FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 BRIEFLY | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI Bhopal, 17 September New Delhi: The Election Commission of India Wednesday introduced revised guidelines for Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Ballot Papers, aiming to improve their clarity and readability for voters. The new design will be implemented starting with the upcoming elections in Bihar, the poll panel said in a press note. According to the ECI, candidate photographs will be printed in colour on the EVM Ballot Paper, with the candidate's face occupying three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility. P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to all Indians to pledge to buy and sell Swadeshi goods only, as this would ensure that the country’s money remains in the country and is used for development and welfare works that would lead India to achieving the aim of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Addressing a huge gathering at Bhainsola village in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on his 75th birthday, PM Modi gave the slogan, “Garv se kaho, ye Swadeshi hai” (Say with pride, this is Indian). He asked everyone, including state governments, to initiate a drive to place boards with this slogan on all shops and commercial establishments. “With the reduced GST rates coming into effect from Navratri New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday told the government to consider taking strict actions, including arrests, to deter farmers from engaging in stubble burning – a major factor contributing to the 'severe' air quality in Delhi-NCR during winters. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing a suo motu matter concerning the vacant posts in the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees meant to control air pollution in Delhi and its adjoining areas. | BHUBANESWAR PM Narendra Modi addresses a public rally during the foundation stone laying and inauguration of various development projects, in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday ANI on 22 September, everyone must take a vow to buy and sell swadeshi goods only,” the PM reiterated. “When you buy any product, you must ensure that it carries the fragrance of the sweat and hard work of a Hindustani, along with the smell of the country’s soil,” Mr Modi said The PM’s remarks came at a time when India is facing a tariff attack from United States President Donald Trump, who has slapped a 50 per cent tariff on Indian products. At today’s event, the PM laid the foundation stone of India’s first and biggest greenfield ‘PM MITRA’ textile park – spread across 2158 acres being built at a cost of Rs 2063 crore at Bhainsola - and launched various other welfare and health schemes for women, poor, and all sections of the society. He expressed confidence that the park would go a long way in making Indian textile products more acceptable and competitive across the globe, and it would greatly promote Make in India products. He also stressed that his government’s top priorities include women, youth, poor, and farmers. “These are the four pillars on which a developed India would be built,” the PM asserted. Remembering ‘Operation Sindoor’, the PM said: “Recently we have all seen a video in which a Pakistani terrorist is narrating their ordeal while weeping.” “Pakistani terrorists had wiped off the Sindoor from the foreheads of our sisters at Pahalgam. In retaliation, we wiped off the terrorists hiding in Pakistan from the face of this earth,” the PM stated. Birthday greetings pour in for PM Modi STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 17 September ‘Consider arrests, strict action to curb stubble burning’: SILIGURI On birthday, PM exhorts Indians to go Swadeshi GAURAV CHANDRA ECI revises guidelines to enhance EVM ballot paper readability: | Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 75th birthday on Wednesday, with greetings pouring in from leaders across party lines, international dignitaries, and citizens. President Droupadi Murmu extended warm birthday wishes to PM Modi, praising his "extraordinary leadership" and dedication to the nation. "By exemplifying the pinnacle of hard work through your extraordinary leadership, you have instilled a culture of achieving great goals in the country," she said. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge also extended their warm greetings to the prime minister who today celebrated his 75th birthday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended warm wishes, saying, "Happy Birthday to my friend PM Modi. Australia is proud to share such a strong friendship with India, and we are grateful every day for the contribution of the Indian community here in Australia." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to PM Modi as a "good friend" and praised his accomplishments for India and their countries' partnership. PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Putin during which the latter conveyed his greetings on Mr Modi’s 75th birthday. During the course of the conversation, Mr Mo di expresse d his hear tfelt appreciation for Mr Putin's wishes and enduring friendship. Mr Modi also reiterated India’s full support for peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and said he looks forward to welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin to India later this year. Patna HC terms Congress AI video on PM Modi a rights violation, orders takedown IMRAN MOJIB Patna, 17 September Patna High Court on Wednesday ordered the Congress party to remove an AI-generated video related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother from all social media platforms. The court also issued notices to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram, and the Election Commission. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice P.B. Bajanthri and Justice Alok Kumar Sinha passed the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Vivekanand Singh. The petition challenged the creation and promotion of the video by the official social media handle of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee. The video, titled “Sahab ke sapnon mein aayi Maa” (Maa appears in Saahab’s dream), was posted on Bihar Congress’s social media platforms a few days ago. It depicted a character resembling Prime Minister Modi dreaming of a figure resembling his late mother, engaging in a symbolic conversation. The NDA sharply criticised the video, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing the Congress of crossing all limits of political decency. | Thursday, 18 September 2025 After pullout drama, Pakistan finally take field against UAE; Pycroft stays match referee TRIDIB BAPARNASH New Delhi, 17 September Left red-faced after the International Cricket Council (ICC) dismissed their demand to replace match referee Andy Pycroft ahead of their do-or-die Asia Cup 2025 group game against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Pakistan team eventually took the field, but after a delay of nearly an hour and with Pycroft as the match referee. The drama began much earlier in the day. Hours before the scheduled start, uncertainty clouded the contest as the Pakistan players remained holed up at their hotel, even after their kit bags had already been loaded onto the team bus. The confusion escalated further when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) abruptly deleted its social media posts about the match, fuelling speculation that Pakistan might refuse to show up altogether. The origins of the controversy lay in the fallout from the infamous “no-handshake” episode during Pakistan’s earlier defeat against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused Pycroft of mishandling the matter, insisting that he had acted inappropriately. However, an ICC probe exonerated the official, concluding that he “did not breach any match protocols” and had, in fact, “helped prevent potential embarrassment for both captains by informing them that the organisers had decided to skip the handshake at the toss.” It also reiterated that appointment of match officials is a centralised ICC decision and it can’t be influenced by considerations of any member board. But the PCB continued to dig in. