TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR TELANGANA GOVT ALL SET TO HOST BHARAT SUMMIT KHARGE HITS BACK AT PM MODI FOR REMARKS ON CONG P5 SENSEX 75,157.26 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. STRONG SURFACE WINDS(SPEED 20-30 KMPH). THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 38 AND 23 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 81% P8 NIFTY 22,828.55 ` vs $ 86.10 P9 GOLD `96,700 SILVER `99,900 PM slams Congress for appeasement politics STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE TEMPERATURE Max: 37.8˚C (+1.7) Min: 21.6˚C (+0.6) HISAR/YAMUNANAGAR, 14 APRIL SUN RISES 05:55 hrs MOON RISES 21:03hrs P SUN SETS 18:47 hrs MOON SETS 06:54hrs THUMBNAILS Children from the Dalit Community celebrate Dr BR Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary in Ajmer on Monday. nANI Gas Meters to undergo testing, verification & stamping before use in trade & commerce: The Department of Consumer Affairs has taken a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection, promoting fair trade practices, and ensuring accurate gas usage measurement by framing draft rules for Gas Meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules make it mandatory for all gas meters used for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes to undergo testing, verification, and stamping before their use in trade and commerce. The re-verification of these gas meters is also prescribed under the rules to ensure their correctness when they are in use. rime Minister Narendra Modi Monday reiterated his government's resolve to continue with the agenda of inclusive development and slammed the Congress for indulging in the politics of appeasement, noting that in 2013, just months before elections, the Congress amended the Waqf Act to appease its vote bank, elevating it above several Constitutional provisions. On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the new terminal building of Hisar airport, a project worth over Rs 410 crore, and inaugurated multiple development projects in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. Highlighting the significance of the day, he emphasised his government’s dual focus on enhancing connectivity, such as the newly launched flight route connecting Haryana to Ayodhya Dham, and promoting social justice and welfare for the poor. He reiterated the vision of Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, underscoring efforts to boost electricity production to support national development, particularly through initiatives like the PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to eliminate electricity bills via solar power. He also stressed his government’s commitment to empowering farmers and increasing agricultural productivity in Haryana. Prime Minister Modi emphasised Dr Ambedkar’s life and ideals as central to the government’s 11-year journey, stating that their governance is rooted in empowering marginalised communities – the poor, tribal groups, women, and backward classes. He noted that the number of airports increased from 74 (before 2014) to over 150, while 90 aerodromes have been connected with 600-plus operational routes, stressing the Centre’s focus on connectivity, poor welfare, and social justice. He strongly criticised the Congress party for mistreating Dr Ambedkar, denying him electoral victories, and marginalising his legacy. In contrast, he cited his government’s achievements, like tap water coverage increased from 16 per cent to 80 per cent in rural households within 6–7 years. The Prime Minister criticised Congress for not implementing the Uniform Civil Code and for misusing the Waqf Act for appeasement politics. He alleged that land mafias misused Waqf lands meant for poor Muslim communities, especially Pasmanda Muslims. He hailed recent amendments to the Waqf Act that prevent tribal land exploitation and ensure equitable access for the underprivileged. In Yamunanagar, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects, praising the region's cultural, historical, and industrial significance. He honoured the sacred land of Haryana, referring to sites like Maa Saraswati’s origin, Mantra Devi, Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji, and Kapalmochan Sahib. Highlighting his government’s focus on manufacturing under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ he introduced ‘Mission Manufacturing’, aimed at generating jobs for marginalised communities, upgrading industries, and boosting MSMEs. To support these goals, he announced the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar. On electricity, Modi detailed progress since 2014, contrasting current improvements with past blackouts. India has nearly doubled its power generation capacity and now exports power. He announced plans to increase Haryana’s capacity from 16,000 MW to 24,000 MW, backed by initiatives like One Nation-One Grid, solar and nuclear energy expansion. He highlighted the PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana, which encourages solar power adoption by households, enabling people to earn by selling surplus power. Over 1.25 crore people have registered nationwide, including lakhs from Haryana, with the solar sector creating jobs and MSME opportunities. To support small industries, Modi outlined extensive measures, including pandemic-era financial assistance, redefinition of MSMEs for easier growth, launch of special credit cards, expansion of credit guarantee coverage, and achievements under Mudra Yojana, which has disbursed Rs 33 lakh crore in collateral-free loans, with over half going to SC, ST, and OBC beneficiaries. SC to hear suo moto case today on Lokpal’s power to take complaints against HC judges Govt committed to rooting out drug networks: Shah AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 14 APRIL NEW DELHI, 14 APRIL tion of jurisdiction of the Lokpal and would not enter into the merits of the allegations raised by the complainant. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second highest law officer of the Centre, submitted that High Court judges, a constitutional functionary, will never fall within the ambit of the anti-corruption law. In an interim order passed on February 20, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the impugned decision of the Lokpal after the anti-corruption body referred the two complaints to the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) containing the allegations that a sitting additional judge of a high court influenced his colleague and an additional district judge who had to deal with the suit filed against the complainant by a private company. "Something very very disturbing," the Justice Gavailed Bench had remarked as it issued notice to the Union government and the Registrar of the Lokpal. Ordering a stay on the impugned decision, the apex court remarked that the issue was of great importance as it related to the independence of the judiciary. In an order passed on January 27, the Lokpal ruled that it can entertain complaints against judges of the High Court established by an Act of Parliament. "(B)y this order, we have decided a singular issue finally - as to whether the Judges of the High Court established by an Act of Parliament come within the ambit of Section 14 of the Act of 2013, in the affirmative. No more and no less. In that, we have not looked into or examined the merits of the allegations at all," the Lokpal had said. However, the anti-corruption body had forwarded the subject complaints to the office of the CJI "for his kind consideration" and awaiting his guidance, deferred consideration of the complaints for four weeks. