conclusion of the 2024 in New Delhi today. Earlier, on 18 December
to refrain from seeking polit- battalions were raised to by violence are currently meeting, JPC chairman and Representatives of the Kar- , the JPC held a meeting with
ical intervention in matters address critical highway residing in relief camps, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal nataka state government the All India Shia Personal
related to transfers and post- security concerns in Manipur, including those set up in informed that the panel had presented oral evidence, Law Board members. The
ings. a state grappling with pro- educational institutions. a meeting with the principal views and suggestions in committee heard the views
Speaking during an longed unrest and volatile Singh assured that prefab- secretary and revenue sec- the meeting." of the board on the Bill.
inspection of the Manipur law and order scenarios. Out ricated housing is being con- retary of the Department On Friday, the panel will Recently, the Lok Sabha
Police Firing Range at Wairi of these recruits, 800 to 1,000 structed at designated sites of minority affairs of Kar- have another meeting where approved a motion to extend
Pangei, Imphal, he stressed personnel will receive such as Phubala to provide nataka, Rajasthan and Mad- it will hear state represen- the tenure of the JPC on the
the need for adherence to advanced commando train- these families with perma- hya Pradesh - to know the tatives of Uttar Pradesh, Waqf (Amendment) Bill and
the government’s transfer ing at the temporary barracks. nent shelter. registered and unregistered Odisha and Delhi. mandated the presentation
and posting policy. “We This training aims to prepare The state government has properties and the status On 19 December , the of their report by the end of
should allow the young and specialized rapid-response also ramped up procurement of the Waqf properties there. JPC met Muslim represen- the 2025 Budget Session.
fresh recruits to serve their teams capable of managing enforcement with adequate highways, critical for con- of advanced protective gear "We have given some tatives from Lucknow and On 5 December , Jag-
state and nation according crises effectively. skills and facilities to handle nectivity and supplies, have for its police force, including extra time to Madhya Rajasthan in its meeting. dambika Pal, head of the
to the government’s policies. Singh emphasised that emerging challenges. become hotspots of tension, helmets, to ensure officer Pradesh... We are yet to Talking to a news agency JPC noted that the committee
Political interference under- the recruits’ discipline and The state has been navi- necessitating the deployment safety during crowd control receive any reply from Kar- after the meeting, the JPC had held 27 meetings in
mines the integrity and trans- commitment were pivotal gating a challenging phase of specialised forces for pro- operations. Singh con- nataka and Rajasthan - and chairman said: "Former VC Delhi before the extension
parency of the police depart- in the decision to construct since inter-community vio- tection. demned acts of violence and then we will decide on them of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of its tenure. These meetings
ment,” Singh stated, high- the barracks and implement lence erupted in May 2023, Highlighting concerns threats against police per- after that," the JPC chairman Language University, Luc- included discussions with
lighting the significance of additional training. The CM displacing thousands and over undue influence, Singh sonnel, emphasising the said. know and former chairman multiple stakeholders and
discipline and accountability reiterated the government’s straining local law enforce- warned that political inter- need to uphold their morale Earlier in a post on X, of Rajasthan Waqf Board various ministries of the
in law enforcement. focus on equipping law ment. The state’s strategic ference could erode the pro- in such turbulent times. Pal said: "Chaired the meet- came with their proposed Government of India.

`44,605 crore Ken-Betwa Link project set to transform Bundelkhand region

MANOJ BHADRA driven by a series of ambitious of farmland across Jhansi, of the ambitious river-linking ership. this initiative, 90 per cent of on 25 December, the Yogi Banda. The topographical
LUCKNOW, 26 DECEMBER projects including the much Mahoba, Banda, and Lalitpur project envisioned by former The foundation stone of the funding will be contributed government had already survey has been completed
talked about Ken -Betwa Link in Uttar Pradesh, while also Prime Minister and Bharat this Rs 44,605 crore project by the Central government, begun preliminary work to in the four districts ~ Jhansi,
Renowned for its valour and Project, which stands out as providing drinking water to Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. was laid by Prime Minister with the remaining 10 per expedite the project’s benefits Mahoba, Banda, and Lalitpur
rich cultural heritage, the a significant initiative. 21 lakh residents, officials Designed to provide a lasting Narendra Modi on the 100th cent to be shared by the for the people of Bundelk- ~ laying the groundwork for
Bundelkhand region of Uttar Once completed, the proj- here claimed on Thursday. solution to the nation’s flood birth anniversary of Late Vaj- respective state governments. hand. the detailed Project Report
Pradesh is on the cusp of a ect will rejuvenate the region It is noteworthy that the and drought crisis, the project payee, making the occasion Although the foundation The office for Ken Betwa (DPR), which is slated for
significant transformation, by irrigating 2.51 lakh hectares Ken-Betwa Link was a part reflects his visionary lead- even more special. Under stone of the project was laid Link has been opened in completion early next year.

T E N D E R
 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 03
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis credits PM Naveen Patnaik questions
credibility of EVMs
Modi and Gadkari for poll victory STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
BHUBANESWAR, 26 DECEMBER

The BJD joined the list of

why the BJP is getting so excited
about the EVM issue. Nobody
has accused them of anything
yet, but they seem to have
‘Whatever I am is because of the BJP, Devendra Fadnavis does not exist without the BJP... This party is everything to me’ Opposition parties who distrust taken the blame upon them-
the functioning of the EVM selves," he remarked.
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE election campaign. Of course, questions, go to Vilas Fadnavis it but the truth is that Nitin with its president and former Patnaik also dismissed
MUMBAI, 26 DECEMBER the mantra given by Prime and tell him. So, I went to Gadkari, the late Gopinath Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recent comments by Union
Minister Narendra Modi also Vilas the next day and told Munde, Bhausaheb Phundkar, expressing serious concerns Minister Giriraj Singh, who

M
aharashtra Chief worked wonders in Maha- him that I don't want to work and others who are our leaders, over discrepancies in voting suggested awarding the Bharat
Minister Deven- rashtra. Whatever I am is in politics. However, Vilas played a very important role and counting figures, suggesting Ratna to him. "I don’t know
dra Fadnavis gave because of the BJP. Devendra convinced me after some time. in all my progress. It is because these irregularities contributed why he said that. The BJD has
all credit to Prime Fadnavis does not exist without I still remember the day when of their guidance that an ordi- to his party's defeat in the long been demanding the
Minister Modi and fellow Nag- the BJP. Therefore this party I was told to contest the munic- nary worker like me has come 2024 elections. Bharat Ratna for late Biju Pat-
purian Union Road Transport is everything to me." ipal election. I agreed, but I so far. I have been able to He also endorsed the naik," he clarified.
and Highways Minister Nitin The chief minister also had not yet come of age and reach here due to the hard demand to revert to the ballot Responding to BJP's claims
Gadkari for the victory in the used the opportunity to go did not know when the election work that many people put paper system, underscoring that the BJD is on the brink of
2024 Maharashtra assembly down memory lane. "In fact, would be held, but God had in. I have always been aware widespread mistrust in the collapse, Patnaik countered
elections. I never thought that I would written something else in my that there are many workers current voting mechanism. confidently, asserting that his
Speaking at an event in ever enter politics. In eleventh destiny. I came of age and all of my capability or maybe Patnaik said the BJD has party is deeply rooted in
Nagpur orgnaised to felicitate standard, I started working these leaders urged me to even much more than me. submitted its findings regarding Odisha’s trust. The BJD has
Members of Legislative Assem- with the Akhil Bharatiya Vid- stand for election from Ward That's why I can definitely EVM discrepancies to the Elec- become a social movement
bly (MLAs), he said, "I have to yarthi Parishad (ABVP). My in 1990, we all went to Ayodhya that from tomorrow you have 69. That is how I got elected tell you that no matter how tion Commission of India (ECI) embedded in the hearts of
thank honourable Nitin Gad- plan was to do that work and as kar sevaks. We were all kept to work in the BJP," Fadnavis as a corporator from Nagpur. much power I get, power will and urged the commission to people of the state. "The BJD
kari, who went to every nook study for law. I finished 12th in the Budaun District Jail. I recalled. Later I became the leader of never go to my head, because "carefully and thoroughly" is a strong regional party that
and cranny of Maharashtra standard and was admitted was the eldest and I was only Fadnavis said he actually the opposition party and I know that whatever I am is investigate the matter. will serve the people of Odisha
and held election meetings to law college and after my 20 years old. One day, after fought against the decision, became the deputy chief min- because of the BJP alone. The The five-term Chief Minister for another 100 years. The
there. By creating enthusiasm father passed away I wanted returning from Ayodhya, our but Ambekar said: "We don't ister again after which I became workers who build this party took a pointed swipe at the immense love and trust of the
among BJP workers, he worked to work full time with the then Sunil Ambekar called make our decision here (in the chief minister," he added. are like gods to me," Fadnavis BJP, criticising their reaction people are our strength," he
to give a new direction to the ABVP. I still remember that me and said it has been decided the RSS) and if you have any "All of you have witnessed said. to the issue. "I don’t know declared.

Chh’garh HC PM to lead historic E-Distribution of 58 Maha Dy CM Shinde meets Modi, Shah, others in Delhi
allows abortion
for pregnant Lakh SVAMITVA property cards on Friday STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
MUMBAI, 26 DECEMBER
what we have not been able
to do in the last two- and -a
rape survivor STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE more than two crore property the SVAMITVA Scheme half years. We will make a
NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER cards preparation and dis- include: Drone Mapping Cov- Maharashtra Deputy Chief road map on how to make
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE tribution under the SVAMITVA erage: Survey completed in Minister and Shiv Sena chief Maharashtra a fully developed,
RAIPUR, 26 DECEMBER Prime Minister Narendra scheme and distribution of 3.17 lakh villages; Property Eknath Shinde met Prime number one state. Our Prime
Modi will preside over the e- more than 58 lakh property Card Distribution: Over 2.19 Minister Narendra Modi in Minister's vision is to develop
Chhattisgarh High Court held Distribution of SVAMITVA cards on a Single Day. crore property cards prepared Delhi on Thursday for an hour, the country and achieve the
a rare winter vacation hearing Property Cards on Friday via During the event, the PM across 1.49 lakh villages; sources said. goal of a 5-trillion dollar econ-
to address the plea of a young video conferencing, marking will interact with selected Improved Governance: Dig- Shinde met Union Minister omy. Maharashtra will achieve
rape survivor seeking a medical a monumental milestone in beneficiaries and deliver a itally validated property JP Nadda alongwith his son more than a 1-trillion dollar
termination of her pregnancy. India’s rural empowerment nationwide address, in the records have strengthened Shrikant Shinde who is the economy," Shinde said, after
Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, and governance journey. presence of Union Panchayati local governance and Sena's Lok Sabha MP from meeting the PM.
recognising the gravity of the The event will witness the Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan enhanced Gram Panchayat the Kalyan constituency in Speaking about the 'One
case, constituted a special distribution of 58 lakh SVAMIT- Singh alias Lalan Singh and Development Plans (GPDPs); Maharashtra and his daugh- Nation One Election' concept,
court and entrusted Justice VA Property Cards across other ministers and officials. Financial Inclusion: Property ter-in-law Vrushali Shinde. It "After the establishment have given us credit for that. I he said that the Congress and
Ravindra Kumar Agrawal with approximately 50,000 villages The Ministry of Panchayati cards have facilitated access is also learnt that Shinde's of the cabinet, this is the first would also like to thank Prime opposition parties are against
ensuring justice. spanning ten states – Chhat- Raj, in collaboration with the to institutional credit, empow- family will proceed to Kashmir time I am in Delhi where I Minister Modi for the time he it. "If you look at the reality, a
The court's action allowed tisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal States and UT, proposes to ering rural citizens; Women on a holiday soon. met Prime Minister Modi in spent in Maharashtra during lot of public money is spent
the survivor, who is 21-22 Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, maximise outreach and aware- Empowerment: Legal own- Incidentally, the Deputy person. I also met Union Home the assembly election," Shinde on elections. If we implement
weeks pregnant, to undergo Maharashtra, Mizoram, ness about the SVAMITVA ership of properties has pro- CM's son happens to be a part Minister Amit Shah, JP Nadda said about his meeting, which One Nation One Election, the
an abortion at the Bilaspur Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Scheme and other flagship ini- vided women with enhanced of the Joint Parliamentary Com- and Kiran Rijiju. This meeting was previously described as a progress of the country will
district hospital, while also Uttar Pradesh and the two tiatives of the Ministry byorgan- financial and social security; mittee to study the 'One Nation was not a political one. During "goodwill visit". improve. A lot of public money
preserving critical DNA evi- Union Territories of Jammu ising orientation programmes and Dispute Resolution: Accu- One Election' bill for simulta- the last two- and- a half years, "Under the leadership of is spent by the government
dence to aid in the prosecu- & Kashmir and Ladakh. at around 20,000 locations rate property mapping has neous polls. The committee we have shown how projects Chief Minister Devendra Fad- on elections and the other
tion of the accused. This event will also mark across the country on Friday. significantly reduced property will be asked to submit its report and welfare schemes can be navis, we, as a team, will take parties never say anything
The 21-year-old survivor a major milestone of crossing Key achievements under disputes. during the Budget session. implemented and the people the state forward. We will do about it," he said.
approached the High Court
after local doctors refused
to perform the abortion,
citing legal complexities. She
filed a petition on 23 Decem-
ber, pleading for judicial
Visionary leader who steered the transformation of India’s economy
intervention. During the AGENCIES ing the Universities of Cam- 1991 and 1996 as India's administrator dedicated to entered into negotiations
hearing on 25 December, NEW DELHI, 27 DECEMBER bridge and Oxford. Soft- Finance Minister and his role public service and after Bharatiya with the United States in 2005
the state government pre- spoken and affable, he rose in ushering in a comprehensive Janata Party-led NDA suffered in view of India's growing
sented a cursory one-page Former Prime Minister Dr from humble origins to the policy of economic reforms a shock defeat in the 2004 Lok energy demands. The deal
medical report prepared by Manmohan Singh, who passed post of Prime Minister. is recognized worldwide. In Sabha polls, he was given the also helped revamp India's
the medical board, claiming away on Thursday, was an When he was made Finance the popular view of those leadership of the Congress- relationship with the United
the abortion was feasible. acclaimed thinker, economist Minister in 1991 by then Prime years in India, that period is led United Progressive Alliance States which has now expand-
However, Justice Agrawal and scholar who ushered in Minister PV Narasimha Rao, inextricably associated with (UPA) government. ed across dimensions.
expressed sharp discontent, a comprehensive policy of India was facing economic Singh’s persona. There was clamour within With Singh as Prime Min-
reprimanding the medical economic reforms and steered difficulties and had faced bal- In July 1991, Singh ended Congress for then Congress ister, Congress increased its
board for its failure to conduct the country for 10 years as ance of payment crisis. his budget speech with the president Sonia Gandhi to number of seats in the May
mandatory examinations, the head of Congress-led UPA With political opposition words: "No power on earth take role of Prime Minister 2009 Lok Sabha polls. However,
including blood tests, HIV government during which to his economic reforms, Singh can stop an idea whose time but she declined the role. the later part of the second
screening, and sonography. India witnessed a high growth showed steely determination has come. I suggest to this The BJP had opposed her UPA government saw allega-
“The state must ensure thor- rate, averaging at 7.7 per cent and took steps to devalue the august House that the emer- taking the role of Prime Min- tions of corruption with the
ough medical evaluation in to become a nearly two tril- rupee, bring down taxes and gence of India as a major eco- ister raking up the issue of opposition accusing the ruling
such critical cases. The sur- lion-dollar economy. MANMOHAN SINGH encourage foreign investment. nomic power in the world her foreign origins. Sonia coalition of "policy paralysis".
vivor’s health and dignity
are paramount,” the judge
Known for his diligence,
accessibility and his unas-
26 Sept 1932-26 Dec 2024 The steps helped India
tackle entrenched economic
happens to be one such idea."
This was the beginning of his
Gandhi recommended Man-
mohan Singh for the key rold.
With Congress keen on pushing
Rahul Gandhi, son of Sonia
remarked. The medical board suming demeanour, Singh's and for inclusive growth to long tenure in Rajya Sabha problems and register high idea of India. Apart from taking steps for Gandhi, in the leadership role,
thereafter revised its report academic credentials were bring people out of poverty. ended in April this year. rates of growth which paved The economic trajectory high and inclusive economic Singh said in early 2014 that
and submitted a detailed burnished by his long years Before assuming office as Born on 26 September the way for a booming mid- set by Manmohan Singh as growth, Manmohan Singh he would not seek a third
assessment later in the day. in government during which India's 14th Prime Minister 1932, in a village in the Punjab dle-class, crores of people com- Finance Minister and PV showed his political skills as term as prime minister in the
Satisfied with the new find- he served in various key deci- in May 2004, Singh also held province of undivided India, ing out of poverty and India's Narasimha Rao as Prime Min- he went ahead with the Indo- 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
ings, the High Court permitted sion-making positions. He several political responsibilities. Singh was held in high regard Mamnohan Singh's years as ister was largely followed by US nuclear deal despite strong He left office on 26 as
the abortion and directed was also Governor of the He was a member of the Rajya across party lines and was Finance Minister became turn- the subsequent governments. political opposition and Left Narendra Modi took oath as
the survivor to appear at the Reserve Bank of India. His Sabha since 1991 and Leader held in high esteem globally. ing point in the economic Singh had emerged on the parties withdrawing support Prime Minister as head of
district hospital on 26 Decem- government pushed for rights- of the Opposition between He received honorary degrees history of independent India. national and global scene as to his government. the coalition government led
ber at 11 a.m. based laws to empower citizens 1998 and 2004. His 33-year- from many universities includ- He spent five years between an innovative thinker and Singh’s government had by the BJP.

