MONDAY 23 DECEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘HM SHAH’S REMARK ON AMBEDKAR AN IRREDEEMABLE SHAME’ ‘NC HAS TAKEN STEPS TO RATIONALISE JOB RESERVATION’ P5 WEATHER Generally clear. Hazy in the evening. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 27 °C and 17 °C respectively. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 67% P4 P7 ‘Amendment in Conduct of Election Rules conspiracy to destroy integrity of ECI’ Both sides condemn terrorism, call for dismantling terror infrastructure Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre over the amendment made in the Conduct of Election Rules, saying this was a "systematic conspiracy" by the ruling dispensation to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Reacting to the amendment made by the Centre in the Conduct of Election Rules on Friday, he said: “Modi government's audacious amendment in the Conduct of Election Rules is another assault in its systematic conspiracy to destroy the institutional integrity of the ECI.Earlier, they had removed the Chief Justice of India from the Selection panel which appoints Election Commissioners, and now they have resorted to stonewall electoral information, even after a High Court order." Referring to the representations submitted to the poll panel raising several issues in the last few months, the Congress chief wrote on X: "Everytime the Congress party wrote to the ECI, regarding specific poll irregularities such as voter deletions and lack of trans- Kuwait honours PM with its highest national award TEMPERATURE Max: 27.2˚C SUN RISES 06:12 hrs MOON RISES 19:55 hrs I Min: 17.3˚C SUN SETS 16:58 hrs MOON SETS 11:42 hrs New Moon on 31 December THUMBNAILS Naga sadhus of Shri Panch Dashnam Awahan Akhara take part in the procession during the first 'Shahi Pravesh' for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 celebration, in Prayagraj on Sunday. n ANI Rahul Gandhi summoned by Bareilly court for remarks against Economic Survey: A Bareilly sessions here has summoned Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on 7 January for his remarks related to the Economic Survey during the Lok Sabha polls. The notice was issued to Mr Gandhi on a plea filed by a All India Hindu Mahasangh leader contending that his remarks were aimed at creating ‘class hatred’. P12 India, Kuwait to take ties to Strategic Partnership STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 22 DECEMBER Min. 56% BGT: RICHARDSON ‘EXCITED’ TO RETURN TO OZ TEST SQUAD WHEN PIKETTY CAME TO INDIA ndia and Kuwait unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including crossborder terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. A joint statement was issued following the twoday official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait which concluded on Sunday. Mr Modi held bilateral talks with Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait during which the two sides agreed to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, India and Kuwait agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laun- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 22 DECEMBER dering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes, the joint statement said. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait and welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of defence that will provide the framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in the health sector. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation. The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Kuwait on Sunday conferred its highest national award, 'The Order of Mubarak Al- Kabeer', on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his distinguished achievements and his endeavour to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Kuwait. PM Modi dedicated the award to the longstanding friendship between India and Kuwait, to the Indian community in Kuwait, and to the 1.4 billion people of India. This is the 20th international honour given to PM Modi by a country. Sheikh Meshal AlAhmad Al-Jaber AlSabah, the amir of Kuwait conferred 'The Order of Mubarak AlKabeer' on PM Modi. (Details on Page 5) STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 22 DECEMBER parency in EVMs, the ECI has responded in a condescending tone and chosen not to even acknowledge certain serious complaints. This again proves that the ECI, even though is a quasijudicial body is not behaving independently." Mr Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, asserted that the Narendra Modi government's calibrated erosion of ECI’s integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and Democracy, and their party will take every step to safeguard them. Notably, the ECI on Saturday categorically said candidates already have access to all the documents and papers, and nothing has been amended in the rules in this regard. An official of the poll panel said recently Punjab and Haryana High Court in a case - Mahmoud Pracha vs ECI had directed sharing of all documents related to Haryana Assembly elections, including treating CCTV footage also as permissible under Rule 93(2) of the Conduct of Election Rules. Informing that the rule mentioned election papers, the official said, “The election papers and documents does not specifically refer to electronic records.” “In order to remove this ambiguity and considering the serious issue of violation of secrecy of vote and potential