SUNDAY www.thestatesman.com 19 JUNE 2022 FIND US ONLINE Scan this with your smartphone twitter.com/TheStatesmanLtd facebook.com/thestatesman1875 Pages 12 | `5.00 |LC* KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR JANUARY 6 HEARINGS ALSO SHOW WHAT WENT RIGHT FUTURE TENSE P6 WEATHER Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of spells of rain/thundershower very likely. Temperature will be in the range of 33-22 degrees Celsius. RAINFALL: 6.8 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max.93% TEMPERATURE BORIS JOHNSON MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO KYIV P7 P10 Govt: 10 pc job quota for Agniveers in MoD 10 % reservation in CAPF, AR under MHA and 3-year age relaxation INC stands firmly with you and promises to protect your interests and fight to get this scheme back. Like a true patriot, we will raise your voice in front of the government by following the path of truth, non-violence, restraint and peace STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Min. 62% Max: 31.1°C (-2) Min: 25.8 °C (-1) SUN RISES SUN SETS 04:52 hrs 18:23 hrs MOON RISES MOON SETS 22:21 hrs 08:44 hrs New moon on 29 June THUMBNAILS Sarang Helicopter Display Team conducts a flypast at the Combined Graduation Parade, at Air Force Academy in Dundigal on Saturday.  ANI Patnaik to share Odisha’s food security-model in m Rome:Odisha will showcase its success in trans- forming the state from one of scarcity to food surplus and its widely acknowledged disaster management model to the world with chief minister Naveen Patnaik making a presentation in this regard at the World Food Program headquarters in Rome.The Chief Minister left for Delhi on Saturday from where he will fly to Rome on an invitation from the WFP. He is also Pg9 slated to meet the Pope. ith nationwide protests against the Agnipath scheme intensifying, the government announced that ten per cent of the job vacancies in the Ministry of Defence (MoD)as well as in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles would be reserved for “Agniveers” meeting requisite eligibility criteria. Defence minister Rajnath Singh announced the government’s decision to reserve ten per cent of the job vacancies in the Ministry of Defence for “Agniveers” soon after he held a meeting with the three services chiefs at which the situation arising from the ongoing protests against the scheme for recruitment in the armed forces was discussed at length. The meeting felt the misconceptions among the country's youth with regard to the ambitious scheme must be addressed immediately. The ten per cent reservation will be implemented W SONIA GANDHI (L) RPF and Government Railway Police at the Gurgaon Railway station, in Gurugram. (R) Protesters pelt stones during Bihar Bandh in Patna on Saturday.  ANI in the Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. These undertakings are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL), Munitions India Limited (MIL),Yantra India Limited (YIL), Gliders India Limited (GIL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Troop Off-duty police officer gunned down in J&K Prez polls: Farooq turns down Oppn’s proposal STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE JAMMU, 18 JUNE JAMMU, 18 JUNE An off-duty police officer was abducted and killed by terrorists in south Kashmir's Pampore area on Saturday. The body of Farooq Ahmad Mir, a Jammu and Kashmir Police sub- inspector (ministerial wing) was found in the paddy fields this morning. It is suspected that terrorists kidnapped the subinspector from his home at Samboora in Pampore and killed him in the nearby fields.Body of Farooq Ahmad Mir of was found in paddy fields near his home. Initially, one bullet wound was found near his heart. Police said Mir was posted in the IRP 23rd Battalion at CTC Lethpora and was to retire from service in next couple of months. Wreath laying ceremony of the martyr SI was held at Lethpora on Saturday. In a blow to the move of the opposition to field a joint candidate for the presidential election, National Conference chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday "respectfully withdrew" his name saying his efforts were required to navigate Jammu and Kashmir through the ongoing “critical juncture”. Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s statement withdrawing his name for consideration as joint opposition’s Presidential candidate appeared on the official twitter account of National Conference and was also re-tweeted by his son Omar Abdullah. Abdullah’s name was proposed as a possible joint opposition candidate for the office of President of India by the Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Abdullah stated that subsequent to Mamata didi proposing “my” name, I have received a I’m very grateful to Mamata Didi for proposing my name. I’m also grateful to all senior leaders who offered me their support DR.FAROOQ ABDULLAH NATIONAL CONFERENCE CHIEF number of calls from opposition leaders offering their support for my candidature. “I am deeply touched by the support that I’ve received & honoured to have been considered for the highest office in the country”. “I believe that J&K is passing through a critical juncture and my efforts are required to help navigate these uncertain times,” he said.