FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | Monday, 29 December 2025 SPORTS WORLD PERSPECTIVE Delhi’s air pollution has a high economic cost SC to hear CBI plea against bail to Kuldeep Sengar: New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on Monday (29 December) a petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Delhi High Court’s order that granted bail to former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. A vacation bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, will hear the matter. The CBI has approached the SC through a Special Leave Petition against the High Court’s decision to suspend Sengar’s life sentence and release him on bail while his appeal against conviction is pending. Earlier this week, the Delhi HC granted bail to Sengar after holding that the stricter provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code were not applicable in Sengar’s case. Page4 Page 5 Page 12 2025 saw India grow in global stature, confidence: PM Modi STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 December P rime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 129th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, described 2025 as a landmark year that bolstered India’s confidence and global stature. Reflecting on the year’s achievements, he highlighted key successes in national security, sports, science, youth-led innovation, and cultural preservation. PM Modi emphasised India’s strong global imprint through security operations like Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated national unity and resolve. He recalled the widespread patriotic participation in the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram. The year was memorable for Indian sports, marked by victories including the men’s ICC Champions Trophy win, the women’s cricket team’s maiden World Cup triumph, and historic success in the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup and para-sports world championships, showcasing determination that transcends barriers. In science and space exploration, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Environmental progress was marked by the cheetah population crossing 30. Cultural highlights ranged from the grand Prayagraj Mahakumbh to the Ram Temple flag-hoisting ceremony in Ayodhya. PM Modi praised India’s youth as the nation’s greatest asset, spotlighting the Smart India Hackathon 2025 where students tackled over 270 real-life challenges. He announced the upcoming second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on National Youth Day, promising active participation. Showcasing cultural SHANTI Bill breaks 6-decade stalemate in nuclear sector, opens new era of clean energy growth: Dr Jitendra Singh STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 December Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said on Sunday that the SHANTI Bill marks a historic reform in India’s nuclear sector, unlocking its potential for p eaceful, clean and sustainable energy while maintaining uncompromising standards of safety, sovereignty, and public interest. In a media interview here, the Minister emphasised that such a reform was inconceivable for over six decades and became possible only due to Prime Minister Modi’s ability to dismantle legacy taboos and align India’s policies with global best practices. President Droupadi Murmu last week has granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed BCCI secretary Saikia denies board approaching VVS Laxman for Test coach gig NATION Page 9 Page 7 BRIEFLY Ramesh warns of ‘disastrous’ impact of Aravalli redefinition ‘Territories, Zaporizhzhia NPP remain red lines for Ukraine in peace talks’ by Parliament during the Winter Session. The Bill subsumes all laws dealing with the civil nuclear sector and also opens it up for participation by private players. The SHANTI Bill repealed the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which had proved to impede the growth of the civil nuclear sector in India. The law enables private companies and joint ventures to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants under a license from the government. Dr Jitendra Singh said the Bill must be seen as one of the most significant science reforms of the Mo di Government, noting that India has historically not framed scientific advancement within the reform narrative despite its decisive impact on future growth, industry, and global competitiveness. He highlighted that while earlier reform phases were associated with landmark political and strategic decisions, Modi 3.0 will be remembered Asif Ali Zardari lifts lid on panic during Indian strikes, was advised to take shelter in bunker for breaking long-standing barriers in sectors that determine India’s technological and economic future. Reiterating India’s long-standing commitment to peaceful nuclear use, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that from the time of Dr Homi Bhabha, India’s nuclear programme was envisioned for development, healthcare, and energy security. The SHANTI Bill, he said, strengthens this foundational philosophy by enabling expansion for civilian purposes such as clean power generation, medical applications, and advanced research, while firmly excluding any deviation from peaceful intent. Highlighting the demands of the emerging AI, quantum and data-driven economy, the Minister said nuclear energy is indispensable for providing reliable, roundthe - clo ck p ower, unlike intermittent renewable sources. ro otedness alongside technological progress, PM Modi cited examples like Geetanjali IISc and Kannada language schools run by the diaspora in Dubai. He shared grassroots innovations such as a solar-powered electrification project in Manipur linked to government support schemes. