THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘US SCRAMBLED TO URGE PUTIN NOT TO USE NUKES IN UKRAINE’ SOME PEOPLE ARE CHEATING IN THE NAME OF AYURVEDA P9 SENSEX 81,467.10q167.71 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 35 AND 23 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 88 % TEMPERATURE Min. 40 % Max: 34.6 °C (0) SUN RISES 06:20 hrs MOON RISES 13:55 hrs NIFTY P3 24,981.95q31.20 ` vs $ 83.96 P6 GOLD 77,315.00 THUMBNAILS Union Minister of State for Road, Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra flags off the 'Vayu Veer Vijeta' car rally on the occasion of the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force on Tuesday. n ANI Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to 3 scientists: The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded Wednesday to three scientists for their breakthrough work predicting and even designing the structure of proteins, the building blocks of life. The prize was awarded to David Baker, who works at the University of Washington in Seattle, and to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, who both work at Google DeepMind, a British-American artificial intelligence research laboratory based in London. BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 76.19q0.99 Modi mourns Ratan Tata, calls him a visionary leader, compassionate soul NEW DELHI, 9 OCTOBER R atan Tata, one of India's most iconic business leaders, passed away on late Wednesday night, October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. The chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, a conglomerate synonymous with India's industrial growth, breathed his last at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital where he had been admitted following a sudden drop in his blood pressure. Tata, who had been in critical condition in intensive care, leaves behind a legacy that spans over two decades of leadership at Tata Sons. His passing marks the end of an era for the Tata Group and the nation. After his hospitalisation on October 7, Tata issued a statement to dispel rumours about his health and said that he was undergoing medical check-ups due to his age and related medical conditions. He assured people that there was no cause for concern and that he remained in good spirits. "I am aware of recent rumours circulating regarding my health and want to assure everyone that these claims are unfounded. I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions. There is no cause for concern. I remain STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 9 OCTOBER in good spirits and request that the public and media refrain from spreading misinformation," Tata had said in a statement on X. However, despite these reassurances, his condition worsened, and on Wednesday, he was put on ventilator support. Ratan Tata, who took over the reins of the Tata Group in 1991, transformed the company into a global powerhouse. Born on December 28, 1937, Tata graduated from Cornell University with a degree in architecture and engineering. He also attended Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme. PM tears into Cong after Haryana win STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 9 OCTOBER house. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh had earlier in the day alleged that the BJP is aiming to illegally occupy 6 Flagstaff Road. He had also said that the BJP is spreading lies despite proper proof of Arvind Kejriwal vacating the CM’s residence being issued by concerned departments. Singh claimed that CM Atishi had set up a camp office and held a meeting at the official residence, but all the staff had been removed from the premises. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta has stated that: “Finally, Kejriwal's PWD employees had to surrender and accept our demands. Arvind Kejriwal's 'sheesh mahal' has been sealed... The whole fiasco needs to be investigated," he added. Mr Gupta has alleged that the current CM illegally moved into the bungalow, and questioned as to why the bungalow wasn't handed over to PWD as per protocols. The BJP leader has demanded an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the entire process, while he accused Ms Atishi of occupying two government properties. He alleged that Atishi has occupied both residential properties at AB-17, Mathura Road, and 6, Flag Staff Road. NEW DELHI, 9 OCTOBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Haryana polls have shown the nation’s mood and how it thinks, destroying all attempts by the Congress and its “urban Naxal” ecosystem to dupe voters, and electing the BJP for a historic third term after 10 years of rule. He was speaking after launching development projects worth over Rs 7,600 crore, via videoconferencing, in Maharashtra, including upgradation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur and construction of a new Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport. The Prime Minister said the Congress tried to spread falsehood among Dalits in Haryana, but the community understood its dangerous game. Dalits knew the Congress wanted to snatch their share of reservation benefits and distribute them among its “vote-bank.” The Dalits gave record support to the BJP in the Assembly elections, he said. Haryana’s OBCs are today with the BJP because of development work under its rule, Mr Modi said. The Congress tried to incite farmers but even they knew who had given them MSP on their crops. The state’s farmers are happy with the BJP’s welfare schemes for them. The Congress even targeted the youth and tried to provoke them by different ways. The youth has faith on the BJP for ensuring their bright future, Mr Modi said. The Congress adopted all kinds of methods, but Haryana’s people showed they were unlikely to fall prey to any of “hatred” spreading conspiracies of the party or its “urban Naxals,” he said. Mr Modi said the Congress has always followed the policy of “divide and rule.” The party has proved time and again that it is an “irresponsible” party. RBI MPC decides to keep policy rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 9 OCTOBER The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent with a majority vote of 5:1. Announcing the decision, Governor Shaktikanta Das said the MPC decided unanimously to change stance to neutral and remain unambiguously focused on endurable alignment of inflation with growth. Consequently, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains unchanged at 6.25 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.75 per cent. On the GDP growth, the Governor said the real GDP growth is projected at 7.2 per cent for FY24-25. For Q2 FY24-25, real GDP growth is projected at 7 per SILVER 94,000 leader Ratan Tata passes away Atishi's belongings removed forcibly from 6 Flagstaff Road, alleges CMO In the ongoing row over the possession of 6 Flagstaff House, the former residence of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister Office on Wednesday alleged that the premises has been allegedly vacated by force. It is for the first time in the country's history that a CM's residence has been vacated in this manner, CMO alleged. Chief Minister Atishi's office has alleged that it is at the behest of the saffron party that the LG directed to get the CM's belongings removed from the official residence, and that preparations are underway to allot the house to some senior leader of the BJP. It is also alleged that the BJP which has not been able to form its government in