2024: Amidst controversies surrounding former CJI Chandrachud, SC batted for the rule of law, personal liberty and transparency
PARMOD KUMAR arises for consideration.” remission of sentence to 11 While quashing the anony- Putting to rest the repeat- lished by a minority if it derives
NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER Noting the pre-trial long life-term convicts in Bilkis mous and opaque electoral edly resurfacing controversy its legal character through a
incarceration being suffered Bano case, the Supreme Court bond scheme as “unconsti- involving the minority char- statute.
Amidst controversies sur- by the alleged accused in the had severely indicted the tutional and arbitrary” and acter of Aligarh Muslim Uni- The Court ended 2024 with
rounding the former Chief cases registered by the CBI Gujarat government for usurp- violative of Article 10(1)(a), versity (AMU), the Supreme a long-awaited hearing on the
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud aris- and the Directorate of Enforce- ing the jurisdiction of Maha- the Court had adverted to the Court laid down the param- 1991 Places of Worship Act
ing from his public statements ment in particular invoking rashtra government in grant- legitimate possibility that finan- eters to determine the minority on 12 December and passing
particularly relating to seeking stringent provisions of the ing remission of sentence cial contribution to a political character of an institution of an interim order restraining
divine guidance for writing Prevention of Money Laun- and acting in “tandem” and party would lead to “quid pro claiming a minority character. all the courts across the country
the Ayodhya judgment, han- dering Act and the reluctance “complicity” with one of the quo” arrangements because It overturned the 1967 five- from passing any effective
dling of the politically sensitive of the subordinate court and convicts. of the close nexus between judge constitution bench interim or final order including
cases, Prime Minister Narendra the High Courts across the Bilkis Bano was gangraped money and politics. judgment in Azeez Basha case that of surveys in pending
Modi attending the Ganpati country to grant bail, the Court and nine members of her However, it did not accept that had held that an educa- suits staking a claim over exist-
poojan at his residence and reminded all the judicial author- family including her three- the plea for a probe by a Special tional institution is not estab- ing religious structures.
its video going viral, and so ities that “bail is a rule, and year old daughter were killed Investigation Team into the
on, the Supreme Court by for voting or making speech person, every family to have jail is an exception”. by the convicts during the alleged quid pro quo involving
and large continued its march in the legislature, and on 13 a shelter above their heads” Stating that “Liberty of the 2002 Gujarat riots. donations by big corporates
upholding the rule of law and November 2024, the Court and a house is an “embodiment individual is always the rule In the late Prime Minister through the electoral bonds
transparency in the actions came down heavily on use of of the collective hopes of a and deprivation is the exception. PV Narasimha Rao case judg- in exchange for government
of the government both at the bulldozers to raze the residential family or individuals’ stability Deprivation can be made only ment, while holding that the contracts, policy tweaking or
Centre and in the States. and commercial buildings and security”. by the procedure established lawmakers do not enjoy immu- investigation agencies devel-
The judgments that were belonging to (or residence of) Taking a stern view of the by the law which has to be nity of privileges from prose- oping inertia and going silent
not perceived to be comforting an alleged accused of offence way residential or commercial valid and reasonable proce- cution in the case of accepting on their probes.
to the government included which infamously came to be buildings were being razed dure,” the Supreme Court by bribery for casting vote or In the social domain, for
the 15 February 2024, striking known as ‘Bulldozer justice’. and rubbled, merely because its 28 August, 2024, judgment making speech in the legislature an evenly spread of the benefits
down of the electoral bonds Terming the bulldozer jus- an alleged accused is residing had said, “bail is the rule and – both in the parliament and of reservation for the scheduled
scheme as “unconstitutional”, tice as “unconstitutional, arbi- there or own it, the top court jail is the exception” is only a the State Assemblies – the castes and scheduled tribes,
the 8 January 2024, judgment trary, high-handed and violative in a poser had asked: “An paraphrasing of Article 21 of Supreme Court had reversed the Court on 1 August 2024,
in Bilkis Bano case that quashed of the rule of law, abuse of important question as to the Constitution of India, the 1998 majority judgment ruled that Scheduled Castes
the Gujarat government's deci- power by the executive – whether the executive should which states that no person by a five-judge constitution are not a homogeneous group
sion to grant remission of sen- authorities and violative of be permitted to take away the shall be deprived of his life or bench which had granted and the sub-classification
tence to 11 life convicts, 4 fundamental right to life and shelter of a family or families personal liberty except accord- immunity from prosecution amongst them is permissible
March 2024, judgment in PV shelter guaranteed under as a measure for infliction of ing to the procedure established to a member of the legislature for extending the benefits of
Narasimha Rao case holding Article 21 of the constitution”, penalty on a person who is by law.” who allegedly cast a vote or the affirmative action to the
that the lawmakers can be the Supreme Court had said accused in a crime under our Quashing the Gujarat gov- speaking in the legislature for most deprived sections
prosecuted for accepting bribes that it is a “dream of every constitutional scheme or not ernment’s decision granting a monetary consideration. amongst them.
04 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024

Legendary writer-filmmaker BJP accuses K’taka

Congress of tweeting a
MT Vasudevan Nair passes away at 91 distorted map of India
His works drew inspiration from the agrarian life along the banks of the river Nila STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE and accused the Opposition
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE he spent his childhood in a cultural leadership, Vijayan lage. MT had his schooling at NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER party of engaging in divisive
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nair family. said that through his works, the Malamakkavu Elementary politics.
26 DECEMBER Condoling the demise of he conveyed the beauty and School and later at the The BJP on Thursday accused "Today, as the entire nation
Vasudevan Nair, President complexity of Kerala's life. Kumaranallur High School, the Karnataka Congress of is honouring the sacrifices

R
enowned Malayalam Droupadi Murmu in a X post Vasudevan Nair was born and completed his bachelor’s tweeting a distorted map of of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's
writer MT Vasudevan said: "With the demise of Shri in Koodallur, a village in the degree in Chemistry from India, excluding Aksai Chin sons on 'Veer Bal Diwas,' a
Nair passed away on M T Vasudevan Nair, renowned erstwhile Ponnani taluk in the Government Victoria College, and Pakistan-occupied Kash- shocking incident has hap-
Wednesday night at Malayalam writer, the world Malabar district on 15 July, Palakkad, in 1953. At a very mir (PoK), as part of the pened. The Karnataka Con-
the age of 91 in Kozhikode. of literature has become 1933. His father, T Narayanan young age, he became known grand old party's Working gress has tweeted a distorted
He breathed his last at Baby poorer. Rural India came alive Nair,workedwithateaplantation for his storytelling prowess, Committee event in Belagavi. map of India, excluding Aksai
Memorial Hospital, where he in his writings." company in the then Ceylon, as well as his poignant and Addressing a press con- Chin and Pakistan-occupied
had been receiving treatment "He was honoured with and mother, Ammaluamma, touching portrayal of the ference at the BJP headquar- Kashmir (PoK), as part of an
for the past 11 days after suf- major literary awards and was a homemaker. human condition, through ters here, the party's national event in Belagavi. This isn't
fering a cardiac arrest. had made significant contri- He spent most of his child- stories and characters strongly spokesperson and Rajya an isolated incident, as they've
Madath Thekkepat Vasude- bution to films. He was award- hood in Koodallur and Pun- rooted in his village of Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi done similar cheap things
van Nair, or MT Vasudevan ed the Padma Bhushan. I con- nayurkkulam, his father’s vil- Koodallur. strongly hit out at the Congress in the past," Trivedi said.
Nair , popularly known as vey my heartfelt condolences
MT, leaves behind an indelible to the members of his family, inspire many more. but also to the world of Malay-
mark on the world of Malay- and the large number of his "He also gave voice to the alam literature." Highlighting
alam literature and cinema, readers and admirers," the silent and marginalised. My his literary brilliance, Vijayan
earning accolades for his elo- President said. thoughts are with his family said Nair brought Malayalam
quent storytelling, poignant Prime Minister Narendra and admirers. Om Shanti," literature to the forefront of
narratives, and deep under- Modi also condoled the death Modi said. world literature.
standing of the human con- of M T Vasudevan Nair, and Expressing grief over Describing M T as a tow-
dition. His works drew inspi- said his works, with their pro- Vasudevan Nair's death, Kerala ering figure in the fields of
ration from the agrarian life found exploration of human Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan short story writing, novel writ-
along the banks of the river emotions, have shaped gen- said, "It is an irreparable loss ing, screenplay writing, film
Nila (Bharathpuzha), where erations and will continue to not only to Kerala in general direction, journalism, and

Sexual assault of student at Anna University campus

triggers outrage; Opposition corners DMK govt
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE in the city. She was taken to functionaries and supporters. morning in front of the Coim-
CHENNAI, 26 DECEMBER a secluded place and sexually During the AIADMK demon- batore Collectorate and to
assaulted. Acting on the victim's stration, former minister D undertake a 48-day-long vrat
The sexual assault on a girl complaint, the All Women Jayakumar and party workers (fasting by skipping breakfast)
student at the prestigious Police Station of Kotturpuram were detained. before seeking divine inter-
state-run Anna University in arrested one of the accused, Finding the issue a con- vention from Lord Murugan
the heart of Chennai, on the Gnanasekaran (37), a roadside venient handle to target the at his famed six abodes, seeking
night before Christmas eve, biriyani shop vendor near the DMK, BJP state president K justice. Condemning the ‘crim-
has sent shockwaves across campus, and a search is under- Annamalai, alleged that the inal laxity’ of the DMK gov-
the state. The incident has way for the other suspect. accused, Gnanasekaran, ernment on women’s safety
triggered outrage, with Oppo- The opposition AIADMK belonged to the DMK and and security, he questioned
sition parties cornering the and the BJP staged demon- showed his photographs with how the FIR was leaked in
DMK government on Thursday strations demanding justice DMK Ministers, including the public domain. He also
by announcing protests and for the sexual assault victim those published in the DMK ridiculed the claim that CCTV
demonstrations. and protesting the leak of the party’s official organ Mura- cameras were not functional
The second-year Mechan- FIR, which exposed her iden- soli. on the Anna University cam-
ical Engineering student was tity, mobile number, and Addressing the media in pus. At the close of the presser,
sexually assaulted by two per- parental details. Former Telan- Coimbatore, he vowed not Annamalai said his politics
sons who thrashed her gana Governor Tamilisai to wear footwear until the would be different hereafter
boyfriend with whom she was Soundararajan, who took part DMK was ousted from power. and would be a no-holds-
talking after dinner inside the in the BJP protest, was detained He announced plans to flog barred one. Then, he removed
campus near the Raj Bhavan by the police along with party himself six times on Friday his shoes.

Classified
CHANGE OF PUBLIC
EXIHIBITION
NAME NOTICE
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dated 5-11-2024.

I, AFROZA Tarafder, W/o.

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residing at Sabaipur,
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I, ARUP Dhali, S/o. Amal

Krishna Dhali, residing at PUBLIC NOTICE
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Nadia, my Aadhaar Card By this Power of Attorney Binay Bhusan Mukherjee (Mukhopadhyay),
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Road, Durgapur, District Burdwan, do hereby constitute and appoint his
my Madhyamik Documents nephew Sri Arnab Mukherjee, son of Sri Baidya Bhusan Mukherjee,
& H.S. Documents father 79/2, Fakir Chandra Pathak Lane, Bally, Howrah, to protect, preserve,

name has been wrongly

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 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 05
INDIA partners AAP, Modi govt seeking to control Constitutional
institutions: Cong President Kharge at CWC

INC on collision course

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE of Babasaheb,” the Congress
BELAGAVI, 26 DECEMBER chief said.
Referring to the recent
Congress President Mallikarjun amendment made in the Con-
Kharge on Thursday slammed duct of Election Rules, he said:
AAP accuses Congress of colluding with BJP for Delhi polls, demands action against Ajay Maken Prime Minister Narendra “Constitutional institutions
Modi for "defending" Union are being controlled. If we
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE polls. He accused Congress Mr Singh accused the Home Minister Amit Shah look at the Election Commission
NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER leader Maken of working at Congress party of not being over the Ambedkar controversy of India (ECI), it appears that
the behest of the saffron ready to contest the recent and accused his government they have no respect for the

T
he Congress and the party and making statements Haryana Assembly polls in of making all attempts to con- Constitutional institutions,
Aam Aadmi Party as asked by the BJP. alliance with the AAP, despite trol Constitutional institu- they want to capture everything.
(AAP), two major con- Mr Singh alleged: “Yes- efforts made by his party till tions. ing the discussion on the Therefore, we will have to fight
stituents of INDIA terday Maken crossed all the the end. He said that no AAP Notably, while replying in Constitution in the Parliament this battle continuously.” He
bloc, were on a collision limits by calling the most leader ever made any state- a debate in the Rajya Sabha session. We condemned it asserted that people's faith in
course on Thursday with the popular leader of Delhi and ment against the grand old marking the 75th anniversary and held demonstrations.” the electoral process is gradually
AAP accusing the grand old AAP chief anti-national.” The party despite not contesting of the Constitution’s adoption Accusing Prime Minister decreasing as questions are
party of being hand in glove AAP leader further said that polls together. on 17 December, Mr Shah, in Narendra Modi of defending being raised on the “impar-
with the BJP in Delhi ahead the Congress has never called The Chief Minister Atishi, an attack on the Congress, Mr Shah, he said: “The PM tiality” of the Commission.
of the Assembly elections, out any BJP leader in this who was also present at the said, “It has become a fashion and the government are not Meanwhile, in a message
likely to be held in Febru- manner, and alleged that Mr press conference, claimed to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, ready to accept the mistake. to the extended CWC meeting,
ary. Maken was reading out the that her party has got to know Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambed- Instead of offering an apology Congress Parliamentary Party
The AAP on Thursday script written by the saffron from official sources that the kar, Ambedkar’. If they had or seeking Amit Shah's resig- (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gand-
sought action by the senior party. poll expenses of the Congress taken God’s name so many nation, he supported the objec- hi, who is not attending,
leadership of the Congress Sharpening his attack on candidates are being financed times, they would have got a tionable statement. The PM launched a scathing attack on
within 24 hours against its the grand old party and its by the BJP. She alleged that place in heaven.” issued a statement in defence the BJP-led government at the
leader Ajay Maken for report- leader, the AAP leader said the election expenses of Addressing the Congress of the Home Minister. More- Centre, saying the legacy of
edly calling former Delhi CM that Mr Kejriwal is the same prominent candidates of the Working Committee (CWC) over, a false case was registered Mahatma Gandhi is under
Arvind Kejriwal 'anti-national' person who campaigned for Congress, including Sandeep meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, against Rahul Gandhi. This "threat" from the ruling dis-
and said it will call for the other parties of the INDIA against its leader. the Congress in the last Lok Dikshit and Farhad Suri are in the presence of Leader of reflects the attitude of today's pensation.
expulsion of the grand old bloc to take a serious view of The senior AAP leader and Sabha elections in Delhi and being funded by the saffron Opposition in Lok Sabha rulers towards the Constitution Expressing regret for her
party from the INDIA bloc if Mr Maken calling Mr Kejriwal Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also in Chandigarh. AAP has party. Rahul Gandhi and senior party and its creator.” absence, she said Mahatma
no action is taken. anti-national, the insult to alleged that the Congress in always stood with the Con- Ms Atishi alleged that the leaders, including KC Venu- “But we are not afraid of Gandhi becoming Congress
AAP leader Sanjay Singh AAP and the FIR against Mr Delhi is in favour of the gress with regard to the deci- Congress and BJP have col- gopal, he said: “We heard a anyone, nor will we bow down. President here a hundred years
while addressing a press con- Kejriwal by Youth Congress, saffron party, and is doing sions in connection with par- luded to inflict damage to grossly derogatory’ statement We will fight until our last ago was a turning point for
ference here, asserted that if the grand old party does everything that will benefit liamentary affairs, said the the AAP in the upcoming by the Home Minister about breath for the ideology of the party and for the Inde-
the party will ask all the not take appropriate action BJP in the upcoming Assembly MP. polls. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar dur- Nehru-Gandhi and the honour pendence movement.