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s rich heritage through recent archaeological discoveries in Jammu and Kashmir and efforts to promote Indian languages both abroad and at home. He paid tribute to unsung freedom fighters and urged public caution on rising antibiotic resistance. Concluding the year’s final 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi encouraged citizens to embrace traditions, support local artisans, engage in cultural festivals, and maintain healthy lifestyles. He extended best wishes for 2026, confident that collective efforts will realise the vision of a developed and vibrant India. Police, BSF deny B’deshi claim that Hadi killers fled across the border UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Shillong, 28 December The Meghalaya Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) have rubbished claims made by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) that two of the prime suspects in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case have fled to Meghalaya. “We (Meghalaya Police) have not made any arrest of Bangladeshi nationals in Tura. We are not even aware if the two shooters (prime suspects in Hadi murder case) are in Tura,” Rupam Marak, the district police chief of West Garo Hills, told UNI. “I don’t know why (they) are making false claims Digvijaya Singh’s remarks spark debate, Tharoor calls for ‘discipline’ in Congress STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 December Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s remarks praising the organisational strength of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has fuelled a renewed debate on discipline and dissent within the grand old party. Reacting to Digvijaya Singh’s comments, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who himself has not been in the good books of the Congress leadership due to his remarks praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his policies, asserted that he too wants the grand old party to strengthen. “Even I want our organisation to strengthen. There should be discipline in our organisation,” Mr Tharoor said, adding: “Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself.” On Saturday, Mr Singh praised RSS and the BJP, sharing an old photograph of BJP leaders, including LK Advani and PM Modi, on social media. He wrote: “I came across this picture on the Quora website. It is very powerful. It shows how a grassroots RSS swayamsevak and a Jana Sangh/BJP worker, who once sat on the floor at the feet of senior leaders, went on to become the CM of a state and the PM of the country. This reflects the true strength of the organisation. Jai Siya Ram.” His remarks, which came hours before a key Congress Working Committee meeting, embarrassed the party as the BJP was quick to use them to target Rahul Gandhi. On Sunday, CWC member Pawan Khera took a dig at Mr Singh. “There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?” he said. Congress MP Manickam Tagore said: “RSS is an organisation UNITED NEWS OF INDIA New Delhi, 28 December In an admission offering a rare glimpse into the level of alarm within Pakistan’s top leadership as Indian forces began their retaliatory action during ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari admitted that he was asked to move to a bunker by his military secretary. Mr Zardari also revealed that he had anticipated a war, four days before the first strike. Speaking at an event, Mr Zardari said: “My MS (Military Secretary) was there. He came to me and said, ‘Sir, the war has started.’ I had actually told him four days earlier that a war was going to happen. But he came to me and said, ‘Sir, let’s go to the bunkers.’ I said, ‘If martyrdom is to come, it will come here. Leaders don’t die in bunkers. They die on the battlefield. made of hatred. RSS spreads hatred. Al Qaida is also an organisation made of hatred. Al Qaida also spreads terrorists. We do not need to learn anything from RSS. Al Qaida and RSS have the same model.