THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC Twitter.com/thestatesman Facebook.com/thestatesman INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR NETANYAHU’S APPROACH TO WAR A MISTAKE: BIDEN CHANDRASEKHAR SENDS LEGAL NOTICE TO SHASHI THAROOR P4 SENSEX 75,038.15354.45 WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 39 & 19 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 77 % THUMBNAILS A woman shields herself from the scorching sun on a hot summer day in New Delhi SUBRATA DUTTA on Wednesday. Amit Shah slams Bengal CM for attacks on NIA, ED: Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for the attacks on the National Investigation Agency in Bhupatinagar and Enforcement Directorate in Sandeshkhali. Mr Shah also thanked the audience for electing 18 MPs from Bengal in 2019 and urged the audience to elect at least 30 MPs from Bengal in 2024 so that the BJP can bag 370 seats to bring Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a third term. Poll results will pave way to end graft: PM SILVER 85,5001,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 89.830.39 EID KA CHAAND P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attacked the DMK for stating the Lok Sabha election would see Modi leave the country and said those who speak like this should know, the election results would instead pave the way to throw out corruption from India, along with nepotism, drugs and antinational forces that he said were protected by the DMK. Addressing a BJP election rally in Mettupalayam in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu he said the DMK is full of arrogance of its power. One of its senior leaders, when asked about State BJP president Annamalai, remarked “who is that,” and used an insulting expression. This arrogance was against the great culture of Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said. This would not be acceptable to people in the State. The words used for an ex-police officer, from a backward family, who had worked on the ground, showed the true character of the DMK. This is the reason these family politics people do not allow any Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated during a public meeting at Mettupalayam in Coimbatore on Wednesday. ANI A new crescent moon is seen on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr in New Delhi. ANI young person to come up in life, he said. Mr Modi said “family” parties like the DMK and the Congress have only one agenda and it is to stay in power by uttering any falsehood. The Congress gave the slogan of garibi hatao for decades, but poverty continued in the country; it is the NDA government which has taken 25 crores out of poverty, he said. Looking at the response the BJP has received in Tamil Nadu during the current election, the Prime Minister said the BJP appears to be favourite all over the State. Everybody is saying DMK will be shown the exit by the BJP and the NDA. The whole of Tamil Nadu is saying phir ek baar, Modi Sarkar (once again, Modi government), he said. He said discrimination and division practiced by the Congress at the Centre, is followed by the DMK in the State. The Jal Jeevan Mission is an example. His government gave water connections to crores of homes in the country but the DMK in the State goes by its voters to give these connections. DMK has always played the politics of hate and division, he said, and development of the State has never been its focus. He told the crowd that in its third term the BJP government will work for the development of the Kongu region and Nilgiris. This was Modi’s guarantee, he said. He said the DMK and the INDI alliance can do nothing more than appeasement. There was a terrorist attack on the Sangameshwaram temple in Coimbatore but the DMK government instead of controlling the terrorists, was encouraging them, he said. These people opposed even the Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said. They don’t like his visiting places connected with Lord Ram. They are even threatening to finish off the Sanatan Dharma. The DMK boycotted the installation of the holy Sengol in new Parliament Building, the Prime Minister said. Tesla CEO Elon Musk to visit India, likely to unveil investment plans in meeting with PM AGENCIES KOLKATA, 10 APRIL NEW DELHI, 10 APRIL Calcutta High Court on Wednesday ordered a courtmonitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into land grabbing and extortion cases in Sandeshkhali. A total of five public interest litigations were filed at the Calcutta High Court in connection with illegal land grabbing and extortion at Sandeshkhali, where the main accused was a section of the local TMC leaders led by the now-suspended ruling party leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled on 2 AGENCIES May. Tesla CEO Elon Musk , is set to visit India later this month for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency ANI reported, quoting Reuters. Mr Musk's visit will coincide with a potential announcement regarding Tesla's investment plans and the opening of a new factory in the country, the report said. Mr Musk will meet Prime Minister Modi tentatively on 22 April in New Delhi. Additionally, he is expected to disclose details about Tesla's plans for India during his visit. However, the final agenda for Mr Musk's trip to India is yet to be confirmed. Nonetheless, it has been previously reported that Tesla officials were exploring potential sites in India for a manufacturing plant, which is anticipated to necessitate an investment of approximately USD 2 billion. Tesla's interest in expanding its presence in the Indi- ECI directs clear identification of publishers on poll-related hoardings STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 10 APRIL Sending a strong message, the Election Commission has directed all states and Union territories to ensure the clear identification of printers and publishers on printed electionrelated material, including hoardings, to ensure accountability and transparency in campaign communications. The decision was taken by the poll panel consisting of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu after representations were received by it stating that in hoarding spaces controlled by municipal authorities, hoardings without the identity of the printer or publisher have been noticed. According to the ECI, Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, unequivocally prohibits the printing or publishing of elec- GOLD 72,110380 ` vs $ 83.37 P12 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 10 APRIL Min: 17.0 °C (-3) SUN SETS 18:45 hrs MOON SETS 21:52 hrs Sandeshkhali: HC orders court-monitored CBI investigation P10 DMK has always played the politics of hate and division, says Modi Min. 23 % TEMPERATURE Max: 39.1 °C+4) SUN RISES 5:59 hrs MOON RISES 08:20 hrs P9 NIFTY 22,753.80111.05 MI LOOK FOR 2ND STRAIGHT WIN AGAINST VIRAT’S RCB ‘ACCIDENTAL HINDUS QUESTIONING EXISTENCE OF LORD RAM & KRISHNA’ an market has intensified, with the company actively searching for a suitable location to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility. According to sources, both the state governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat have reportedly extended attractive land offers to Tesla for this purpose, signalling significant progress in India's electric mobility landscape. The proposed manufacturing plant, with estimated investments ranging from USD 2 billion to USD 3 billion, aims to cater to both domestic and international demand for Tesla's electric vehicles. This move aligns with India's new EV policy, which NSE cautions investors against deepfake videos of CEO STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 10 APRIL tion pamphlets, posters, placards, or banners without prominently displaying the name and address of the printer and publisher. This requirement of disclosing the identity of publishers serves as a cornerstone for regulating campaign financing and fixing of responsibility in case content is found unbecoming of the framework of Model Code of Conduct or the statutory provisions. It may be recalled that CEC Rajiv Kumar had highlighted addressing the issue of misinformation as one of the challenges, along with money and muscle power, for a level playing field. With this directive, the ECI now has put the accountability on printers, publishers, and licensees/contractors of urban local bodies renting out outdoor advertising space for political advertisements published on outdoor media. This is in continuation of the ECI recent advisory vide press note dated 2 April to editors of all newspapers to be cautious while publishing political advertisements in newspapers. seeks to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions. Under the government's EV scheme, which aims to position India as a preferred manufacturing destination for EVs equipped with advanced technology, several key objectives have been outlined. These include attracting investments from global EV manufacturers, promoting the adoption of advanced EV technology among Indian consumers, and bolstering the country's Make in India initiative. Moreover, Tesla's entry into the Indian market holds immense promise for the country's economy and environment. Amidst the rising cases of deepfake videos threatening the security of individuals from various sectors, the National Stock Exchange on (NSE) Wednesday cautioned investors against such videos of its chief executive giving stock recommendations. The exchange has observed that the face and voice of CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan was being falsely used in some investment and stock advisory videos. "Such videos seem to have been created using sophisticated technologies to imitate the voice and facial expressions of Ashishkumar Chauhan," the NSE said. It further said its officials are not authorised to recommend or deal in any stocks. The government has also recently warned citizens over the rise in fake advertisements. The message cautioned users about fake ads potentially using deepfakes to trick them into scams. “Beware of fraudulent advertisements of stock market/trading/free tips on social media apps!! They may use deepfake videos and images. Never fall prey to greed. Stay safe from scammers,” the message sent from the government read. “Report such suspected fraud communications at the Chakshu facility on www.sancharsaathi.gov.in and in case you have already lost money then report on 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in. Issued in Public Interest by Govt of India,” the message further said. In August last year also, the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed that stock brokers stay away from financial influencers. Notably, the fund house ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company also recently warned investors against deepfake videos of its senior executives recommending stocks. Excise policy scam: CM moves SC challenging his arrest & remand PARMOD KUMAR HC dismisses 3rd plea seeking removal of Kejriwal from CM’s post NEW DELHI, 10 APRIL Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement and subsequent remand in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case and the rejection of his plea by Delhi High Court on Tuesday. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, heading a bench also comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra said, “We will see, we will look into it,” after an advocate appearing for Mr Kejriwal mentioned the plea for an urgent listing. Earlier, Mr Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court against his arrest by the ED, but later withdrew his petition to approach the trial court. Coincidentally, Mr Kejriwal withdrew his plea from the Supreme Court challenging his arrest on the same day the top court had declined relief against arrest to BRS leader K. Kavitha, also an accused in the Delhi excise policy scam. On Tuesday, 9 April, Delhi High Court, rejecting Mr Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest and consequent remand had said that the “the arrest was legal.” The High Court had said: “The court is of view that the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal was not in contravention of legal provisions. The remand cannot be held to be illegal.” On the Delhi Chief Minis- NEW DELHI, 10 APRIL On Tuesday, Delhi High Court had rejected Kejriwal's plea against his arrest ter’s contention regarding the timings of his arrest ahead of the general elections, the court had said that the law applied equally to all and courts were concerned with “constitutional morality” and not “political morality”. “The material collected by the ED reveals that Kejriwal conspired and was involved in formulation of excise policy and used proceeds of crime. He is also allegedly involved in personal capacity in formulation of policy and demanding kickbacks and secondly in the capacity of national convenor of AAP," the High Court had said, rejecting Mr Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest and remand. Mr Kejriwal was arrested by ED on 21 March. He was produced before a special court in Delhi which initially remanded him to ED’s custody Delhi High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sandeep Kumar for seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi, also noting the frivolity of his petition. Referring it to a recurring film sequel, the court expressed displeasure at being embroiled in what it termed a "political thicket". The court stressed the need to deter such repetitive litigation by imposing significant costs on Mr Kumar, amounting to Rs 50,000. “This is not a James Bond movie sequel,” the court said. When the plea came up before Justice Subramonium Prasad on Monday, he had said that it was nothing but a "publicity interest petition". The court’s remark had come after a division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan had refused to entertain a similar PIL last week. (P3) till 28 March and the same was extended till 1 April 2024. Thereafter he was sent to judicial custody. (More reports on pages 2 & 3) UPI transactions jumped from 8.03 bn in Jan 2023 to 12.02 bn in Dec STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 10APRIL A recent report suggests that UPI (Unified Payments Interface) continues to be the ubiquitous payment choice for the users with the transactions volume increasing from 8.03 billion transactions in January 2023 to 12.02 billion in December 2023. The ‘India Digital Payments Report’ for H2 2023 by Worldline highlighted that the transaction value exhibited a parallel upward trajectory. It increased from Rs 12.98 trillion in January 2023 to an impressive Rs 18.22 trillion in December 2023. The volume of UPI transactions in H2 2023 to H2 2022 increased by 56 per cent from 42.09 billion to 65.77 billion, the report said. During the same timeframe, the value of transactions increased by 44 per cent from Rs 69.36 trillion to Rs The ‘India Digital Payments Report’ for H2 2023 by Worldline highlighted that the value of transactions done using the UPI mechanism increased from Rs 12.98 trillion in January 2023 to an impressive Rs 18.22 trillion in December 2023. 99.68 trillion, it added. Further, the report mentioned that the person-toperson (P2P) transactions grew by 34 per cent from 20.25 billion transactions in H2 2022 to 27.04 billion in H2 2023. Meanwhile, the value of P2P transactions grew from Rs 53.69 trillion to INR 74.24, a 38 per cent increase. P2M transactions volume grew from 21.84 billion to 38.73 billion, a fantastic 77 per cent increase while the value grew from Rs 15.66 trillion to Rs 25.43 trillion, a 62 per cent increase. For the H2 2022, the aver- age ticket size of all UPI transactions was Rs 1,648 compared to Rs 1,515 in H2 2023, registering an 8 per cent decrease. During the same period, the average ticket size for P2P transactions grew 4 per cent from Rs 2649 to Rs 2745. The Worldline report further said that during the same period, the average ticket size of P2M transactions fell 9 per cent from Rs 720 to Rs 656. It further said three UPI apps are dominant in terms of volume and value which are PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. In December 2023, the three apps accounted for 95.4 per cent of all transactions compared to 94.8 per cent a year before, in terms of transaction volume. In terms of transaction value, the three accounted for 93 per cent in December 2023 compared to 92.2 per cent in Dec 2022.
The Statesman is one of India's oldest English newspapers. It was founded in Kolkata in 1875 and is directly descended from The Friend of India (founded 1818). The Englishman (founded 1821) was merged with The Statesman in 1934. The Delhi edition of The Statesman began publication in 1931. The Statesman Weekly is a compendium of news and views from the Kolkata and Delhi editions. Printed on airmail paper, it is popular with readers outside India. The Statesman (average weekday circulation approximately 180,000) is a leading English newspaper in West Bengal. The Sunday Statesman has a circulation of 230,000.