WEDNESDAY 15 JANUARY 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘CENTRE, UGC DESTABILISING HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR’ PARLIAMENTARY PANEL TO SUMMON META OFFICIALS P5 SENSEX 76,499.63p169.62 NIFTY P4 23,207.60p121.65 P6 ` vs $ 86.62 Partly cloudy. Rain likely in the afternoon. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 26°C and 14°C respectively. Rajnath calls PoK the ‘Crown Jewel’ of India NEW DELHI, 14 JANUARY STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Max. 67% Min. 54% NEW DELHI, 14 JANUARY Max: 26.5˚C SUN RISES 06:18 hrs MOON RISES 18:37 hrs Min: 14.3˚C SUN SETS 17:13 hrs MOON SETS 07:26 hrs D THUMBNAILS A participant tries to control a bull during the 'Jallikattu' organised as part of the Pongal celebrations, in Madurai. n ANI Hamas, Israel close to ceasefire deal: Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said. Mediator Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the “closest point” yet to sealing a deal. The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end the 15month war and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack that triggered it. (Page 9) uring his address at the ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebration in Akhnoor, Jammu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the "crown jewel" of India, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without it. He criticised Pakistan for treating PoK as foreign territory, depriving its people of a dignified life, and using the region as a launchpad for terrorism. “J&K is incomplete without PoK. The people living there are being deprived of a dignified life. Efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion. PoK’s land is being used for terrorism. Training camps for terrorists are running and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government is well aware of the situation. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs,” Mr Singh stated. The celebration, held across several locations in the country, included veterans' rallies and wreath-laying ceremonies in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Visakhapatnam, among others. Addressing around 1,000 ex-servicemen at the Tanda Artillery Brigade, Singh expressed the nation's deep respect for the Armed Forces, stating that India would forever be indebted to them. “Respect for our soldiers is ingrained in the values of our country, and the Veterans’ Day events are Need to develop warning systems for earthquakes, says PM Modi NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 14 JANUARY Launching 'Mission Mausam' to make India a climate-smart nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to work with future requirements in mind, including developing warning systems for natural disasters like earthquakes. He encouraged scientists, research scholars, and institutions like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to work towards new breakthroughs. Speaking at the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Bharat Mandapam here, the Prime Minister said meteorology is crucial for a country's disaster management capabilities and added that to minimise the impact of natural disasters, the efficiency of meteorology must be maximised. Mr Modi highlighted that India has consistently under- stood this importance and is now able to mitigate the effects of disasters that were once considered inevitable. Recalling the devastation caused by the cyclonic storm in Kandla, Kutch in 1998, and the super cyclone in Odisha in 1999, which resulted in thousands of deaths, the Prime Minister said however, in recent years, despite numerous major cyclones and disasters, India has successfully minimised or eliminated loss of life in most cases. He credited the significant role of the meteorological department in these successes. He noted that the integration of science and preparedness has also reduced economic losses worth billions of rupees, creating resilience in the economy and boosting investor confidence. The Prime Minister launched ‘Mission Mausam’ with the goal of making India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation. The Mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers. It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data that will help strategize weather management and intervention in the long run. Mr Modi also released the IMD Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change adaptation. It includes plans for weather forecasting, weather management, and climate change mitigation. a way to honor them,” he said. Mr Singh further emphasized the significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s integration into India, citing the abrogation of Article 370 as a pivotal step. He reminded the gathering that Pakistan has lost every war it fought against India, from 1948 to Kargil in 1999, and has continued to promote terrorism and illegal infiltration into India since 1965. “Pakistan has lost every war it fought with India, whether it was the attack in 1948, the war of 1965, the war of 1971 or the Kargil war of 1999. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965 and has tried to influence the local population in J&K. But the people here have always rejected their intentions. Pakistan still resorts to terrorism. Even today, over 80 per cent of terrorists who come to India are from there. The terrorism would have ended in 1965 only, had the then government not turned the strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into disadvantages,” Mr Singh remarked, adding that the situation in J&K has significantly improved since the revocation of Article 370. During the event, Mr Singh also hoisted a 108foot-high National Flag and inaugurated the ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum.’ Additionally, mobility equipment such as motorised wheelchairs, tri-scooters, and auto rickshaws were distributed to ex-servicemen. The event featured over 40 stalls and help desks from various government and welfare organisations, providing in-situ grievance redressal and awareness for veterans. PARWINDER SANDHU NEW DELHI, 14 JANUARY images of tanks, helicopters, and boats. In response to the backlash, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) issued a statement on social media, explaining: “This painting represents one of the greatest military victories of the Indian Armed Forces and underscores India’s commitment to justice and humanity. Its new placement at the Manekshaw Centre will ensure it reaches a large and diverse audience, including dignitaries from across the world.” A month later, during his annual press conference ahead of the 77th Army Day, General Dwivedi addressed the issue, explaining that the date 16 December was chosen for the relocation as an “auspicious date.” Regarding the new paint- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The government on Tuesday confirmed the death of an Indian national from Kerala in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and said it has again raised with Moscow its demand for the early discharge of Indian nationals still serving in the Russian Army. “We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to questions. The spokesperson said, “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered. We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person.” MILLENNIA-OLD TRADITION Naga sadhus at Triveni Sangam to take 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' during the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025, in Prayagraj on Tuesday. n ANI Army chief defends replacing iconic ‘1971 Surrender’ painting In the