CMYK WEDNESDAY www.thestatesman.com 27 JULY 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 ‘EX-PREZ GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA TO RETURN TO LANKA’ PMLA COURT SUMMONS FAROOQ IN CRICKET SCAM P5 WEATHER One or two spells of rain/thundershower very likely. Temperature likely to be in the range of 34-27 degrees Celsius. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max.90% TEMPERATURE POPE APOLOGISES FOR CANADA’S ‘CATASTROPHIC’ SCHOOL POLICY P9 P10 NEERAJ RULED OUT OF CWG P12 Rahul detained during Cong protest, released after six hrs RS suspends 19 Opp MPs for entire week ED quizzes Sonia for second time MPs have been stalling proceedings over price rise, GST, other issues Min. 61% Max: 33.3°C (+1) Min: 25.9°C (-1) SUN RISES SUN SETS 05:06 hrs 18:20 hrs MOON RISES MOON SETS 02:42 hrs 16:46 hrs New moon on 28 July THUMBNAILS Water gushing from a swollen Beas river due to heavy rains triggered by a cloudburst at Seri Nala (Manali), at Solang village, in Kullu.  ANI K'taka HC issues notice to Centre over Twitter accounts: Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the ruling BJP government at the Centre in connection with the order asking to block nearly 1,100 Twitter accounts by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The single division bench headed by Justice Krishna S. Dixit gave the order after the arguments by senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Twitter, explained that if the blocking order continues, the whole business of Twitter will close. 4-year' rape, murder: SC dismisses review plea y against verdict commuting death penalty: The Supreme Court has refused to review its judgment delivered on April 19, commuting the death sentence to a man, for rape and murder of a four-year-old girl, to life term. Two review petitions were filed~one by the mother of the victim and the other by an organisation namely Bharatiya Stree Shakti. Both review petitions were dismissed by a bench of Justic- es U.U. Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat, and Bela M. Trivedi. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY ineteen Opposition members of the Rajya Sabha, including seven from the Trinamul Congress and six from the DMK, were suspended today for the rest of the week for disrupting the proceedings of the House. The Opposition MPs, who have been stalling the proceedings since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on 18 July over price rise and GST on daily essentials, were suspended for not heeding Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh’s repeated pleas to leave the Well of the House and go back to their seats. The action by the Chair against the 19 members for protesting in the well of the House came a day N Suspended Congress MPs from Lok Sabha stage a demonstration during the Monsoon Session, in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue, at Parliament, in New Delhi on Tuesday. ANI after four Congress Members of the Lok Sabha were suspended for the rest of the Monsoon Session of Parliament after they displayed placards and disrupted the proceedings of the House. The proceedings in the House were adjourned for 60 minutes as the sus- pended Opposition MPs refused to leave the House and continued shouting slogans. The deputy chairman said the members were suspended for showing utter disregard to the House and the authority of the Chair.The suspended MPs are: Sushmita Govt denies Alva’s phone tapping charge STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY The government today rejected joint opposition candidate for vicepresidentship Margaret Alva’s allegation of phone tapping, wondering why it should do so. “Why should we tap her phone? We are confident about the result of the Vice-President election. She may call anybody. She is a very senior person and should not make such allegations," said Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said. Taking to Twitter this morning, Alva said: “The fear that 'Big Brother' is always watching & listening permeates all conversations between politicians across party lines in 'new' India. MPs India slams Pak-China’s move DAC okays arms to invite third nations for CPEC procurement proposals worth ` 28, 732 crore STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY India today lashed out at its two main adversaries China and Pakistan for inviting third countries to join the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.“India firmly and consistently opposes projects in the so-called CPEC, which are in Indian territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in response to queries. He said; “We have seen reports on encouraging the proposed participation of third countries in so-called CPEC projects.Any such actions by any party directly infringe on India's sovereignty and territorial integri- Dev, Mausam Noor, Shanta Chhetri, Dola Den, Santanu Sen, Abhi Ranjan Biswar, and Md Nadimul Haque (all Trinamul Congress), M Hamamed Abdulla, S Kalyanasundram, R Giriranjan, N R Elango, V Shanmugam and Kanimozhi NVN Sonu (all DMK), B Lingaiah Yadav, Ravichandra Vaddiraju and Damodar Rao Divakonda (all TRS), A A Rahim and V Sivadasan (both CPM) and Sandosh Kumar P (CPI). Later, Union minister and Leader of the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal said the government was ready for discussion but despite that, the Opposition members were repeatedly disrupting the House. “We're hopeful that as soon as the finance minister comes, the discussion on price rise will take place,” he added. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY ty.” The spokesperson added; “Such activities are inherently illegal, illegitimate, and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India.” New Delhi has firmly been opposing the CPEC, saying a part of the project runs through its territory in Jammu and Kashmir which has been ceded by Pakistan to China. The CPEC Joint Working Group (JWG) on International Cooperation and Coordination, met in Pakistan and issued a statement welcoming interested third parties to benefit from avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation opened up by the CPEC. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of defence minister Rajnath Singh, today approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals of the armed forces amounting to Rs 28,732 crores, giving a boost to “AtmaNirbharta” in defence. Considering the demand for enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snipers to Indian troops deployed along the LoC, and in close combat operations in counter-terrorism scenarios, the DAC accorded AoN for bullet-proof jackets with Indian Standard BISVI level of protection. (See Pg5) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with other MPs conduct a protest march at Parliament House on Tuesday. SNS SNS&AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 26 JULY Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was released by the Delhi Police almost over six hours after he was detained during his party's march from Parliament to Rashtrapati Bhawan, officials said Tuesday. “They have been released,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Amrutha Gugolth said while responding to a query about the Congress party leaders' detention. The Congress MPs carried out a protest march from the Parliament House to Rashtrapati Bhawan in wake of questioning of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate and no discussion on important issues like price rise in Parliament. However, as the parliamentarians moved forward to give a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, the Delhi Police stopped them midway near Vijay Chowk.Subsequently, the Congress parliamentarians, including Rahul Gandhi, sat in protest in front of the Vijay Chowk.There was a heavy police deployment, including paramilitary and Rapid Action forces. Initially, the police began detaining other leaders, including women MPs, and at last Deepender Singh Hooda FACT FILE TOTAL CASES & leaders of parties carry multiple phones, frequently change numbers & talk in hushed whispers when they meet. Fear kills democracy.” She had yesterday tweeted; “Dear BSNL/ MTNL, After speaking to some friends in the BJP today, all calls to my mobile are being diverted & I'm unable to make or receive calls. If you restore the phone. I promise not to call any MP from the BJP TMC, , or BJD tonight.” 4,39,20,451 ACTIVE CASES 1,47,512 NEW CASES 14,830 NEW RECOVERIES 18,159 TOTAL DEATHS 5,26,110 UNION HEALTH MINISTRY FIGURES AS OF 8.00 A.M. TUESDAY 26 JULY 2022 Bengal recorded 1,232 cases and seven deaths and Rahul Gandhi were left on the spot. The woman Congress MPs could be seen being dragged by the police personnel and bundled in a bus. "What is the problem? We want to go there to meet the President and hand over the memorandum. Why are we not allowed?," Rahul Gandhi could be heard while he was talking to a Delhi Police official. “Look at the dictatorship. Can't undertake (a) peaceful protest, can't discuss inflation and unemployment. You won't succeed in silencing us by misusing police and agencies or arresting us. Only the truth will end this dictatorship,”he said. After detaining every protesting leader near Vijay Chowk, Rahul Gandhi was then detained and taken from there in a bus along with other MPs to new police lines, Kingsway Police camp. Apart from Vijay Chowk, hundreds of party workers were also detained from outside the Congress party headquarters at 24, Akbar Road. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was questioned for six hours today by the ED in an alleged money laundering case connected to the National Herald newspaper. She has been summoned again tomorrow for Round 3 of questioning. (See Pg 5) ‘Seek views of Finance Commission on promise of freebies by parties’: SC to govt In April this year, the ECI told the SC that offering freebies either before or after the elections is a policy decision of the political party, and it cannot regulate state policies and decisions taken by the parties STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Central government to engage with the Finance Commission on the issue of political parties inducing voters through freebies, and examine if there is a possibility to regulate it by taking into account money spent on freebies. A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli told Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the Central government, “please find out from the Finance Commission. Will list this sometime next week…whatis the authority to initiate debate…”During the hearing, Justice Ramana asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was present in the courtroom for some other matter, his views on a PIL questioning freebies announced during polls by political parties. The Chief Justice said: “Mr. Sibal is here as a senior parliamentarian. What is your view?” Sibal replied that freebies are a serious matter but it is difficult to control politically and the Finance Com- mission, while making allocations to various states, should take this into account — debt of states and then freebies. “Centre cannot be expected to issue directions,” Sibal said, adding that the Finance Commission is the appropriate authority to examine this issue. The bench said: “We direct the government of India to get instructions in this matter…” The Election Commission of India counsel submitted that it was held in previous judgments that a manifesto was part of the promises of a political party. The bench replied, “We are on freebies to bribe the electorate. Now if you say it’s hands off for you, then what is the purpose of the Election Com- mission of India?” The ECI counsel suggested that the Central government could bring a law to deal with the issue, however Nataraj suggested that it falls under the domain of the ECI. The bench responded that under this scenario, it will record that the Central government has nothing to say on this, and queried, “Why is the Centre hesitating to take a stand?” The top court was hearing a PIL by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay against the announcements made by political parties for inducing voters, through freebies, during elections.Upadhyay argued that ECI should debar state and national parties from making such promises. Nation pays tributes to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas Much-awaited 5G auction begins: Airtel, Reliance Jio maintain lead STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI/JAMMU, 26 JULY The nation today paid tributes to the bravehearts of the Kargil war on the 23rd anniversary of India’s historic victory against Pakistan in 1999. In a message to mark the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces, said; “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of extraordinary bravery, valour, and determination of our armed forces. I bow to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Mother India. All the countrymen