SATURDAY 24 MAY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR P8 SENSEX 81,721.08 p769.09 WEATHER VERY LIGHT TO LIGHT RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS TEMPORARILY REACHING TO 60 KMPH DURING THUNDERSTORM AND DUST RAISING WINDS. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 37 AND 26 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 000.0 Mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 78 % TEMPERATURE P5 NIFTY 24,853.15 p243.45 ` vs $ 85.28 P9 GOLD `98,255 PM says the govt is making substantial investments in education and skill-building initiatives in NE SHAHID K ABBAS Min: 20.8 °C (-5.9) SUN SETS 19:10 hrs MOON SETS 16:10 hrs THUMBNAILS An anti-smog gun on a multi-purpose vehicle sprays water droplets to curb air pollution at South Block on Raisina Hills in New Delhi on Friday. nANI India extends airspace curbs for Pak flights by a month: India on Friday extended the airspace restrictions for Pakistan-registered aircrafts, including military flights, for a month, till June 23. As per the latest NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), Indian airspace remains unavailable to any aircraft registered in Pakistan, or those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators, including military flights. This restriction applies across all Flight Information Regions — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and covers all altitudes. The directive is effective immediately from May 23rd and will remain in force until further notice, subject to extension beyond June 23, the NOTAM added. P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Oil Palm Mission initiative offers a strong income opportunity for farmers in the Northeast as it reduces India's dependency on edible oil imports. Asserting that palm oil farming presents a major opportunity for industries, encouraging stakeholders to tap into the region’s agricultural potential, the Prime Minister noted that Northeast’s soil and climate was “highly suitable for palm oil cultivation.” Addressing the audience after inaugurating the ‘Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025' at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today, the Prime Minister said, “Rising Northeast is more than just an investors’ summit, it is a movement and a call to action.” Emphasising that India’s future will reach new heights through the Northeast’s progress and prosperity, the Prime Minister urged business leaders to unite in driving growth. “Northeast is emerging as a key destination for two strategic sectors—energy and semiconductors,” the Prime Minister asserted, highlighting “government's extensive investments in hydropower and solar power across all Northeastern states, with several thousand crore worth of projects already approved.” He noted that beyond investment opportunities in plants and infrastructure, there is significant potential in manufacturing, includ- ing solar modules, cells, storage solutions, and research. He also underscored the importance of maximizing investment in the manufacturing sector as greater self-sufficiency today will reduce dependence on foreign imports in the future. Highlighting the growing role of Assam in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the Prime Minister announced that the first Made in India chip from a Northeast-based semiconductor plant will soon be introduced which will be a major milestone for the region. Underscoring the need to elevate Northeast tourism further, he pointed out the vast investment potential in eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Reaffirming that peace and law and order are the most crucial factors for any region's development, PM Modi stated, “Our government has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and insurgency.” He noted that the Northeast, once known for blockades and conflict that severely limited opportunities for its youth, has undergone a significant transformation. Thanks to the government's consistent efforts and peace agreements over the past 10–11 years, more than 10,000 young people have laid down arms and chosen the path of peace. He further affirmed that this development is unlocking opportunities for cutting-edge technology and solidifying the Northeast’s position in India's high-tech industrial growth. P12 SILVER `1,00,000 North-East now front-runner in India's growth, says PM Modi NEW DELHI, 23 MAY Min. 49 % Max: 34.7°C (-5.5) SUN RISES 05:26 hrs MOON RISES 03:35 hrs TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BARS ISSF JR WC: RAIZA WINS SILVER IN HARVARD FROM ENROLLING WOMEN'S SKEET FOREIGN STUDENTS ‘PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED CONGRESS IS A THREAT TO INDIA’ REVANTH REDDY TO ATTEND NITI AAYOG MEET Emphasizing the critical role of skill development in driving growth and securing a better future, the Prime Minister stated that the Northeast provides a favourable environment for this advancement, with the central government making substantial investments in education and skill-building initiatives. He noted key developments, including the establishment of over 800 new schools, the region’s first AIIMS, nine new medical colleges, and two new IIITs. He further remarked that India's first sports university is being developed in the Northeast, with significant investments under the Khelo India program. He pointed out that eight Khelo India Centers of Excellence and more than 250 Khelo India Centers have been established, fostering sports talent across the region. The Rising Northeast Summit, a two-day event starting Friday being organised by the Union Ministry of Development of the Northeastern Region with active support from the state governments of the Northeastern Region, aims to showcase the potential for investments and trade in the Northeast Region of India. The summit is the culmination of various pre-summit activities including roadshows, and states' roundtables including Ambassador’s Meet and Bilateral Chambers Meet. Its objective is to highlight the Northeast Region as a land of opportunity, attracting global and domestic investment, and bringing together key stakeholders, investors, and policymakers on a single platform. Rahul slams govt's foreign policy; calls