wake of a controversy over the replacement of the iconic ‘1971 Surrender’ painting at the army chief’s lounge in South Block, General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday defended the decision, stating that the new artwork symbolizes a bridge between India’s past, present, and future. The painting in question, which depicts the surrender of Pakistani forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War, was moved to the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment in December last year. It was replaced by a new painting showcasing India’s military strength, with themes inspired by the Mahabharata, modern warfare, and historical symbols. The new artwork includes depictions of Chanakya, Garuda, and Krishna driving Arjuna’s chariot, alongside BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 80.42q0.59 One Indian killed, another hurt in Russia-Ukraine conflict: MEA RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY New Moon on 29 January P12 SILVER 1,00,000 GOLD 80,355.00 Jammu and Kashmir incomplete without PoK, says Defence Minister WEATHER TEMPERATURE BUMRAH WINS ICC PLAYER OF MONTH FOR DECEMBER GENDER APARTHEID ing, the Army Chief said that it was created by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras Regiment, a serving officer and a representative of the younger generation of the Army. He added: "Coming to the painting which is there as of now [in South Block], this has been conceptualised and made by Lt Col Thomas [Jacob] of 28 Madras Regiment, which is the younger generation [of the Army]. If you see the golden history of India ~ it has three chapters. It has British era, Mughal era and the era before that. If we wished to connect that [history] and the Army’s vision, symbolism becomes important.” General Dwivedi emphasized that symbolism plays a crucial role in communication with the younger generation of officers and soldiers. “So, once you look at that, my communication with my younger generation ~ my young officers, my jawans, is equally important.” Addressing concerns about the painting’s mythological elements, the COAS pointed out that Chapter 4 of the original Indian Constitution includes an image of Krishna and Arjuna in the same chariot depicted in the artwork. He also defended the inclusion of a semi-clad Brahmin and the depiction of Chanakya near Pangong Tso, urging that India's civilizational history should be recognized. “If you open Chapter 4 of the original Constitution book, the painting which is there is of Krishna and Arjuna, of the same chariot. It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If the Indian does not know Chanakya, we need to refer back to our civilisational approach,” said the COAS. Every nation wants to have good ties with India now: Jaishankar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 14 JANUARY External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India has successfully taken its slogan of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas' to the world. The world, he said, wants to understand India's positioning and ideas. Nations across the world think that having good ties with India is in their own interest, he said addressing an Indian community event in Spain last night. Mr Jaishankar said every nation feels that this Bharat is a new Bharat. The Indian economy is at the fifth position and will reach the third spot in a few years. “You all will remember, 10 years back, we were at 10th or 11th position. The world recognises the pace at which progress is happening in India today. So, first is positioning and second is capabilities. And the third is actually our ideas, that India is today seen as contributing to a global conversation,” he added. The foreign minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia and Ukraine in 2024. India Under Mr Modi, Mr Jaishankar said, is able to speak to both Israel and Iran. The country is in a position to be a member of both Quad and BRICS. “So, this is something which is actually very, very unique. And it is unique because if you look at the world today, there are so many tensions in the world, war is also happening at two places. It is a very polarised world. So in a polarised world, if there is a country, which we used to say in India, 'sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas'. We are actually able to take it into the world as well and that is something which slowly, slowly other nations have started to understand and to value. But, it doesn't have to be only a conflict,” he added. Mr Jaishankar also spoke about development taking place in India. He said the rate of change happening in India today is "amazing" and people living in the country have adjusted to the rate of change. Calling on people to see changes when they next visit India. he said: “One reason I think today which I could see, they wanted to deal, understand in India, which was willing to do this. The second issue, as I told you, is the issue of strength. And the fact is today we are almost a $4 trillion economy. We are doubling at a faster and faster rate. That is the progression. It is not automatic. But if you look at the changes today in India, I don't know how many of you go to India, how frequently. I would say at least in two years, everybody would have gone, three years.” 400 threat mails, teenager & politically linked NGO: Police solve school bomb hoaxes case RAHUL GAHLAWAT NEW DELHI, 14 JANUARY The investigation into the bomb threats received by schools across the national capital from the past one year has led Delhi Police to a teenager who sent 400 bomb related threats, and in the backdrop, a connection of the boy's guardian to an NGO which has links with a political party. As per the police, a Class 12 student was identified and detained in this regard. This cameafterthe8Januaryincident wherein around 23 schools in Delhi, specifically South Delhi received threatening emails. Taking cognisance of the matter, an FIR under section 351 (3) (whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation by threatening to cause death or grievous hurt) and section 66F (cyber terrorism) of the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000 was registered at Cyber police station of South district. Addressing media on this, Special Commissioner of Police (L&O) Madhup Tiwari said, a technical analysis of the email sources was done and using advanced cyber forensic techniques such as digital footprints and email tracking mechanisms, the source was identified and a search was conducted at his premises, resulting in recovery of a laptop and a mobile phone. Mr Tiwari said that the devices were subjected to forensic analysis and after the confession of the teenager, it was established that so far he was involved in sending 400 threat emails to schools in Delhi using anonymous and encrypted email service providers, and advanced tools to hide his identity. During the preliminary examination and analysis of the evidence, it was revealed that the primary motive behind these threatening emails was to create panic and disruption in schools. However, an intensive probe is still on to decipher the exact motives behind sending such a large number of emails, he said. He added that during the background check of the juvenile's guardian, it came out that an NGO has a significant influence at the workplace of his guardian and this NGO has a longstanding association with a political party. This NGO is known for advocacy for the political party in public domain and its stand on opposing the hanging of Afzal Guru, a convicted terrorist involved in the 2001 Parliament attack, he added. (Representational image)