FRIDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘K’TAKA GOVT SET TO WITHDRAW GUARANTEES IN PHASED MANNER’ HEZBOLLAH TO HOLD OUT IN WAR FOR ‘SUITABLE’ CEASE-FIRE TERMS P9 SENSEX 79,389.06q553.12 WEATHER Partly cloudy. Rain developing late. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 33°C and 24°C respectively. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 78% P4 NIFTY 24,205.35q135.50 P8 ` vs $ 84.07 ‘India equipping military with modern resources’ PM Modi celebrates Diwali with troops in Kachchh, Gujarat KACHCHH, 31 OCTOBER Min. 67% P Min: 24.6˚C SUN SETS 16:59 hrs MOON SETS 16:43 hrs Full Moon on 1 November THUMBNAILS A girl holding a lit sparkler while celebrating Diwali on Thursday.n BISWAJIT GHOSHAL BPL Group Chairman T.P.G. Nambiar passes away, top leaders express condolences: BPL Group Founder T.P. Goplan Nambiar, who was suffering from age-related ailments for some time, passed away at his Bengaluru residence on Thursday morning. He was 94. Nambiar's son-in-law and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirmed the news. PM Narendra Modi and others condoled his demise. (Page 4) rime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that India is equipping its military and security forces with modern resources, addressing the demands of the twentyfirst century. Speaking to troops in Gujarat’s Kachchh after celebrating Diwali with them, PM Modi asserted that the country is placing its military among the world's most advanced armed forces. “Keeping in mind the needs of the twenty-first century, we are equipping our armed forces with modern resources. We are positioning our military among the world's most modern forces, with self-reliance in the defence sector as the foundation of these efforts," the Prime Minister remarked. PM Modi also highlighted another aspect of national security that often goes undiscussed: border tourism. “Our Kachchh region has tremendous potential. Our remarkable centres of attraction and sites of faith, rich in heritage, are nature's gifts. The mangrove forests of Kachchh and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat are crucial. The Gujarat coastline supports a vibrant ecosystem of marine life and flora. The government has taken steps to expand these mangrove forests,” he noted. The PM emphasised that India will not compromise on even an inch of its borders. “That's why our policies align with the resolve of our armed forces. We place our trust in the determination of our soldiers, not in the words of our adversaries," he affirmed. “Serving our mother- land is a rare privilege. When the nation witnesses your unwavering resolve, unrelenting bravery, and unparalleled valour, it feels reassured of its safety and peace. When the world sees you, it recognises India's strength; when enemies see you, they see the end of their sinister plans. When you roar with enthusiasm, the purveyors of terror tremble with fear," PM Modi told the soldiers. Mr Modi celebrated Diwali with personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force at Lakki Nala in the Sir Creek area of Kachchh, Gujarat. The area where the PM spent Diwali is notably inhospitable, with extreme temperatures and challenging terrain. Mr Modi has observed this tradition with the troops every Diwali since he took office in 2014. Additionally, the PM honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, on National Unity Day. He also attended a parade and an air show by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force. Top defence brass, including defence minister Rajnath Singh, are also spending Diwali with troops in different forward locations. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan spent Diwali with troops deployed in the Andaman and Nicobar Command in Port Blair while Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi celebrated with troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi is celebrating Diwali with naval troops at Porbandar in Gujarat while Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh joined IAF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. AGENCIES LEH, 31 OCTOBER Indian and Chinese Army troops on Thursday exchanged sweets at various border points in the Ladakh sector on the occasion of Diwali. The Indian and Chinese Army exchanges took place at Hot Springs, Karakoram Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, KongkLa and Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in Ladakh on the occasion of Diwali. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the disengagement process at the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in eastern Ladakh is nearly complete. Mr Singh, while speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the Bob Khathing Museum in Assam's Tezpur, said: “At some areas along the LAC, discussions have been ongoing between India and China at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve conflicts.” “Following recent talks, there has been a broad consensus to restore the ground situation. This consensus has developed on the basis of equal and mutual security. Based on this consensus, the disengagement process AGENCIES WASHINGTON, 31 OCTOBER The United States has said that Canada’s allegations against Union home minister Amit Shah over a plot to target Khalistani separatists in Canada are “concerning”. State department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue. “The allegations made by the government of Canada are concerning, and we will continue to consult with the Canadian government about those allegations,” Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news briefing. David Morrison, Canada’s deputy foreign minister, told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday that he had confirmed the identity of Amit Shah in The Washington Post report earlier this month. The Washington Post reported that Canadian security agencies had collected evidence that “a senior official in India” had “authorized the intelligence-gathering missions and attacks on Sikh separatists” in Canada. The report went on to say that a Canadian source identified Mr Shah as being the Indian official in question. The external affairs ministry has not immediately responded to the allegations against Mr Shah. However, the ministry had previously dismissed Canada’s accusations that India’s government was involved in the alleged attacks against Sikh activists, calling them “baseless.” David Morrison was appearing at the committee alongside other Canadian police and government officials about the escalation of a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada two weeks ago. Earlier this month, India recalled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and five other diplomats from Canada after they were declared "persons of interest" by the Canadian government in the investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who had been declared a terrorist by India. New Delhi also expelled six Canadian diplomats. Nijjar, a ‘Khalistan’ supporter, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. He was designated