FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | Tuesday, 25 November 2025 SPORTS WORLD BUSINESS Market witnesses volatile session Page 12 BRIEFLY Arunachal woman harassed at China airport: New Delhi: An Indian-origin UK resident from Arunachal Pradesh has alleged that Chinese immigration authorities at Shanghai Pudong Airport detained and harassed her for hours. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 with a scheduled three-hour layover, said her ordeal stretched to 18 hours after officials declared her passport "invalid" because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. According to her, immigration personnel told her, "Arunachal Pradesh is part of China." She said several officers and China Eastern Airlines staff mocked her, laughed at her, and even suggested she "apply for a Chinese passport". She managed to contact the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK, following which Indian officials intervened and escorted her onto a late-night departure from the city. South Africa tighten grip on Guwahati Test Sudan’s top general rejects US-led ceasefire proposal NATION Rupee hits record low; Congress slams govt Page 5 Page 11 Page 16 Modi, Canadian PM to launch Justice Surya Kant sworn in as Chief Justice of India negotiations for trade pact Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney during a recent bilateral meeting on the sidelines of G20 Summit, in Johannesburg. AGENCIES STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 24 November P rime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney have decided that their two countries would formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and double bilateral trade to USD 70 billion by 2030. The two leaders met last night on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. They welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations since their last meeting in June at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and the new roadmap for bilateral engagement announced by their foreign ministers in October. ''Building on the 7th Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment held in New Delhi, on November 13, 2025, the leaders agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious CEPA encompassing goods, services, investment, agriculture and agri-food, digital trade, mobility, and sustainable development. The leaders expressed confidence that the CEPA will serve as a powerful economic anchor and help more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030,'' an official statement said on Monday. Following the return of high commissioners in August 2025, the two PMs agreed to enhance diplomatic staffing levels to meet growing consular demands and to strengthen people-to-people linkages, including through reciprocal knowledge transfer. PM Carney also welcomed the progress being made in the law enforcement dialogue between the two countries. The two leaders agreed on the importance of regular reciprocal high-level visits, including by ministers and members of the business community. The Canadian PM accepted PM Modi’s invitation to visit India in early 2026. PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 24 November Justice Surya Kant on Monday was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu. The swearing in ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, senior central ministers including Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Chief Justice Surya Kant will hold the office for over 14 months and would retire on February 9, 2027. He happ ens to b e, like his predecessor Justice B.R. Gavai, the first generation lawyer in his family. Chief Justice Kant was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. Before his elevation as judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Kant was the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. CJI Surya Kant has succeeded Justice B.R. Gavai who demitted office on Sunday – November 23, 2025. Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar district, Haryana, into a middle-class family, Justice Kant completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Law in 1984 from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. He began his legal practice at the District Court, Hisar, in 1984 and shifted to Chandigarh the following year to practise before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He developed expertise in constitutional, service, and civil law, and appeared for several universities, boards, corporations, banks, and even the High Court itself. Justice Kant made history in July 2000 when he was appointed Advocate General of Haryana, becoming the youngest lawyer to hold the post. In March 2001, he was designated as Senior Advocate. He continued as Advocate General until his elevation as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. He was a member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from February 2007 to February 2011 and has been associated with several committees of the Indian Law Institute, a deemed university under the Supreme Court’s aegis. In 2011, he obtained an LL.M. degree with First Class First distinction from Kurukshetra University’s Directorate of Distance Education and has participated in various national and international conferences on law and justice. He became the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Ser vices C ommittee in November 2024. CM Mamata questions ECI proposals on SIR Navy commissions INS Mahe, India’s staffing & private-complex polling stations first home-built submarine hunter STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 24 November Twice in quick succession, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. On Monday, she wrote to the CEC objecting to two recent proposals from the Election Commission of India (ECI) -- one concerning the separate appointment of data-entry operators for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, and the other relating to the choice of polling stations for the Assembly elections scheduled next year. Referring to a recent request for proposals to hire 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers for a period of one year, the Chief Minister said the move stands in contradiction to the commission’s own order to district election officers (DEOs), earlier this month, asking electoral authorities in the state to refrain from engaging contractual data-entry operators and Bangla Sahayata Kendra (BSK) staff for SIR-related or other election-related data work. In her letter, the Chief Minister asked why, when district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, there was a need to outsource the same work to an external agency for a full year. "Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data-entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves. Why, then, is the CEO's office assuming this role on behalf of field officers? What substantive difference is expected in the service conditions or contractual obligations between those already engaged and those to be hired through the proposed Centre cautions citizens about consequences of IMEI tampering, telecom identifier misuse STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 24 November The Department of Telecommunications has cautioned citizens about consequences of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) tampering and telecom identifier misuse. Citizens are advised to use Sanchar Saathi Mobile App and portal to verify and secure their mobile connections and handsets, the Ministry of Communications said on Monday. With the rapid growth of mobile connectivity in India, misuse of telecommunication identifiers like the IMEI number of devices has become a serious concern. "To protect citizens and safeguard telecom networks, the Government of India has strengthened laws against tampering and misuse of these unique device identifiers," the Ministry said. