SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 16 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR CDS CALLS FOR 24X7 COMBAT READINESS P5 SENSEX 81,463.09 q721.08 WEATHER Generally Cloudy sky with one or two intense spell of rain & thundershower very likely to occur. RAINFALL: 112.5 mm P12 NIFTY 24,837.00 q225.10 SUN RISES 05:05 hrs MOON RISES 05:18 hrs SUN SETS 18:21 hrs MOON SETS 19:00 hrs STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 JULY Full Moon on 9 August THUMBNAILS NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 25 JULY P Devotees offer prayers to a Shivling during the ongoing month of Sawan, at Shri Kantheriya Hanuman Temple in Surat on Thursday. nANI Agniveer killed, two soldiers injured in mine blast along LoC: An Agniveer of the 7 JAT Regiment was killed and two other soldiers were seriously injured in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The martyred Agniveer has been identified as Lalit Kumar. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Naib Subedar Hari Ram and Havildar Gajendra Singh were injured in the blast that occurred while the soldiers were patrolling the forward area. The injured have been airlifted to Udhampur for treatment in the Military Hospital. rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that India will provide a “Line of Credit” of USD 565 million (approximately Rs 5,000 crore) to the Maldives and assured the island nation that both the countries will strengthen regional maritime cooperation through the Colombo Security. Making a press statement along with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu in Male, PM Modi said: "To give a new impetus to our development partnership, we have decided to provide a “Line of Credit” of $565 million, or approximately Rs 5,000 crore, to the Maldives. It will be used for projects related to infrastructure development in line with the priorities of the people of the Maldives." PM Modi said the two nations have taken several steps to accelerate their economic partnership. "To accelerate mutual invest- India issues travel advisory amid escalating tensions at Thai-Cambodia border Govt, Oppn reach pact to resume Parliament proceedings from Monday to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom. As per the Tourism Authority of Thailand, places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for travelling,” Embassy of India in Thailand posted on X. Due to ongoing unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced that several attractions across seven provinces are currently not recommended for visiting. Fourteen Thai nationals were killed and 46 others injured in military clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border, the deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health said. (See report on Page 11) ment, we will soon work towards finalising the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Negotiations on a free trade agreement have also begun. Now our goal is – From paperwork to prosperity!," the Prime Minister said. He said the local currency settlement system will allow direct trade in Rupees and Rufiyaa. The pace at which UPI is growing in Maldives will give a boost to both tourism and retail, the Prime Minister said. Earlier, during their meeting, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Maldives relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. The two leaders called for closer collaboration to enhance peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. The leaders also took stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ adopted in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the second-longestserving prime minister in India's history. On 25 July 2025, Mr Modi completed 4,078 consecutive days in office, surpassing Indira Gandhi's record of 4,077 days. PM Modi's tenure is marked by several historic distinctions that set him apart from other prime ministers. Mr Modi is the only prime minister born after 1947 to assume the nation's highest executive role, symbolising a generational transition in Indian leadership. He has held office longer than any other prime minister from outside the Congress party, cementing his legacy as a mass leader with enduring popularity. Hailing from Gujarat, Mr Modi holds the record for the longestserving prime minister not from the traditional Hindi heartland, breaking the norm and making governance more inclusive. With three consecutive general election wins, Mr Modi equalled Jawaharlal Nehru's record. He has steered his party to three consecutive general election wins in 2014, 2019, and 2024. Mr Modi has also won six consecutive elections as the leader of a party, including three in Gujarat (2002, 2007, 2012) and three Lok Sabha polls (2014, 2019, 2024). President sends back Aparajita Bill as it’s ‘excessively harsh’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 25 JULY President Droupadi Murmu has sent back the death penalty Aparajita Bill to the West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose raising some ‘observations’. Mr Bose had sent the Bill to the Rashtrapati Bhavan for its consideration. Sources at the Kolkata Raj Bhavan said that the Centre has raised serious objections over the proposed changes to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that the legislation seeks. “Raj Bhavan will send the Bill to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and then it will be forwarded to the state secretariat Nabanna for its opinion,” a source in the state assembly said. The Centre, in its obser- vation, said that the Aparajita Women and Child Bill, passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 3 September in 2024, had sought some changes in punishment for rape under multiple sections of the BNS that are “excessively harsh and disproportionate,” the source said. "The Ministry of Home Affairs has flagged multiple provisions in the