‘Our democracy’s greatness

is rooted in the fundamental
principle of national unity’
of India's sovereignty and
integrity.
"The lives of the brave
Sahibzades inspire us to uphold
the integrity of our nation and
never compromise on our val-
ues. Similarly, our Constitution
emphasises the importance
of prioritising India's sovereignty
and integrity. Our democracy's
greatness is rooted in the
NIKHIL VYAS teachings of our Gurus, the
NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER sacrifices of the Sahibzades,
and the fundamental principle
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of national unity," the Prime
on Thursday said the magnitude Minister said.
of India's democracy embodies Mr Modi said their gov-
the teachings of the Gurus, ernment had started the Veer
the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, Baal Diwas in memory of the
and the mantra of national unparalleled bravery and sac-
unity. Addressing the third rifice of the Sahibzades.
Veer Baal Diwas programme Recalling the sacrifice of
at Bharat Mandapam here, the brave Sahibzades, Mr Modi
Mr Modi said: "This year's said it was imperative for
Veer Bal Diwas is even more today’s youth to know about
special as it marks the 75th their saga of bravery and there-
year of the establishment of fore, it was important to recall
the Indian Republic and our those events too.
Constitution." He said that it was over
Veer Baal Diwas is a nation- three centuries ago on this
wide celebration honouring day the courageous Sahibzades
children as the foundation of had sacrificed their lives at
India’s future. tender ages.
Addressing the gathering, The Prime Minister noted
the Prime Minister emphasised that despite the tender age of
that in this 75th year of the Sahib Zorawar Singh and Sahib
Indian Constitution, every cit- Fateh Singh, their courage
izen of the country is drawing knew no bounds.
inspiration from the brave Mr Modi added that the
Sahibzadas to work for the Sahibzades rejected all the
unity and integrity of the temptations of the Mughal
nation. Mr Modi highlighted Sultanate, endured all the
that the strong democracy of atrocities and chose to embrace
India was proud that this day the death sentence ordered
was built on the bravery and by Wazir Khan with utmost
sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. bravery.
"Our democracy inspires us The PM remarked that the
towards the upliftment of the Sahibzadas reminded him of
last person in society," he said. the valour of Guru Arjan Dev,
"The Constitution teaches Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru
us that no one is small or big Gobind Singh and this bravery
in the country," the Prime was the spiritual strength of
Minister said, adding that “this our faith. He added that the
principle aligns with the teach- Sahibzadas chose to sacrifice
ings of our Gurus, who advo- their lives but never wavered
cated for the welfare of all”. from the path of faith. The
Mr Modi stressed that the Prime Minister emphasised
life of the Sahibzadas teaches that ''Veer Bal Diwas teaches
people not to compromise on us that no matter how difficult
the integrity and ideals of the the circumstances, nothing is
nation and similarly, the Con- greater than the nation and
stitution upholds the principle national interest''.
 06 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 Vol. CXXXXXVIII 307

Incorporating and directly descended

Power of No A MEMBER
OF THE

ASIAN VOICES
from THE FRIEND OF INDIA - Founded 1818
Experience tells us that there is a deep chasm between the promises of the Legal Transformation –
Popcorn Paradox new capitalism and the reality of social breakdown. Indigenous scholars have anchoring the

I ndia’s Goods and Services Tax, introduced with the

promise of simplifying the tax structure, has once again
exposed the ugly face and uglier logic of brute capitalism. Footloose capitalism Diamond Strategy
first puts a price on both natural resources and products, then commodifies,

H
come under scrutiny. The latest trigger is the multiple is Majesty’s Royal Address
tax slabs applied to popcorn ~ 5 per cent for salted, 12 per then securitises and then profits from speculative financial game on the 117th National Day
cent for pre-packaged, and 18 per cent for caramelised. unveiled a visionary “Dia-
While the rationale for these distinctions lies in ingredient mond Strategy,” centred on
classifications, the broader implications reveal deeper the establishment of the Gelephu
flaws in the GST framework. The GST system was designed Mindfulness City (GMC) as a Special
Administrative Region. The ambitious
to unify India’s fragmented indirect tax regime. Yet, its im-
“One Country, Two Systems”
plementation has been marred by complexities and frequ- approach aims to catalyse compre-
ent rate revisions, leaving businesses and consumers grap- hensive reforms across Bhutan by
pling with confusion. The popcorn taxation episode exem- implementing parallel changes in four
plifies how hyper-technical inanities often take precedence critical domains: strengthening dem-
over practical simplicity, making everyday items subject ocratic institutions, modernising
to disproportionately detailed scrutiny. At the heart of the bureaucratic processes, improving
issue is the challenge of balancing revenue generation with legal frameworks, and transforming
fairness and ease of compliance. While the government the education system. The foundation
defends its logic ~ highlighting differences in product char- of this strategic initiative rests firmly
on legal reforms, which serve as the
acter due to added sugar or packaging ~ such explanations essential anchor for successful nation-
alienate the public. When consumers see varying tax rates al transformation. This carefully struc-
for popcorn but no relief on essentials like health insur- tured legal environment enables inno-
ance, the system’s priorities come into question. For senior vations from the GMC to be effectively
citizens, an 18 per cent GST on health insurance premiums mirrored nationwide, driving holistic
is not just a financial burden but a reflection of misplaced progress and prosperity in our increas-
policy obduracy. The discontent is not confined to pop- ingly interconnected global landscape.
corn taxation. The public’s growing frustration stems from His Majesty’s address highlighted
the perception that the GST system is maliciously compli- an overabundance of laws, poor pub-
cated, benefiting only those who can exploit its loopholes. lic understanding, weak enforcement,
and the need for swift enactment and
This perception of inequity threatens to undermine public amendment of laws. Other challenges
trust, a cornerstone for the success of any tax regime. include inadequate funding and
Beyond popcorn, larger issues within the GST framework human resources for the judiciary, and

U
demand urgent attention. Evasion remains a significant a lack of accessible court decisions in
problem, with over Rs 2 lakh crore lost to fraud in the last ncivilisation: The morally right.” In his book, The no is a symbol of resistance. It The indigenous people hold the existing system. To realise His
fiscal year. Input tax credit misuse, fraudulent company Dark Mountain Man- Capitalist Manifesto, he argues implies a halt, a cessation and the key to money-free happi- Majesty’s vision within a decade, a
registrations for exploiting GST loopholes, and weak supply ifesto is Planet Earth’s that social justice needs more an insistence that enough is ness. They believe happiness comprehensive strategy with four
chain tracking exacerbate the problem. These loopholes cri de coeur against capitalism, not less. “We need enough. happens only in a community. implementation approaches should
grotesque inequality and van- free market to end poverty.” No is also the highest They have coped with uncer- be considered.
undermine the system’s credibility and erode trust among
dalization of nature. It was writ- Experience tells us that expression of dignity. When we tainties through storytelling. Firstly, the Parliament should ins-
honest taxpayers. Moreover, the compliance burden con- ten by Paul Kingsnorth and there is a deep chasm between say no, these moments can be Stories shape who we are.
tinues to weigh heavily on small and medium enterprises. Dougald Hine after two years of the promises of the new capital- the lighthouses that best guide They drive us to act out our own
The promise of a “Good and Simple Tax” feels hollow conversation and launched at a ism and the reality of social our lives and our souls. dreams and ambitions and mo-
when frequent rate changes and cumbersome procedures small riverside gathering outside breakdown. Gandhi believed in the uld our beliefs. It is an essential titute a national team to immediately
force businesses to expend time and resources navigating Oxford in 2009. The Manifesto Indigenous scholars have ‘economy of permanence.’ To part of what makes us human. carry out review, reduction and con-
the system. This complexity not only discourages compli- offers “a radical diagnosis of the exposed the ugly face and uglier him, mass production is only Stories are fundamental to cul- solidation of existing laws. Partnering
ance but also fosters resentment, particularly among situation in which our civilisa- logic of brute capi- concerned with tures and societies. We have told with GovTech and private tech com-
smaller enterprises that lack the capacity to manage intri- tion lives.” talism. Footloose the product, whe- stories for thousands of years. panies, the process of such assign-
cate tax filings. To restore faith in GST, reforms must go The election of Donald capitalism first reas production by Stories can change the ment should adopt AI, blockchain,
Trump and the blueprint of his puts a price on the masses is con- world. They are instruments of and other emerging technologies
beyond cosmetic tweaks. Simplifying rate structures,
administration’s agenda are both natural re - cerned with the restorative justice. History itself review, consolidate, and streamline
addressing core compliance challenges, and prioritising scary. Trump dismisses climate sources and prod- product, the pro- is, at its core, the art of story- these existing laws. AI tools can speed
essential services like health and education for tax relief change as a “hoax.” He is un- ucts, then com- ducers and the telling. For the indigenous peo- up legal analysis while reducing errors
are crucial. A robust mechanism to track supply chains aunted by super hurricanes and modifies, then se- process. Gandhi ple land and storytelling are and costs. These systems efficiently
and curb fraud can enhance transparency and boost rev- floods and drought-fuelled wild- curitises and then believed that “tho- intertwined. Land is also a sour- process large amounts of legal data to
enues without overburdening honest taxpayers. As the fires that have devastated parts profits from specu- se who don’t know ce of Indigenous knowledge. So find redundancies and inconsisten-
government prepares the next Union Budget, it faces an of the United States. lative financial when enough is are land’s deep connection to cies, streamlining the framework while
opportunity to revisit GST’s foundational goals. A stream- The Project 2025 prepared game. enough will never language and their stories. maintaining accuracy and minimizing
by the ultra-conservative Her- The likes of ASH NARAIN have enough, but It is time for climate action. resource needs. However, these AI
lined, equitable system that reduces ambiguities and aligns ROY
with citizens’ needs could reinvigorate the promise of GST itage Foundation is widely belie- Musk and Peter those who know Books, both fiction and non-fic- technologies can also possess poten-
ved to be the roadmap for the Thiel are now eye- The writer is director, when enough is tion, have a critical role in bring- tial for risks and vulnerabilities, we
as a transformative economic reform ~ one that delivers incoming Trump administra- ing outer space for Institute of Social Sciences,
enough already ing about environmental behav- must exercise appropriate safeguards
Delhi
simplicity in spirit, not just in name. tion. It recommends a U-turn on making their tril- have enough.” ioural change. and ethical considerations, including

Inflation’s Reckoning
energy and economic policy. lions. Astrophysi- Paul Kings - University of Southampton proper oversight and regular audits for
Other suggestions include cist Neil Degrasse Tyson says north talks of a new political professor Denise Baden in her bias. Secondly, extensive capacity

T
promoting oil and gas and not that the first trillionaire will be movement and a new political recent article in Conversation buil ding for legal professionals,
he year 2024 will be remembered as a period of renewable energy and doing made in space. Time has come idea that is not socialism, not Magazine refers to “thrutopian” including judges, lawyers, and
extraordinary global transformation. At the heart of away with the goals of reducing for space environmentalism. capitalism, but a politics of ‘one fiction which is a new genre of enforcement officials, is crucial. A
this upheaval was the persistent sting of inflation, emissions and green subsidies. The UN has convened a working no, many yesses.’ literature. gradual language transition should be
which, despite moderating in many economies, left a last- Consequences of such suicidal group on the use of space When humanity is facing She asserts that books like explored, allowing courts to accept
ing impact on the political and social fabric of nations, policies are not hard to imagine. resources. multiple crises, we need to say No More Fairy Tales, Green Ris- both Dzongkha and English as official
including India. Coupled with geopolitical conflicts and We are living in an extraor- Karl Polanyi says that mar- ‘no’ - no to GDP-centric growth, ing, The Ministry for the Future languages. Creating a centralised case
dinary time when disparate kets and states are inescapably no to vandalization of nature and Fairhaven contain “positive law database, implementing a com-
technological advances, the year painted a picture of a crises are interacting. Adam intertwined and mutually con- and no to greedy capitalism. We visions of what a sustainable prehensive case reporting system, and
world grappling with profound challenges and opportu- Tooze describes it as a “polycri- stitutive. Biologist and anthro- are all confronting a growth society might look like if we do developing legal publishing standards
nities. These shifts also highlight the fragile balance sis.” It impacts most severely pologist Peter Turchin argues mania which is the fatal disease it right and shows how we can are essential steps. Providing public
between economic policies and public sentiment. Gov- our Planet Earth and the indige- that the main interest of the new of civilization. get there.” access to court decisions will enhance
ernments must recognise that while macroeconomic indi- nous people as it involves eth- plutocracy of Silicon Valley is in It must be replaced by what Market fundamentalism transparency, help dispel rumours,
cators like inflation rates matter, the lived experiences of nocide, linguicide, epistemicide maintaining all the zeroes David C Korten calls “economy has brought our Planet to a stage reduce speculation, and provide a fac-
citizens ~ rising costs, stagnant wages, and inequality ~ and cosmicide. attached to their outrageous for- for the many” in which equity where one catastrophe, to quote tual basis for public discourse on legal
drive political and social outcomes. Inflation served as a We have blindly followed tune. and well-being of society should Walter Benjamin, “keeps piling matters. Precedent forms the corner-
unifying force of discontent across continents, with voters Western thought and ideas and The climate catastrophe is be our goals, not consumption wreckage upon wreckage.” stone of Common Law, and accessible
ignored the indigenous think- no ordinary crisis. As UN Secre- and more consumption. Israeli philosopher Yuval case law is essential for its proper
expressing their frustration at the ballot box. It didn’t mat-
ing, knowledge systems and tary-General António Guterres There is lot to learn from Noah Harari talks of a growing functioning and for mirroring the
ter that inflation rates had eased; the economic scars of epistemologies. The Western has said, climate change is a the lived experiences of the in- mismatch between our power GMC’s legal system.
previous years remained raw. Citizens held their govern- model is extractivist, extinctivist “crisis multiplier” that has pro- digenous people and their epis- and our knowledge.
ments accountable for the soaring costs of everyday essen- and anthropocenic. It is a one- found implications for interna- temologies. Living in harmony “It is much easier to build a
tials, leading to a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment, world modernity. tional peace and stability. At with nature has been integral to dam over a river than to under- IN MEMORIAM
including in India where the ruling BJP failed to muster a Capitalism and global free such a moment, Gandhi is more their cultures, traditions and stand the full consequences for
majority on its own in the Lok Sabha. Established parties markets, Elon Musk boasts, will important than ever before. lifestyles. the fish, for the birds, for the
save the world. Johan Norberg Gandhi was the most radi- Their cultural practices, rit- trees, for the climate, for us.” GANGULI SUDHANSHU KUMAR —
found themselves replaced in several countries, reflecting Left us on 27th December, 1980.
a global appetite for change. This sentiment culminated of the libertarian think tank cal dissenter of the 20th century. uals, storytelling traditions and Time has come when we
CATO Institute claims capital- He taught humanity the power “everydayness of coping” are must ask ourselves what have Missed by Chhanda, Babu, Munmun,
in the United States, where rising costs and economic others.
ism is “not just successful, but of ‘No’. In his scheme of things, important lessons for us all. we done today for Planet Earth.
unease helped usher Donald Trump’s re-election. While
inflation dominated domestic politics, wars continued to
shape international dynamics. The prolonged conflict in editor@thestatesman.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Ukraine entered a new phase, with one side achieving sig-
nificant territorial gains. Meanwhile, in West Asia, a long- contemporary relevance, offering

A colussus is no more
standing struggle extended its reach, leaving a trail of audiences an immersive journey GOA POPS
destruction and political uncertainty. Syria, however, pre- through India’s civilizational eth- SIR, Goa has no paan shops but a wine shop every 20 yards and
sented a different narrative, as coordinated rebel efforts os. More than a filmmaker, Ben- at the cheapest prices. Apart from freeing one of the guilt com-
ousted a regime that had clung to power through years of SIR, The passing of Shyam Bene- intimate and universal. egal was a nurturer of talent and plex thrust by prohibition laws, it reveals the distributive econ-
gal, a colossus of Indian cinema, With a delicate yet piercing a mentor to countless actors and omy it spawns on an entire state. Travel services flourish despite
civil war. The transition to governance by rebel factions marks the end of an era that rede- lens, Benegal explored the intri- technicians who went on to sha- hiked fare rates. Restaurants, in sheer pressure of competition,
offers a glimmer of hope but also poses immense chal- fined the contours of storytelling cacies of human relationships, pe Indian cinema. excel in service and cuisine. Airports are bursting with traffic.
lenges for stabilisation.Amid this backdrop of political and on the silver screen. Widely regar- societal oppression, and moral Luminaries such as Naseer- Civic services keep improving by the day. In a nutshell, it is not
social upheaval, the business world was undergoing its ded as the torchbearer of parallel dilemmas, creating a legacy that uddin Shah, Om Puri, Shabana low priced alcohol that elevates the economy but the feeling of
own revolution, driven by artificial intelligence. The trans- cinema in India, Benegal’s works transcends generations. Azmi, and Smita Patil found their liberty that breathes the lively spirit into residents of the state
formative potential of AI spurred industries to rethink resonated with a rare combina- Benegal’s oeuvre was deeply footing in his films, which be - and visitors. In fact, carefree Goa would hardly notice the dozen
operations, and its economic significance was underscored tion of aesthetic brilliance and influenced by the new age of came vehicles for their artistic GST rates on the lowly popcorn.
by the overwhelming dominance of a handful of tech profound social consciousness. modernity often called Nehruvian expression. Yours, etc., R.Narayanan, Navi Mumbai, 26 December.
giants. These firms, commanding an outsized share of From his seminal debut with ideals and egalitarianism, which His keen eye for authenticity
Ankur to masterpieces such as shaped the moral and intellectual and his refusal to compromise on
market value, symbolise both the opportunities and risks
Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, core of his storytelling. creative integrity established a void in the world of cinema, yet seeks FIR’ published on 20 Dece-
of an increasingly digitised economy. The convergence of his films were an artistic rebellion His early works, brimming benchmark for meaningful cine- his legacy endures, etched in mber, the Manusmriti (5.12)
tech billionaire Elon Musk and Mr Trump emerged as a against the formulaic tendencies with quiet rage against feudal and ma. Benegal’s works were not every frame of his films and in the enshrines the dietary taboos for
defining theme. The intertwining of political influence with of commercial cinema, carving a patriarchal systems, evolved into merely films; they were richly lay- ideals he so passionately cham- Hindus. Since Manusmriti saw
technological innovation raises critical questions about niche for stories that were both reflective explorations of identity, ered tapestries that reflected the pioned. In celebrating his life’s the light of day in ancient times,
the future of governance and societal priorities. As tech- power, and justice in his later social, political, and cultural un- work, we honour a visionary who- all village birds were outside the
nology reshapes everything from economies to election years. Beyond his celebrated fea- dercurrents of their time, always se voice will continue to echo in purview of human consumption
campaigns, it is imperative to consider how such power ture films, his documentaries and urging audiences to confront un- the annals of Indian and global in keeping with Hindu religion.
is wielded and for whose benefit. Looking ahead, the les- the magnum opus television comfortable truths with courage cinema for years to come. The gramyakukkuta or dom-
sons of 2024 are clear: economic justice, political account- series Bharat Ek Khoj remain and empathy. Yours, etc., Amarjeet Kumar, estic fowl was one of such village
monumental contributions to As the curtain falls on the life Hazaribagh, 25 December. birds. However a Hindu was at
ability, and ethical technology adoption must become cen- India’s cultural and intellectual of Benegal, we mourn not just the liberty to eat bankukkuta or jun-
tral to priorities. Without a concerted effort to address landscape. loss of a cinematic maestro but gle fowls aeons ago albeit human
these issues, the instability that characterised this year These creations, inspired by also a philosopher, a storyteller, NOT TABOO consumption of such fowls is a
risks becoming a permanent feature. By learning from the Jawaharlal Nehru’s The Discovery and an indomitable spirit who SIR, Apropos your news report rarity nowadays.
past year’s turbulence, there is an opportunity to build a of India, epitomized his ability to believed in the transformative ‘Jungle fowl on CM Sukhu’s Yours, etc., Anindya Ghosal,
more equitable future. blend historical narrative with power of art. His passing leaves a menu: Himachal Pradesh BJP Burdwan, 20 December.

