FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 BRIEFLY SEBI gives clean chit to Adani Group: | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR CEC protecting electoral manipulators, says Rahul | Friday, 19 September 2025 Talks under way with USA to reduce reciprocal tariff from 25 to 15 pc: CEA Nageswaran Poll panel trashes Rahul Gandhi’s allegations as incorrect & baseless STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The tariff dispute between India and the United States may be resolved within the next two months with the penal tariffs likely to be withdrawn, Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said on Thursday. Talks are under way to reduce the reciprocal tariff from 25 per cent to about 15 per cent, sparking optimism for exporters. While speaking at an event organised by the Merchant Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the CEA said: "I have no insider information but my personal feeling is we will see resolutions in case of the extra 25 per cent penal tariff." "I do believe the penal tariff will not be there after November 30," he added. “Underneath the surface, conversations are going on between the two governments. My hunch is that in the next eight to ten weeks, we will likely see a solution to the penal tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods,” he said. The Election Commission of India Thursday dismissed allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as "incorrect and baseless." This comes in response to a press briefing held by Mr Gandhi today, where he alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is protecting those who have "destroyed Indian democracy" by manipulating voter rolls. The ECI, in a statement shared on social media platform X, said: "Allegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless….. No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Rahul Gandhi. No deleting can take place without giving an opportunity of being heard to the affected person.” The ECI also clarified: "In 2023, certain unsuccessful attempts were made for the deletion of electors in the Aland Assembly Constituency, and an FIR was filed by the authority of the ECI itself to investigate the matter." The ECI also provided electoral context for theAlandAssemblyConstituency, stating, "As per records, Aland Assembly Constituency was won by Subhadh Guttedar (BJP) in 2018 and BR Patil (INC) in 2023." were done in a centralised manner using software, targeting Congress strongholds and marginalised communities. He said the Karnataka CID has been seeking details from the ECI on voter deletions, but the ECI has not responded despite sending 18 letters in 18 months. Mr Gandhi showed a detailed presentation of what he claimed was a black and white proof of "vote chori" and cited examples of Godabai and Suryakant, where voters were deleted without their knowledge. New Delhi, 18 September New Delhi: The Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) on Thursday gave a clean chit to Adani Group in the matter of the allegations made by US short seller Hindenburg. SEBI concluded that there is no violation of listing agreement or SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) and the impugned transactions do not qualify as "related party transactions". The market regulator said that there is no violation of Section 12A of the SEBI Act and SEBI-Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Market (PFUTP) Regulations, as alleged. It further concluded that no fraud, misrepresentation, or siphoning of funds was proven. Page 10 Seven more Indian sites on Unesco’s world heritage tentative list New Delhi: Seven natural heritage sites from across India have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, increasing the country's count on this list from 62 to 69 properties. With this inclusion, India now has a total of 69 sites under consideration by UNESCO, comprising 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed heritage properties. As per UNESCO’s protocol, inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for any site to be nominated for the prestigious World Heritage List. Page 4 Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi adresses a press conference at the Congress party headquarters, in New Delhi on Thursday. ANI STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 18 September C ongress leader Rahul Gandhi Thursday alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is protecting those who have "destroyed Indian democracy" by manipulating voter rolls. Addressing a press conference, Mr Gandhi claimed that a “systematic force” is targeting millions of voters for deletion across India, particularly affecting marginalised communities like Dalits, tribals, minorities, and OBCs. "We have 100 per cent proof that the CEC is protecting the perpetrators of democracy's murder," Mr Gandhi asserted, demanding that the Election Commission release data on voter deletions within a week. He cited an example of 6,018 votes being deleted in Aland, Karnataka, where booths with high Congress voter turnout were specifically targeted. Mr Gandhi accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of protecting electoral manipulators, stating: "CEC is protecting people who havedestroyedIndiandemocracy." He claimed that voter deletions I have no insider information but my personal feeling is we will see resolutions in case of the extra 25 per cent penal tariff. New Delhi, 18 September CHIEF ECONOMIC ADVISOR V ANANTHA NAGESWARAN He also said that resolution of this matter is important not only from the trade point of view but also in terms of capital formation. Notably, the additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports imposed by the USA on account of India’s purchases of Russian oil came into effect on 27 August. Recently, a team led by Brendan Lynch, Chief Negotiator for the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, also visited India. Discussions with the PM Modi speaks to Nepal’s interim PM, extends support for peace, stability in Nepal India to study implications of Pak-Saudi defence pact, ensure national security STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 18 September New Delhi, 18 September Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday had a telephone conversation with the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushila Karki, during which he conveyed to her India’s readiness to continue working closely to further strengthen the special ties between the two countries. He extended India’s full support to Nepal in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability, and for the progress of the people of Nepal. The PM congratulated Prime Minister Mrs Karki on her appointment and conveyed best wishes on behalf of the government and people of India. He extended heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of life during the recent protests in Nepal. The Nepalese leader thanked PM Modi for India’s firm support to Nepal and reciprocated his desire to further strengthen ties between the two countries. Mr Modi also extended felicitations on the occasion of the upcoming National Day of Nepal. The leaders agreed to remain in touch. In a social media post later, the PM wrote: ‘’Had a warm conversation with Mrs Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow.’’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE India said it will "study the implications" of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, while maintaining that it will take effective measures to safeguard national interests and ensure "comprehensive national security in all domains." In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: "We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration." "We will study the implications of this development for our national security, as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains," Mr Jaiswal said. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement", pledging that any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both, in a move that significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership amid heightened regional tensions. The agreement was signed during a state visit by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. "This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” a joint statement published on Wednesday said, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The defence pact is based on the “historic partnership” between the two countries, the statement said, and on their “shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation.” During their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “discussed ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries across various fields,” according to the SPA. “They also exchanged views on regional & international developments, issues of common interest,” the statement added. Navy’s role in Op Sindoor comes to light; CDS reveals MARCOS deployed in Punjab, J&K World Athletics: Neeraj, Nadeem falter as Walcott takes gold; Sachin finishes 4th PARWINDER SANDHU New Delhi, 18 September New Delhi, 18 September Nearly five months after India conducted strikes against terrorists and terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, revealed that the Marine Commando Force (MCF), popularly known as MARCOS, were deployed in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir to aid the ground forces in carrying out attacks. Addressing a gathering at Ranchi today, General Chauhan said that the Navy too played a big role in Operation Sindoor. Stating that the Indian Navy had the prowess and weapons to engage in long range strikes during Op Sindoor, the CDS said that it had loiter munitions, S-400 and S-120. “Not many know, but the Marcos were also deployed in J&K and Punjab. The naval weaponry and personnel helped in engaging the targets identified by the Army,” he said. It may be recalled that during the media briefing of Op Sindoor, Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Director General Naval Operations, had stated that the Indian Navy was fully prepared to strike both at sea and on land, including Karachi, at a time of India’s choosing. The DGNO further added that the forward deployment of the Indian Navy compelled Pakistani Naval and air units to be in a defensive posture, mostly inside harbours or very close to their coast, which the Indian Navy monitored continuously. The timing of the strikes was decided after several days of closely tracking the Pakistan Air Force’s movements in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. “From April 23 onwards, we observed Pakistan’s flying patterns. They anticipated that we might launch an airstrike,” the CDS explained. He added that detailed monitoring was carried out on when PAF aircraft were airborne and when they returned to their bases. Ultimately, 7 May was selected as the operation date because the weather conditions were ideal with clear skies and no rain, ensuring unhindered imagery and execution. TRIDIB BAPARNASH The much-anticipated showdown between India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem in the men’s javelin throw final of the World Athletics Championships 2025, turned into a damp squib after both men endured nights to forget at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. Four years on from his glorious Olympic gold at the same venue, and two years after being crowned world champion in Budapest, Neeraj could manage only eighth place with a best of 84.03m. Similarly, Nadeem, who had denied Neeraj Olympic gold in Paris last year, fared even worse, finishing 10th in a performance blighted by injury struggles. Instead, it was Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott who stole the spotlight. The teenage sensation who won Olympic gold in London 2012 at just 19, Walcott rolled back the years with a Season Best throw of 88.16m. Grenada’s Anderson Peters claimed silver with 87.38m while Germany’s Julian Weber, the in-form thrower coming into the event, could do no better than fifth. The surprise of the evening came from India’s Sachin Yadav. Competing in his first senior global final, Sachin cleared 85m three times and produced a personal best 86.27m to finish a highly creditable fourth, narrowly missing out on the bronze that went to the USA’s Curtis Thompson (86.67m). For Neeraj, it was a night of frustration. Having qualified with ease on the back of an 84.85m effort in his lone attempt on Wednesday, the Tokyo Olympic champion never found rhythm in the final. He managed only three legal throws before bowing out, visibly agitated as he missed out on the final rounds. Nadeem, meanwhile, scraped into the top 10 but could not advance, his season-long fitness issues proving too much to overcome. Department of Commerce were described as “positive and forward looking,” with both sides agreeing to intensify efforts for an early trade deal. Speaking further on India’s economy, Mr Nageswaran said the Indian economy is on track to sustain growth momentum. “The first quarter growth has a carry forward momentum. I expect second-quarter GDP growth to be around 7 per cent,” he said. Beating estimates and marking a five-quarter high, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of FY26. Uttarakhand hit by another cloudburst PRITHVIRAJ SINGH Dehradun, 18 September A day after the cloudburst and floods that killed more than 17 people in Dehradun, nearly 14 people were missing when heavy rains triggered a cloudburst in Nandnagar Tehsil of Chamoli in the wee hours on Thursday. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said: "Around 14 p ersons are missing and 20 were seriously injured due to a cloudburst and subsequent massive flow of debris owing to heavy overnight rainfall. At least 33 houses were destroyed completely along with many cattle sheds and shops. Apart from this more than 200 affected people were evacuated to safer locations." Mr Dhami stated that injured persons were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical aid while seriously injured disaster victims were being airlifted to AIIMs Rishikesh. The chief minister stated that although heavy rainfall and landslides at several places delayed the arrival of rescue teams, all efforts were being made to provide relief to the disaster victims. The NDRF and SDRF teams were trekking on to reach the site.