misuse of CCTV footage of inside the polling station using artificial intelligence by a single person, the rule has been amended to safeguard misuse of CCTV footage of inside of the polling station,” the official said. ‘Bru rehabilitation a milestone in Centre forms committee under Defence Secretary to restoring dignity and livelihoods’ look into Air Force’s overall capability development STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE AGARTALA, 22 DECEMBER Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his profound happiness on Sunday while addressing members of the rehabilitated Bru tribal community in a remote village in Tripura. "I am more happy than you. Prime Minister Modi ji is also very happy that we could rehabilitate you after 40 years," he said during his visit. The Bru (Reang) community, displaced for decades due to ethnic violence in Mizoram, has been resettled in Tripura under a historic quadripartite agreement signed on 16 January 2020. The agreement involved the Central government, the governments of Tripura, Mizoram, and representatives of Bru organisations. Mr Shah highlighted the government’s initiatives to ensure the sustainable liveli- hood of the resettled families. “We have made available 25 types of livelihood opportunities for you, including animal husbandry, dairy farming, honeybee keeping, and millet farming,” he said. The home minister also visited several homes, interacted with the villagers, and inquired about their challenges. He assured the residents who had not yet received their Ayushman Bharat health cards that the matter would be resolved within two days and instructed the district magistrate to expedite the process. The Bru tribals, originally from Mizoram’s Mamit, Lunglei, and Kolasib districts, were forced to flee due to ethnic violence in 1997, 1998, and 2009. Since then, many lived in makeshift camps in North Tripura. The rehabilitation pact marked a new chapter in their lives, with the government committing to their dignified resettlement. NEW DELHI, 22 DECEMBER Amid the growing air power of China and Pakistan and the shortage of fighter aircraft faced by the Indian Air Force, the Defence Ministry has formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh (photo) to look into the overall capability development of the service through indigenous design, development and acquisition projects. Government officials told ANI that the committee was formed after the Indian Air Force made detailed presentations to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Air Force Commanders' Conference last month in the national capital. During the conference, the top Defence Ministry functionaries were briefed about the futuristic combat aircraft requirements along with the gaps required to be filled in the capability that the force wants to have in the coming times to tackle the threat perception faced on both the fronts. The officials said the From guns to gadgets: Smartphones putting Maoists in Chh’garh on defensive SHISHIR ROY CHOWDHURY RAIPUR, 22 DECEMBER In the dense Maoist insurgency-hit forests of Bastar in Southern Chhattisgarh, smartphones have emerged as a powerful tool reshaping the lives of the region’s youth and weakening the Maoist grip on local communities. While these devices are transforming their aspirations, they are simultaneously disrupting the operational strategies of Maoist insurgents. The proliferation of smartphones, bolstered by expanding mobile networks, has not only empowered local communities but also become a strategic asset for security forces combating left-wing extremism. The expanding reach of mobile networks and affordable smartphones has opened up new horizons for the younger generation in Bastar. Online learning platforms, government job portals, and digital skill development programmes are now accessible even in remote villages. Youths are attending virtual classes, preparing for competitive exams, and exploring career opportunities that were once beyond their reach. Furthermore, smartphones have enhanced awareness about government schemes, scholarships, and local job opportunities, instilling a sense of ambition and self-reliance among them. In Dantewada, the state government's Niyad Nellanar project has proved a gamechanger. Under the initiative, the district administration recently distributed more than 1,500 smartphones to villagers, along with free SIM cards and a year of free recharge. This effort ensured that even the remotest households could access digital services. Additionally, the administration helped villagers link their bank accounts to their smartphones, enabling them to benefit from various government schemes such as direct benefit transfers, scholarships, and health services. Emphasising the impact of the access to mobile phones, the Dantewada district collector said: “Smartphones have become a bridge between remote villages and mainstream society. With initiatives like Niyad Nellanar, we are witnessing a significant shift in the aspirations of the younger generation. They are using digital platforms for education, job preparation, and skill development, which were once out of their reach. The government’s efforts to expand mobile networks and promote digital literacy are not only empowering communities but also weakening the ideological grip of Maoists.” For decades, Maoists thrived by exploiting the isolation of Bastar’s rural communities. Smartphones, however, have given the region’s