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, consulted with former Pakistan board chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi. Soon after, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed that the start of the game had been delayed by an hour. The deadlock was broken when Naqvi intervened directly, posting on social media: “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.” As the evening wore on, the PCB attempted to temper the situation with a carefully worded statement, claiming that Pycroft had expressed regret over his role in the 14 September incident, characterising it as a misunderstanding. EU committed to finalising its FTA with India by year-end: European Commission President NIKHIL VYAS New Delhi, 17 September European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said the European Union (EU) is committed to finalising its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India by the end of the year. "Europe is already India's biggest trading partner and we are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. Europe is open for business. And we are ready to invest in our shared future with India," the European Commission President said. "Now is the time to focus on reliable partners and double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values. With our new EU-India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level. Advancing trade, investment and talent mobility. Strengthening our joint economic security. Advancing the clean transition and driving innovation together. Deepening our industrial cooperation in defence," the European Commission President said. Today, the EU is proposing a new strategic agenda to raise bilateral relations with India to a higher level, a statement by the European Commission said. The European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication outlining a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda' marking a significant milestone in EU-India relations. This initiative, announced by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, aims to deepen, broaden, and better coordinate bilateral cooperation, enhance prosperity and security for both partners and help tackle major global challenges. Following the College's visit to India in February, the Joint Communication outlines the EU's strategic vision for enhancing cooperation with New Delhi. GST2.0 to infuse Rs 2 trillion in economy; 90 pc of items under 28 pc now in 18 pc slab: FM Three joint military stations approved, Education Corps of Army, Indian Navy and Air Force merged STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 17 September New Delhi, 17 September The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have infused at least Rs 2 trillion in the economy, thereby leaving more cash with the citizens, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday. Speaking at the Outreach and Interaction Programme on next-gen GST reforms in Visakhapatnam, Ms Sitharaman said, the reforms are a "big step for the Indian economy." The Finance Minister also said that following the tax reforms, 99 per cent of goods under the 12 per cent GST slab have moved to 5 per cent. “The rejig has brought 90 per cent of items in the 28 per cent tax slab down to the 18 per cent bracket.” She added that several companies, including some FMCG giants, are voluntarily coming forward to give rate cuts and pass on the benefit to consumers even before 22 September, the date of implementation for the new GST regime. "With this next-gen tax regime, with only two slabs —5 per cent and 18 per cent—Rs 2 lakh crore will be injected into the economy. People will have more cash in hand," she said. Before undertaking the rate rejig, the NDA government applied five filters ~ reducing rates for the poor and middle class, fulfilling aspirations of the middle class, benefiting the farming community, pro-MSME, and sectors that are useful for the country in creating jobs and export potential, the Finance Minister added. Ms Sitharaman highlighted that the GST revenues grew to Rs 22.08 lakh crore in 2025 from Rs 7.19 lakh crore in 2018. “The number of taxpayers grew to 1.51 crore from the earlier 65 lakh.” The 56th GST Council had announced that starting 22 September, the GST tax slab structure will change, and the revised rates will be 5 per cent for common use goods and 18 per cent for everything else. The existing slabs of 12 and 28 per cent have been done away with. In the revamped GST structure, most daily food and grocery items fall under the 5 per cent GST slab, while bread, milk, and paneer attract no tax at all. PARWINDER SANDHU In a bold move to enhance integration and foster joint operations within the armed forces, the education branches of the Army, Navy, and Air Force have been merged to create the Tri-Services Education Corps. Alongside this landmark decision, plans have also been approved to establish three Joint Military Stations across the country, further strengthening coordination and operational efficiency among the services. The announcement was made during the Combined Commanders' Conference 2025 which culminated at the Eastern Command headquarters at Vijay Durg, formerly known as Fort Williams, in Kolkata, today The decision to merge the education corps of the tri-services into one, was taken by all the Chiefs and Commanders, present at the conference. Announcing the same, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated that the decision on formation of three Joint Military Stations was also announced during the CCS 2025. “Additionally, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also reviewed the directions given by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh and discussed the roadmap of implementing them in a time bound manner. CCC2025 has been instrumental in identifying and finalising the most important transformations required that will drive impactful changes in the future,” said the HQIDS. In his closing remarks the CDS summarised key outcomes and reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to continually transform in order to remain agile, self-reliant and future-ready. He highlighted the need to institutionalise reforms as an ongoing process, aimed at preparing the Forces to effectively tackle challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.