MONDAY 07 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00 SINCE 1818 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘NO FTA AT THE COST OF INDIA’S CORE INTERESTS’ CONG SLAMS MODI GOVT OVER POVERTY & INEQUALITY DATA P10 WEATHER GENERALLY CLOUDY SKY. LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN ACCOMPANIED WITH THUNDERSTORM/ LIGHTNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 33 AND 26 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 000.8 Mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 87 % TEMPERATURE Min. 69 % Max: 35.0 °C (-1.6) SUN RISES 05:30 hrs MOON RISES 16:36 hrs ELON MUSK LAUNCHES NEW POLITICAL PARTY P8 P9 Modi calls for global governance reforms At BRICS Summit, PM Modi highlights importance of representing the interests of the Global South in decision-making processes STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min: 28.8 °C (+0.9) SUN SETS 19:23 hrs MOON SETS 02:49 hrs THUMBNAILS Mourners take part in an 'Ashura' procession on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram at Kashmere Gate area on Sunday. n SNS Tech team arrives for stranded F-35: A Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport nearly three weeks ago, is now set to be moved for repairs, as a UK engineering team has arrived in India to undertake the complex task. Since its unscheduled landing on 14 June, the aircraft has remained grounded at the airport, with preliminary repair efforts yielding only limited success. NEW DELHI, 6 JULY P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms in global governance at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the importance of representing the interests of the Global South in decisionmaking processes. “Global South has often been subjected to double standards. Whether it's development, resource distribution, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been prioritised,” Mr Modi underlined. “The institutions established in the 20th century do not adequately represent two-thirds of humanity. Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile with a SIM but no network,” the prime minister said, asserting: “Today, the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order. This must begin with comprehensive reforms in global institutions.” PM Modi expressed India's commitment to working with BRICS countries to contribute constructively to all issues. He welcomed Indonesia's inclusion in the BRICS family and congratulated President Prabowo Subianto. The prime minister also stressed SC asks govt to take back official CJI residence from ex-CJI Chandrachud AGENCIES the need for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks. He used a metaphor to drive home the point: "In the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, it's unacceptable for global institutions to remain unchanged for eighty years. 21stcentury software cannot be run on 20th-century typewriters." Meanwhile, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the BRICS nations voiced “serious concerns” about the unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures, in apparent reference to the USA, which they deemed inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. In a joint statement following their first meeting under Brazil's chairmanship on Saturday, the Group emphasised the resilience of the BRICS nations ~ Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa ~ along with new members in the face of these challenges and pledged to safeguard a non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, underscoring a collective commitment to global economic stability. The statement comes amidst a challenging global economic context marked by heightened uncertainty and volatility, as the end of the 90day pause on reciprocal tariff escalations announced by US President Donald Trump approaches, after the initial announcement of these measures on 2 April. The 90-day pause ends on 9 July. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 6 JULY without any further delay as not only the permission that was granted for retention... has expired on 31st May, 2025, but also the period of six months provided in Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules has expired on 10th May, 2025.” Under Rule 3B of the 2022 Supreme Court Judges Rules, a retired Chief Justice is allowed to retain official accommodation for up to six months post-retirement. The letter stated that the six-month period had expired on 10 May 2025, and that the special retention permission granted had also lapsed on 31 May 2025. India solidified its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally, recording a 6.5 per cent real GDP growth in the financial year 2024– 25 against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty and fragile international trade dynamics. According to official figures, the Reserve Bank of India expects this pace to be maintained in 2025–26 as well, reflecting strong domestic demand, improved private investment, and sustained public infrastructure spending. Inflationary pressures have eased significantly, with Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation dropping to 2.82 per cent in May 2025 — the lowest since February 2019. Food inflation, a key component, was contained at just 0.99 per cent, aided by robust agricultural output and effective market interventions. Further, the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Stability Report (June 2025) projects inflation to remain stable, even dipping below the medium-term target of 4 per cent in the coming months. This reflects the success of the government’s policy mix of supply-side measures and prudent monetary management. The capital markets have shown remarkable buoyancy, with strong retail participation