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reminds all citizens of the strict legal provisions under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 that prohibit altering or using devices with tampered IMEI numbers. Key legal provisions: The Telecommunications Act, 2023 imposes stringent penalties for tampering with telecommunication identifiers including IMEI number of mobile handsets and other devices. Section 42(3)(c) specifically prohibits tampering of telecommunication identifiers, while Section 42(3)(e) bars obtaining subscriber identity modules (SIM) or telecommunication identifiers through fraud, cheating, or impersonation. agency?" the Chief Minister’s letter read. She also questioned whether this exercise was being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests, and observed that the timing and manner of the proposal by the commission raised legitimate doubts. The second objection raised by the Chief Minister in her letter concerns the reported proposal from the commission for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes for the Assembly polls. She also asked whether the commission’s proposal for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes was being made under pressure from a political party to advance partisan interests. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 24 November In a boost to the country's anti- submarine warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy has commissioned the first of the home designed and built submarine hunter shallow water craft INS 'Mahe' on Monday. INS Mahe class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was inducted in the Western Naval Command (WNC), during a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. According to the maritime force, the ship’s motto is “Silent Hunters”, and it embodies stealth, vigilance and unwavering resolve, the qualities that define anti-submarine warfare ethos. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who was present on the occasion during his address stated that the commissioning ceremony not only marks the induction of a potent new platform to a maritime order of battle, but also reaffirms our nation's increasing capability to design, construct, and field complex combatants with indigenous technology. The army chief said that the commissioning will significantly augment the Navy's capability to ensure near-sea dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid and safeguard country's maritime interests. General Dwivedi said that the successful delivery of INS Mahe by the Cochin Shipyard Limited is a bright example of excellence professionalism. Notably, the commissioning adds significant punch to the Navy’s ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats in the littorals. The ship’s combat suite blends multiple systems into a compact yet potent network, and it is specially designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. The ship is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems enabling it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision. It is also capable of sustaining prolonged operations in shallow waters and features technologically advanced machinery and control systems. According to the Indian Navy, this moment reflects unprecedented synergy, mutual trust and seamless jointness that is shaping the armed forces, also a powerful symbol of how the services stand together, think together and move together towards a future-ready, fully integrated force. The ship is the lead, of the eight vessels in class, designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The project reinforces India’s expanding ecosystem of naval design, equipment, and system integration. Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ passes away at 89 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Mumbai, 24 November Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai. Just days before his 90th birthday, the beloved star, famously known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, left behind a legacy that shaped Indian cinema for more than 60 years. The actor had recently returned home after being treated at Breach Candy Hospital, and fans were hopeful about his recovery. But on 24 November, an ambulance was seen leaving his residence, and soon after, several celebrities were spotted arriving at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu. The exact cause of death has not been revealed, though Dharmendra had been unwell since early November. Tributes have been pouring in from across the nation. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief, saying Dharmendra’s death marks the end of an era. In her post on X, President Murmu said, ''The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.'' PM Modi remembered the actor for his charm, versatility, and the warmth he carried both on and off screen. ''He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti,” he posted on X. In his condolence message, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said, ''A cherished icon for millions, he enriched the canvas of Indian cinema through his remarkable performances and steadfast dedication to his art. As one of the most admired figures in our film industry, he leaves behind a timeless legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artistes.'' The last rites of Dharmendra were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium. Several celebrities, including his second wife Hema Malini, co-stars Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Aamir Khan, attended the cremation of the actor amid heavy security. Dharmendra's final screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film 'Ikkis', also featuring Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film is expected to be released on December 25, 2025. Dharmendra is survived by his two wives, six children and 13 grandchildren.