FRIDAY 25 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR DHANKHAR NOT ASKED TO VACATE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE: GOVT TARIFF TRUCE P5 SENSEX 82,184.17 q542.47 ZELENSKYY ANNOUNCES NEW ANTI-GRAFT BILL AFTER RARE PROTESTS P6 NIFTY 25,062.10 q157.80 P9 ` vs $ 86.42 GOLD `1,01,750 RAINFALL: 00.2 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY PM Modi said extremist forces must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms Generally Cloudy sky with one or two spells of light to moderate rain/ thundershower very likely to occur. Max. 91% P12 SILVER `1,18,000 India, UK of one mind on terror fight: PM WEATHER 17-YR-OLD UNNATI STUNS SINDHU BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 69.10 India, UK sign landmark free trade deal to boost $34 billion in annual trade Min. 62% TEMPERATURE Max: 35.2˚C (+3.2) Min: 28.3˚C (+1.8) SUN RISES 05:05 hrs MOON RISES 04:13 hrs SUN SETS 18:22 hrs MOON SETS 18:14 hrs New Moon on 25 July THUMBNAILS NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 24 JULY Heavy rainfall causes streams to swell, at Bedar village in Poonch on Thursday. nANI India, Pakistan likely to be in same group for Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan are expected to be drawn into the same group for the Asia Cup 2025, setting the stage for another high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals, says a report. The Asia Cup was a key topic of discussion during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Dhaka on Thursday, with officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) attending virtually. The BCCI, which holds the hosting rights for the eight-team tournament, has reportedly agreed to stage the event at a neutral venue, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerging as the frontrunners. I n a stern message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that India and the United Kingdom (UK) are of one view that there is no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism. Making a press statement along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, after the signing of the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, PM Modi said: “We are united in our view that there can be no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism.” The Prime Minister thanked the United Kingdom for its condemning the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi further said that both India and the UK agree that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms. “Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account,” he said. On the issue of extradition of economic offenders, PM Modi said: "On the matter of extradition of economic offenders as well, our agencies will continue to work together in Mamata demands end to ‘linguistic terror’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 24 JULY Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday called for a halt to ‘linguistic terror’ as she attacked what she described as the continuing persecution of Bengali-speaking individuals, particularly in BJP-ruled states. Miss Banerjee, in a tweet, said: “I have been receiving an increasing number of reports about detentions and atrocities targeting our Bengali-speaking people from various districts of West Bengal in Gurgaon, Haryana. The West Bengal Police is receiving these reports from the Haryana Police under the guise of identity verification requests. “Separately, I’ve also been receiving disturbing accounts from other states like Rajasthan regarding the illegal pushback of West Bengal citizens -who carry all the required documentation - being sent directly to Bangladesh. Our officers have obtained copies of these valid documents,” she wrote. “I am shocked by these terrible atrocities committed by the so-called double-engine governments against Bengalis in India. What are you trying to prove? This is appalling and unacceptable. We will not tolerate it,” she wrote, adding: “Stop this linguistic terror.” The TMC, meanwhile, welcomed a Delhi court’s stay order on the eviction of Bengali-speaking people from Delhi's Jai Hind Colony, saying it was a significant step forward for the ongoing fight for justice. “The eviction of Bengalis in Jai Hind Colony of Delhi's Vasant Kunj has been stayed by the Patiala House Court, marking a significant step forward in our ongoing fight for justice," the TMC said in a statement. close coordination and cooperation." Speaking on the ongoing conflicts in the world, the Prime Minister said: “We have continued to share our perspectives on peace and stability in the IndoPacific, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in West Asia. We support early restoration of peace and stability. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is essential. Today’s era demands development, not expansionism." He also offered condolences to the families of the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. “Last month, in the tragic accident that took place NEW DELHI, 24 JULY The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Bombay High Court judgment in the 2006 Mumbai train serial blasts case to the limited extent that it will not be treated as a precedent in other cases being prosecuted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). However, it refused to halt the release of the eleven accused who were acquitted by the High Court. A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh made it clear that since the respondents had already been released, there was no question of sending them back to prison. “All respondents released and thus no question to bring them back to prison. However, on the question of law, we will say that the impugned judgment is not to be treated as precedent in any other cases. Therefore, to that extent, let there be a stay on the impugned judgment,” the bench said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State of Maharashtra, sought the limited stay, submitting that the High Court’s findings could impact other trials being conducted under MCOCA. “So far as the stay is concerned, I am not on liberty (of the accused). There are some findings which will affect all our MCOCA trials. The judgment can be stayed and the release be not hampered,” he told the bench. Accepting the submission, the court issued notice to the acquitted persons. “We will issue notice. Let the parties come. We will hear them and decide,” the court said. Nine of the acquitted individuals have already been released from prison, while two ~ Mohammad Faisal Ataur Rahman Shaikh and Naveed Hussain Khan ~ remain incarcerated in con- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 24 JULY India and the United Kingdom on Thursday signed a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at enhancing bilateral trade by nearly $34 billion annually. The deal was formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This marks India’s most comprehensive trade pact to date, eliminating duties on 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, leather goods, agricultural products, and chemicals. For the UK, the FTA unlocks reduced tariffs and wider access for key exports like whisky, automobiles, and financial services. PM Modi lauded the signing of the agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), saying that it will add momentum to the ‘Make in India’-led growth and boost exports. Making a press statement along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, after the signing of the agreement, PM Modi said: “Today marks a historic milestone in our bilateral relations. I am pleased that, after years of dedicated efforts, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between our two countries has been concluded today." PM Modi said this agreement is more than just an economic partnership; it is also a blueprint for shared prosperity. “On the one hand, it paves the way for enhanced market access in the UK for Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods. It will also unlock new opportunities for India’s agricultural produce and processed food industry. Above all, this agreement will be especially beneficial for India’s youth, farmers, fishermen, and the MSME sector,” he said. On the other hand, UKmade products such as medical devices and aerospace components will become more accessible and affordable for Indian consumers and industries, the Prime Minister said. He said alongside the trade agreement, a consensus has also been reached on the Double Contribution Convention. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a “major win for Britain,” saying it would generate thousands of jobs and support economic growth across the country. According to Indian officials, the agreement will immediately halve the import duty on Scotch whisky to 75 per cent, with a phased reduction to 40 per cent over a decade. Tariffs on electric vehicles will also drop sharply, from 110 per cent to 10 per cent under a quota-based system. India will reduce 90 per cent of its tariff lines, with average tariffs on UK products falling from 15 per cent to just 3 per cent. IOA resolves internal row, forms anti-doping panel as 2036 Olympic push gains steam TRIDIB BAPARNASH NEW DELHI, 24 JULY Ending a prolonged standoff, the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Executive Council (EC) on Thursday ratified the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as Chief Executive Officer and announced the formation of a panel to address the country’s doping concerns, an issue flagged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during India’s recent pitch for the 2036 Olympic Games. Iyer’s appointment, made by IOA President PT Usha in January 2024, had been held up due to opposition from EC members over his remuneration package of Rs 20 lakh per month, along with additional SC stays Bombay HC judgment on 7/11 blasts; no halt on release of acquitted persons PARMOD KUMAR in Ahmedabad, several of those who lost their lives were our brothers and sisters from the UK. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families,” PM Modi said. Mentioning the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India's ties with the UK, he said: “The people of Indian origin living in the UK serve as a living bridge in our relationship. They did not just bring curry from India, but also creativity, commitment, and character. Their contribution is not limited to the UK’s thriving economy ~ it is equally visible in the country's culture, sports, and public service.” The Prime Minister also highlighted how cricket is a passion for both nations and expressed India's commitment to building a high scoring solid partnership with the UK. "I would be remiss not to mention cricket when India and the UK are coming together, especially during a Test series. For both of us cricket is not just a game but a passion. And also, a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be a swing and a miss at times. But we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high scoring solid partnership," he said. nection with other pending cases. One accused, Kamal Ansari, died in 2021 due to Covid-19 while lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. The case pertains to the 11 July 2006 serial bomb blasts in suburban trains on Mumbai’s Western Railway line. Seven explosions occurred during peak hours, killing 187 people and injuring over 800 others. A lengthy investigation and trial under MCOCA led to the conviction of twelve accused ~ who now stand acquitted ~ by a Special Court in October 2015. Five were awarded the death penalty ~ Kamal Ansari, Mohammad Faisal Shaikh, Ehtesham Siddiqui, Naveed Khan, and Asif Khan ~ while seven others were sentenced to life imprisonment. perks. However, the impasse was resolved following the intervention of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, clearing the way for Iyer’s official appointment. At a press conference following the EC meeting on Thursday, Usha also launched Mission 2036, which aims to elevate India's global sporting profile. “We are focused on our long-term goal of transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. It's part of the resolve to power through India's sporting aspirations via Mission 2036. We also aim to bring the Olympics to India in 2036,” Usha said. India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics was first formally articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the IOC Annual Session in Mumbai in October 2023, with Ahmedabad identified as the proposed host city. Meanwhile, in response to concerns raised by the IOC regarding India’s doping record, the IOA has constituted a seven-member anti-doping panel led by former Davis Cup player Rohit Rajpal, with former shuttler Aparna Popat and sports medicine expert Dr PSM Chandran as the members, along with four others. “The IOC (International Olympic Committee) mentioned high doping cases in India when the IOA (delegation) visited Lausanne,” Iyer said at the joint press meet alongside Usha and other EC members. India had last month topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2023 testing figures among countries which analysed 5,000 or more samples with a high positivity rate of 3.8 per cent for banned substances. Taking a U-turn from their original stance regarding the new sports bill, which was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, the IOA finally welcomed it. The bill, once enacted, will lead to the institution of a National Sports Board that will be authorised to grant recognition to national federations and regulate their funding as well. 100 per cent proof of EC allowing cheating, says Rahul Gandhi; poll panel rebuffs charge STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 24 JULY In a rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations of allowing cheating in the voter list revision process, the Election Commission Thursday said that the electoral rolls are prepared transparently and copies are shared with recognized political parties. Rahul Gandhi during the day had accused the Election Commission of India of allowing cheating in the voter list revision process, claiming to have "100 per cent proof" of manipulation in a Karnataka constituency. In a quick rejoinder, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka took to social media to clarify that electoral rolls are prepared with utmost transparency saying: "Electoral rolls are prepared transparently; copies were shared with recognised political parties." Speaking to reporters outside Parliament during the day, Mr Gandhi said: “We have concrete, 100 per cent proof of the Election Commission allowing cheating in a seat in Karnataka… we decide to show it to you, it is 100 per cent proof. We just looked at one constituency and we found this. I am absolutely convinced that constituency after constituency this is the drama that is taking place." Mr Gandhi's accusations come amid protests by the INDIA bloc parties in Parliament, demanding a discussion on the issue and roll-back of the SIR exercise. “I want to send a message to the Election Commission ~ if you think you are going to get away with this, if your officers think they are going to get away with this, you are mistaken. You are not going to get away with this because we are going to come for you,” Mr Gandhi said. ECI defends voter list purge: The ECI Thursday, responded to criticism over its Special Intensive Review drive, questioning whether it should allow fake votes to be cast in the name of deceased voters, migrants, or those with duplicate registrations. “The Constitution of India is the mother of Indian democracy....So, fearing these things, should the Election Commission, getting misled by some people, pave the way for some to cast fake votes in the name of deceased voters, voters who have migrated permanently, voters who have got their votes registered at two places, fake voters or foreign voters, going against the Constitution, first in Bihar, then in the entire country,” the ECI asked in a statement.