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday reaffirmed the Modi government's commitment to ruthlessly rooting out drug networks. In a post on ‘X’, he said, “In the ceaseless pursuit of building a drug-free Bharat, a monumental feat was achieved by seizing 300 kg of narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore near the international maritime border. This operation, in the seas, is a shining example of the success of the Modi government's whole-of-government approach to rooting out the evil of narcotics. Applaud Gujarat Police ATS and Indian Coast Guard for the grand success”. Reports said a consignment of 300 kg of narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore has been seized Prez, PM, other leaders pay floral tributes to Ambedkar in Parl STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 14 APRIL President Droupadi Murmu; Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar; Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday paid floral tributes at the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in Parliament House Complex on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Several Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge; Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi; Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh; Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta; Members of Parliament, former lawmakers, and other dignitaries also paid tributes on the occasion. Later, Lok Sabha Speaker P12 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 65.77 PNB loan fraud case: Mehul Choksi held in Belgium PM reiterated his government’s resolve to continue with the agenda of inclusive development Min. 32% The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Tuesday the matter where it has suo moto (on its own motion) stayed the operation of a decision of the Lokpal holding that the anti-corruption body can entertain complaints against High Court judges. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a Special Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai, Surya Kant and Abhay S. Oka will resume hearing the suo moto case on Tuesday. In the previous hearing, the Justice Gavai-led Bench appointed senior advocate Ranjit Kumar as an amicus curiae (friend of the court), clarifying that the apex court would only examine the ques- KKR BRACE FOR PUNJAB CHALLENGE AT HOME MARIO VARGAS LLOSA DIES AT 89 Birla; Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha LoP Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, RS Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Delhi CM Gupta; Members of Parliament, and former MPs paid floral tributes at the portrait of Babasaheb in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi also paid homage to Dr Ambedkar and emphasised how his vision continues to shape the country's path toward progress. "On behalf of all the countrymen, I bow down to Bharat Ratna Pujya Babasaheb on his birth anniversary. It is due to his inspiration that the country is dedicatedly engaged in realising the dream of social justice today," PM Modi wrote on X. "His principles and ideals will give strength and momen- tum to the creation of Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat," he added. Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar had a profound impact on India's social and political landscape, leaving an enduring legacy. Renowned as a champion of social justice, he is revered for his substantial and diverse contributions to Indian society. Dr Ambedkar's significant achievement lies in his role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, where he played a pivotal role during the debates in the Constituent Assembly. He is respected as the driving force behind the Constitution of India, ensuring its principles of inclusivity and justice. The portrait of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was unveiled in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (erstwhile Parliament House) by the then Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh on 12 April, 1990. Paying rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar, Birla in a post on X said, “Tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, country's first Law Minister, Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar ji on his birth anniversary. Babasaheb remained dedicated to equality, freedom, justice, and fraternity throughout his life. Coming from a humble background, he used education as a medium to bring the desired changes in society. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly, he drafted the world's best legislative document, the Constitution of India. by the authorities off the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near Gujarat’s coast. The action was a result of a swift operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Gujarat ATS on the night of April 12-13. On spotting the ICG ship, smugglers dumped contraband and fled across the IMBL. The consignment was recovered at sea and was handed to the ATS for further investigation. AGRAJ PRATAP SINGH NEW DELHI, 14 APRIL Mehul Choksi, the diamond businessman wanted in an alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request from the Indian agencies, sources said. Choksi's extradition was sought for his alleged involvement defrauding the PNB of over Rs 13,000 crore. He is wanted by Central probe agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). Choksi, who has been absconding from the country for several years after the bank fraud case surfaced, was located and apprehended on Saturday by Belgian authorities. It is being said that he had taken refuge in a foreign country on the pretext of medical treatment. The diamond merchant is now expected to seek legal remedies against his extradition. Choksi has been living abroad with his wife while his nephew, Nirav Modi, a coaccused in the case who is also awaiting extradition from London, United Kingdom. Both of them had reportedly fled the country in the face of a huge scam way back in 2018. Choksi's departure from the country days before the scam unfolded added to the suspicion about his involvement in the case. Earlier, the CBI had approached the Interpol for a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi in connection with the case. The ED has accused Choksi and his nephew of allegedly colluding with the employees of the bank to avail of illegal advances against the payments to suppliers of jewels before allegedly diverting the amount to themselves. However, both the accused have denied allegations. Since his departure from the country, Choksi is reported to have travelled to different countries including Antigua, where he is said to have citizenship. Meanwhile, speaking to a news agency, his advocate, Vijay Aggarwal, said, "My client Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium and at the moment, he is in custody. We will be starting the process of filing an appeal against this, and then, as a process of appeal, we will be requesting that he be pulled out of prison. The major ground for the plea is his ill health and that he is undergoing cancer," he added. It is alleged that the bankers used fake Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) to open accounts for the import of jewels ignoring guidelines as they were unable to share any document with the PNB. The anti-money laundering agency gathered information and evidence related to dummy companies overseas used allegedly by the diamond trader for the transfer of the ill gotten money. It has also seized properties worth hundreds of crores of rupees. On January 29, 2018, the PNB registered a complaint with the CBI, alleging that fraudulent LoUs were first issued in the name of three diamond firms.