COP-29 AT BAKU 17 NOVEMBER 2024 CJI KHANNA'S LANDMARK RULINGS SAMSON BECOMES FIRST BATTER TO SCORE 3 T20I TONS IN A CALENDAR YEAR www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 PAGE 16 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 PAGES 20 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR WEATHER Mainly clear sky. Maximum and Minimum Temperature most likely to be around 29˚C and 18˚C respectively. RAINFALL: 0.0 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 93% TEMPERATURE Max: 28.7˚C (-1.9) SUN RISES 05:50 hrs MOON RISES 17:08 hrs Curfew clamped, internet suspended in Manipur ECI writes to Nadda, Kharge on MCC violation charges Mobs target homes of state ministers, MLAs after 6 abducted Jiribam civilians found dead Min. 34% Min: 19.3 ˚C (-1.0) SUN SETS 16:53 hrs MOON SETS 06:05 hrs New Moon on 1 December THUMBNAILS Kashi Vishwanath Temple illuminated with lights for the Dev Deepawali celebrations, in Varanasi on Saturday. nANI Ayushman Vay Vandana enrolment under AB PM-JAY touches 10 lakh within three weeks of its rollout: In a significant milestone, more than 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above have enrolled for the newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, enabling them to access free healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this achievement comes within three weeks of the card's rollout by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024. Badal resigns as Shiromani Akali Dal president STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE CHANDIGARH, 16 NOVEMBER STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE IMPHAL, 16 NOVEMBER A uthorities in Manipur imposed curfew and cut internet services in several districts in the troubled state as public anger spilled into the streets following news of the recovery of the lifeless bodies of six women and children missing in violence-hit Jiribam district. Curfew was clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur Thoubal and Kakching districts as mobs stormed the homes of several ministers and MLAs on Saturday, demanding that they resign. Three bodies were found near the Jiri River late on Friday evening and three more bodies on Saturday in the same area. Though the bodies have not yet identified by family members, these are almost certainly those of the six civilians ~ an elderly woman, her two daughters, and three minor grandchildren, all Meiteis ~ missing and believed abducted by Kuki-Zo militants since 11 November in Jiribam. As news of the recovery of the bodies spread, angry mobs attacked the residences of several ministers and MLAs and other government installations. The MLAs and ministers were given an utlimatum to resign from their posts if they cannot punish the “killers of women and children”. Several people were Women from Lamlai village and Chalou village stage a sit-in protest in Imphal East against the violence and tension in the state after the bodies of six kidnapped individuals were found on Saturday. nANI reported injured in clashes with security forces. Amid the volatile situation, indefinite curfew was declared in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts, while the state home department also shut down internet services in the valley and in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts. Trouble have been brewing since 11 November when CRPF personnel killed 10 militants belonging to the Hmar tribe in Jiribam district when the militants attempted to raid the CRPF camp housed at the police station at Borkhajor in Boropeta Sub-division. Two Meitei civilians were also killed during the raid and their charred bodies were found thereafter. The militants also abducted six Meiteis including a 60-year-old woman, her two daughters and three children, including an eight-month old infant. As tension rose, the Central government reimposed the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act in six police stations of the valley and 2,000 additional troops were flown in overnight. The Centre says that it is clamping down on the trouble makers but in the valley it is perceived as intended to halt Meitei resistance to attacks by Kukis. On Saturday, protesters stormed the homes of ministers Sapam Ranjan, Leishangthem Susindro and Yumnam Khemchand, and at least six MLAs, including the BJP’s Rajkumar Imo, who is Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s son-inlaw. Womenfolk also attempted to storm the Chief Minister's bungalow but were prevented by heavy deployment of forces. The Ministry of Home Affairs, meanwhile, directed security forces to take necessary steps to restore order and peace in Manipur, and to take strict action against anyone trying to indulge in violent or disruptive activities. In a statement, the Centre said that the security scenario in the state was fragile. “Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence, leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order. All the security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace. Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities,” it said. The Manipur government, meanwhile, has asked the Centre to withdraw the 14 November decision to reimpose the AFSPA in six police station areas in the state. AGENCIES STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 NOVEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi left here on Saturday on a week-long three-nation tour of Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana during which he is set to hold meetings with several global leaders. In a statement before his departure, Mr Modi said he is visiting Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build upon the strategic partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. “This will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region,'' he said. He said he is also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent him warm welcome messages in ICC diverts Champions Trophy tour away from PoK cities after BCCI’s objections TRIDIB BAPARNASH NEW DELHI, 16 NOVEMBER Taking note of the BCCI’s objections against the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) original plan of parading the 2025 Champions Trophy through the 'Pakistan Occupied Kashmir' (POK) region, the International Cricket Council (ICC) promptly revised the route, and excluded the disputed region in a fresh itinerary released on Saturday. Under the revised schedule, the trophy tour will kick off in Islamabad on Saturday before making stopovers in Taxila and Khanpur (17 November), Abbottabad (18 November), Murree (19 November) and Nathia Gali (20 November) before concluding the Pakistan leg in Karachi (22-25 November). “After Islamabad, the tour will head to iconic cities and venues in Pakistan such as The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday wrote to BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge seeking their comments by on Monday on allegations of violation of model code of conduct (MCC) by star campaigners of the two parties during the campaigning for the Assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra and by-elections in other states. In separate letters issued to Mr Nadda and Mr Kharge, the poll panel recalled its 22 May advisory directing the BJP, Congress and their star campaigners to refrain from making any statement which is prohibited in Clause (1) of general conduct of the MCC. No political party or candidate shall include in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic, as per Clause (1) of general conduct of MCC. In its letter addressed to Mr Nadda, the ECI informed that it received two complaints PM leaves on 3-nation UP govt sets up 4-member panel to probe tour, will attend G-20 Jhansi hospital fire that killed 10 babies Summit in Brazil JHANSI, 16 NOVEMBER In a significant political development, Sukhbir Singh Badal has stepped down as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), marking the end of his nearly 15-year long tenure at the helm of Punjab’s oldest regional political party. Senior party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said in a post on X on Saturday that the "SAD President S Sukhbir Singh Badal submitted his resignation to the working Committee of the party today to pave the way for the election of new President." A former minister, Cheema further said in the post: "He thanked all the party leaders & workers for expressing confidence in his leadership and extending wholehearted support & cooperation throughout the tenure." (Details on Page 7) STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 NOVEMBER from Congress alleging violation of provisions of MCC by star campaigners of the party during campaigning in the ongoing Assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, and bypolls in other states. In its complaints, the Congress alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had made a series of false, malicious, and slanderous statements targeting the Congress and its allies during election rallies in Maharashtra and Jharkhand respectively. The ECI has asked him to send his response on the matter by 1 pm on Monday. In its letter addressed to Mr Kharge, the poll panel said it received a complaint from the BJP alleging violation of MCC by Congress star campaigner and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during an election rally in Maharashtra. The BJP in its complaint accused Mr Gandhi of constantly making false, unsubstantiated, unverified and baseless allegations against the BJP. The ECI has asked the Congress chief to send his response on the matter by 1 pm on Monday The polling for the final phase in 38 Assembly constituencies in Jharkhand and the single phase polls in Maharashtra will take place on 20 November. The counting of votes would take place on 23 November. Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before leaving the land of defending champions to embark on an extensive international tour, where it will continue to showcase the vibrant cultures evident across competing nations,” the ICC said. The original tour schedule included cities like Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad, which fall in the Pakistanoccupied-Kashmir. The landmarks where the trophy will be displayed on the opening day of its tour in Islamabad are Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument where it will be accompanied by Shoaib Akhtar. According to the itinerary shared by the ICC , the prestigious silverware will head to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England before making the final stop in India, during its 70-day global tour. Hindi. On the second leg of his tour, the PM will visit Brazil to attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful Presidency elevated the G-20 to the people's G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its agenda, he noted. Mr Modi said this year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. ''I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders,'' he added. Thereafter, the PM will visit Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This will be the first ever visit of an Indian PM to Guyana in over 50 years. The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a highlevel committee to probe the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College fire tragedy in which 10 infants died in Jhansi. The tragedy occurred when a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the highly oxygenated environment of the NICU, leading to the deaths of 10 newborns. A four-member committee comprising members of the UP health department has been asked to submit its report in seven days. “An investigation committee of the UP Health Department has been formed in connection with the fire incident at Jhansi Medical College. 