a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency in 2020. AGENCIES WASHINGTON, 31 OCTOBER India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a phone conversation with his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, discussing critical regional security developments and emphasising the necessity for ongoing efforts to bolster stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The dialogue underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States, marked by shared democratic values and mutual interests, the White House stated in an official press release. The two leaders "welcomed progress in the bilateral partnership, including through the upcoming Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) Intersessional and Indian Ocean Dialogue." They also explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in pivotal areas such as clean energy supply chains and defence cooperation, reflecting a commitment to deepen ties amid evolving global challenges, the White House statement said. India-US relations have evolved into a “global strategic partnership,” with a focus on shared democratic principles and a convergence of interests spanning various sectors. PM Modi has conveyed his appreciation for the unparalleled contributions made by President Biden in giving impetus to the IndiaUS partnership. Soldiers of the Indian and Chinese armies exchange sweets at Karakoram Pass on the occasion of the Diwali festival, in Leh on Thursday. n ANI is nearly complete. We will strive to move beyond just disengagement, but for that, we will need to wait a little longer," Mr Singh added. On Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said that it is natural for India and China to have differences as neighbouring countries but the important thing is how to handle and solve these differences. With India and China having completed the disengagement process between in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, Xu Feihong said he is looking for- Two more wild elephants have died in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) after consuming a toxic substance, taking the toll to nine so far this week. One tusker died late on Wednesday, while another died on Thursday morning. One more is in critical condition, according to officials. Post-mortem examination of eight elephants have been completed. Initial findings suggest that toxicity was the cause of death of the pachyderms. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) L Krishnamoorthy, who heads the five-member committee set up by the state government to probe the elephant deaths told a news agency that viscera samples of the dead elephants have been sent to a Jabalpurbased school of wildlife forensic STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 31 OCTOBER Kali Puja was observed in the city with the usual enthusiasm, with thousands of devotees gathering at Dakshineswar Temple, Kalighat, and Belur Math. The Kali Puja at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence entered its 47th year this year. It was started by her late mother, Gayetri Devi, back in 1978. Miss Banerjee prepares the bhog which is offered to Goddess Kali. She also keeps a fast. Miss Banerjee receives guests, and the image of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee celebrating Kali Puja at her residence in Kolkata on Thursday. n SNS Shyama Kali is worshipped at her residence. She has composed a song for the occasion: “Alor Sathe Nisith Rate Ma esechen ghore, boron koro tare” (Mother has come to the house at night, welcome her). The song was sung by Indranil Sen, the state’s Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs. Chief Secretary Manoj Panth, Home Secretary Nan- dini Chakravarti, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, and Commissioner of Police Manoj Verma attended the puja. Trinamul Congress leaders and officials from various high commissions also attended. The residents of Naba Neer attended the puja as they have done in previous years. Miss Banerjee visits Naba Neer every year and invites the residents to visit her home on Kali Puja. Thousands of people gathered at Dakshineswar Temple, which is associated with Sri Ramakrishna, who was the priest of the temple. Many people offered puja at the temple. Devotees also gathered at the Kalighat Temple and offered puja. The Kali Puja organised by Naba Yubak Sangha was held with the usual enthusiasm. The puja was started by Phaya Kesto on Keshab Sen Street. It was Phaya Kesto who introduced lights from Chandannagore to the city back in the early 1970s. Although Somen Mitra, the former PCC president, is no more, the Kali Puja that he started on Amherst Street was held with the usual enthusiasm. In Howrah, a special puja was held at Hajar Haat Kali Temple. Elaborate police arrangements were made to ensure peace during the puja. Senior police officers were deployed near important puja pandals. Police requested people not to burst crackers that violated decibel norms. and health for examination. All the dead elephants were part of a herd of 13d. According to wildlife experts, this is perhaps the first instance in the country where such an unusual number of elephant deaths has taken place over a short span of days. On Tuesday, two elephants were found dead but during a search launched by the forest department’s patrolling teams, five more tuskers were also found dead. The Statesman is looking for the most beautiful and best-dressed women in Indian and Western attire. And you could be the lucky one to win the coveted prize! Mamata Banerjee, city temples celebrate Kali Puja The Kali Puja at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence entered its 47th year. It was started by her late mother, Gayetri Devi, back in 1978. ward to smooth cooperation between India and China in every field including politics, business and education. India and China have recently agreed on patrol arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the India-China border. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020, sparked by Chinese military actions. This incident led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. (See also page 8) MP: Two more wild elephants die in Bandhavgarh BHOPAL, 31 OCTOBER NSA Ajit Doval engages with US counterpart on expanding India-US partnership BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 73.15p0.60 Disengagement done, India, China troops exchange sweets at border points in Ladakh AGENCIES Canadian allegations against Amit Shah ‘concerning’: USA P12 SILVER 1,09,000 GOLD 82,000 AGENCIES TEMPERATURE Max: 33.1˚C SUN RISES 05:40 hrs MOON RISES 05:19 hrs ‘EVERYBODY MUST MUMBAI TEST: NZ AIM ACCEPT REALITY THAT FOR CLEAN SWEEP J&K IS UNION TERRITORY’ AGAINST INDIA ess r The Statesman is organising a competition and those who wis to participate, can g g p sh p p , send in their picture in Indi or Indo-western dress. ian You can post your pics between 9th October and 2nd November, 2024 at s puja@thestatesmangrou up.com along with your name, addres phone number and ss, email. 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