www.thestatesman.com | @TheStatesmanLtd FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | 8th Day @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 | People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR Evolve Wonder Women: International Women’s Day | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 08 March 2026 S P O RT S Humour: The Sock Story Wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts: Santner Page 16 Sinking of Iranian ship unfortunate, India took humane approach: EAM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 7 March External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday described the sinking of an Iranian naval vessel by the United States Navy practically on India’s doorsteps as unfortunate, even as he pointed out that India has provided another Iranian vessel docking at one of its ports. He addressed the sinking of the IRIS Dena, which was returning from India after participating in a Fleet Review hosted by the Indian Navy, at the Raisina Dialogue event in New Delhi. He said: “You had these ships, and we got a message from the Iranian side that one of the ships, which presumably was closest to us ~ to our waters at that point of time, wanted to come into our port. They were reporting that they were having problems. And so, my recollection is this was on the 28th, and on the 1st we said, ‘Okay, you can come in.’ And it took them a few days to sail in, and then they docked in Kochi. And the ship is there. And obviously, the people on the ship, a lot of them were young cadets ~ that is my understanding. They have disembarked; they are, you know, in a nearby facility. When they set out and came here, the situation was totally different. They were coming in for a fleet review, and then they got, in a way, caught on the wrong side of events. So for us, when this ship wanted to come in, and that too in difficulties, I think it was the humane thing to do. And I think we were guided by that principle. And in a sense, of the other ships, one obviously had a similar situation in Sri Lanka, and they took the decision which they did, and one unfortunately didn’t make it. So I think we really approached it from the point of view of humanity, other than whatever the legal issues were. And I think we did the right thing.” Murmu questions ‘obstacles’ posed to her event in Bengal PM Modi accuses Bengal govt of ‘insult’ MANAS R BANNERJEE Siliguri, 7 March R aising pointed questions about the situation on the ground, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday voiced concern over what she described as obstacles to the unity and progress of the Santal community while addressing the 9th conference of the International Santal Council near Bagdogra. After attending the conference, the President visited a site at Bidhannagar where the event was originally planned to be held. Interacting with local residents there, she said she had been informed that permission had not been granted for holding the conference at that location despite the availability of adequate space. “I do not know the reason for this,” she said, adding, “I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. Perhaps she is upset ~ I do not know.” The President also mention- ed that many people who wished to attend the conference were reportedly prevented from entering the venue. “I do not know the reason behind that either,” she remarked. Later, addressing the conference organised on land belonging to the Airports Authority of India near Bagdogra, the President said that such incidents were not appropriate for an international gathering. “It seems some people do not want the Santal community to unite, move forward and become stronger,” she said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the Trinamul government in Bengal over what he described as an insult to President Droupadi Murmu, calling the episode “shameful and unprecedented” and saying it had hurt the sentiments of people across the country. In a post on the social media platform X, Mr Modi said: “This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened.” This came after President Murmu expressed displeasure with the Ben gal government for alleged attempts to hinder her participation in today’s event. Bengal CM Mamata alleges BJP pressured governor to resign: Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee on Saturday came down heavily on the BJP-led Union government, alleging that the Centre was trying to threaten and pressure constitutional authorities and political leaders across the country to work in its favour. Referring to the recent resignation of former West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose, Miss Banerjee alleged that he too had been pressured to step down. “I know the reason why he was removed, but I will not say it. I will only say that he was threatened. Many people do not want Raj Bhavan to become a BJP party office from where money of the BJP would be distributed. They do all this. Do they have any morality?” she said. Domestic LPG price hiked by `60, commercial cylinder up `115 Speaker faces no-trust as Budget Session resumes Monday STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SHAHID K. ABBAS New Delhi, 7 March The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased with effect from Saturday, 7 March, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder rising by Rs 60 across the country, according to sources. Similarly, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has also been increased by Rs 115 from the same date, impacting businesses such as hotels, restaurants and small commercial establishments. As per the source, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased from Rs 853 to Rs 913. In Mumbai, the new rate of a domestic LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 912.50, up from Rs 852.50 earlier. In Kolkata, the price has risen from Rs 879 to Rs 939, while in Chennai it has increa- sed from Rs 868.50 to Rs 928.50. The revised rates will come into effect immediately from today. The hike also applies to commercial LPG cylinders used by businesses. In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has increased from Rs 1768.50 to Rs 1883. In Mumbai, the price has risen from Rs 1720.50 to Rs 1835. Similarly, in Kolkata, the price has gone up from Rs 1875.50 to Rs 1990, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 1929 to Rs 2043.50. Earlier, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder had remained unchanged since April 2025, when the non-subsidised rate in Delhi stood at Rs 853. The latest revision marks a significant increase for household consumers as well as commercial users who rely on LPG for daily operations. The increase comes amid discussions around India's energy supply and fuel availability. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri earlier assured that there is no shortage of energy in the country and that consumers need not worry about supply disruptions. New Delhi, 7 March As the second phase of the Budget Session resumes on Monday (9 March), the Lok Sabha is bracing for what could be one of the most intense confrontations in recent parliamentary history. Opposition parties have formally moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of abandoning the neutrality expected of the Chair and acting in ways “calculated to undermine the rights of members of the House.” Signed by at least 118 MPs across multiple parties, including the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Rashtriya Janata Dal ~ with backing from the All India Trinamul Congress ~ the motion sets the stage for an extraordinary parliamentary episode. If admitted for debate, it would mark a rare instance where the House considers the removal of its own Speaker, an occurrence seldom witnessed inindependent India. The notice alleges that Mr Birla failed to maintain the “impartial attitude necessary to command the confidence of all sections of the House,” citing repeated instances in which opposition leaders were denied opportunities to speak. Most notably, during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Rahul Gandhi was barred from quoting excerpts from an unpublished memoir of former Army chief M. M. Naravane, which the opposition says exemplifies “blatant discrimination” and an approach that “openly espouses the version of the ruling party on controversial matters.” The motion also raises concerns over alleged “unwarranted allegations” made against women MPs from opposition benches and the perceived failure of the Chair to protect members from derogatory remarks. Another grievance cited is the suspension of eight opposition MPs during the first phase of the Budget Session, held from 28 January to 13 February. Opposition leaders argue the suspensions were disproportionate and imposed simply for raising issues of public concern, adding that the Speaker’s rulings “undermined the functioning of the House as a forum to ventilate the grievances of the people,” a senior opposition MP said. Tensions escalated during the Motion of Thanks debate when repeated disruptions led to suspensions and the unusual passage of the motion by voice vote without the customary reply from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ICC T20 WC final: Defending champs India look to overcome New Zealand challenge TRIDIB BAPARNASH Ahmedabad, 7 March Defending champions India will carry the weight of a nation’s expectations when it takes on a resilient New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday. Leading the side is Suryakumar Yadav, a street-smart cricketer known for embodying the famed Mumbai spirit, who now stands on the brink of carving his own legacy as captain. Suryakumar has led the team impressively over the past two years, even though his own batting performances in high-pressure games have often come under scrutiny. A decisive contribution in the final could change that narrative and mark a defining moment in his career. Winning a final, however, requires not just skill but also a touch of fortune. India had a slice of luck in the semi-final when Harry Brook dropped Sanju Samson at a crucial moment, a lapse that proved costly for England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Men in Blue would not mind a few such errors from their opponents on Sunday. As captain, Suryakumar has the chance to lead from the front and guide India to a historic defence of their crown. Success would silence critics and cement his place among the country’s notable leaders in the shortest format. Standing in India’s way, however, is one of cricket’s most respected sides. New Zealand have built a reputation for punching above their weight on the global stage. Players like Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry are capable of turning matches with match-winning performances. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps also possess experienced performers such as Glenn Phillips who thrive under pressure. Their commanding semifinal victory over South Africa underlined their ability to rise on the biggest occasions. For India, the biggest weapon on the night could well be their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. His four overs could once again prove decisive, much like they did in the semifinal where his disciplined spell rattled England. Typically deployed in the latter stages of an innings, it remains to be seen whether Bumrah might be introduced early to counter the aggressive Allen, who smashed a blistering 33-ball century in the semifinal. If he takes the new ball, the Kiwi batters could face a stern examination against his swing and accuracy. Yet New Zealand remain unfazed. As Phillips pointed out ahead of the final, even a bowler of Bumrah’s stature can have an off day. India also face a few selection dilemmas. Before the tournament began, Abhishek Sharma was hailed as one of the most exciting young batters in the country, but inconsistent performances have raised doubts about his place in the playing XI. If he features in the final, New Zealand could counter him with off-spinner Cole McConchie early in the innings. Dropping him, however, would leave India with an unusually long middle order, where Rinku Singh has also struggled to find top form. Another concern has been the effectiveness of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. His variations have not troubled batters as much on good batting surfaces, with many right-handers now comfortable reading his deliveries. In such circumstances, India might consider bringing in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has featured in just one game in the tournament but could offer greater variety if Chakravarthy’s confidence continues to dip. With a historic title defence within reach and a dangerous New Zealand side standing in their way, the stakes are unprecedentedly high for India as they aim to break the Ahmedabad jinx. Squads: India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar. New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Devon Conway, Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodhi.