FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 48 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI WORLD Paying the price Second round of US-Iran talks uncertain as tensions spike over seized cargo ship Page 8 Page 7 EDITORIAL India, South Korea deepen strategic ties STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 20 April P rime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi, committing to elevate their longstanding partnership into a “futuristic partnership” driven by collaboration in technology, trade and shared strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at a joint press conference, Modi termed President Lee’s visit — after a gap of eight years — “extremely significant,” highlighting the alignment between the nations. “Democratic values, a market economy, and respect for the rule of law are part of the DNA of both our countries,” he said, adding that India and South Korea share a “common outlook” on the Indo-Pacific region. Outlining a forward-looking agenda, Modi said both countries are ready to expand cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors. “From chips to ships, from talent to technology, and from entertainment to energy, we will realise new opportunities for cooperation across all sectors,” he said, adding, “Today, we are laying the foundation for success stories of the next decade.” A major outcome of the talks was the launch of the India-Korea Digital Bridge, aimed at boosting collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and information technology. The meeting marked the third in-person interaction between the two leaders since President Lee assumed office last year, underscoring growing momentum in bilateral engagement. Several memoranda of understan- ding were signed to strengthen cooperation in areas including shipbuilding, and emerging technologies. Emphasising the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations, Modi referred to the shared heritage linking India and Korea. “The story of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro of Korea from 2,000 years ago is part of our shared heritage,” he said, while also noting the rising popularity of Korean pop culture in India and increasing recognition of Indian culture in South Korea. Modi underscored the broader significance of the partnership. “In this time of global tensions, India and Korea together send a message of peace and stability,” he said. (Photo by Subrata Dutta) • Related report: Pg 12 J&K: At least 21 dead, several injured as bus falls into gorge BJP will try to disturb communal harmony here: Mamata in Birbhum STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerje said the BJP will not be able to defeat any of the party contenders in Birbhum despite their best efforts to loot votes and spread money to woo the voters. She was addressing a public meeting at Khan Cricket Ground in Murarai. Trinamul Congress has nominated Kajal Sheikh from Hasnan, Mosaraf Hossain from Muraroi, Rajendra Pratap Singh from Nalhati, Chandranath Sinha from Bolpur and Emani Biswas from Suri. Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s munching jhal muri at a shap in Jhargram she said: “The SPG had prepared the jhal muri. It was a staged drama. Having understood that the saffron party has no poll prospect, the BJP leaders are engaged in enacting drama in different areas. They have been seen sweeping the floor of the voters. Be careful and don’t get swayed by their Jammu, 20 April At least 21 people have died and several others injured after a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell into a gorge on Monday in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. Police officials here said that a bus ferrying passengers, on its way from Ramnagar towards Udhampur met with an accident and plunged into a gorge near Village Khagote. Senior police officials including Deputy Inspector General of J&K Police, Shiv Kumar Sharma, locals and Army troops rushed to the spot and launched the rescue operation. Officials said that 20 passengers have been confirmed dead. However, injured have been shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Udhampur while one of the critical has been airlifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu for an advanced treatment. “There is a very sharp curve at the spot and the driver may have lost control while negotiating the curve,” said a senior police officer. He said that the vehicle rolled down into the gorge after hitting the parapet. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. Meanwhile, PM Modi, in a post on X, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. “Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he posted. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, said PM Modi. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 20 April drama,” she said. Miss Banerjee said this election is very crucial as the BJP is trying out all nasty tricks to woo voters. “I have heard that some people have taken money and are fighting as Independent candidates. Some party workers have betrayed their party and for personal interest sided with the BJP. They have betrayed their religion and caste and never forgive them who have betrayed the party,” she said, adding that stringent action will be taken against them. “Be very careful as the BJP, having failed to fight Trinamul Congress, will try to disturb our communal peace and harmony. Rest assured, you are protected and safe under Trinamul Congress. Nobody will take away the social welfare schemes and you will be able to enjoy their benefits throughout life. Your freedom of speech and expression will be protected and no one will force you to give up your food habit or your religious practices,” she maintained. Miss Banerjee said a bridge will be constructed over the Dwarka river. The preliminary report has been received and work will start after the election is over. “We have constructed several bridges in Birbhum to boost tourism. The religious places have been upgraded and are attracting tourists across the country and abroad now. In Joydeb-Kenduli another bridge has been set up which is benefitting in religious tourism growth. TMC is giving Lakshmir Bhandar and it will never stop, while the BJP will not give Annapurna Bhandar after elections if they win. All houses will be made pucca, every household will get drinking water supply if we come to power, the farmers are getting MSP for paddy,” she said. ECI announces dry days for poll-bound states ahead of assembly elections STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 20 April The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the implementation of ‘dry days’ across poll-bound regions as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections during the ongoing General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections in 2026. Citing provisions under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission, in a press note, said that the sale, distribution, or serving of liquor will be strictly prohibited during the 48-hour period leading up to the close of polling in each constituency. “No spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquor or other substances of like nature shall be sold, given or distributed… within a polling area during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll,” the Commission said. In line with this provision, authorities have been instructed to declare and notify ‘dry days’ under relevant state and Union Territory laws for the specified period, including any re-poll if required. Additionally, the Commission has mandated that May 4, the day of vote counting, will also be observed as a ‘dry day’ in all poll-going regions. The order prohibits liquor sales and service at all establishments, including shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars, during the notified period. “No liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishments… shall be permitted to sell or serve liquor to anyone whatsoever on the aforesaid days,” the statement said. | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Tuesday, 21 April 2026