FRIDAY 20 JANUARY 2023 Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC www.thestatesman.com KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. SHALLOW FOG IN THE MORNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 22 AND 09 DEGREES CELCIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Govt committed to making cities like Mumbai future-ready: Prime Minister Modi Max. 91 % Min. 36% Max: 22.6°C (+3) SUN RISES 07:14 hrs MOON RISES 06:50 hrs Min: 05.6°C (-1) SUN SETS 17:50 hrs MOON SETS 16:00 hrs TEMPERATURE ‘India for the first time daring to dream big’ ‘Govt’s focus on development’ SNS & AGENCIES THUMBNAILS Wrestler Vinesh Phogat with wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia during a press conference against the Wrestling Federation of India at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. SUBRATA DUTTA AI passenger banned for 4 months: Shankar Mishra, the Air India passenger who allegedly urinated on a woman co-passenger on board a New York-Delhi flight in November last year, has been banned from the airline for four months.Earlier, Air India had announced a ban of 30 days on Mishra after the incident came to light, saying an airline can only ban an unruly passenger for 30 days unilaterally -- before consulting the Civil Aviation Ministry. Sources claimed that the airline on Thursday submitted an internal report in connection with the case. MUMBAI, 19 JANUARY P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that while poverty and aid from other countries used to be discussed during the rule of previous governments, now for the first time since Independence, India is daring to dream big and has the potential to realise it. Speaking at the launch of multiple development initiatives in Mumbai, the Prime Minister said: “For the first time after independence, India is daring to dream big and fulfil them. A long period in the last century was spent discussing poverty, seeking help from the world and living somehow. For the first time in the history of Independent India, the world trusts India's resolutions.” Mr Modi said that in the last 8 years, the BJP government have worked with a futuristic vision and modern approach to develop physical and social infrastructure. “We have seen those times when the money meant for the welfare of the poor was lost in scams. There was no sign of sensitivity regarding the tax received from the taxpayer," said Mr Modi. “Today, India is investing in STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY PM Narendra Modi being garlanded by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and State deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Thursday.  ANI upgrading its physical and social infrastructure, with futuristic thinking and modern approach,” he said. The Prime Minister said that the eagerness of Indians to build a developed India in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal is visible in the world as well. “Today, everyone feels that India is doing something essential for rapid development and prosperity. Today, India is full of unprecedented confidence. With the inspiration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sense of 'swaraj' and 'suraaj' reflects on the double-engine government of today's India," said Mr Modi. The Prime Minister said that DCW chief ‘molested’, dragged near AIIMS, accused arrested The documentary is a reflection on the agency that has made it. We think it is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible. Can't dignify such a film STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY Rejecting the controversial British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India on Thursday termed it as “a biased propaganda piece”, saying that it can't dignify such a film. Addressing a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said this documentary show, based on some internal UK report, shows the colonial mindset."The documentary is a reflection on the agency that has made it. We think it is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible. Can't dignify such a film,”the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said in response to a question on the documentary series.UK's National broadcaster BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms. Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen Lord Rami Ranger said the "BBC caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians."The MEA spokesperson said ARINDAM BAGCHI ETERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON the documentary is a reflection of the BBC and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. He even raised questions on "the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it"."The documentary is a reflection of the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. It makes us wonder about the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it," he added. Referring to apparent remarks made by former UK Secretary Jack Straw in the documentary series, Mr Bagchi said, "He (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It's a 20-year-old report. Why would we jump on it now? Just because Jack says it how do they lend it that much legitimacy.” “I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don't use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there... investigation, are they ruling the country?" Mr Bagchi asked. NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY DCW chief said that a car driver molested her in a drunken state and dragged her by his vehicle. “Late last night I was inspecting the situation of women's security in Delhi. A driver of a car molested me in a drunken state and when I caught hold of him, he locked my hand in the mirror of the car and dragged me. God saved my life. If the Chairperson of the Women's Commission is not safe in Delhi, then imagine the situation,” Ms Maliwal said in a tweet. Earlier, DCP South Chandan Chowdhary said that according to Ms Maliwal, she was with her team outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here at around 2.45 a.m. when the arrested person, later identified as Harish Chandra hailing from the city's Sangam Vihar and who appeared to be in an inebriated state, approached her. The DCW chief in her complaint to police alleged that the man who was driving a whitecoloured car stopped his car near where she was standing and “made indecent gestures” at her. He then beckoned her to sit inside his vehicle, claimed Ms Maliwal. When the DCW chief reprimanded him, the man allegedly went away but returned a short while and again repeated his actions, police said.Further investigation into the matter was underway. SC refuses to stay CCI order against Google ‘State could stop paying revenue to Centre if funds not released’ NEW DELHI,19 JANUARY STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Delhi Police on Thursday said that it has apprehended one person in connection with an incident in which Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal alleged that she was “molested” and “dragged by a car” for several meters opposite AIIMS in the National Capital in the early hours of this morning.The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought a report from Delhi Police in this connection and demanded strict action against the accused. Ms Maliwal claimed that she was molested by a drunken man and questioned the government over the 'safety of women' in the national capital.Taking to Twitter, the the big economies of the world are in trouble today, but even in such difficult times, India is giving free ration to more than 80 crore countrymen. He said that modern connectivity will take Mumbai to new heights. “We are working towards making cities like Mumbai futureready to fuel India's growth. Infrastructure like Metro is being developed on a mission mode," said the PM, adding that there’s no dearth of funds to develop the country’s financial capital. The Prime Minister launched projects worth Rs 38,000 crore and inaugurated two Metro rail lines during his Mumbai visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for and dedicated various developmental projects related to irrigation, drinking water and a National Highway in Kodekal, Yadgir, Karnataka.Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that unlike the previous governments, his government’s focus is solely on development and not votebank politics. “Even if one district in the country lags behind on the parameters of development, the country cannot become developed,” the Prime Minister said. Referring to the projects related to roads and water dedicated or for which the foundation stone was laid today, the PM said these projects will provide massive benefits to the people of the region. He praised the state government for development work undertaken in North Karnataka. ‘A biased propaganda piece’: MEA rejects BBC documentary on Modi MANAS R BANNERJEE SILIGURI, 19 JANUARY In a setback to Google, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision, declining to stay operation of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order imposing Rs 1,337.76 crore fine on the tech giant. A bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala, declining to interfere with the NCLAT order, directed it to dispose of Google's appeal by March 31. The bench said any expression of opinion of this court on merits would affect the case before the NCLAT.It added that the findings by the CCI cannot be said to be without jurisdiction or with manifest error. (SEEPAGE 8) Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday warned that the state could “stop the Centre from collecting revenue” from the state if it failed to release development funds under various headings. Addressing a public meeting in Alipurduar on North Bengal, Miss Banerjee came down heavily on the Centre for "non-payment" of funds for the MGNREG and other schemes, including minor irrigation projects. Stating that the Centre collects revenue from the state, but had stopped allotment of funds for many schemes, she warned that she too could stop payment of funds if the Centre continued the “non-cooperation” in sanctioning of the development funds. Further attacking the central government, she said: "Central teams come to West Bengal if a white ant bites someone. The NIA comes when a chocolate bomb explodes here.” She also criticisded the Delhi Bar Council's visit to the Calcutta High Court and asked why the Centre does not send Central teams when people die in BSF firing. Expressing concern over the tea garden workers’ legitimate claims, Miss Banerjeesaid: “Tea workers are not getting their PF, gratuity and ESI facilities. We have to begin a massive movement on these issues.” "We have hiked the wages for tea workers step by step. Moloy (Ghatak), you will have to launch movement on this issue," she said. The CM also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly, mentioning his 'promise' to reopen six tea gardens in the region, and pointing out that nothing had been done. Without naming the Prime Minister, she also hit out at the display of his picture in almost all government schemes and said: “Who deserves the display of his photo? Who can read the minds of the people?” Collegium reiterates recommendation to appoint advocate Saurabh Kirpal as judge, Delhi HC STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY The Supreme Court Collegium has reiterated its 11 November 2021 recommendation for the appointment of advocate Saurabh Kirpal as a Judge of Delhi High Court, brushing aside the government’s objection raised on the grounds of his being gay and in an intimate relationship with a Swiss national. The collegium said that Mr Kirpal possesses “competence, integrity and intellect” and has been “open” about his orientation and never been surreptitious about it. Stating that the “overwhelmingly positive aspects of the candidature of Shri Saurabh Kirpal must, therefore, weigh in the balance”, the collegium unanimously resolved to “reiterate its recommendation dated 11 November, 2021 for appointment of Shri Saurabh Kirpal as a Judge of the Delhi High Court which needs to be processed expeditiously.” The statement adopted by the collegium ~ comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice K.M. Joseph - on 18 January said that Mr Kirpal “possesses compe- The collegium said that Mr Kirpal possesses “competence, integrity and intellect” and has been “open” about his orientation and never been surreptitious about it tence, integrity and intellect” and his appointment will “add value” and provide “inclusion and diversity” to the High Court. The collegium found nothing new in the Research and Analysis Wing’s two communications about Mr Kirpal’s intimate relationship with a Swiss national of the same sex. Referring to communications from R&AW, the collegium said that it does not reflect any apprehension in regard to the individual conduct or behaviour of the Swiss partner of Mr Kirpal having a bearing on national security. The collegium referred to the Union Law Minister’s 1 April 2021 letter which said that though “homosexuality stands de-criminalised in India, nonetheless same-sex marriage still remains bereft of recognition either in codified statutory law or uncodified personal law in India” and the recommended candidate’s “ardent involvement and passionate attachment to the cause of gay-rights” would not rule out the possibility of bias and prejudice. The collegium statement, referring to the top court’s Constitution Bench judgment, says “every individual is entitled to maintain their own dig- nity and individuality, based on sexual orientation.” In view of the constitutionally recognised rights which the candidate espouses, the collegium said it would be “manifestly contrary to the constitutional principles laid down by the Supreme Court to reject his candidature on that ground.” Separately, the Supreme Court Collegium reiterated its earlier recommendation for appointing advocate R. John Sathyan, who had shared on social media an article critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a judge of Madras High Court.Rejecting the objections of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to Mr Sathyan’s social media posts including one sharing an article critical of the Prime Minister, the three-judge Collegium reiterated its 16 February 2022 recommendation for his appointment as High Court judge. The Collegium headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and also comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice K.M. Joseph noted that the IB, while objecting to Sathyan's social media posts, has reported that he has a good personal, professional image and nothing adverse has been found with regard to his integrity. ‘Atmosphere free of terror needed for talks’ NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY India reiterated its position on relations with Pakistan and said that a “conducive atmosphere free of terror” is needed for talks. Reacting to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's desire of holding a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have already said that we have always wanted normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan. But there should be a conducive atmosphere which does not have terror, hostility or violence. That remains our position." This statement came after Sharif offered last week to hold talks between the two countries to resolve outstanding issues such as Kashmir. Earlier, in an interview with Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV, Sharif said, "My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Modi is that let's sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning points like Kashmir. It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources."In an interview with a Dubai-based news channel, Pakistan's PM said, “We have had three wars with India, and they have only brought more misery, poverty, and unemployment to the people.”SNS & AGENCIES