CMYK
 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024

100 YEARS AGO

07
Informal sector can OCCASIONAL NOTE
AT Montgomery Sir Malcolm Hai-
ley bore witness transformations
wrought by the aid of irrigation in the

be made competitive
Punjab as in other parts of India. He
could recall a visit to the Montgomery
district some twenty-seven years ago.
He then passed through “a barren
andarid waste.” Now he has seen every-
where growing crops; towns and vil-
lages rapidly coming into existence; and
signs of increasing prosperity on all
hands. As he observed, the story of
ARUP MITRA importance of public provisioning of in controlling the transactions and providing marketing assistance can Montgomery is but one chapter in the
work opportunities in the urban con- shaping the contracts. So, one ques- help the informal sector units cater to history of the material improvement of

T
he informal sector comprises text must be felt in policy circles. tion that crops up is, will formalising the upper income households and the Punjab; and he might have added
a sizable percentage of the Certain segments within the the informal sector help access certain organisations both within the country that the record of the Punjab is but one
workforce, especially in devel- informal sector bear strong links with benefits and make them at par with and outside. chapter in the history of irrigation work
oping countries. Even if we the formal sector through the process- the formal sector. On the other hand, Policy changes that could affect in India. In thirty years, as Sir Malcolm
exclude agriculture, which mostly es of ancillarisation, business subcon- extending certain advantages in terms vulnerable groups can be balanced by pointed out, nine million acres have
belongs to the informal sector, the tracting and a great deal of compli- of credit and technology acquisition, stronger safety nets, greater labour and been added to cultivation in the
non-agricultural activities unravel a mentary activities. However, many of the informality can be a better and product market flexibility, and better Province. Thus the desert has been
significant proliferation of the infor- the informal enterprises do not have cost-effective strategy as the enterpris- access to resources for the informal made to blossom as the rose. These
mal sector. Further, within the formal access to adequate capital, technolo- es would continue to retain their infor- sector firms. In addition, policies to nine million acres form one portion of
sector, informalization processes are gy, raw materials and marketing. Pos- mal status and utilise the flexibility spur economic development in gener- the irrigated areas of India which are
in place, resulting in an overwhelming sibilities of exploitation, particularly aspect of informality to improve their al can help reduce informality. Specific expected to reach a total of forty million
proportion of labour being engaged in with the operation of the intermedi- An endemic problem associated functioning and profitability. measures include streamlining of tax acres, producing an enormous addition
informal capacity. In other words, aries and contractors, exist on a large with many of the informal sector It is important to understand the codes and enhanced enforcement of to the wealth of the country. The
informal employment is a much larger scale, reducing the pace of upward enterprises is that they are usually sharp distinctions between informal revenue collection; easing firm and growth of Montgomery town-the old
set, encompassing both informal sec- mobility of the workers and the enter- engaged in the production of low- manufacturing and informal services. labour regulations to create a level village of Sahiwal which waschosen as
tor employment and the informal prises. quality products and services, thus The dynamics and the causes of playing field for both formal and infor- the head quarters of the district sixty
employment within the formal sector. Even when the linkages exist getting stuck in a vicious circle. Prod- growth are very different for these two mal participants; as well as greater years ago and renamed after the late Sir
Though parts of the informal sec- between the enterprises from both the uct innovation and process innovation broad activities, and the reasons for access to finance and public services Robert Montgomery-might be taken as
tor have been growing in response to sectors, informal sector enterprises do are instrumental to productivity low productivity can be varied. Inad- to help increase productivity in the anillustration of the concomitant ben-
demand, a wide range of low produc- not gain in terms of productivity, qual- growth. Besides, many of the enter- equate access to capital, material etc., informal sector are some of the key efits which the development ofirriga-
tivity activities exist within the infor- ity of employment and earnings. What prises and the independent workers low level of technology and catering interventions. tion brings in its train.
mal sector, indicating its significant support can be offered to make them are usually large in supplies, reducing to the local market and low income/ For making the informal sector
overlaps with poverty and slum economically viable and help them the possibility of any upward wage poor households, manufacturing low units competitive it is pertinent to
dwelling. There has been a close link enhance productivity is an important mobility. In what way skilling and quality products with minimum cost, improve their access to finance, NEWS ITEMS
between rural-urban migration and consideration. Besides, the dynamic reskilling can be done to facilitate the lack of research and development encourage entrepreneurship develop-
urban informal sector employment, ones may expand in size and graduate occupational flexibility is a pertinent for process or product innovation, ment initiatives and reduce the entry
suggesting a transfer of rural poverty to the formal sector and the best sup- question. producing stereotypes and lack of cost for the formal sector so that more PILGRIMS IN ROME
to the urban space. Additionally, sev- port for the informal sector businesses The dynamics of the informal sec- joint ventures and joint collaboration informal sector units become formal.
eral of the workers have been residing
in the urban areas for more than a
is to help them shift to the formal sec-
tor. This will help them access benefits
tor must be understood thoroughly to
recommend inclusive and broad-
in acquiring capital are some of the
factors which are relevant for the
Similarly, simplification and provi-
sions for tax benefits will remove the POPE INAUGURATES
decade, and they have been engaged
in the informal sector in a persistent
kept reserved for the formal sector
enterprises, and at the same time raise
based productivity enhancement
interventions. In order to raise pro-
informal manufacturing sector.
On the other hand, the informal
mental blocks for registering as formal
sector enterprises. Improving the bar-
HOLY YEAR
HOLY Year, which is now celebrated
manner. the tax revenue of the government. ductivity, we need to identify first the services sector is confronted with a gaining power of the informal sector
every quarter of a century, and which is
The possibility of graduating to Graduation to the formal econo- major constraints that the informal wide range of issues, starting from skill enterprises, removing information
expected to bring millions of pilgrims to
the formal sector after acquiring expe- my, however, may not be straightfor- sector enterprises and workers face. gaps to the excessiveness of human asymmetry and improving their direct
Rome in 1925, has been inaugurated by
rience in the informal sector is rather ward. Some may opt to operate within This in turn would help us strategize labour. The lack of training and skill accessibility to the market are instru-
the Pope opening the holy door of St
bleak. Hence, excess supplies of the informal sector in order to control the initiatives, which will be highly acquisition from formally recognised mental to success as the role of the
Peter’s with most impressive and brilliant
labour in many of the activities exist costs. For some others, the barriers impact oriented. In fact, integrating institutions reduce the occupational intermediaries will be suppressed sig-
ceremony.
significantly and many of the workers may be envisaged in terms of the the informal sector with the main- flexibility of the informal sector work- nificantly. The role of the ICT sector
The Pope, attended by his religious
continue to work within the informal process of registration to become for- stream economy must be the primary ers and their chance to experience in this context holds tremendous
and secular court, went in procession to
sector for their entire working life span mal business entities and the addi- objective; else, the informal sector upward mobility. Recognising the potentiality.
St Peter’s, and amid solemn silence
with meagre earnings. Though some tional financial costs associated there- may continue to operate in isolation. informal sources of skill acquisition
(This article contains excerpts taken from the thrice struck thedoor with a gold ham-
of the jobs within the informal sector in. So, unless the benefits are signifi- Of course, even after establishing and making provisions for appropriate
study commissioned by the Asian Productivity mer, saying Apertite mihi portas, justiti-
help reduce poverty, the recent pan- cantly larger than the costs, the enter- links with the formal sector, there can returns are indeed important from the Organisation on the informal sector for which
ae, whereupon workmen slowy lowered
demic has affected the poverty reduc- prises would remain unwilling to shift still be certain gross disadvantages due practical point of view. State efforts in the writer was the Chief Expert, South Asian
University, New Delhi.) the door, which had already beencut
tion processes miserably. Hence, the to the formal sector. to the dominance of the formal sector terms of establishing cooperatives and
away from the wall, and rolled it from the
entrance. The sides andentran ce were
then washed with holy water before the

Debating the ‘Dalit’ word

Pope passed through.
The bells of St Peter’s and 400 other
churches in Rome then announced that
Holy Year had begun. After the ceremony
the doors of St. Peter’s were thrown open
and crowds of the faithful passed through
the word. They think Dalit identity, In contrast, the usage of the term forced upon us by the state or the reli- People often frown at our asser-
MITRA PARIYAR the newly opened door, symbolizing the
Dalit quotas and Dalit literature have Dalit in Nepal is quite recent. The gion. The state started using this term, tion to conduct religious reform,
eternal doors of the city of God, each kiss-
further exposed them to discrimina- political movements of the “untouch- instead of the other highly stigmatised maintaining that it’s impossible to

O
ing the door post as he passed.
n 19 December 19, 2024, the tion. There’s some truth in that, of ables”, often supported by the Nepali terms mentioned above, according to amend Brahmanism. True, religious
veteran Nepalese commu- course, but it’s a mistaken under- Congress Party and the communist our own needs and demands. texts like Manusmriti can’t be
nist leader and upper-house
parliamentarian Bamdev
standing.
But this is the first time a senior
parties, borrowed it from India and
started using it in their movements
Moreover, it’s crazy to think that
simply removing the word would
reviewed as easily as a constitution or
law. But that doesn’t mean religious
RAILWAY EARNINGS
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
Gautam caused quite a stir in the Dalit communist politician—a former only seven decades ago. remove the stigma of caste and min- traditions and beliefs can’t be correct- THE total approximate gross earnings
community by suggesting that the deputy prime minister and home But we’ve been subjugated, imise caste hatred against us. It’s not ed according to changing times. of all State railways for the weekended
word ‘Dalit’ must be removed from minister—has expressed his anger at exploited, separated and humiliated that simple, is it? In this futile exercise, Our society has undergone many December 13 amounts to Rs. 1.98 crores,
official documents, including the con- the Dalit word. How do we under- as “untouchables”, following Hindu various Dalit groups have adopted religious and cultural reforms in or the same as for the corresponding peri-
stitution and the law. He made a fal- stand this attitude of a senior politi- laws, from centuries ago, well before new surnames including some resem- recent years. Upper castes no longer od of 1923-24.
lacious argument that removing the cian towards us? What does he want the unification of Nepal by Prithvi bling the prestigious upper-caste sur- require ritual purification after return-
word Dalit from all written docu- by attacking Dalit identity, one won- Narayan Shah in the mid-18th cen- names. ing from sea voyages. Inter-caste mar-
ments would somehow emancipate ders: True liberation of Dalits or the tury. It’s important to keep in mind, The Kami and Damai each has riage is quite common and accept- AKALI „JATHAS‰
that community and guarantee their end of their limited access to power therefore, that the significant section more than two hundred family able, among non-Dalits in particular.
rights.
Speaking to the National Assem-
and privilege?
Gautam’s assertion on removing
of the Nepali population currently
recognised as Dalits have been sup-
names! A fake family name would
provide a degree of cover against
Today’s Bahuns are free to drink alco-
hol, eat with other castes, play drums, UNFOUNDED
bly’s Development, Economic Affairs
and Good Governance, Gautam said,
the word Dalit from legal and official
documents and literature apparently
pressed and tormented, including
through state laws and policies (such
caste prejudice in unfamiliar social
settings—but that doesn’t, and hasn’t,
run iron workshops and tailoring
shops. STORIES OF ILL
“Let’s remove the term Dalit from our
dictionary… On the one hand, we
for their own sake doesn’t make any
sense. There’s no evidence to suggest
as the Muluki Ain of 1854), since
long before the use of the term came
in any way, liberated anybody from
the traditional forms of exclusion and
Society has been far more rigid
when it comes to reforming the reli- TREATMENT
decry discrimination against Dalits that simply getting rid of a word auto- into use. Is it fair then to lay the humiliation. gion and culture to guarantee the THE Hindustan Times of Delhi, and
and the infringement of their rights; matically liberates the community entire blame of Dalit suffering on We recently met with former constitutional and legal rights of Dal- other pro-Aknli papers havecirculated sto-
but on the other, our language, acts, from traditional oppression. what I would consider an innocent prime minister and Maoist chair its. That’s the last push we must all ries about the inhumane treatment of
constitution, law as well as document There’s the glaring case of India. word? Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, attempt. Despite the strong inertia, Akali prisoners in Nabha jails.
written by the scholars all refer to The Dalits of this country started Nobody would suggest that one who agreed with our assertion that the state can reform religious and cul- In the first jail, which is called
them as Dalits.” using the term Dalit as their self-iden- word or one form of identity should political changes alone haven’t tural beliefs and practices, with the Mahaiswallah Bir, there are lodged four
No doubt, Dalit has become a tification centuries ago. However, the be established forever. Healthy changed the situation of Dalits on the aid of modern laws. Dalit freedom jathas. They are healthy, but rather
controversial term over the years, Constitution of independent India, debates and discussions on any iden- ground. What is truly required is a fighters must pressure the ruling class sullen. They are annoyed with the
even within the Dalit community. passed by the Constituent Assembly tification must be welcomed and separate “cultural revolution” against to work in that direction. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Com-
Social media is full of comments from on November 29, 1949, doesn’t refer encouraged. It’s a good idea to change the caste system. We all want to break the chain of mittee, strongly resenting the manner in
ordinary people, most of whom are to any caste or community as a communal identity befitting the I’ve heard some other senior Dalitness. We have no pride in being which they are ignored by the leaders
upper castes, where the word is pre- “Dalit”. The untouchables have been changing times. But this should hap- politicians from across the party spec- born a Dalit. It’s an identity that who sent them on a fruitless errand. This
sented as a kind of license to domi- constitutionally and legally identified pen amongst the concerned groups trum express a similar sentiment. Nei- should be dumped in the dustbin of jail has two hospitals and the sick are
nate and discriminate against the as the “scheduled caste” instead. themselves; upper-caste leaders like ther Dahal nor we meant here the cul- history. But we will only become free provided with beds, special diet and
“untouchables”. A question to Gautam is: Has the Gautam must not intervene. tural revolution conducted by Chair- from Dalit identity when the rituals kitchens.
And, strangely, some Dalits avoidance of the term Dalit from the But many of us hold that this is man Mao in China in 1967-76. I’ve and customs get rid of the practice of About four miles away is the second
themselves tend to agree! Especially official lingo in India really con- not the time to argue against using the long advocated the need for religious untouchability. jail, the Dosa-janwalla Bir, in which are
the younger generation of Dalits, par- tributed to the emancipation of Dal- term Dalit. For one thing, unlike and cultural reforms to tackle the lodged eight jathas. Ujagar Singh, of the
ticularly those from the towns and its? Has this policy really stopped the humiliating terms like untouchable entrenched problem of caste discrim- (The writer, a graduate of Oxford University, is fifth Shahidi jatha, who was stated by the
a Dalit rights activist who has worked in S. G. P.C. to have been hung from a tree,
with some opportunities and privi- practice of untouchability in society? and water-unusable and low caste ination in this country. The key to our universities in Australia and England.)
leges, harbour a degree of disgust with The answer is, squarely, no! and small caste, Dalit identity wasn’t success. The Kathmandu Post/ANN. is still alive here. There are two dispen-
saries and a complete medical staff at
this jail, where some of the Akalis are
occupied with studies. The food supplied
CROSSWORD NO-293002 to the jathas is quite good, whilst elabo-
rate medical arrangements have been
made by the State.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ACROSS 16 Biblical renegade in a 28 Increasingly 5 Chart-topper penned before end of meal (9)
book before Biblical describing the Arctic, by our group is 17 Provide bits of
„TO KILL KRASSIN‰
9
1 Mark of extended dancer? Not entirely unlike the first unblemished (5) information to first of
union membership (7) answer? 6 Study origins of every defendants after
10 11
YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION apparently on the 19 Man returned, (3-4) blue star (5) court charge (5-4)
cards? (7,7) chopping a tree (3) 29 Letters about 7 Elected politician has 18 Spread element of
12 13
L O S E S
A N
K N OWN
U
A
B
A S
L B A N B E
A O E
G I S E L
R G
R
L E
10 The writer’s offended 20 Source of intelligence,
feeling with America say, Government
alternative sources of
decoration suggest
refurbished rising
concert venue, God
culture, say,
enthralling English girl
ALLEGED
E W D
M A R
C
G O
O I
T F O N T E
E
Y N
is a motivation (7)
11 Applies charge to
picked up, discounting
Russia’s leader (7)
the cuckoo pint
(5,3,6)
willing (9)
8 Cry of astonishment:
(8)
23 Individuals not seeing DECLARATION BY
ARMED WOMAN
14 15 16 17 18
S A Y N E S F honours? Liberal steps 21 Alien chasing British finally, Pigs in Space first supernatural
19 W I N D D R O P S I C A L down (7) religious figure (7) DOWN (4) beings (5)
I T C E B S A I 12 Key period not 22 Opening jar, ignoring 9 A newspaper probing 24 Old man taking lead THE woman, stated to be the widow
20 21 S Y L P H I D E S E P E E entirely wasted, ready recipe (4) 2 One enthusiast scandalous behaviour position in historic
S E A T H E S for review (9) 24 Arizona city’s receiving positive in Ministerial dance (5) of an American, who was arrested
R U D O L F N U R E Y E V 13 Bill carrying nothing overlooked by spies information (5) residence (8) 25 Set foot in central outside the Russian Embassy, and
22 23 24 25 O D U U S A S aboard capsized from Mediterranean 3 Mooted car to be 15 Wrong to go to Paris area to see Dorset put in gaol on a charge of illegal posses-
L O L L A R D C A S E L AW vessel (4) region (9) decorated – for this? to secure good radio castle (5)
26
L E I E T O V A 14 Calm down idiot 27 City set to absorb one (9) operator? (9) 26 Promoted recent way
sion of arms (it being alleged that
27 28 S A S H C O R D S P A E A N before second half of valley after reflection 4 Quantity of claret 16 Delicious aroma is of abbreviating a list she had declared her intention to kill
speech (7) (3,4) following punch? (9) swirling around Bishop (2,2) Krassin in revenge for the decimation of
her family by the Bolshevists), was sen-
29 tenced to three weeks' imprisonment
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. (By arrangement with The Independent, London) and deportation on expiry of the sen-
tence.