“I have a lot more active politics ahead of me and look forward to making a positive contribution in the service of J&K and the country”, he said and added; “Therefore I would like to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration and I look forward to supporting the joint opposition consensus candidate”. Comforts Limited (TCL). This reservation would be in addition to existing reservations for ex-servicemen. Necessary amendments to relevant recruitment rules will be undertaken to implement these provisions. The DPSUs will be advised to make similar amendments to their respective recruitment rules. Necessary age relaxation provision will also be made to enable recruitment of Agniveers to the above posts. In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to reserve ten per cent of vacancies for recruitment in CAPF and Assam Rifles for Agniveers, completing four years under the Agnipath Scheme. In a series of tweets, the Home Minister’s Office FACT FILE CONGRESS PRESIDENT said; “The MHA decides to reserve 10 per cent vacancies for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles for Agniveers, completing four years under the Agnipath Scheme announced by the Government of India, led by PM ”. It also said that “The MHA also decides to give 3 years age relaxation beyond the prescribed upper age limit to Agniveers for recruitment in CAPFs & Assam Rifles. Further, for the first batch of Agniveer, the age relaxation will be for 5 years beyond the prescribed upper age limit.” The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways , meanwhile, announced six attractive service avenues for a smooth transition of Agniveers in various roles of the Merchant navy, post their stint with the Indian Navy. Agnipath fury continues, trains affected STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE 'DRAVID DOESN'T DROP A PLAYER AFTER A BAD PERFORMANCE' P12 Two killed in Kabul gurudwara attack INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE KABUL, JUNE 18 Violent protests against the Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces continued for the fourth consecutive day today in several parts of the country affecting over 200 trains. In Bihar, train services were stopped till 8 pm today. The train services will be suspended again in the state from tomorrow from 4 am- 8 pm due to the ongoing protests. Meanwhile, students' organisations in Bihar, led by the All India Students' Association, have called a 24hour “Bihar bandh” today demanding an immediate rollback of the new recruitment scheme in the military launched this week by the government. RJD has lent its support to the bandh call and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manji whose Hindustan Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) is an ally of the BJP said that while his party did not support the violence it would support the Bihar bandh call in the interest of the youth. Earlier, violent agitators set four vehicles on fire in Jahanabad. Meanwhile, security has been beefed at Guntur Railway station with police force deployed in large numbers in view of the protests across the country. (See Pg4) The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan on Saturday confirmed that an attack at a gurdwara in Kabul has ended, adding that two people were killed and seven others injured in the incident. At about 6.30 a.m., three explosions ripped through the gurdwara located in the capital's Kart-e-Parwan area. "The security forces were able to immediately mobilize to control the attack and eliminate the attacker in a short time to prevent further casualties," Ariana News quoted Kabul Police spokesman Khalid Zadran as saying. According to Zadran, the victims comprised one security personnel and a Hindu civilian. In a statement, the Interior Ministry said that "before entering, the enemy attacked the guards with a grenade, which caused a fire, and two of our Hindu compatriots, who were injured in the attack, were evacuated and taken to hospital for treatment". According to the Ministry, a car bomb was also detonated by the insurgents before it reached its target.“Fortunately, they did not reach their target and detonated a car bomb before reaching the target." Videos on social media As his mother is entering her 100th year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today penned an emotional blog, recollecting some special moments from his childhood that he spent with her. He recalled several sacrifices made by her as he grew up and mentioned various qualities of his mother that have shaped his mind, personality, and self-confidence. “Today, I feel extremely happy and fortunate to share that my mother Smt. Heeraba Modi is entering her hundredth year. This is going to be her birth centenary year.” wrote PM. Recalling hardships his mother faced during her childhood, he said, “My Mother is as simple as she is extraordinary. Just like all mothers.” At a tender age, she lost her own mother. He said, “She does not even remember my grandmother’s face or the comfort of her lap. She spent her entire childhood without her mother.” He recalled the tiny house Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets his mother Heeraben Modi in Gandhinagar as she enters her hundredth year, on Saturday.  ANI in Vadnagar with mud walls and clay tiles for a roof where he stayed with his parents and siblings.He mentioned innumer- able everyday adversities that his mother encountered and successfully overcame. Modi mentioned how his mother not only did all household chores by herself but also worked to supplement the meagre household income. She used to wash utensils at a few houses and take out time to spin the ‘charkha’ to help me- et the household expenses. Modi reminisced “During the rains, our roof would leak, and the house would flood. Mother would place buckets and utensils below the leaks to collect the rainwater. Even in this adverse situation, Mother would be a symbol of resilie- nce”. Cleanliness, he said, was something that his mother had always been extremely showed smoke billowing from the two-storey gurdwara which is surrounded by blast walls. Earlier in the day, India's Ministry of External Affairs said that it was closely monitoring the situation. We are deeply concerned at the reports emanating from Kabul about an attack on a sacred gurdwara in that city," a statement citing Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said. “We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the unfolding developments.