Bill as problematic. After taking note of the MHA observation, the Governor has referred those for appropriate consideration to the state government," the source told The Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024 was unanimously passed with a voice vote with legislators belonging to both ruling Trinamul Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporting it. The Bill proposes enhancement of punishment for rape from the existing minimum of 10 years under the BNS to life imprisonment for the remainder of one’s life or death. A senior official at Nabanna, meanwhile, said that the state government has not received any intimation so far from the Centre in connection with the matter. Mr Modi is the only prime minister born after 1947 to assume the nation's highest executive role, symbolising a generational transition in Indian leadership. He has held office longer than any other PM from outside the Congress, cementing his legacy as a mass leader with enduring popularity. Also, Mr Modi is the only nonCongress prime minister to lead his party to an absolute majority on its own in the Lok Sabha, achieving this feat in 2014 and 2019. Mr Modi's leadership has been marked by several transformative initiatives. Implementation of GST, a unified indirect tax system across India, streamlines business operations and boosts economic growth. A massive push toward digitisation and digital infrastructure, has enabled citizens to access services online and increasing transparency. Revival of manufacturing and self-reliance is positioning India as a global manufacturing hub. On the front of global diplomacy, he is credited with strengthening QUAD and BRICS alliances, hosting G20 in 2023, and projecting India as a confident and assertive voice on the world stage. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 JULY After a week of disruptions in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the government and the Opposition have hammered out an agreement to run the proceedings of both Houses smoothly from Monday onwards, an MP of the ruling NDA said on Friday. The agreement was reached during a meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla with floor leaders from various political parties and the government. The meeting, among others, was attended by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Congress Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi. The source said that as per the agreement, the government will hold a special debate on Operation Sindoor starting Monday. The debate will allow opposition parties to raise concerns and discuss the operation's details. Operation Sindoor, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar, and the charges against Allahabad High Court Judge Centre extends President’s Rule in Manipur till Feb 2026 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 JULY The government on Friday extended President’s rule in Manipur for another six months, with effect from 13 August 2025. Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking approval to extend the President’s rule till 13 February 2026, in the state, which has been hit by protracted ethnic strife. “That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated February 13, 2025, in respect of Manipur, issued under article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from August 13, 2025,” the resolution said. President's Rule was imposed in the state on 13 February 2025, following prolonged ethnic violence and a breakdown of administrative machinery in the state. It was precipitated by a political crisis in the BJPled government in the state, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigning from his post. The extension of Central rule comes even as the situation remains tense in several parts of the state. Efforts have been made by the Central government to bring the warring communities to the negotiating table. Today’s move is aimed at further stabilising the law-and-order situation and assessing the feasibility of holding Assembly elections at a later stage. 25 OTT platforms banned Women’s Chess WC: Humpy or Divya, Indian women’s chess will be the winner for obscenity and For any chess enthusiast, this game in pornographic content Batumi will be a fight ASHOK CHATTERJEE KOLKATA, 25 JULY STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 JULY In a major crackdown, the Government of India has banned 25 OTT websites and apps for streaming vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. The banned platforms include ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, and Dorsiflex, among others. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the action follows extensive consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women & Child Development, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), industry bodies FICCI and CII, and BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 68.69 Modi becomes second-longest serving Prime Minister of India Min: 25.7˚C (-1.0) Amid escalating tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, the Indian Embassy in Thailand on Friday issued an advisory for Indian nationals urging them to avoid travel to seven provinces of Thailand namely Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The Indian Embassy also urged Indian tourists to remain vigilant and stay updated through official Thai sources, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) newsroom. “In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised P16 SILVER `1,18,000 GOLD `1,01,330 Will provide $565 mn Line of Credit to Maldives: PM Modi TEMPERATURE Max: 30.1˚C (-2.5) NEW DELHI, 25 JULY P9 ` vs $ 86.48 Min. 76% STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE ROOT OVERTAKES PONTING ON ALL-TIME RUN SCORER LIST Modi announced that India & Maldives will strengthen regional maritime cooperation RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 