CMYK
08 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024
KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 09
10 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024

Indonesia’s Aceh marks 20th anniversary of 2004 tsunami

AGENCIES paid tribute on Thursday Takengon town marked the ago," said Safrizal, acting as a reminder to foster public flowers, and prayed for their "I am certain that my visiting the mass graves in
JAKARTA, 26 DECEMBER to relatives, family members, commemoration of the catas- Governor of Aceh. awareness of disaster pre- loved ones killed by the family members who could Ulee Lheue village.
and friends who lost their trophe. "Let us jointly pray, He said that the Aceh paredness. giant waves when the tsuna- not be found were buried The 2004 disaster struck
Residents of Indonesia's lives during the tsunami on remembering our brothers tsunami siren, which sounds In the provincial capital mi struck the coastal areas, here. Hopefully, they have the province and 13 other
Aceh province in the north- 26 December , 2004. and sisters who became vic- every 26 December during Banda Aceh, residents gath- Xinhua news agency report- been resting in peace," said nations along the Indian
ern tip of Sumatra Island The wailing of a siren in tims of the tsunami 20 years the commemoration, serves ered at mass graves, sowed ed. Maya, one of the residents Ocean coast.
 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024
11
Azerbaijan mourns air Israeli strike kills five Palestinian journalists in Gaza, officials say: An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a
hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, the Health Ministry said early Thursday. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of
militants. The strike hit a car outside the Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the terri-

crash victims amid probe

tory. The journalists were working for the local Quds News Network. The military said it targeted a group of fighters from
Islamic Jihad, a militant group allied with Hamas, whose 7 .October , 2023 attack into southern Israel ignited the war. � AGENCIES

The crash, near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured

ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON, 26 DECEMBER
As the official crash inves-
tigation started, theories TENDER
abounded about a possible

A
zerbaijan on Thurs- cause, with some commen-
day observed a tators alleging that holes seen
nationwide day of in the plane’s tail section
mourning for the possibly indicate that it could
victims of the air crash that have come under fire from
killed 38 people and left all Russian air defense systems
29 survivors injured as spec- fending off a Ukrainian drone
ulation mounted about a pos- attack.
sible cause of the crash that Ukrainian drones had pre-
remained unknown. viously attacked Grozny, the
Azerbaijan Airlines’ provincial capital of the Russ-
Embraer 190 was en route aircraft lying upside in the to me is that the plane changed ian republic of Chechnya,
from Azerbaijan’s capital of grass. its course between Baku and and other regions in the
Baku to the Russian city of On Thursday, national Grozny due to worsening country’s North Caucasus.
Grozny in the North Caucasus flags were lowered across weather conditions and head- Some Russian media claimed
on Wednesday when it was Azerbaijan, traffic across the ed to Aktau airport, where it that another drone attack on
diverted for reasons yet unclear country stopped at noon, crashed upon landing,” he Chechnya happened on
and crashed while making and signals were sounded said. Wednesday, although it wasn’t
an attempt to land in Aktau from ships and trains as the Russia’s civil aviation officially confirmed.
in Kazakhstan after flying country observed a nationwide authority, Rosaviatsia, said Osprey Flight Solutions,
east across the Caspian Sea. moment of silence. that preliminary information an aviation security firm
The plane went down Speaking at a news con- indicated that the pilots based in the United Kingdom,
about 3 kilometres from Aktau. ference Wednesday, Azer- diverted to Aktau after a bird warned its clients that the
Cellphone footage circulating baijani President Ilham Aliyev strike led to an emergency “Azerbaijan Airlines flight
online appeared to show the said that it was too soon to on board. was likely shot down by a
aircraft making a steep descent speculate on the reasons According to Kazakh offi- Russian military air-defense
before smashing into the behind the crash, but said cials, those aboard the plane system.” Osprey provides
ground in a fireball. Other that the weather had forced included 42 Azerbaijani cit- analysis for carriers still flying
footage showed part of its the plane to change from its izens, 16 Russian nationals, into Russia after Western air-
fuselage ripped away from planned course. six Kazakhs and three Kyr- lines halted their flights during
the wings and the rest of the “The information provided gyzstan nationals. the war.

South Korean opposition submits motion to impeach

the country’s acting president as strife deepens
AGENCIES 3 December. for the appointment of three bipartisan consent essen-
SEOUL,26 DECEMBER The court appointments Constitutional Court justices tially amounted to a refusal
have stalled amid an inten- as the court prepares to and “infringes on the Nation-
South Korea’s main oppo- sifying dispute between the start deliberations on al Assembly’s right to select
sition party submitted a liberal opposition and Yoon’s whether to dismiss or rein- Constitutional Court jus-
motion on Thursday to conservative party, and the state Yoon. The vote came tices.”
impeach the country’s acting potential impeachment of shortly after Han reiterated Yoon’s People Power
leader over his reluctance Prime Minister Han Duck- in a televised statement that Party, whose members most-
to fill three Constitutional soo may deepen the political he wouldn’t appoint the ly boycotted the National
Court vacancies ahead of paralysis that has halted justices without bipartisan Assembly vote, argued that
the court’s review of rebellion high-level diplomacy and consent. Han shouldn’t exercise pres-
charges against impeached rattled financial markets. National Assembly Speak- idential authority to appoint
President Yoon Suk Yeol The opposition-con- er Woo Won Shik urged Han the proposed justices while
stemming from his short- trolled National Assembly to swiftly appoint the justices, Yoon has yet to be formally
lived martial law decree on also passed motions calling saying that his calls for removed from office.

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ON

PAGE 2
 ‘A VISIONARY LEADER’
Top political leaders and business tycoons on Thursday mourned the demise
of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, saying that his leadership,
humility, and dedication will always be remembered. Stressing that he was a
KOLKATA
FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024
12
visionary leader, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Dr Singh
served as the Governor of RBI and as Finance Minister of India.
“Presented the milestone budget of 1991 which liberalised the Indian
economy. Respected by all, he was soft-spoken and gentle.
Condolences to his family and friends,” FM Sitharaman posted on X
social media platform.
For more updates www.thestatesman.com

THUMBNAILS

PharmEasy further loses its

valuation to $456 million:
Market ends flat
Among the sectors, Nifty Auto, Healthcare & Pharma indices rose almost 1 pc
Housing sales
to fall by 4 pc in
seven major
cities: Report
Health-tech company
PharmEasy has drastically Economic Zone (5.22 per STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
lost its valuation to now cent), Mahindra & Mahindra NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER
around $456 million, from (1.60 per cent), SBI Life Insur-
its all-time high of $5.6 bil- ance Company (1.59 per A recent report by housing
lion. Now, one of its cent), Shriram Finance (1.52 brokerage firm, Anarock,
investors Janus Henderson per cent), and Maruti Suzuki said the housing sales are
said in a filing that it valued India (1.48 per cent). estimated to fall 4 per cent
its stake of 12.9 million On the losing side were this year in seven major
shares in the startup at Asian Paints (0.95 per cent), cities to nearly 4.6 lakh units
$766,043, reports Titan Company (0.91 per on lower launches.
TechCrunch. According to cent), JSW Steel (0.80 per While the sales in value
the report, the asset man- cent), Grasim Industries (0.79 terms are up 16 per cent to
ager’s Global Research per cent), and Nestle India Rs 5.68 lakh crore, it said.
Fund had originally invested (0.78 per cent). Average housing prices
$9.4 million. The latest valu- The Indian rupee settled grew 21 per cent this year
ation by the asset manager at a record closing low for a across the seven major cities
is a whopping 92 per cent third consecutive session on rising rates of land, labour
down from PharmEasy’s all- pressured by a firm dollar and some building raw mate-
time high valuation. In and importers' month-end rials. Anarock attributed the
FY24, the online pharmacy dollar demand. The rupee fall in sales volumes during
clocked Rs 2,533 crore in ended at 85.2625 to the dollar, 2024 to a drop in new launch-
losses, as it revenue against 85.20 in the previous es of housing projects because
declined almost 15 per cent session. It hit an all-time low of a delay in regulatory
at Rs 5,664 crore. The rev- of 85.2825 earlier in the ses- approvals amid general and
sion. assembly elections.
enue from operations
decreased 14.8 per cent to Among the individual per- The firm released its hous- Micro insurance premium in life
Rs 5,664 crore compared to STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE intraday high and low of cent. Buying was seen in the formers, shares of recently ing market data, showing a
Rs 6,644 crore in FY23, as NEW DELHI, 26DECEMBER 78,898.37 and 78,173.38. Nifty auto, energy, pharma, realty, listed One MobiKwik Systems marginal 4 per cent drop in segment tops `10k cr in FY24
per the financials of API opened at 23,775.80 against PSU Bank, while selling was surged over seven per cent sales across the 7 major

B
Holdings, the parent com- enchmark indices its previous close of 23,727.65 seen in the metal, FMCG, in the morning session. cities to 4,59,650 units during STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE crore, rising 23.5 per cent
pany of PharmEasy. The closed with little and hit its intraday high and media. Shares of NTPC Green 2024 against 4,76,530 units NEW DELHI, 26DECEMBER from Rs 8,792.8 crore in FY23.
company, which substan- change on Thursday low of 23,854.50 and 23,653.60, Nifty Bank and Private Energy tumbled over 4 per in 2023. The overall sales Individual NBP dropped
tially cut its workforce last in yet another volatile respectively. BSE Midcap Bank indices slipped 0.12 cent, as the one-month lock- value of housing units saw The new business premium 23.78 per cent year-on-year
year amid deep valuation session, with the Nifty at index rose 0.11 per cent, out- per cent and 0.16 per cent, in period for anchor investors a 16 per cent annual growth (NBP) in life insurance’s (Y-o-Y) to Rs 152.57 crore
cuts, managed to reduce 23,750 led by auto, pharma performing the benchmark respectively, while the Nifty expired today. Further, the to Rs 5.68 lakh crore in 2024 micro-insurance segment in while group NBP rose 24.61
losses by over 50 per cent and energy stocks. At close, Sensex while the BSE Small- PSU Bank index rose 0.31 IRCTC shares fell after reports from Rs 4.88 lakh crore in 2023-24 surpassed Rs 10,000 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 10,707.82
in FY24, owing to 79 per the Sensex was down 0.39 cap index declined 0.24 per per cent. The Bank Nifty of a major outage on its e- the preceding year. crore for the first time, Insur- crore.
cent reduction in goodwill points at 78,472.48, and the cent. concluded the trading day ticketing platform. On fresh supply of housing ance Regulatory and Devel- Private insurers collected
impairment charges. Once Nifty was up 22.55 points or Among the sectors, Nifty at 51233.0, having recorded Asian Paints continued properties, Anarock data opment Authority of India group premiums worth Rs
valued at $5.6 billion, at 23,750.20. Auto, Healthcare and Pharma an intraday high of 51740.0 to fall, hitting a fresh 52- showed a 7 per cent decline (Irdai) said. 10,690.73 crore, from 469
PharmEasy saw its valua- Sensex opened at 78,557.28 indices rose almost 1 per and a low of 50951.8. week low in trade as the to 4,12,520 units in 2024 As per the financial year’s schemes, while LIC gathered
tion nosedive to about against its previous close of cent while on the flip side On Nifty, the gainers stock continued to face selling against 4,45,770 units in Annual Report by Irdai, the Rs 17.09 crore, from 4,993
$500-$600 million last year. 78,472.87 and touched its Nifty Media fell over 1 per included Adani Ports & Special pressure. 2023. overall NBP rose to Rs 10,860.39 schemes.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial group India strengthens leadership