Jaishankar 'Jaichand' STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 MAY Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a fierce broadside against the Modi administration, claiming India’s foreign policy has “collapsed” and allowed Pakistan to seize the diplomatic initiative. In a flurry of posts on X, the Congress MP taunted External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, whom he dubbed “JJ”, and demanded to know why India had been “hyphenated with Pakistan”, why no state supported New Delhi’s bid to censure Islamabad, and who invited then US President Donald Trump to “mediate” on Kashmir. Mr Gandhi revived a longrunning allegation that the Minister tipped off Islamabad before India’s 2019 Balakot air strike, compromising the mission and costing aircraft. Circulating a video in which Dr Jaishankar tells a Dutch interviewer that Delhi had warned Pakistan its action targeted only “terrorist infrastructure”, Gandhi thundered: “This was not a lapse. Russia stands in solidarity with India for ‘Operation Sindoor’ symbolises elimination of terrorism in all its forms PM’s political will: Amit Shah STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 MAY Strongly condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Russia said on Friday that it stands in solidarity with India for elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Moscow's position was conveyed to the all-party delegation from India led by DMK MP Kanimozhi. The DMK MP met with senior members of the Russian Federation Council, including Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs in the Russian capital to reaffirm the united stand against terrorism. The delegation's visit to Russia comes under India's unprecedented diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan's sustained role in cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Russia said, "The All-Party Delegation led by Hon’ble MP @KanimozhiDMK in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation met with First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs H.E. Bangladesh’s chief adviser Yunus mulling resignation over rising protests UNITED NEWS OF INDIA DHAKA, 23 MAY The Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's Interim Government, Muhammad Yunus, is considering quitting from his position, reported Bangladeshi media. National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam, talking to BBC Bangla, said the chief advisor was weighing resignation. The Daily Star reported that Yunus expressed his desire to resign at an advisory council meeting in his office on Thursday and also shared his worries over rising questions about his government’s performance and duties. Amidst rising speculation on social media, Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam, Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, and National Citizen Party Nahid Islam convenor met Yunus on Thursday evening at his official residence. The NCP chief stated that Yunus expressed his discomfort over the rising protests over conflicting demands. "I cannot work like this if you, all the political parties, cannot reach a common ground," the NCP chief quoted Yunus, talking to BBC Bangla. Nahid urged Yunus not to take such a decision in haste. He expressed his hope that Yunus would ensure unity among the parties, and everyone would cooperate with him. Mr. Andrey Denisov and other senators. The Russian side condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stated that Russia stands in solidarity with India for elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations! Russia and India have shared a position in the fight against terrorism." "Together in the fight against terrorism!" the post added. The Kanimozhi-led delegation includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.); RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and former Ambassador of India to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg and Nepal; Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri. Earlier in the day, the delegation was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar on various aspects of bilateral relations ahead of their commencement of official engagements highlighting India's strong resolve in fighting terrorism in all its forms under the global outreach campaign of Operation Sindoor. “Ambassador Vinay Kumar briefs MPs Kanimozhi, Rajeev Rai, Brijesh Chowta, Prem Chand Gupta, Ashok Kumar Mittal and Ambassador Manjeev Puri on various aspects of India-Russia relations, before they start the official engagements,” the Embassy of India in Russia posted on X. NEW DELHI, 23 MAY Hailing ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a successful blend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political will, intelligence inputs from security agencies, and the striking capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the entire nation is proud of the military's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the Border Security Force (BSF) Investiture Ceremony in the capital, Shah remarked, “Operation Sindoor became possible due to the Prime Minister's firm political resolve, accurate intelligence from our agencies, and the armed forces' exceptional combat execution. It is when all three elements combine that such an operation can take place.” India has been confronting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for decades, Shah noted, adding that despite numerous terror attacks over the years, the hostile neighbour had not previously faced a fitting response. “In 2014, when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister and a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party was formed, our soldiers were killed in the Uri attack. For the first time, we responded by entering terrorist hideouts and conducting surgical strikes immediately after the incident,” Shah said. “We targeted the terrorists, but it was Pakistan that proved its involvement in sponsoring terrorism by claiming responsibility. When the Pakistani army attempted to attack our civilians and military installations, the Indian Army gave a strong response. Our forces demonstrated their firepower by targeting Pakistani airbases,” he