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned the terrorist attack at Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul. He also prayed for the safety and well-being of the devotees. "Shocked by the cowardly terrorist attack against the Karte Parwan Gurudwara in Kabul. I condemn this barbaric attack, and pray for the safety and well-being of the devotees," tweeted PM Modi. JOYRIDE TOTAL CASES 4,32,83,793 ACTIVE CASES 68,108 NEW CASES 13,216 8,148 NEW RECOVERIES TOTAL DEATHS 5,24,840 UNION HEALTH MINISTRY FIGURES AS OF 8.00 A.M. SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022 Bengal recorded 288 cases and zero deaths India records 13,216 new cases: India recorded 13,216 new Covid cases while 23 people lost their lives due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday. With the addition of new deaths due to the Covid, the total number of fatalities now stands at 5,24,840 in the country. Tourists enjoy Shikara ride on the Dal Lake during rain, in Srinagar on Saturday.  ANI PM pens emotional blog on mother’s 100th birthday Health minister to lead STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Taliban fighters stand guard at the site of an explosion in front of a Sikh gurudwara in Kabul on Saturday.  AP particular about. He said his mother had a deep respect for those involved in cleaning and sanitation. The PM mentioned that his mother would find happiness in other people’s joys and was extremely largehearted. He recalled “A close friend of my father used to stay in a nearby village. After his untimely death, my father brought his friend’s son, Abbas, to our home. He stayed with us and completed his studies. Mother was as affectionate and caring towards Abbas just like she did for all of us siblings. Every year on Eid, she used to prepare his favourite dishes. On festivals, it was commonplace for neighbourhood kids to come to our house and enjoy Mother’s special preparations.” He mentioned that as a dutiful citizen his mother has voted in every election since the time elections began, from Panchayat to Parliament. Reflecting on his mother’s extremely simple lifestyle, he wrote that even today, there are no assets in his mother’s name. “I have never seen her wear any gold ornaments, and she has no interest either. Like earlier, she continues to lead an extremely simple lifestyle in her small room.” the PM stated. It was PM’s mother who gave him full support when he had decided to leave his home. Understanding his desires and blessing him, his mother said, “Do as your mind says.” He said his mother has always inspired him to have a strong resolve and focus on 'garib kalyan. His mother keeps assuring him that he should not worry about her and remain focused on the larger responsibilities. Whenever he speaks to her on the phone, his mother says, “Never do anything wrong or anything bad with anyone and keep working for the poor.” Modi encapsulated his mother’s inspiring life story in a few words: “Far beyond every tale of deprivation is the glorious story of a mother, Far above every struggle, is the strong resolve of a mother.” IDY celebrations from Statue of Unity on 21 Jun INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will lead the 8th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) from the Statue of Unity, Gujarat on June 21, 2022. In the spirit of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as the country celebrates 75th year of independence, 75 iconic sites have been selected for observation of 8th edition of International Day of Yoga. The Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Gujarat is also one of them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 8th International Day of Yoga observation from Mysuru Palace, Karnataka. A Digital Yoga Exhibition at Mysuru will be organised to showcase highlights and achievements of all previous editions of International Day of Yoga. The exhibition will also include strength of Yoga, best practice, research highlights, Common Yoga Protocol etc. The 8th edition of IDY will be organised in India and across the globe on the theme of 'Yoga for Humanity' which was announced by Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat address and will focus on 'Brand India at Global Stage' while showcasing its iconic places. The IDY observation is based on a harmonious mass yoga demonstration of a custom made 45-minute protocol namely, Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). This year, the major attraction of the IDY observation will be the 'Guardian Ring', whereby the yoga celebrations happening across the world will be relayed throughout the Yoga Day. 'The Guardian Ring' underlines 'One Sun, One earth' concept and showcases the unifying power of Yoga. India, EU relaunch talks on FTA after nine years STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE India and the European Union (EU) have relaunched negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after a lull of nine years. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Executive Vice-President of European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis revived the talks on a far-reaching FTA at the EU Headquarters in Brussels last evening. Besides, negotiations were also launched for a standalone Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indicators (GIs) Agreement. Last year, in the India and EU leaders’ meeting held in Porto on 8 May 2021, an agreement was reached for resuming negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA and starting fresh negotiations on the IPA and a separate agreement on GIs. (See Pg5)