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, without naming Mr Singh, said: “We may have less power, but our backbone is not weak. Whether we are in power or not, we do not seek votes in the name of religion. We believe in religion, but some have turned religion into politics... The BJP has power, but it lacks truth. RSS leaders had once refused to accept even the Tricolour and Vande Mataram and they are now crushing the rights of the people." Mr Singh on Sunday sought to set the record straight. “I’ve been saying this from the beginning: I am opposed to the ideology of the RSS. They neither respect the Constitution nor the country's laws....But I admire their organisational capacity,” he said. Prez Murmu becomes 2nd head of state to undertake submarine sortie STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 December They don’t die sitting in bunkers’.” To avenge the killings of 26 civilians during Pahalgam terror, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting the terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). In the precision operation, India carried out strikes against nine terror camps of Hizb-ul-Mujahidin (HM, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) located in both Pakistan and PoK. The strikes targeted Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur (JeM), Markaz Taiba, Muridke (LeT), Sarjal, Tehra Kalan (JeM), Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot (HM), Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala (LeT), Markaz Abbas, Kotli (JeM), Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli (HM), Shawai Nalla Camp, Muzaffarabad (LeT), and Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad (JeM). to the media and no Bangladeshi Police have communicated with us (Meghalaya Police). They may even say the two assailants have now fled to a third country,” Mr Marak asserted. Bangladesh media, quoting Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of DMP, SN Nazrul Islam, said, the two suspects ~ Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh ~ had crossed over to Meghalaya through Haluaghat border under Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district shortly after shooting Hadi on 12 December 2025. “The suspects entered India through the Haluaghat border. Bangladeshi nationals Philips and Sanjoy helped them to cross over and were received by Purti in India. Later, a taxi driver Sami transported them to Tura city in Meghalaya," Nazrul was quoted by the Bangladesh media as saying. Nazrul further claimed, Purti and Sami have been arrested by Meghalaya police and DMP is in touch with Meghalaya police regarding the issue. Terming Nazrul’s statement as a “fake propaganda”, Inspector General of BSF, Meghalaya Frontier, O.P. Upadhayay said: “Where is the evidence? Let them come and share evidence with us. These are false and baseless allegations.” “The borders are sealed and the troops are on the highest alert due to the current hostile situation in Bangladesh. There is no evidence to suggest that any individual crossed the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya,” he said. The Meghalaya government in November last had clamped night curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. within a radius of one km from the Zero Line of the India-Bangladesh border. President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday undertook a sortie on board submarine INS Vaghsheer on the Western Seaboard, becoming only the second President of India to do so after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, accompanied the President during the sortie. She embarked on the submarine at Karwar Naval Harbour in Karnataka. During the over two-hour-long mission, the President, who was wearing a naval uniform, interacted with the submarine’s crew and witnessed various operational demonstrations. She lauded their dedication, while describing the indigenous submarine as a shining example of the Indian Navy’s professional excellence and combat preparedness. This maiden embarkation onboard an indigenous Kalvari-class submarine reflects the continued engagement of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in operational activities. Earlier, in November 2024, the President had also witnessed an operational demonstration by the Indian Navy aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Later, in the visitors’ book, the President wrote: “It was indeed a very special experience for me to sail, dive and spend time with our sailors and officers onboard INS Vaghsheer. The multiple successful firings and challenging operations carried out by INS Vaghsheer demonstrate the crew’s exceptional preparedness and dedication, in accordance with its motto ‘Veerta Varchasva Vijaya’.” Expressing confidence in the Indian Navy, she added, “Witnessing the discipline, confidence and enthusiasm of the Vaghsheer crew assures me that our submarines and the Indian Navy are combat-ready against any threat and under all circumstances.” President Murmu is the second President to undertake a submarine sortie. In February 2006, J Abdul Kalam experienced a submarine sortie onboard INS Sindhu Rakshak. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and the last submarine in the Scorpene-class, was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 January at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Vaghsheer, the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. Built for both long-range patrols and covert underwater operations, the submarine is powered by four powerful MTU diesel engines and a strong 360-cell battery system. It can react quickly to operational demands because it is capable of sailing up to 20 kmph on the surface and up to 37 kmph under the waves. Further, bearing surface endurance of almost 12,000 kilometres at cruising speed, Vagsheer can be deployed far from home ports for long missions. Operationally, INS Vagsheer is built for long and demanding deployments. It can stay at sea for up to 50 days and dive to depths of around 350 feet.