in agricultural exports: Govt
Bank frauds increased to
infuses `3,000 cr into SMFG India per cent. 18,461, amount involved
credit through rights issue
Engineering goods
exports have also shown an
impressive performance
during the year, with a 9.73
spikes 8x in H1FY25: RBI
only allows us to scale our per cent increase, from April
business operations but also to October 2024, to $67.48 In 2023-24, the number
solidifies our ability to serve billion from $61.50 billion of fraud cases reported by
a diverse customer base with in the same period of the private sector banks (PVBs)
innovative financial solutions. preceding year. accounted for 67.1 per cent
As we continue to expand, AGENCIES The auto components of the total. In terms of amount
our focus remains steadfast NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER and parts sector has shown involved, however, public
on driving financial inclusion an impressive performance sector banks (PSBs) had the
and empowering under- India has strengthened its with exports increasing from highest share of card and
served communities across leadership in the export of $4.41 billion in April-October internet frauds was highest
the country.” labour-intensive agricultural 2023 to $4.81 billion in April- for all bank groups in 2023-
Interestingly, SMICC is and allied products while October 2024, registering a 24.
registered as an NBFC - expanding into new areas growth of 8.98 per cent. The RBI data said the
Investment and Credit Com- such as electronics goods. The electronics goods instances of penalty imposed
pany (NBFC-ICC) with the During April-October exports, during April-October on regulated entities (REs)
Reserve Bank of India and 2024, the agricultural and 2024, were at $19.07 billion, increased during 2023- 24
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE infusion of Rs 3,000 crore, is a wholly owned subsidiary allied products exports shot registering a growth of 23.69 across all bank groups, except
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER SMICC has received the of SMFG. SMICC started its up to $27.84 billion from per cent, compared to $15.42 foreign banks and small
highest-ever fund infusion India operations in 2007 and $26.90 billion in April-Octo- billion in April-October 2023. finance banks. The total
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial of Rs 4,300 crore for any has established a pan India ber 2023, according to a India has also sustained penalty amount more than
Group, Inc. (SMFG) has rein- financial year since inception, presence, across 670+ towns year-end review of the Com- its performance in the drugs doubled in 2023-24 to Rs
forced its commitment to top company officials said and 70,000+ villages through merce and Industry Min- and pharmaceuticals sector. 86.1 crore, led by public and
the Indian market with anoth- on Thursday. 828 branches and over 22,000 istry. Drugs and pharma exports STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The number of frauds private sector banks. The
er Rs 3,000 crore equity infu- This strategic investment employees offering lending Exports of spices have during April-October 2024 NEW DELHI, 26DECEMBER during April-September stood amount of penalty imposed
sion in SMFG India Credit reflects SMFG’s unwavering products to underserved & jumped from $2.4 billion in at $17.05 billion continued at 18,461 involving Rs 21,367 on co-operative banks
Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton focus on supporting SMICC’s unserved retail and small 2013-14 to $4.2 billion in to register a strong growth In the first half of the current crore compared to 14,480 declined during the year,
India Credit Co. Ltd.) (SMICC) growth trajectory and business borrowers. In the 2023-24. During April-Octo- of 8 per cent, as compared fiscal, the number of bank cases involving Rs 2,623 crore while there was an increase
via a rights issue. This invest- enhancing financial inclusion process, it has introduced ber 2024, spice exports reg- to April-October 2023 at frauds witnessed a significant in the comparative period in instances of penalty impo-
ment also includes Rs 300 across the Nation. Post this people to formal credit. istered a robust 10 per cent $15.79 billion. India continues on-year increase to 18,461 of the last financial year, sition. While many cases of
crore directed towards its infusion, SMICC’s Capital SMICC’s primary services increase to $2.47 billion to be a major exporter of cases. based on the date of fraud digital fraud result from social
wholly-owned subsidiary, Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is constitute financing of SME from $2.24 billion in the generic drugs, medical The amount involved in reporting. engineering attacks on cus-
SMFG India Home Finance expected to strengthen fur- for working capital and same period of the previous devices and other healthcare these frauds also jumped The RBI report said frauds tomers, there is also a rapid
Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton ther, reinforcing the com- growth, loans for commercial year. products. more than eight-fold to Rs present multiple challenges increase in the use of mule
India Home Finance Co. pany’s robust financial foun- vehicles and two-wheelers, Basmati rice exports Textiles is a key sector 21,367 crore, according to for the financial system in bank accounts to perpetrate
Ltd.) (SMFG Grihashakti). dation. On this landmark home improvement loans, increased from $4.8 billion from an employment gen- the data released by RBI. the form of reputational risk, such frauds, the RBI said.
As of 30 September, 2024, infusion, Pankaj Malik, Chief loans against property, loans to $5.8 billion, and non- eration perspective. The In its report on Trend and operational risk, business "This exposes banks not
SMICC’s Asset Under Man- Financial Officer, SMFG against shares, personal basmati rice exports from exports of ready-made gar- Progress of Banking in India risk and erosion of customer only to serious financial and
agement (AUM) stood at Rs India Credit said: “This fund loans, loans for rural liveli- $2.9 billion to $4.6 billion. ments of all textiles were 2023-24, RBI presented the confidence with financial operational risks, but also
49,800 crore, showcasing a infusion demonstrates the hood advancement and In April-October 2024, the $8.73 billion in April-October performance of the banking stability implications. to reputational risks. Banks,
year-on-year growth of 25.1 confidence that SMFG places financing of various rural exports of basmati rice were 2024 as compared to $7.83 sector, including commercial The share of internet and therefore, need to strengthen
per cent. SMFG in April 2024 in the growth potential of micro enterprises. $3.38 billion as compared billion in April-October 2023, banks, co-operative banks card frauds in the total stood their customer onboarding
had infused Rs 1,300 crore the Indian market and SMFG SMFG Grihashakti, on its to April-October 2023 when registering a growth of 11.59 and non-banking financial at 44.7 per cent in terms of and transaction monitoring
in SMICC via rights issue India Credit’s vision. The parts, is a wholly owned they were $2.96 billion, reg- per cent, the statement institutions, during 2023-24 amount and 85.3 per cent in systems to monitor unscrupu-
and with this latest capital enhanced capital base not subsidiary of SMICC. istering a growth of 14.28 added. and 2024-25 so far. terms of number of cases. lous activities," it added.

Financial markets witness steady improvement in gender inclusion pan India

RITWIK MUKHERJEE Going by a recent research increase since FY22. Breaking within financial markets better avenue to financiali-
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER report by the State Bank of it down state-wise, among across the country. Also, sation of savings, the preva-
India’s Economic Research large states, Delhi (29.8 per apart from a few states, the lence of F&O trading is a
Indian capital market regu- Department, the dominance cent), Maharashtra (27.7 per participation of women cause of worry.
lator- SEBI is spurring Democ- of Mumbai and Western cent) and Tamil Nadu (27.5 increased more than national As per SEBI, 91.1 per cent
ratisation of Capital Markets, region as centre of supply of per cent) exhibit higher female average in FY25 as compared of Individual F&O traders
ushering in innovations funds is declining over time. representation than the pan to FY22. Looking towards (in absolute numbers, nearly
through a confluence of reg- When it comes to indirect India average of 23.9 per cent the Mutual Funds segment, 73 lakh traders) incurred
ulatory emblems, techno- retail participation in financial in FY25 YTD, while states the increasing share of mutual losses in F&O in FY24. These
logical guardrails, investor markets, the markets witness such as Bihar (15.4 per cent), funds in financial savings loss-makers incurred an aver-
centricity and increased flow fund from Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh (18.2 per cent) make them the most preferred age loss of Rs 1.20 lakh per
awareness. Since 2021, on Hyderabad and Kanpur with and Odisha (19.4 per cent) instrument for financialization person (lower than Rs 1.43
an average nearly 30 million direct mutual fund partici- had sub-20 per cent female of savings. The new SIP reg- lakh per person in FY23).
new demat accounts are pation overtaking indirect 30.2 per cent, which is higher the influx of relatively younger mation. share in their respective reg- istered increased fourfold And as a result of this,
being added every year, indi- in key regions in terms of than the global average of investors in the markets over That’s not all. The most istered investor bases. These since FY18 to 4.8 crore leading both government and regu-
cating increasing prevalence gross flows. 28.2 per cent. Then, declining the last few years, driven by important trend, possibly is regional variations notwith- to total SIP contribution of lator has taken various ini-
of using capital market as a But what are possibly mean/median age and technological advancements, that women participation in standing, the overall progress around Rs 2 lakh crore, accord- tiatives to protect savings of
channel of financialization more important are the facts increasing share of less than lower trading costs and individual investor registra- highlights a steady improve- ing to the SBI research report. individuals (like tax on F&O,
of savings. that India’s savings rate is at 30-year age individuals reflects increased access to infor- tions has shown a gradual ment in gender inclusion While capital market is a increase in lot size, etc).

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
 Manchester City at risk of
KO L K ATA | 27 D E C E M B E R 2 0 24 missing out on Champions
Trophy: Guardiola

PAGE 15

THUMBNAILS
Govt to allow construction of more Police deny permission
for extension of
shopping malls in city, districts protest by doctors
Mamata Banerjee to visit Sandeshkhali on 30 December, Gangasagar on 5 January
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE to purchase quality leather chief minister will go to Gan-
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER products." gasagar. She will first meet
Miss Banerjee said in the an elderly monk of Bharat

T
he state government districts super-markets will Sevasram Sangha and then
will allow construc- be set up for the benefit of visit the Kaplil muni ashram.
tion of more shop- the people. “The buildings She will visit the Gangasagar
ping malls in the city will have two floors reserved mela which is held in Kolkata
Art exhibition: The and all district headquarters for the SHGs, there will be a on 8 January. The Holy dip
Rangini art exhibition will as a part of the drive to make car park on the ground floor at Gangasagar will take place AGENCIES sit-in demonstration, which
be organised by students artisans economically self- and a cinema hall and cafe- on 14 and 15 January. She KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER is scheduled to end this after-
of Anka Banka School reliant, chief minster Mamata teria for the visitors," she said the state Inland Waterys noon. However, later we got
Uttarpara, which will focus Banerjee said today. said. wing of the Transport depart- Kolkata Police have denied permission for the same from
on watercolour and other The state cabinet today Miss Banerjee these steps ment has made a launch run permission to a doctors’ asso- the Calcutta High Court,”
mixed art forms from cleared the proposal to allow have been taken to econom- by electric. She will inaugurate ciation seeking an extension said a representative of the
other art schools. The exhi- construction of two more ically boost local artisans it on 8 January. of their protest in the R G Kar umbrella doctors’ body.
bition will showcase the shopping malls in the city. and self help groups. Miss Banerjee informed rape and murder case. On Wednesday, another
legacy of award-winning In both the cases the state There will be Bengal Global that ITC has set up an AI The protest has been going doctors’ body namely West
artist Gautam Dey, whose government will ask the pri- Business Summit on 5 and Global Hub which will be on to condemn the failure of Bengal Doctors Forum had
detailed watercolour style vate players to carry out con- 6 February, 2025. "Bengal''s inaugurated shortly. On 2 the Central Bureau of Inves- written to chief minister
is inspired by British artists. structions. economic growth is steady January, she will hold an tigation (CBI) to present a Mamata Banerjee seeking the
Students explore various One mall will come up and it will grow further soon," administrative review meeting charge sheet against Sandip change the name of “Dorina
subjects, including real- on the plot of land opposte she said. at Nabana. Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal, Crossing”, a popular protest
world city life, rural culture, the Alipore zoo. "There is a Miss Banerjee said on 30 Miss Banerjee said on 1 who are accused of tampering point in the city, to “Abhaya
mythological characters, plot of land where an acquar- December she will go to January, Trinamul Congress with the evidence in the ghastly Crossing”.
abstract themes, nature, ium of Alipore zoo is situated Sandeshkhali to take part in will hold its foundation day. rape and murder of a junior Recently, a special court
landscape, and magic real- along with a clinic run by The other shopping mall men will be displayed and a public distribution pro- The day is observed by holding doctor of state-run R G Medical in Kolkata granted “default
ism. The exhibition will take the state animal husbandary will come up opposite Alipore sold. Five lakh people work gramme. More than 20,000 blood donation camps across College and Hospital. bail” to the former and con-
place till 29 December with department. The proposed Jail Museum. “It will be a in the leather complex,” she people will receive various the state. One lakh bottles The sit-in protest at Dorina troversial principal of R G Kar
each piece open for mall will house both," Miss leather hub where leather said adding: “The shopping benefits, she said. of blood are likely to be col- Crossing organised by the Sandip Ghosh and the former
acquisition. SNS Banerjee said. goods made by local crafts- mall will help local buyers On 5 January 2025 the lected from the camps. West Bengal Joint Platform IC of Tala police station Abhijit
of Doctors, an umbrella asso- Mondal as the CBI failed to
ciation of doctors practising file the supplementary charge

3 in cop net for extortion using Abhishek Banerjee’s name in the state, is supposed to
end in the evening.
A member of the doctor’s
body said they forwarded a
sheet against them within 90
days from the date of their
arrests.
This week, a report from
According to police, a complaint was filed against Kaushik Sarkar, alleging that he collected way. Investigation into the the guest room (No. 417) from communique on Wednesday the Central Forensic Science
case is on progress. where the three were arrested night to the city police for Laboratory (CFSL) surfaced,
crores of rupees using a fake letterhead in the name of Abhishek Banerjee. During investigation police was allegedly booked by BJP permission to extend the sit- which has created doubts
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Case No 216 dated 25.12.2024 sapp No. 9073084742 having functionaries of Hon’ble MP officers of Shakespeare Sarani MLA Nikhil Ranjan Dey of in protest. about the “scene of crime”
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER U/S the DP of Abhishek Banerjee, Office, at 9 Camac Street on PS, accompanied by chairman Cooch Behar. Earlier in August, However, on Thursday, in the rape and murder case.
111(2)(b)/61(2)/319(2)/338/336 and others who being the the false pretext of providing Kalna Municipality went to a Trinamul Congress leader the city police replied to the The Kolkata Police and
Three persons were arrested (3)/336(4)/340/318(4)/308(6) members of a syndicate of an assorted facilities by applying meet the person at MLA Hostel was arrested from New Town doctors' email communique the CBI carried out investi-
on Thursday for trying to extort of BNS, 2023 on the basis of organised crime, on and before political influence demanding and then arrested the following who used to forge the letterhead claiming the inability to give gations considering the sem-
money from Kalna chairman letter of complaint of one 16:39 Hrs, Dt-24/12/24 and Rs five lakh as part payment persons, namely Junayedul of Abhishek Banerjee. Accord- permission on certain grounds. inar hall as the “scene of
in the name of Trinamul Con- Ananda Dutta, aged about 64 afterwards, allegedly to be and also convinced the com- Haque Chowdhury (33) of vil- ing to police, a complaint was “We are weighing legal crime”. However, the CFSL
gress national general secretary years, S/O-Late Bimalendu entered into a criminal con- plainant by showing various lage Dhapdhara in Hooghly filed against Kaushik Sarkar, options available to ensure report submitted to the CBI
Abhishek Banerjee, who is Dutta, residing at 108 Shib spiracy and in pursuant to forged documents thereby district; Subhadip Malik (24) alleging that he collected crores the extension of the demon- clearly stated that there is no
also the MP from Diamond Mandir Road, ward 4, in Kalna that dishonestly induced the committed extortion and of Tarakeswar, Hooghly and of rupees using a fake letterhead stration. Initially, the city evident sign of scuffle within
Harbour. According to police police station area, Burdwan complainant by impersonating cheating by impersonation Sk Taslim (38) of Park Street, in the name of Abhishek police even denied granting the seminar room, sources
sources, a case vide Sec K2 (East) against the user of What- himself as one of the high and forgery in an organized Kolkata. According to reports Banerjee. permission for the ongoing said.
 14 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024

THUMBNAILS
Local TMC leader found dead Veer Bal Diwas
School carnival: Hariyana Inter-
observed in Bagdogra
national Academy, Kalaberia,
Bishnupur, Rajarhat, Newtown
celebrated its Winter Wonder-
land on 22 December at the
under mysterious circumstances
school premises. Students
BJP's West Bengal president and Union minister of state Sukanta Majumdar vehemently denied the TMC allegations
were treated to bubble show, blaming the BJP and claimed that the infighting in Trinamul Congress in Nandigram might have led to the death
face painting, spin the wheel AGENCIES his family members and the for those responsible for
event, magic show and origami KOLKATA 26 DECEMBER local TMC workers started Bishoyi's murder,” said a
throughout the day. Events looking for him. ruling party leader.

T
like toss the ring, trampoline, ension prevailed in Finally, his body, with sev- However, BJP's West Ben-
puppet show, slip and slide Nandigram of East eral injury marks, was recov- gal president and Union min-
along with quiz programmes Midnapore district ered from the front of his ister of state Sukanta Majum-
were also organised for the since Thursday morn- food stall on Thursday morn- dar has vehemently denied
tiny tots. ing after the body of a local ing. the allegations and claimed
Trinamul Congress leader The police recovered that the infighting in Trinamul
was recovered under myste- Bishoyi's body and sent it for Congress in Nandigram might
Girl commits suicide: A young rious circumstances. post-mortem. have led to the death.
girl committed suicide after The deceased has been Local TMC leaders have "BJP does not believe in STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE unparalleled sacrifice of these
her fiancé threatened to make identified as Mahadeb Bishoyi alleged that those behind the politics of vengeance. Let SILIGURI, 26 DECEMBER young heroes. Guru Gobind
some ‘intimate' videos of hers (52). He was an active local murder of Bishoyi were actively there be a proper investigation Singh, who fought many bat-
viral as she declined to contin- organisational member of associated with the BJP. into the matter and let police BJP leaders and RSS activists tles against the Mughals,
ue the relationship with him. the ruling party at Gokulnagar local Trinamul Congress work- while he was returning home "Bishoyi was an active nab the real culprits. This commemorated Veer Bal also lost his elder sons in
The girl from Paranpur village village panchayat under ers started a protest. after closing his food stall in member of our party. The murder can be a result of Diwas in the region today, the Battle of Chamkaur,
in Nadanghat PS area in Kalna Nandigram-I block. According to Trinamul the locality. BJP activists have killed him infighting in the ruling party," paying tribute to the where they gave their lives
had a relationship with a local As the police reached the Congress workers, the After Bishoyi did not return out of vengeance. We are Majumdar said. Sahibzadas, the young sons for their country and reli-
youth. She hanged herself in spot to recover the body, the assailants picked up Bishoyi home for the whole night, demanding strict punishment (Representational Image) of Guru Gobind Singh, whose gion.
her bedroom and her family sacrifice and courage stand Speaking at the event,
held the youth responsible for as a testament to India’s MP Raju Bista recalled that
causing provocation to commit
suicide. Mayor assures help to Siliguri resident over railways’ boundary wall construction struggle for justice and faith.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista
on 9 January, 2022, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi had
attended a special programme declared 26 December as
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE over the inconvenience caused meeting, the officials agreed at a Gurudwara in Bagdogra Veer Bal Diwas, ensuring the
Partnership: SAIL ISP, Burnpur SILIGURI, 26 DECEMBER to the residents. on conducting a joint inspec-
Mr Deb stated that on the occasion, which hon- legacy of these brave children
and TEXMiN Foundation, the In response, mayor Deb tion to better understand the he would visit the ours the bravery of Sahibzada continues to inspire future
Technology Innovation Hub at Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb assured the caller over the situation and address the location to ascertain Zorawar Singh (9) and generations.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, on Thursday (photo) convened a meeting phone that he would take grievances of the residents. the exact Sahibzada Fateh Singh (6). The Sikh community,
announced a groundbreaking with the railways and IOC the matter seriously and act Speaking to reporters after measurements of the On 26 December, 1705, the known for their commitment
partnership to revolutionise officials today to address in the interest of the affected the meeting, Mr Deb stated land belonging to the two sons of the 10th Sikh to “Ek Bharat, Shrestha
workforce training through complaints raised by locals residents. Following the com- that he would visit the location railways department guru were buried alive by Bharat”, have been recognised
the power of immersive tech- during the ‘Talk to Mayor’ plaint, the mayor, accom- again, accompanied by SMC order of Mughal commander for their selfless service, spir-
nologies. The collaboration will programme on Saturday. panied by officials from the officials, including members to safeguard railway prop- Wazir Khan after refusing to ituality, patriotism, and sac-
see the establishment of a During the live pro- Siliguri Municipal Corporation of the land department, to have been encroached upon, erties, the construction has, convert to Islam, choosing rifices in protecting the nation
state-of-the-art AR/VR (XR) Lab gramme, a resident of ward (SMC), visited the site yes- ascertain the exact measure- with human settlements now in some cases, led to disputes martyrdom to uphold their and its dharma.
and a 3D Holographic Centre at 32, hailing from Kashmir terday to assess the situation ments of the land belonging established in certain areas. with local residents, as seen faith and protect their coun- “All four sons of Guru
ISP, Burnpur. U P Singh, ED(HR), Colony, called in to report and interact with the locals. to the railways department. To prevent further encroach- in the current case. The joint try. Gobind Singh sacrificed their
ISP, Burnpur, and Dheeraj that a common road, used Subsequently, Mr Deb It is worth noting that the ments, the railway department inspection planned by the Highlighting the historical lives for the country and
Kumar, Dy. Director, TEXMin by locals had been blocked reached out to railway officials railways owns extensive plots has been constructing bound- SMC and the railways is significance, a senior RSS their faith. Observing Veer
Foundation, signed the MoU on due to the construction of a and invited them for a dis- of land around the New Jal- ary walls and demarcation expected to offer clarity and activist described 26 Decem- Bal Diwas is our duty to hon-
behalf of their respective boundary wall by the railways. cussion to find a resolution paiguri railway station. Over lines in vulnerable zones. help resolve the matter ber as India’s “true Children’s our their legacy,” the RSS
organisations. The caller expressed concern to the issue. During today’s the years, some of these lands While these measures aim amicably. Day,” commemorating the activist added.