98% ‘OUR UNITY WILL DEFEAT BJP’ ‘FTA DEAL UNLOCKED NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES’ experts in women and child rights. The Ministry banned 26 websites and 14 apps, including nine on Google Play Store and five on Apple App Store. The list includes Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, ShowHit, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, ALTT, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, Triflicks, & Mojflix. According to sources, the content on the banned apps and OTT platforms included sexual innuendos and, in some cases, long portions of sexually explicit scenes involving nudity. The FIDE Women's World Cup in Georgia has suddenly become a must-watch for chess lovers in India. It has become exciting as the tournament will have a winner from the country since both the finalists, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh, are from India. This tournament means a lot for India as the contest will give a huge impetus to women’s chess in the country, which already has many players in the world top 10 in the men's section. For any chess enthusiast, this game in Batumi will be a fight between experience and youth. While Humpy is 38, full of experience, Divya half the age of her opponent, is bubbling with enthusiasm. India’s second-ever GM between experience and youth. While Humpy is 38, full of experience, Divya half the age of her opponent, is bubbling with enthusiasm. after Viswanathan Anand, Dibyendu Barua is looking forward to the contest. “Both of them are in very good form, it is difficult to predict who will win. For me, if it is a straight fight, it is 55:45 in favour of Humpy, but if it goes to tie-break, then Divya will have an advantage. Since it is a fight for the final, the person with better stamina, nerve and concentration will win. What is heartening is that both the gold and silver will be with India,” Chess Olympian Sandipan Chanda, who was Viswanathan Anand’s second and now works as a trainer at his academy in Chennai, feels this is a very memorable time for Indian chess. “That our women are also worldbeaters, this event proves that. The fact our women won their matches beating Chinese opponents, is very significant. The more girls take up this sport seriously, it will mean greater Indian dominance in world chess. My best wishes to both, said the Grandmaster. Another Grandmaster, Neelotpal Das, too believes that this is a golden era for Indian chess. “Our girls Vaishali (Rameshbabu), Harika (Dronavalli), Humpy are consistently performing well internationally. That we will get a world champion had to happen soon. We have seen Chinese dominance all these years. This match is happening in Georgia, which has many top-ranking women players. Indian girls performing well there will definitely prove our stature,” said Das. What brought about this change? “Indian girls initially had the mental block that they cannot compete in open category or win. This ceiling is gone. Till a few times ago, girls were competing in women's category only but not anymore. Competing with men has given them the courage,” said Das. GM Barua feels this event proves that Indian girls are ready to dominate the world in the days to come. “Divya's performance will motivate more girls in India to take up the sport professionally,” Barua said. Yashwant Varma were discussed at the meeting. Later, talking to reporters, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju said: "The government is ready to hold discussions on key issues, including Operation Sindoor." He stressed the importance of coordination between ruling and opposition parties. The Monsoon Session, which began on 21 July, has, over the week, seen heated arguments and disruptions over various issues, including Operation Sindoor and the SIR exercise in Bihar. The Opposition has been demanding discussions on these topics, while the government has been pushing for the smooth functioning of Parliament. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned Friday without transacting any productive business for the fifth day due to persistent protests by the Opposition inside the Houses over the SIR issue. Opposition MPs including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, also staged a protest under the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament House complex on the issue. ECI appoints returning officer & assistant ROs for VP election STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 JULY The Election Commission of India, on Friday, appointed the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha as the Returning Officer for the upcoming Vice-Presidential Election. The decision was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the consent of the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the EC said in a statement. The Vice-Presidential election is necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post. "Under Section 3 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints a Returning Officer," the poll panel said in its statement. The EC has also appointed Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and Vijay Kumar, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, as Assistant Returning Officers during the course of the Vice-Presidential Election. The Election Commission of India is mandated under Article 324 to conduct elections to the office of the Vice President of India. The election is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the rules made thereunder. As per convention, the Secretary General of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha is appointed as the Returning Officer by rotation. In the last Vice-Presidential election, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha was appointed as the Returning Officer. A Gazette Notification regarding these appointments is being issued separately today, the EC said.