Delhi for 27 years is now trying to capture the CM’s P12 End of an era: Iconic business STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min: 22.8 °C (+2) SUN SETS 17:57 hrs MOON SETS 23:13 hrs 2ND T20I: INDIA BEAT BANGLADESH BY 86 RUNS POLITICAL REALIGNMENT cent, Q3 at 7.4 per cent and Q4 at 7.4 per cent. The risks are evenly balanced, he said. Real GDP growth for Q1 FY25-26 is projected at 7.3 per cent. He said the CPI Inflation for FY24-25 is projected at 4.5 per cent. For Q2, the inflation is projected at 4.1 per cent, Q3 at 4.8 per cent and Q4 at 4.2 per cent. Further, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for Q1 FY25-26 is projected at 4.3 per cent, he added. “RBI is closely monitoring the incoming information and will take measures if necessary, banks and NBFCs need to closely assess their exposure in these areas, underwriting standards have to be robust, continued attention also needs to be given in cyber security, mule accounts, etc,” he said. Banks and NBFCs are not permitted to levy foreclosure charges or prepayment penalties on any floating rate term loan sanctioned to individual borrowers for non-business purposes. It is now proposed to broaden the scope of these guidelines for loans to medium and small enterprises, and a draft will be issued for public consultation, the Governor said. Saugata Bhattacharya, Professor Ram Singh, Dr Rajiv Ranjan, Dr Michael Debabrata Patra and Shaktikanta Das voted to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50 per cent while Dr Nagesh Kumar voted to reduce the policy repo rate by 25 basis points. Further, Dr Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Professor Ram Singh, Dr Rajiv Ranjan, Dr Michael Debabrata Patra and Shaktikanta Das voted for a change in stance from withdrawal of accommodation to ‘neutral’ and to remain unambiguously focused on a durable alignment of inflation with the target, while supporting growth. (Details on Page 10) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ratan Tata, calling him a "visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being." In a heartfelt statement on X, PM Modi wrote, "Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better." The PM further highlighted Mr Tata’s passion for "dreaming big and giving back," lauding his efforts in championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare. "One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. Droupadi Murmu Tata Ji was his passion for dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare, to name a few," he stated. Sharing his memories, PM Modi recounted his numerous interactions with Ratan Tata during his tenure as the CM of Gujarat and later in Delhi. "My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. I am extremely pained by his passing. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," the PM remarked. Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community. Rahul Gandhi Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me... Amit Shah "Saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Sons. The former Chairman of Tata Group had been a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist. His demise will be an irreparable loss for the Indian business world and society. My condolences to all his family members and colleagues," Mamata Banerjee EC faults Cong for stance on Haryana poll outcome STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 9 OCTOBER The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday wrote a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over remarks made by him and other party leaders on the outcome of the Haryana Assembly elections. Mr Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, on Tuesday said the outcome of the Haryana polls was unexpected. Earlier in the day, the party general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh and its chairman of Media and Publicity Department, Pawan Khera, said they can not accept the Haryana results and termed it as victory of “manipulation” by the ruling BJP. In the letter addressed to the Congress chief, NT Bhutia, principal secretary of the EC, wrote: “I am directed to refer to the widely reported statement made by Jairam Ramesh, MP and Pawan Khera on 8th October, which seemingly made an assertion, in the context of the recently concluded election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana, to the effect that election results are unacceptable.” “Such an unprecedented statement in a generic sense, unheard in the rich democratic heritage of the country, is far from a legitimate part of free speech and expression and moves towards an undemocratic rejection of the will of the people expressed in accordance with the statutory and regulatory electoral framework, uniformly applied across all elections in the country including Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana,” the official wrote. He said: “The Commission has meanwhile noted the statements from your good self and the Leader of Opposition which have termed the Haryana results as ‘unexpected’ and that the INC proposes to analyse the same and approach the ECI with its complaints/grievances.” Informing that EC is in receipt of a request seeking a meeting time of a 12- member official Congress delegation, including Mr Ramesh and Mr Khera, the senior EC official said: “Proceeding on a fair assumption that the statement of the party president is the formal party position on the electoral outcome, the EC has agreed to meet the delegation today at 6 pm in the Nirvachan Sadan.” The BJP retained power in Haryana by sweeping the Assembly elections. The party won 48 seats out of the 90 Assembly constituencies. The Opposition Congress which was eyeing to return to power, won 37 seats. NC-Cong alliance to elect Omar its leader to pave way for govt formation in J&K STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE JAMMU, 9 OCTOBER The National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance will meet on Thursday in Srinagar to formally elect Omar Abdullah its leader, paving the way for him to again become chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of ten years. Mr Abdullah on Wednesday told mediapersons that before that the legislature party of the NC will meet to elect its leader and subsequently the alliance leader will meet the Lt. Governor to stake claim for government formation and fixing a date for the swearing ceremony. He said he would like the process of government formation to happen as soon as possible because “we have been without an elected government since 2018. Time has come that we get back to work”. He expressed hope that the government in Jammu and Kashmir will be able to run smoothly unlike in Delhi. Mr Abdullah said their's will not be a government of only those who voted for them, it will be a government for every single individual of J&K regardless of whom they voted for. Special emphasis will be paid on giving a sense of ownership and voice within the government to those areas from where MLAs in this government are less in number. Referring to J&K’s relations with the BJP government at the Centre, Mr Abdullah said J&K cannot afford to have an antagonistic relationship with the central government in Delhi, as it needs their help to solve the region's complex issues. “We will have to find a way of working together, and I hope that the Union government will respect the mandate of the people and will work together with the government of J&K to resolve the problems of the people”, he added.