youth access to a world beyond the forests. Social media, online education, and entertainment platforms have introduced them to new ideas and aspirations. Many now choose education, entrepreneurship, and government programs over the Maoist movement. "The smartphone revolution has given the youth hope and a vision for a better future," says Bijapur SP, Jitendra Yadav . Ironically, the same technology that is empowering the youth is becoming a liability for Maoist cadres. Smartphones have created vulnerabilities within their ranks as their reliance on mobile devices for communication and entertainment undermines their operational secrecy. Security forces are leveraging advanced mobile tracking technologies to intercept calls, monitor messages, and pinpoint locations of Maoist leaders and operatives. “Their smartphone dependency has significantly increased our operational success in dismantling key Maoist networks,” notes a senior CRPF official. Ganesh Mishra, a journalist based in Bastar, who is an expert on left-wing extremism, highlights the transformative role of smartphones in the region. He remarks, “Smartphones have inadvertently become acritical vulnerability for Maoist cadres, allowing security forces to monitor their movements with greater precision. Simultaneously, these devices are empowering local communities by granting access to education, employment opportunities, and essential government schemes. This dual impact of weakening insurgent networks while inspiring progress and hope among the youth is reshaping Bastar’s sociopolitical landscape and paving the way for a brighter and safer future.” Specialised forces like the Bastar Fighters, District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Central forces trained for anti-Maoist operations are benefitting immensely from smartphone-based intelligence. Precise mobile tracking has enabled targeted operations, reducing collateral damage and improving civilian safety. Simultaneously, awareness campaigns by security forces and other agencies are encouraging responsible smartphone use among villagers, empowering communities while mitigating Maoist recruitment efforts. Reports suggest that the Maoists have grown increasingly furious over the rising influence of smartphones in southern Chhattisgarh. Inputs from various parts of the region indicate that Maoists have started confiscating smartphones from villagers in an attempt to curb the spread of information and technology. Sources suggest that Maoists have seized over 800 mobile phones, reflecting their desperation to counter the transformative impact of digital connectivity on local communities. committee has other senior members of the Defence Ministry, including the Secretary (Defence Production), Sanjeev Kumar; Defence Research and Development Organisation chief Dr Samir V Kamat; and Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal T Singh, who is the committee's member secretary. The Secretary of Defence Finance also attended the first meeting of the committee that took place last week. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Defence Minister in the next two to three months with a detailed assessment of the requirements of the force. The Chinese are now also likely to provide fighter aircraft to the Bangladesh Air Force, where the new government is not seen as friendly to India. The Indian Air Force's plans of acquiring over 110 fighter aircraft of the 4.5-plus generation capability have been pending for some time with the government, and the committee may suggest a way to address the requirement through the indigenous route. The gap in weaponry on the aircraft in terms of all types of air-to-air and air-toground missiles has also been widening vis-a-vis the northern adversary. The longrange surface-to-surface missile systems with the Chinese forces are also believed to have longer ranges and are in much higher numbers than what is possessed by the Indian forces. Government to launch 3 apps to protect consumers from dark patterns STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 22 DECEMBER The Department of Consumer Affairs will launch “Jago Grahak Jago App”, “Jagriti App”, and “Jagriti Dashboard” for public use on National Consumers Day on 24 December. As part of the government's broader strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital era and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 and specified 13 dark patterns, namely: False urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares. The CCPA had earlier issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under Consumer Protection Act, As part of the intensive research done by students, three apps have been coded, namely; 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' 'Jagriti App,' and ÂJagriti DashboardÊ 2019 for alleged misleading advertisement/unfair trade practices in the form of deceptive design patterns/dark patterns. As part of the intensive research done by students, three apps have been coded, namely; 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' 'Jagriti App,' and ‘Jagriti Dashboard’. These are part of an intelligent cyber-physical system, which operates in real-time and runs on the Airawat AI Supercomputer under the National Supercomputing Mission for AI and Data Analytics. This innovative system analyses existing text and design elements on e-commerce platforms to determine whether they are being used to influence consumer psychology.