05 NOVEMBER 2023 www.thestatesman.com twitter.com/thestatesman facebook.com/thestatesman INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 12+4 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘CONG, BAGHEL USING HAWALA MONEY TO FIGHT POLLS’ THROUGH A EUROPEAN PRISM P7 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SHALLOW FOG IN THE MORNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 30 AND 17 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. P5 Says Congress needs to answer as to what links it has with people in Dubai Modi congratulates Sunak on completing one year in office RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max.96% Min. 57% TEMPERATURE Min: 16.6°C (+1) SUN RISES AGENCIES SUN SETS 06:36 hrs MOON SETS 00:03 hrs Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on completing one year in office and exchanged views on the raging Israel-Hamas conflict, while also expressing deep concern over terrorism and loss of civilian lives. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that during the phone call on Friday, "the leaders reiterated their commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral Comprehensive Startegic part- nership, including in the areas trade, investment, emerging technology, defence, security, health and others". "They welcomed the progress being made for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement,” the statement said. Modi and Sunak also "exchanged views on the developments in the West Asia region and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. “Both leaders expressed deep concern at terrorism, worsening security situation and the loss of civilian lives”, the Ministry said. He said the Congress needs to answer as to what links it has with people in Dubai who were accused in the scam. “State government and the CM should tell the people of Chhattisgarh what links they have with the people sitting in Dubai who are accused of this scam,” the PM asked. “After the money was seized, the CM is baffled and is suddenly found in action. I have heard that local leaders are sending us a message that money will be planted on our leaders and police will be sent. Who are they trying to threaten. Nothing is hidden from the public," the PM said. NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER 17:34 hrs MOON RISES 13:19 hrs THUMBNAILS Congress party's Chhattisgarh Government has left no opportunity to loot you. They did not even spare the name of Mahadev NARENDRA MODI PRIME MINISTER STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck being welcomed by Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora on his arrival at IORA Retreat, in Kaziranga on Saturday.  ANI One dead in Navy chopper mishap: A navy sailor died in a mishap at INS Garuda, the naval air base at Willingdon Island in Kochi, on Saturday. The rotor blades of a Chetak helicopter struck the sailor during a maintenance taxi check, causing his death. The chopper’s pilot and co-pilot were also injured. P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an all-out attack on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel after the Enforcement Directorate linked Mr Baghel with the alleged Mahadev betting app scam. Addressing an election rally in Durg, Mr Modi said the Congress has never left any opportunity to loot the people of Chhat- tisgarh. “Congress party's Chhattisgarh Government has left no opportunity to loot you. They did not even spare the name of Mahadev,” he said. “Two days back, a big operation took place in Raipur. Huge cache of currency notes was found. People say that the money belongs to gamblers and bettors. The Congress leaders are filling their houses with this loot money. You can see in media reports that to whom its links go back to," Mr Modi said. No respite from toxic air as smoggy haze rules Delhi skies EAM speaks to Israeli counterpart AGENCIES STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER The thick blanket of haze formed by smog-covered Delhi skies continued to make the life of the residents miserable on Saturday as air quality of the air in the city remained ‘severe’ leaving them gasping for breath. Difficulty in breathing and irritation in eyes among other health-related issues continued to be a common refrain among the people in and around the national capital. Patients, especially those suffering from asthma, bronchitis, lung issues, and cardiovascular diseases have been advised by doctors against venturing out in the open. Several people in the streets, in buses, metro trains, two-wheelers, and even those commuting by private cars A thick layer of smog engulfs the Taj Mahal as the overall air quality goes down amid the rising air pollution, in Agra on Saturday.  ANI were seen wearing masks in a bid to breathe filtered air. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) level in the national capital was recorded at 412 this evening, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI value was based on readings taken by the pollution control agency from 35, out of 40 air monitoring stations spread across the city. Maximum AQI level on Saturday was recorded at Shadipur area, with a value of 487, followed by Anand Vihar with an AQI of 482. (SEE MORE REPORTS ON P 2 ) Amidst the offensive against the Hamas group in Gaza, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday had a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, reaffirming India's commitment to “countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and for a two-state solution". “Spoke this afternoon with FM Eli Choen of Israel. Appreciated his sharing the Israeli assessment of the current situation.” “Reiterated our firm commitment to countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and for a two-state solution," Mr Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X. Can birthday boy Kohli propel India to 8th straight win in top-of-table contest against SA? TRIDIB BAPARNASH KOLKATA, 4 NOVEMBER The iconic Eden Gardens is all set to host one of the most riveting contests of the ongoing ICC World Cup as the two most impressive sides of the tournament — India and South Africa — face off in a top-of-the-table contest on Sunday. While both teams still have one more game left to play, the face-off between India and the Proteas is already gearing momentum as India with their all-round package and South Africa, with their powerhitting ~ occupy the top-two spots in the league table after six rounds. Except for a blip against the Netherlands, South Africa have blown away all their opponents before shedding their chokers tag by pulling off a nerve-wracking chase against Pakistan. On the other hand, India has been on a blemish-free run with an allwin record. The Temba Bavuma-led side displayed brilliant P4 PM attacks Baghel govt over betting app scam RAINFALL: Nil Max: 29.5°C (-1) SIDDARAMAIAH, SHIVAKUMAR CONVEY MESSAGE OF UNITY Indian players during a practice session ahead of the match against South Africa in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata on Saturday. BISWAJIT GHOSHAL temperament to prove they can handle the pressure by holding their nerve to scrape past Pakistan by one wicket in their previous game, but they will need to do more to escape unhurt against a rampaging Indian side. This is the second top-ofthe-table clash for the home side, after having decimated New Zealand at Dharamsala to maintain their winning momentum, and will eye an encore against the Proteas in The City of Joy. The match holds special significance for one of India’s batting stalwarts - Virat Kohli, who will turn 35 on Sunday, and the run-machine will be expected to light up the celebrations with a special 49th ODI century, to match master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s milestone in the 50-over format. Kohli has so far slammed a hundred and three fifty-plus scores in the ongoing edition of the World Cup, and with the wicket at the Eden promising another run-feast, expecting a three-figure score from the Delhi batter won’t be a tall ask. Besides Kohli, the onus will also be on the skipper Rohit Sharma, who has been in sublime form, along with the likes of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer to tame the South African bowlers. Much of the credit for India’s seven wins in seven games goes to the bowling attack, with Mohammed Shami emerging a gamechanger, by picking up 14 wickets in 22 overs at an average of 6.71 and economy of 4.27. With back -to-back five wicket hauls, Shami has cemented his spot in the Playing XI after initially warming the bench for the first couple of matches. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been impressive as ever, while the slower bowlers - Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have also been on the money. Pandya ruled out; Krishna named replacement Star allrounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup due to the ankle injury he picked up against Bangladesh last month. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has replaced him in India's squad. PAK BEAT NZ, KEEP SEMI-FINALS FIGHT ALIVE P12 Strong quake rattles northwest Nepal; at least 145 dead , many injured, toll expected to rise AGENCIES KATHMANDU, 4 NOVEMBER The death toll from a strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Nepal has risen to 145 as the rescue operation is going on, government officials said on Saturday. Nepal's provincial governments have announced relief packages for the quake-hit areas, while the Nepali Congress and the Rastriya Swatantra Party offered 5 million Nepali rupees ($37,800) and two teams of doctors in aid, respectively. Nepal's Deputy prime minister and home minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha told the media that China and India had offered support in relief and rescue.Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal also flew in on a helicopter with a team of doctors. Authorities said the death toll was expected to rise, noting that communications were cut off with many places. At the regional hospital in the city of Nepalgunj, more than 100 beds were made available and teams of doctors stood by to help the injured. “I was fast asleep when all of a sudden it started shaking violently. I tried to run but the whole house collapsed. I tried escaping but half my Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery NARENDRA MODI PRIME MINISTER body got buried in the debris,” said Bimal Kumar Karki, one of the first two people to be brought to the regional hospital. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and occurred at a depth of 11 miles. Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center said its epicenter was at Jajarkot, which is about 400 kilometers northeast of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. As day broke Saturday, rescue helicopters flew into the region to help out and security forces on the ground were digging out the injured and dead from the rubble, Nepal police spokesperson Kuber Kadayat said. Troops were clearing roads and mountain trails that were blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake. Helicopters flew in medical workers and medicines to the hospitals there.