added. He further said that Pakistan stood exposed after India’s precise strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). ‘A judge should not hesitate to offend anyone in upholding the Constitution’ PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 23 MAY On his final working day at the Supreme Court, Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka delivered a powerful parting message, affirming that a judge’s duty lies not in garnering popularity but in fearlessly upholding liberty and the constitutional values, even if it means offending others. Sitting on the ceremonial Bench alongside Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, Justice Oka reflected on his judicial journey, expressing gratitude while reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the stream of liberty running through it. “It was my honest endeavour to uphold the Constitu- tion. In that honest endeavour, I may have offended a few lawyers. But I always believe that a judge has to be very firm, strict, and that a judge should not hesitate to offend anyone [while pursuing the cause of justice],” said Justice Oka. Despite the personal loss of his mother in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, Justice Oka flew to Mumbai for the last rites and was back in the Supreme Court Friday morn- ing, where he delivered a record 11 judgments on his final day on the Bench. Recalling the advice of a senior judge, he said, “A great judge once told me, ‘You are not becoming a judge to become popular’. I followed that advice to the hilt. I was harsh only for one reason—to uphold the Constitution.” “I believe this (Supreme Court) is one court which can uphold constitutional liberties. That was my humble endeavour. I am sure this court will continue to uphold liberty, because that was the dream of the framers of the Constitution,” he said in his farewell remarks at the ceremonial bench. Justice Oka—a known non-believer—had in the past voiced his reservations about judges participating in ceremonial lamp-lighting rituals and making public their religious affiliations, reinforcing his commitment to secularism and judicial neutrality. Speaking at the end of what became the longest ceremonial Bench farewell in recent memory, lasting more than an hour and a half, Justice Oka was visibly moved by the tributes paid to his judicial career. “I am truly speechless. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I will only cherish the memories made in this court,” he said with emotion. Those who addressed the ceremonial Bench included Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Additional Solicitors General SV Raju and Aishwarya Bhati, SCBA President Vikas Singh, his immediate predecessor BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 63.70 Kapil Sibal, and senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Huzefa Ahmadi, and Madhavi Divan, among others. With a judicial life rooted in integrity, Justice Oka, who demits office officially on May 24, was born on May 25, 1960. A graduate in law from Bombay University, he enrolled as an advocate in June 1983. He began his legal career at Thane District Court in the chamber of his father, Shreeniwas W Oka, and later trained under VP Tipnis, a former judge of the Bombay High Court. He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on August 29, 2003, and became a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005. He served as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court from May 10, 2019, before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on August 31, 2021. It was a crime – and the nation deserves the truth.” The government rejected the claim as “misleading”. Dr Jaishankar said ceasefire messages were exchanged only after the strike and stressed that Delhi had told Washington and Gulf capitals that responsibility for deescalation lay with Pakistan. He recalled telephone calls from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice-President J. D. Vance, “who were talking to both sides”. Undeterred, Gandhi branded the Minister a “newage Jaichand” – the medieval ruler synonymous with treachery – and pressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Why did you believe Pakistan on terrorism? Why did you bow to Trump? Why does your blood boil only before cameras?” Campaigning in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on Thursday, the Prime Minister retorted that terror camps were “destroyed within 22 minutes” after Balakot and that the armed forces had been given a free hand. “Modi’s veins flow with sindoor, not blood,” he said. PM to chair 10th annual Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog today: Reports STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 MAY Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair the 10th annual Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog on May 24, reports said on Friday. The meet will bring together Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators from across the country to deliberate on the roadmap for achieving 'Viksit Rajya, Viksit Bharat @2047' – a developed India by 2047, it added. Going on further, it said that the key focus of the meeting will be to outline an outcomeoriented roadmap aimed at building a 'Viksit Rajya' for a 'Viksit Bharat', a developed state contributing to a developed India. The high-level meeting is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam with the Prime Minister expected to emphasise how state-level progress will be instrumental in realising the vision of a developed India. Reports have further suggested that a significant portion of the deliberations will focus on "Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend." Discussions are expected to centre on three key areas like Manufacturing and Services Ecosystem, MSME and Informal Employment, and Green Economy Opportunities. Leaders will explore strategies for creating enabling environments beyond metropolitan centres, with particular emphasis on developing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as new growth engines highlighting the need for infrastructure development, skill training, and policy support to attract investments to these emerging urban centres.