and record IPO activity. Retail investors surged from 4.9 French intelligence: China used embassies to undermine Rafale sales AGENCIES PARIS, 6 JULY China deployed its embassies to spread doubts about the performance of French-made Rafale jets after they saw combat in India and Pakistan’s clashes in May, French military and intelligence officials have concluded, implicating Beijing in an effort to hammer the reputation and sales of France’s flagship fighter. Findings from a French intelligence service seen by The Associated Press say defense attaches in China’s foreign embassies led a charge to undermine Rafale sales, seeking to persuade countries that have already ordered the French-made fighter ~ notably Indonesia ~ not to buy more and to encourage other potential buyers to choose Chinese-made planes. The four days of India- Pakistan clashes in May were the most serious confrontation in years between the two neighbours, and included air combat that involved dozens of aircraft from both sides. Pakistan claimed its air force downed five Indian planes during the fighting, including three Rafales. India acknowledged aircraft losses but didn’t say how many. French air force chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger said that he’s seen evidence pointing to just 3 Indian losses ~ a P12 After Nadda, BJP mulls picking woman as national president SUSHIL KUMAR NEW DELHI, 6 JULY The BJP's central leadership is reportedly considering appointing a woman as the party's next national president, following the end of JP Nadda's extended term last month. Extensive discussions have been held on the issue as several prominent women political leaders are being considered for the BJP’s top post, party insiders said. Over the past few weeks, the party has been busy appointing chiefs for its local units. After making the necessary changes in several state units, the BJP is now focused on choosing its national president. Mr Nadda, who was given an extension in view of the general election last year, will soon hand over the party's reins to the next leader it elects. Among the frontrunners is Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who recently met Mr Nadda and other prominent party leaders at the BJP headquarters in the national capital. Given her wide-ranging experience in and outside the government, she is being seen as a strong contender, they said, adding that if Mrs Sitharaman is appointed, it could help the party expand its footprint in the southern states. D Purandeswari is another name being considered for Among those said to be in the running are Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former Union minister of state D Purandeswari, and Tamil Nadu party leader Vanathi Srinivasan the post. She is the former president of the BJP’s Andhra Pradesh unit. She was also a part of the multi-party delegations sent to various countries as part of a global outreach in connection with Operation Sindoor. Another woman leader of the party ~ Vanathi Srinivasan ~ is a lawyer-turned-politician from Tamil Nadu. Presently, Ms Srinivasan represents Coimbatore South in the Tamil Nadu assembly. She has served the party in various capacities since joining it in 1993. The party appointed her National President of the BJP Mahila Morcha in 2020. After two years, she became a member of the BJP’s Central Election Committee. There could be two important reasons why the saffron party would want to have a woman president. One, the party pushing for a woman president would align it with the Women's Reservation Bill, which it got cleared from both Houses of Parliament in 2023. The Bill seeks 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Two, the party wants to further influence women voters and strengthen its slogan of ‘Nari Shakti’ by electing a female head. A few weeks ago, the name of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ~ a key OBC leader from Odisha known for his organisational skills ~ was mentioned as being considered for the party’s top post, along with other Union Ministers such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Manohar Lal Khattar, both of whom are former state chief ministers with substantial credentials as mass leaders and grassroots experience. India sustains 6.5 pc GDP growth, emerges ‘No direction to block as fastest-growing major economy: FinMin Reuters’ X account’ NEW DELHI, 6 JULY The Supreme Court administration has formally written to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, asking for immediate action to vacate Bungalow No 5, Krishna Menon Marg, currently occupied by former Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud. The administration said that ex-CJI Chandrachud has continued to occupy the official residence beyond the permitted period and sought that the official Chief Justice residence be urgently vacated and returned to the court's housing pool. The letter from the Supreme Court administration dated 1 July stated: “I am to request you to take the possession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, from Justice DY Chandrachud AKASH DEEP’S 10-FER POWERS INDIA TO EDGBASTON WIN Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000. It would be the first known combat loss of a Rafale, which France has sold to eight countries. French officials have been battling to protect the plane from reputational damage, pushing back against what they allege was a concerted campaign of Rafale-bashing and disinformation online from Pakistan and its ally China. They say the campaign included viral posts on social media, manipulated imagery showing supposed Rafale debris, AI-generated content and video-game depictions to simulate supposed combat. More than 1,000 social media accounts newly created as the India-Pakistan clashes erupted also spread a narrative of Chinese technological superiority, according to French researchers. The French intelligence service said Chinese embassy defense attaches echoed the same narrative in meetings they held with security and defense officials from other countries, arguing that Indian Air Force Rafales performed poorly and promoting Chinese-made weaponry. The defense attaches focused their lobbying on countries that have ordered Rafales and other potential customernations that are considering purchases, the intelligence service said. crore in 2019 to 13.2 crore by end-2024, marking a deepening of financial inclusion and growing public confidence. As per data released by the Ministry of Finance, 259 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) were launched between April– December 2024 ~ a 32.1 per cent increase year-on-year ~ raising a staggering Rs 1.54 lakh crore, nearly three times the previous year’s capital mobilisation. India's share in global IPO listings also rose sharply to 30 per cent in 2024, the highest in the world, reflecting international trust in India’s business environment and regulatory transparency. Further, India’s total exports for FY 2024–25 reached an all-time high of USD 824.9 billion, a 6.01 per cent increase over the previous year. Services exports grew by 13.6 per cent to USD 387.5 billion, demonstrating India’s global leadership in IT, digital services, and financial consulting. Merchandise exports (excluding petroleum) reached a record USD 374.1 billion, driven by strong performance in machinery, electronics, chemicals, and defence equipment. The Gross Value Added (GVA) in manufacturing rose from Rs 15.6 lakh crore in 2013–14 to Rs 27.5 lakh crore in 2023–24 — a near twofold increase — supported by initiatives like Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 6 JULY The Centre on Sunday clarified that there has been no request made from the Indian government to withhold the international news agency Reuters’ account on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform in the country. This clarification came after Reuters' X account was found withheld in India, prompting concerns over press freedom and censorship. Users attempting to access the handle were shown a notice stating that the account had been withheld "in response to a legal demand". An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said: “There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters handle. We are con- tinuously working with X to resolve the problem." The X accounts of Turkiye's TRT and China's Global Times are similarly restricted in India with the same "account withheld" message. On its help centre page, the Elon Musk-owned platform X explains such messages "about country withheld content" means that X was compelled to withhold the entire account specified or posts in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order or local laws. "If you see the above message, it means X withheld content based on local law(s) in response to a report filed through specific support intake channels," the X page detailed. Reuters confirmed the development earlier, saying it was seeking more information on why its handle was blocked in India. On 90th birthday, Dalai Lama urges world to practise 'Bodhichitta' BHAWANI NEGI SHIMLA, 6 JULY The serene town Mcleodganj of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh came alive with celebration and reverence as thousands gathered at the Tsuglagkhang temple complex to mark the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The grand event, observed aspertheTibetanlunarcalendar, witnessed participation by dignitaries from across the world, including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hollywood actor and humanitarian Richard Gere, and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The celebrations began early in the morning with longlife prayers, traditional Tibetan rituals, and cultural performances by monks and children of the Tibetan diaspora. The Dalai Lama, smiling and visibly moved by the love and admiration, addressed the gathering, urging the world to practice 'Bodhichitta' (enlightened mind), a central concept in Buddhism. According to the Dalai Lama, the practice of Bodhicitta is the essence of all Bhudda's teachings. “I would like to appeal to make Bodhichitta your practice more and more,” he said. Thanking the people gathered to celebrate his birthday, he said: “When I reflect on my life, in retrospect, I see that I have not wasted my life at all. As having the title of Dalai Lama, I have no pride or arrogance. As a follower of Buddha, to serve the people, the public are my main practices." “I live my life in the service of other sentient beings. With this motivation to serve for the welfare of others the more I do this, greater the positive response from others,” said the spiritual leader. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime advocate for Tibet, offered a ceremonial khata (white scarf) to the Dalai Lama and was visibly emotional as he greeted him. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who has been a vocal supporter of the Tibetan cause, lauded the Dalai Lama as a “living bridge between ancient wisdom and modern consciousness.” He added that the Indian government “fully respects and supports His Holiness's spiritual authority and tradition,” a statement seen as a subtle diplomatic message amid ongoing tensions over Tibet’s future. Leaders from around the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several former US presidents, sent birthday greetings through video messages. The event also featured the symbolic raising of the Tibetan flag, a cultural performance by school children, and a large birthday cake for the spiritual leader.