SER celebrates Railway Week WINTER SHOPPING Efforts still on to catch

straying tigress
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE guns are also camping near
PURULIA, 26 DECEMBER the site. Chief conservator of
forests (south west circle),
Rahamdah village has been Bidyut Sarkar said that the
surrounded from different area is geographically very
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE were also awarded to different sides like a fortress to prevent tough and last night the light
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER divisions, workshops and the three-and-a-half-year-old drizzle has also worsened the
stations. Ranchi and Bokaro tigress Zeenat from entering conditions in the forests.
South Eastern Railway cele- Steel City railway stations at night to kill cattle. Since last “We are trying our level
brated the 69th Railway Week- jointly have been adjudged night, the forest department best to capture her safely.
Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar, as the Best Kept Station. has erected nylon nets to stop Need to show patience,” he
2024 at Kolkata on Thurs- Mr Mishra, GM, while her sudden entry. added. Three teams of expert
day. addressing the gathering Since afternoon, the roads tranquilisers, armed with darts
Anil Kumar Mishra, gen- mentioned about SER’s leading to the three tribal placed in different strategic
eral manager, South Eastern achievements in freight and villages surrounding Raika locations of the Chirugaru
Railway, graced the occasion passenger sectors. He com- Hills are having a deserted forests are waiting as the
as chief guest. Soumitra plimented the railway look. State forest department tigress hasn't appeared within
Majumdar, Addl. GM, employees for their sincere has been taking help of popular their shooting range since
Surinder Pal, senior deputy efforts and commendable folk artists, who are singing Sunday. Prakash Chand Gogi-
general manager along with performance in spite of dif- popular folk songs to spread neni, field director, Similipal
all principal heads of the ferent challenges. the message of the tigress Tiger Reserve told The States-
departments attended the South Eastern Railway straying in the hills of Purulia man today: "It is still in the
function. has increased the loading since last Sunday. same forest area and hasn't
Altogether, 82 selected by 4.44 per cent by loading Debal Roy, principal chief moved further."
railway officers & staff were 211.60 million tonnes in conservator of forests (CCF) Also, three new live bait
felicitated in recognition of 2023-24 and the freight load- of West Bengal said that over comprising buffalo calves and
their outstanding services ing till the month of November 150 forest officials are camping wild boars were placed in
and devotion to duty during in this financial year 2024- in Bandwan to nab the Zeenat new locations to lure Zeenat,
the year 2023-24. Total 32 25 is 139 million tonnes, safely. It has already started as she recorded barely 200
efficiency shields were also which is about 2 per cent killing the local cattle, who metres of movement since
presented to the more than the same period graze in the grasslands. Trap Monday. Dr S Kulandaivel,
divisions/units. in the year 2023-24. Origi- cameras, drones and radio chief conservator of forests
The Overall Efficiency nating Freight Earning in collar devices are being used (central) said: "She’s confined
Shield was awarded to Adra the financial year 2023-24 is to trace the tigress. herself more or less in the
division for the best all-round Rs 19,326 crore which is 5.97 So far, she has evaded all same place. The efforts to
performance. Efficiency per cent more than in the her traps including goats and tranquilise the tigress are
Shields in other categories financial year 2022-23. Women shopping for winter at Bhutia Market in Kolkata on Thursday � BISWAJIT GHOSHAL pigs. Experts with tranquiliser being continued, too.”

City filmmaker documents Cash, gold found at Arpita’s residence

farmers’ movements in US, India belonged to Partha: ED to court
The director of the documentary is Bedabrata
Pain. He is an ex-NASA scientist. Pain is a tech-
nology consultant for the prime camera
maker RED Digital Cinema. He received his B
Tech degree from IIT Kharagpur in 1986 and
his PhD from Columbia University, USA

and his PhD from Columbia in recent times. It may be

University, USA. He is a recip- recalled that four decades
ient of NASA inventors award ago, similar market reforms
and IIT distinguished alumnus were made in the USA. How
award. did the reforms turn out in
Pain had directed Chit- America? Who has benefited?
tagong in 2012 and won the Who lost out, the farmers, the AGENCIES who is currently out on con- Chatterjee is the 10th and Mukherjee have already
Golden Lotus in the Indian consumers or the corporates? KOLKATA 26 DECEMBER ditional bail now, had con- accused in the case to file a been shown as the highest
National awards. Pain is assist- Similarly, the questions fessed during her interrogation relief petition in the matter beneficiaries in the total scam
ed by Rajashik Tarafdar, a are equally applicable to the The Enforcement Directorate by the central agency that and earlier this week, nine amount of Rs 151.26 crore
student pursuing his PhD in Indian context. Deja Vu is (ED) on Thursday informed the twin residences registered other accused individuals in the cash-for-school job
physics at CalTech University, the confluence where the a special Kolkata court that in her name were used by have filed relief petitions. case in the records of the ED
TARUN GOSWAMI movements comes the doc- USA on quantum mechanical past meets the future. the huge cash and gold recov- Chatterjee to stock that cash The special court has as elaborated in its fifth and
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER umentary Deje Vu, filming of descriptions of gravitational Pain and three others went ered from the twin residences and gold. observed that as per rules, last supplementary charge
the documentary began in waves. Shristy Agarwal is also on a 10,000 km journey of Arpita Mukherjee in July The process of framing the process of charge framing sheet. As per the supplemen-
2024 witnessed farmers' move- 2021, barely two months after a student pursuing PhD in through the farmlands of the 2022, in connection with the of charges about all named will start with those who have tary charge sheet filed at the
ments across the world. launch of the farm laws in physics and leads a startup American midwest. This jour- multi-crore cash-for-school as accused - some individuals filed relief petitions in the special court, of the total
In India too, the farmers India. on quantum sensors. ney resulted in the docu- job case, actually belonged and some corporate entities case. So, accordingly, on amount of Rs 151.26 crore
organised their march to Delhi The director of the docu- The documentary will be mentary. to her mentor and former and trusts - started at the Thursday, the process of confiscated by the ED so far,
with MSP as their primary mentary is Bedabrata Pain. shown at Sujata Sadan on 28 The documentary starts education minister and Tri- special PMLA court on Thurs- charge framing started with the combined share of pro-
demand, early this month. He is an ex-NASA scientist. December at 6 pm. with the farmers' agitation namul Congress secretary day. those 10 accused individuals ceeds of Chatterjee and
The first major farmers’ Pain is a technology consultant The farm laws were to pro- outside Delhi, where thou- general Partha Chatterjee. On Thursday, Chatterjee's who have filed relief petitions Mukherjee in the entire
movement took place in the for the prime camera maker mote market reforms in agri- sands of farmers gathered The ED counsel informed counsel also filed a petition so far. amount is Rs 103.78 crore.
national capital in 2021. RED Digital Cinema. He culture. The farmers raised braving all odds to press for the special Prevention of seeking relief from the ED- After the process of framing The confiscation is in terms
Against the backdrop of received his B Tech degree their voice and organised their demands. It went on Money Laundering Act registered case in the mat- of charges is over, the trial of cash and gold seized and
the global rise of farmers' from IIT Kharagpur in 1986 movements, one of the biggest for several days. (PMLA) court that Mukherjee, ter. process will begin. Chatterjee immovable property attached.
 KOLKATA, FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 15
ISL: Odisha FC face struggling Brazilian forward Dorielton
Gomes joins OFC squad
MSC in search of top four spot
In-form eastern outfit will jump two places to third if they manage to clinch their sixth win of the season in Kolkata
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
KOLKATA, 26 DECEMBER

O
disha FC will aim
to jump to the third
spot in the Indian
Super League (ISL)
points table when they take
on Mohammedan SC at the
Kishore Bharati Krirangan STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE the Federation Cup and Inde-
in Kolkata on Friday. ROURKELA, 26 DECEMBER pendence Cup in the 2021–
Odisha are currently on 22 season while also leading
19 points from 12 matches. Odisha FC have bolstered the team to a Bangladesh
A win on Friday will see them their attacking lineup with Premier League runners-up
displace current third place the signing of seasoned Brazil- finish. His time with Bashund-
holders FC Goa - who are on ian forward Dorielton Gomes hara Kings was equally fruitful,
22 points - due to a superior Nascimento, popularly known as he spearheaded the team
goal difference. as Dori. The 33-year-old joins to back-to-back Bangladesh
This is the first ISL meeting the Kalinga Warriors on a Premier League titles in 2022–
between the two sides, with contract valid until the end 23 and 2023–24. Additionally,
Odisha FC looking to extend of the current season, with he contributed to consecutive
their strong form while an option to extend for anoth- Independence Cup triumphs
Mohammedan SC seek their er year. Dori’s arrival is seen and a third-place finish in
second win in the league. as a major boost for Odisha the Federation Cup during
Odisha FC have won their FC as they aim to fortify their the 2022–23 season.
last two away games and are push in the Indian Super Dori has previously faced
aiming for an outright record League (ISL). Odisha FC in the AFC Cup
with a third consecutive away Dori's illustrious career 2023–24 while playing for
victory. Mohammedan SC began with Fluminense FC Bashundhara Kings. In that
are enduring a challenging in Brazil, where he was part encounter, the Brazilian
debut season, having lost of the squad that reached showcased his scoring
their last five matches. the final of the Copa Liber- prowess, netting twice in a
Odisha FC have garnered tadores in 2008. Over the thrilling 3–2 victory in Dhaka.
11 points from their last five years, he expanded his hori- Dori’s ability to find the back
games and are fifth in the table zons by playing in multiple of the net is widely acknowl-
with 19 points from 12 matches. leagues across Asia, where edged. He recently clinched
They have secured 11 victories he established himself as a the Golden Boot in the Super
in the 25 ISL matches they proven goal-scorer. League Kerala 2024, scoring
have played in 2024, already of the net in their last three Franca has registered 53 would need to fix if they are in the ISL, with his teams ISL clash between Odisha The forward gained sig- an impressive eight goals in
exceeding their previous-best matches and have only man- touches in the opposition to resurrect their run this showing incredible defensive FC and Mohammedan SC. nificant recognition in 11 matches. His knack for
tally of most wins in a calendar aged five goals all season. box, but he remains goalless, term. Odisha FC coach Sergio stability by keeping a clean The Juggernauts have his- Bangladesh, playing pivotal delivering crucial goals at
year, i.e. 10 in 2023. In contrast, the Odisha highlighting Mohammedan Lobera has won each of his sheet in six consecutive pre- torically won only three of roles for Dhaka Abahani and decisive moments makes
Mohammedan SC have FC defence has conceded 17 SC’s inefficiency in converting last seven games when facing vious such encounters. their 12 first encounters with Bashundhara Kings. With him a valuable addition to
been unable to find the back goals thus far. chances, something they an opponent for the first time This will be the first-ever new opponents in the ISL. Dhaka Abahani, Dori clinched Odisha’s lineup.

Bengal down Odisha to enter Santosh Trophy semifinals Man City at risk of missing out on
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD, 26 DECEMBER Champions League: Guardiola
West Bengal edged out Odisha
3-1 to qualify for the semifinals
of the 78th National Football
Championship for the Santosh
Trophy 2024-25 at the Deccan
Arena on Thursday.
Odisha had a bright start
to the game as Rakesh Oram
put them in the lead in the
25th minute.
Bengal found the equaliser
at the stroke of half time
through Narohari Shrestha
and struck twice more via
Robi Hansda (70’) and sub-
stitute Manotos Maji (90+2’)
to enter the semi-finals for
the 52nd time.
Hansda's ninth goal of
the campaign saw him pull
further away in the goalscoring AGENCIES Arsenal, who qualified from one that has been in the
charts. MANCHESTER, 26 DECEMBER 1998 to 2017, and Manchester Champions League for the
For record champions United, who did so from 1996 past years. Now we are at
West Bengal, tackling adversity Manchester City boss Pep to 2014. risk, of course we are. Defi-
was the one challenge they Guardiola has admitted that City have won just one of nitely," he added.
did not expect from this game, the club are at risk of missing their last eight Premier League City will travel to Leicester
against a team that had qual- out on a place in the Cham- games and are seventh in on 29 December and will
ified for the knockouts by pions League next season. the table, 12 points behind play a home match against
the skin of their teeth. The defending Premier leaders Liverpool. West Ham on 4 January.
Yet, the underdogs became League champions are endur- "When I said before, people When asked whether he
the second team to breach ing a testing time, slipping laughed. They said, 'qualifying was worried he wouldn’t find
the Bengal defence in the down the top-flight table and for the Champions League a solution to his latest chal-
Santosh Trophy this season, controlling the game; even The leveller was expected their main man Hansda to their best to get back in the towards the lower end of the is not a big success'. But I lenge, Guardiola was resolute
Rakesh Oram scoring the when the goal rang in, and to change the mood of the give them the lead. game, but by then West Bengal play-off qualification spots know it because it happens in his response.
first goal of the day in the to their credit they rolled on game, and yet Odisha would The forward added his had settled and held them in the UEFA Champions with clubs in this country. “No. I’m so positive in
25th minute to give them a in the same way after. not go away, carving out half ninth goal to a brilliant Santosh an arm’s length away. League. They were dominant for many that. Of course there are
shock lead through a header Odisha's luck finally gave chances aplenty early in the Trophy campaign in the 77th A third goal by Maji deep City are currently in their years and after they were doubts about if a decision is
off a corner by Bikash Kumar out in the final minute of the second half. minute. It was a measured in injury time off a counter- 14th consecutive season in many years not qualifying not good or we have to do
Sahoo. first half when seasoned for- West Bengal for their part left-footed half volley from attack sealed the win, and Europe's most prestigious for the Champions League," this or that but I’m so positive.
It wasn't just a shocker ward Shrestha drew them were profligate with the ball, top of the box after Shreshta ensured that West Bengal's club competition. The only Guardiola was quoted as say- We make the ordinary the
but also an eye-opener when level with a firm right-foot- and especially in the final headed it down for him. quest for their thirty-third English clubs with longer ing by BBC. extraordinary in the past,"
Sanjoy Sen’s side had been er. third. It took the best out of A deflated Odisha tried title rolls on. streaks of qualification are Manchester City is the the Catalan said.