will always be indebted to him and his family members.” In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said; “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory of Maa Bharati. On this occasion, my salute to all the brave sons of the country who have accomplished their valour in the defence of the motherland.” Defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt, defence secretary Ajay Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari laid wreaths at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes who ensured India’s victory Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory of Maa Bharati. On this occasion, my salute to all the brave sons of the country who have accomplished their valour in the defence of the motherland € NARENDRA MODI PRIME MINISTER during the war. At Ground-Zero at Dras against the backdrop of mountain features, the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary celebrations on Tuesday witnessed a series of events by the Army, Air Force and civilians.On Tuesday, the final commemorative event at the Kargil War Memorial commenced with the flagging in of 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Motor Cycle Rally' and the “Victory Motor Cycle Rally” which had commenced from the National War Memorial, New Delhi on 18 July and Turtuk on 20 July respectively. This was followed up by wreath laying by Air Marshal Shreekumar Prabhakaran, AOC-in-C, Western Air Command, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen Anindya Sen Gupta, GOC, 14 Corps and other militarydignitaries. The proceedings included the reception of “Kargil Victory Flame” at Kargil War Memorial which was jointly handed over to Air Marshal Shreekumar Prabhakaranand and Lt General Upendra Dwivedi by Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Veer Chakra (Retired),Brig Mohit Saxena,Veer Chakra and Colonel Praveen Tomar, Sena Medal, all being the awardees of Kargil War. To commemorate the 23rd 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', a host of events were organised under the aegis of Northern Command, culminating into the final event. CMYK STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY As the 5G spectrum went under hammer on Tuesday the bidders seem to have chosen to go slow. Although Bharti Airtel along with Jio maintained the lead after the third round of government-initiated auction for 5G spectrum allocation there was no clear outcome till the closing of the day. Bidding would continue on wednesday. Private telecom service providers; Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, VodafoneIdea, and Adani Data network are participating in India’s biggest spectrum allocation auction. The 5G spectrum is an The four bidders; Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Adani Data network, is bidding for nine bands of three different frequency essential piece of the whole 5G eco-framework. This new telecom technology runs on the same frequencies that are needed to run mobile data, Wi-Fi, and satellite communications in the country. The upcoming 5G services work on existing mobile towers and do not require installation of new towers. The impending 5G services will make new job opportunities, and produce extra income for established and start-up businesses.All nine Bands were supposed to be auctioned on Tuesday with a validity period of 20 years but it is speculated that the high and mid-range bands will catch more attention from the buyers, as those bands will be utilized for 5G network services. Airtel successfully conducted India’s first 5G trial in the 700 MHz band in partnership with Nokia.The whole spectrum auction is worth approx Rs. 5 lakh crore. All four players have submitted a combined Rs 21,400 core in earnest money deposit (EMD). Reliance Jio is expected to spend more EMD than any other company, similar to last year's auction. Congress Interim president Sonia Gandhi arrives at the ED office in New Delhi on Tuesday.  ANI Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appeared before the ED for a second round of questioning in the National Herald case. She was accompanied by her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her son Rahul. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was questioned for six hours today by the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged money laundering case connected to the National Herald newspaper. She has been summoned again tomorrow for Round 3 of questioning. Earlier in the day, she arrived at the ED office in new Delhi along with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi who was seen carrying a medicine box. Taking Sonia's ill health into consideration, the central agency has permitted Priyanka to be present in the office during the interrogation but in a separate room. While Priyanka stayed back at the ED office, Rahul left after a while to join his protesting party colleagues. According to ED sources, Sonia was asked the same set of questions which were asked to Rahul Gandhi during his five days questionSNS & AGENCIES ing. Spiked hooch kills 28 in ‘dry state’ Gujarat BOTAD (GUJARAT), 26 JULY The number of deaths due to the consumption of chemical-laced liquor or spurious liquor in Gujarat's Botad district has gone up 28 while three FIRs have been registered at Barwala, Ranpur and Ahmedabad Rural, informed the officials on Tuesday. Over a dozen were hospitalised due to the consumption of spurious liquor. A Committee to inquire into the incident of chemical misuse in Botad, Banvala and Dhandhuka Talukas has been formed. Cases have been registered on over14 people in connection with the incident. “A total of 28 people have died in the tragedy. The chemical was directly mixed with water and consumed by people, 600 litres of this was sold at Rs 40,000," informed the Director general of police (DGP), Ashish Bhatia. DGP Bhatia also informed that the local police will constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) over the matter. “Three FIRs registered at Barwala, Ranpur and Ahmedabad Rural...Local Police will constitute SIT," he added. Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghvi took note of the situation and chaired a meeting regarding the case. A Committee to inquire into the incident of chemical misuse in Botad, Banvala and Dhandhuka Talukas has been formed after the meeting. The incident came to light last night when several people were rushed to hospitals after consuming liquor infused with dangerous chemicals.ANI (See Pg4)