Looking forward to contributing to Soorma’s success: Harmanpreet Pak legend Jahangir Khan
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
ROURKELA, 26 DECEMBER
certain that it will propel the
Indian women’s hockey team
praises Indian players
to greater heights as well in AGENCIES Open titles from 1981-1985
Indian men’s hockey team the future,” he added. MUMBAI, 26 DECEMBER and 1988, which earned him
captain and star drag-flicker The Soorma Hockey Club the sobriquet of ‘conqueror
Harmanpreet Singh has is coached by Jeroen Baart, “I have been watching Indian of the game’.
expressed his excitement as with Indian hockey legend players in the circuit and they Jahangir said Indian players
he prepares to lead Soorma Sardar Singh serving as a are progressing by leaps and fared better than Pakistan,
Hockey Club in the upcoming mentor. Harmanpreet’s bounds. I have recently seen who were the leading team
Hockey India League (HIL) impressive track record their players performing in when Jahangir Khan followed
season, set to commence on includes scoring 205 goals the World Team Champi- by Jansher Khan were leading
28 December. in 234 appearances for the onship and they are good the charge, in the 2024 Men's
Harmanpreet became the national senior side and he enough to progress and win World Team Squash Cham-
most expensive player in HIL will aim to replicate the same titles at the international pionships, held in Hong Kong
history after being acquired in the HIL along with world- level.” That’s the verdict of earlier this month. Abhay
by Soorma Hockey Club for class teammates like Vivek squash legend Jahangir Khan Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar,
Rs 78 lakh during the auction Sagar Prasad, Gurjant Singh, of Pakistan who has praised Veer Chotrani, and Suraj
and is eager to bring his expe- Victor Wegnez, and Jeremy the Indian squash players for Chand represented India in
rience and drag-flicking Hayward. their recent performances the 28th edition of the World
prowess to the franchise. “The HIL is going to be a and the potential they are Men's Team Championship.
"I'm thrilled to begin this great experience for us all. It showing. While India finished 5th, Pak-
new chapter of Indian hockey is poised to be an exciting Jahangir, who ruled the istan were at their worst with
as a Soorma Hockey Club competition that will pitch squash world for two decades a 13th position. India beat
player and compete in the us against our international in the 80s and 90s, was Pres- Malaysia in the second round
Hockey India League. The teammates and challenge us ident of the World Squash but lost to France in the quar-
league provides a fantastic to bring our A-game. Playing Federation (WSF) from 2002- ters. Jahangir believes that
platform for players to show- in front of passionate fans 2008 and still travels worldwide the Indian squash players
case their skills, and I’m look- high-octane action and show- is accompanied by the com- Indian men’s hockey team. look up to and competing and representing Soorma to follow the game. did well between 2008 and
ing forward to contributing case top-tier talent from mencement of a Women’s The team’s success in the with and against them on a Hockey Club is a tremendous Jahangir is a ten-time 2016 when Narayana
to the team's success this around the world. League, the very first of its Olympics is due to the expo- daily basis improved us more honour, and I am eager to British Open Champion Ramachandran was WSF Pres-
season,” he commented. While the tournament is kind in India. sure the league provided us, than we could imagine. With give my best to achieve success between 1982-1991 - an ident and squash prospered
The HIL, returning after restarting after a seven-year “The impact of the HIL at a young age. Rubbing the Women’s HIL also com- for the team,” Harmanpreet unmatched feat in global in India. Saurav Ghosal won
a hiatus, promises to deliver hiatus, the return of the league can be seen to this day in the shoulders with players you mencing this time, I am concluded. squash - bagged six World 10 PSA titles in 21 years.
 SOUTHEE TO CAPTAIN SHARJAH WARRIORZ
KOLKATA
FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 16
Sharjah Warriorz have announced the addition of Tim Southee
to the squad for the upcoming edition of the ILT20. Having
played in 4 ODI World Cups and 6 T20 World Cups, Southee
will captain the Sharjah Warriorz in his first appearance
in the tournament. Southee has captained New Zealand
across formats, at various points in his career. He has
played in 10 seasons of the IPL turning out for KKR,
Mumbai Indians, CSK, Rajasthan Royals and RCB
For more updates www.thestatesman.com

Aussie top order delivers Kohli penalised for heated

THUMBNAILS
Indian team conclude
Asian Youth, Junior altercation with Konstas
Boxing Day punch at MCG
Weightlifting Champi-
onships 2024 with 33
medals: The Indian contin-
gent concluded their cam-
paign at the Asian Youth
and Junior Weightlifting Four batsmen register half-centuries to put hosts on top on the opening day of the fourth Test
Championships 2024 in
Doha, Qatar, on Wednes- TRIDIB BAPARNASH nemesis this summer, con-
day, securing an impressive NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER tinued to be a threat and had
total of 33 medals. The Khawaja mis-time a pull shot

I
championships featured t seemed that the Christ- during the middle session
competitions in 40 cate- mas break infused new and was caught at mid-wicket
gories, with 20 each at the life into the Australian by KL Rahul, as both sides
junior and youth levels. top order that fired in fought hard for the momen-
Medals were awarded sepa- unison on return to action tum and edge towards a place
rately for snatch, clean in the fourth round of the at next year's ICC World Test
and jerk, and overall in Border-Gavaskar tussle on Championship Final at Lord’s.
each weightlifting catego- Boxing Day, helping the hosts Labuschagne and Smith
ry. India's youth lifters pile up 311 for 6 even as late comfortably took the home
(aged 13 to 17) led the strikes helped India share side to tea at 176/2 and looked
charge, winning 21 medals, the honours after the opening set to build a big partnership
including seven golds. The day’s play at the jam-packed reaching 237/2. But almost
junior lifters (aged 15 to Melbourne Cricket Ground an hour after the break, once
20) contributed 12 medals on Thursday. Labuschagne holed out to
to the tally. Jyoshna Sabar Teenaged debutant Sam off-spinner Washington Sun- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE of words between the pair.
from Uttar Pradesh stole Konstas inspired Australia’s dar in an attempt to recapture NEW DELHI, 26 DECEMBER “Have a look at where
the spotlight on the open- pre-game ambition of “throw- some of the day's earlier Virat walks. Virat walked one
ing day. Competing in the ing something different” at impetus, the floodgates Former India skipper Virat whole pitch over to his right
women's youth 40kg cate- India’s dominant pace bowlers opened up for the opposition, Kohli has been docked 20 and instigated that confronta-
gory, Jyoshna swept three at the MCG with a belligerent and the Indian crowd finally percent of his match fee and tion. No doubt in my mind,
gold medals with a total half century to provide the found their voice. Bumrah awarded one demerit point whatsoever,” observed former
lift of 135kg (60kg snatch impetus for the old guards sprung into action from the for his heated exchange with Australia captain Ricky
+ 75kg clean and jerk), set- — Usman Khawaja (57), Mar- other end, ending Travis Australia debutant Sam Kon- Ponting.
ting a new Asian record in nus Labuschagne (72) and pull things back claiming ductive stand for the first Fired up after the con- Head’s golden run ingloriously stas on the opening day of Former India head coach
the total. Payal (women's Steve Smith (68 not out) — three wickets in 23 balls to wicket since Usman Khawaja centration with the Indian when he was bowled for a the fourth Test at the Mel- Ravi Shastri felt what Kohli
45kg) and Sanjana to put up the most consistent restore parity. Forced to and David Warner's 90 in the superstar, he came up with duck without offering a shot, bourne Cricket Ground on did was “unnecessary”.
(women's 76kg) won five top-order effort of the Bor- change their opener midway corresponding MCG Test all kinds of ramp shots, scoops, before stretching his wick- Thursday. “When you see that, it's
medals each across junior der-Gavaskar Trophy Series through the series, Australia against Pakistan last summer. audacious pulls and plenty et-tally for the series to 24 The incident took place not needed at that moment
and youth divisions. Payal's thus far. finally found their answer in The young right-hander over- of edges to race to an enter- when allrounder Mitchell early into the first session of of time. I think Virat will
total of 155kg (70kg After skipper Pat Cummins the 19-year-old Konstas, came a nervy start and the taining maiden Test 50 in Marsh’s attempted heave play when Kohli and Konstas realise that later, with the
snatch + 85kg clean and won his first coin toss of the whose 60 was an innings of ugly mid-pitch exchange with just 52 deliveries, before over mid-wicket marked his bumped shoulders while stature he has in the game,
jerk) earned her gold series and opted to unleash far greater significance than Virat Kohli in between overs adding 10 more to his 65- fifth single-figure score from moving across the pitch he's captained the side for
medals in the total and his batters, Australia domi- a simple scorecard can relay. that drew murmurs from a ball innings - that included six Test knocks. After Bumrah’s between overs. many, many years. In the
snatch categories and nated through the first two Konstas went out with a clean massive MCG crowd in excess six fours and two massive timely intervention quickly A heated exchange fol- heat of the moment, things
bronze in clean and jerk at sessions, and almost an hour slate, and showed great con- of 87,000, with the Australian sixes before being trapped reduced Australia to 246/5, lowed the confrontation, do happen. But on reflection,
the youth level. She also into the final session to reach fidence in tackling the menace debutant displaying all his leg before by left-arm spinner Akash Deep got in on the act before Konstas' opening part- I would say it was unnecessary.
won bronze medals in the 112/1 at lunch and went on of Jasprit Bumrah and Co, to teenage flair to blast India's Ravindra Jadeja (1/54) to to dismiss Alex Carey (31) ner Usman Khawaja and You don't want to see such
women's junior 45kg total to reach 237/2 without any provide a 89-run opening potent fast bowlers to all parts break the stand. Jasprit Bum- after the southpaw added 53 umpire Michael Gough inter- things. There's a line, you
and clean and jerk. hiccups, India managed to stand — Australia’s most pro- of the ground. rah, who has been Australia’s runs with Smith. rupted to cut the altercation don't want to overstep that
short. line,” Shastri told Star Sports.
Kohli was sanctioned for Konstas, who was drafted

Konstas becomes second youngest Aussie to score half-century in Test cricket

breaching Level 1 of the ICC into the side as a forced
Code of Conduct that relates replacement for the non-
to “inappropriate physical performing Nathan
AGENCIES In the ongoing Sheffield contact with a Player, Player McSweeney ahead of the
MELBOURNE, 26 DECEMBER Shield season, Konstas is the Support Personnel, Umpire, Boxing Day Test, was off to
fifth-highest run-getter with Match Referee or any other a nervy start, struggling to 5
Debutant Sam Konstas on 471 runs in five matches at person (including a spectator off 21 after being beaten sev-
Thursday achieved an elusive an average of 58.87, including during an International eral times before moving to
feat for Australia during the two centuries and a fifty, Match”. No formal hearing 27 off 38 at the time of the
Boxing Day Test of the ongoing with a best score of 152. was required as Kohli accepted altercation with Kohli.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy Konstas on Thursday the sanctions. He eventually came up
against India at the Melbourne etched his name on the history The collision between with a belligerent 60 off 65
Cricket Ground. books as he made his inter- Kohli and Konstas evoked balls.
Konstas set the landmark national debut for Australia memories of the current Indi- Later in the day, India’s
of becoming the second at the Boxing Day Test of the an team's head coach Gautam assistant coach Abishek Nair
youngest player to score a ongoing Border Gavaskar Gambhir's intentional shoul- denied seeing the incident
half-century for Australia in Trophy against India at the der tackle of former Australia at the time, insisting he “was
Test cricket. At the age of 19 iconic Melbourne Cricket all-rounder Shane Watson not aware of what happened,
years and 85 days, Konstas Ground. in Delhi in 2008. While Gamb- why it happened and if any-
smashed his maiden inter- Konstas also became the hir’s behaviour resulted in a thing happened”.
national fifty at MCG. fourth youngest Test debutant one-Test ban for the former “When you play a game
Ian Craig holds the top for Australia on Thursday as southpaw, Kohli was fortunate like that, there's always going
spot on the chart. He smashed he received his baggy green to escape a major sanction. to be emotions, but I'm pretty
his maiden fifty at the age of cap from former Aussie skip- After the day’s play ended, sure that it's not as big as it
17 years and 240 days in 1953. per Mark Taylor at the age of Konstas suggested his contact seems,” he said.
Neil Harvey stands in third 19 years and 85 days. with Kohli had been acci- This is not the first time
place after his half-century Ian Craig tops the list after dental. Kohli has been involved with
at the age of 19 years and he played his maiden game “I was just doing my gloves run-ins with Aussies. During
121 days in 1948. for the Aussies in 1953 at the (up) and I think he accidentally the 2018-19 tour under Kohli’s
Meanwhile, Archie Jackson age of 17 years 239 days. bumped me. But I think that's captaincy, the premier batter
stands in fourth place with a The 19-year-old played Indians after the Perth Test, Konstas played a vital role Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Skipper Pat Cummins holds just cricket, just the tension,” had collided for an altercation
fifty at the age of 19 years fearless cricket on Thursday, Konstas attracted the spotlight in Australia's ICC U19 World scoring 92 runs in four innings, the second place on the chart the 19-year-old told reporters. with the then opposite captain
and 150 days in 1929. however, his knock came to with a century against the Cup 2024 triumph, scoring highlighted by a match-win- as he made his debut at the Former cricketers-turned- Tim Paine.
The young batting sen- an end in the 20th over when visiting side. 191 runs in seven innings at ning 73*. In the warm-up age of 18 years and 193 days commentators Ricky Ponting Kohli was also involved
sation played a 60-run knock India spinner Ravindra Jadeja In his 11 first-class matches an average of 27.28, including pink-ball game against India, in 2011. and Ravi Shastri were among in a heated exchange with
from 65 balls in his debut dismissed him. Konstas has scored 718 runs a century. he stamped his authority Tom Garrett stands in those to suggest Kohli was former left-arm quick Mitchell
match against India. He Featuring for the Prime at an average of 42.2, including He also featured in a two- with a classy 107 off 97 balls third place and Clem Hill in the wrong after he barged Johnson while scoring a stun-
smashed 6 fours and 2 sixes Minister's XI in a two-day two centuries and three half- match series between Australia against a formidable Indian holds the fifth place on the into the batter between overs, ning century in Adelaide in
during his time on the crease. game against the touring centuries. A and India A ahead of the attack. chart. sparking a tense exchange 2014.

Odisha swimmers win multiple 10 years of KL Rahul in international cricket: A journey of grit and adaptability
medals in South Africa tourney AGENCIES overseas Tests, but with overall ond-highest run-scorer in
MELBOURNE, 26 DECEMBER numbers that don't fully the season.
AGENCIES Africa's TuksSport High Per- reflect his value. Despite his On the back of this break-
BHUBANESWAR, 26 DECEMBER formance Centre in Pretoria, When Team India takes on immense versatility and utility, out season, some solid per-
Odisha swimmers dominated Australia in the Boxing Day Rahul has struggled to secure formances for Karnataka in
Odisha swimmers Shristi the provincial championships Test at the Melbourne Cricket a permanent spot or a fixed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Upadhaya and Mannata winning a total of 31 medals, Ground (MCG) on Thursday, batting position in the team. (SMAT) and twin centuries
Mishra recently created waves including nine gold medals. batter KL Rahul, one of the KL Rahul first came into in the Duleep Trophy 2014
in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Training under the tutelage sport's most intriguing, tal- the limelight during the 2010 final, KL found his way into
Short Course Swimming of Sandeep Sejwal, Asian ented, versatile and puzzling U19 World Cup. In six match- the Indian team, getting his
Championships, South Africa Games medallist and Arjuna figures, will be completing es, he made 143 runs at an debut cap from skipper MS
where they created new best awardee, at Odisha IIS Swim- 10 years in international average of 28.60, with one Dhoni at the MCG during
Indian Performance in ming High-Performance Cen- cricket. half-century to his name. third Test of Border-Gavaskar
women's 100m butterfly and tre (HPC), the swimmers have All eyes will be on the in- Some fine showings in first- Trophy. This kickstarted a
100m breaststroke categories made steady progress and form Rahul to deliver another class cricket, particularly dur- decade marked by: Frustrating
respectively. exposure events like this will steady knock, providing sup- ing a breakthrough 2013-14 inconsistency, injuries,
While Shristi Upadhaya further benefit them. port to the middle order season, witnessed the batter resilience, patches of genius
clocked 1:02.53 time to better Sejwal explained, "In order against the menacing new solidify himself as a player and class at home and over-
the existing record of 1:02.78 to create champions we need ball. of the ‘Rahul Dravid’ school seas and most importantly,
held by Divya Satija, Mannata to create an environment for However, reports suggest of cricket. In 10 matches for his versatility.
Mishra registered the best champions and that is why that skipper Rohit Sharma the Ranji-winning Karnataka After twin failures (scores
Indian performance in 100m HPC plays a very important might open the innings, with team that season, KL made of 3 and 1) in his debut Test,
breaststroke by clocking role. At the event we also got Rahul dropping down to 1,033 runs at an average of KL could have very well been
1:12.90, bettering Chahat the first National Record for number three, despite being 68.86 in 17 innings. reduced to a small footnote
Arora's 1:13.13. the Odisha swimmers, we the leading run-scorer for This included three cen- in a highly competitive, tran-
Part of the 14-member are hoping this will have a an underperforming Indian recent years: always adapting patterns--sometimes due to endary Rahul Dravid for his turies and four fifties, with a sitional era of Indian cricket.
team which included 11 swim- very big and positive impact batting unit, with 235 runs for the team while fighting skill, sometimes due to factors technical proficiency and best score of 158. This also However, KL bounced back
mers selected from Odisha on the rest of the swimming in three Tests at an average his own battles. like fitness, team combina- monk-like demeanour, Rahul included a title-sealing century with a classy 110 in 262 balls,
IIS Swimming High Perform- community of Odisha as of 47.00 and two half-cen- Throughout his decade- tions, match situations, and has lived a paradox: loved in the final for which he with 13 fours and a six, during
ance Centre for the two-week swimmers will start believing turies. Yet, this has been the long career, KL Rahul has even luck. yet despised, talented but earned the 'Player of the the final Test at Sydney, help-
exposure camp held at South in themselves.” story of Rahul's career in experienced several repeating Often compared to leg- inconsistent, a saviour in Match' title. He was the sec- ing India draw the match.

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