4-member committee formed under the chairmanship of DG Medical Education. The investigation committee will give a detailed investigation report of the case in the next 7 days,” the UP government stated on Saturday. Jhansi District Magistrate, Avinash Kumar said that seven bodies have been identified and handed over to the relatives. "The investigation to identify 3 others is still going on and we are clarifying the situation regarding 1 child. We are talking to their relatives, their weight and measurements are there... Among other children who were admitted, 3 are in serious condition. Prima facie - this situation has probably arisen due to an electric short circuit," Mr Kumar said. Following the incident, the Opposition held the Yogi Adityanath government responsible for the tragedy. The Samajwadi Party blamed the carelessness of the administration for the tragedy, saying a short circuit was overlooked. “The incident is very unfortunate. I demand that the state government should take action against those responsible for the incident. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children. The state government should help and provide compensation to the affected families," SP leader Dimple Yadav said. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the incident, urging immediate measures to prevent such tragedies. “I am devastated by the tragic incident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, where ten newborns lost their lives in an NICU fire. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and demand accountability and immediate action to prevent such horrific accidents in the future," Miss Banerjee posted on ‘X’. CPI leader D Raja also criticised the tragedy, describing it as both sad and shocking. “The incident is heartbreaking and deeply shocking. Why did such a failure occur? The UP CM claims to be a ‘Vishwaguru,’ but what is happening in his own state? The double-engine BJP government has brought numerous disasters. The UP government has failed to protect children, ensure women's safety, and secure the rights of Adivasis. What is happening in UP reflects the BJP government's complete failure,” D Raja said. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow and called for strict action against those responsible. In a post on X, he wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of several newborns in the fire at Jhansi Medical College. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Such repeated tragedies in Uttar Pradesh raise serious concerns about the negligence of the government and administration.” (See also Page 5) 21st century belongs to India, says PM Modi STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 NOVEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the big changes that have taken place in the country in the last ten years have raised hopes that the 21st century will be India's century. Nobody, he said, had anticipated such big changes to take place in India ten years ago and the country's success ''has inspired inspired us to dream big and also fulfil these dreams." Addressing a media event hosted by a leading English daily here, Mr Modi emphasised that it is necessary to make efforts to move in the direction of development and his government is working swiftly to do the best in every sector. ''Efforts are needed to make our processes such that India's standard is referred to as ‘world class’, be it in the manufacturing of products or construction, education or entertainment,'' he added. Looking at the pictures of the 26/11 terror attacks at the media event, the PM said there was a time when the people felt unsafe in their own houses and cities due to terrorism sponsored by neighbouring countries. Times have changed and terrorists themselves now feel insecure in their homes, he added. Mr Modi said experts have often underestimated the capabilities of a common citizen in India. Touching upon history, he recalled that when the British were leaving India, it was said that the country would disintegrate and when the Emergency was imposed, some people had assumed that now it would remain in force forever. Even at that time, he said, the citizens of India stood up and uprooted the Emergency. Further extolling the strength of the common man, he recollected how the nation fought the challenge posed by the COVID pandemic. The PM also stated that there was a time in the 1990s when India had seen five elections in a span of 10 years, clearly reflecting instability in the country. While the experts had predicted that things would not change, the citizens of India had again proved them wrong. While there is a talk about uncertainty and instability around the world, people in India have elected the same government for the third time, he said. Talking about policies in the past, Mr Modi said the phrase ‘good economics is bad politics’ was promoted by experts and supported by the governments. This, he said, had become a means for the previous governments to cover up bad governance and inefficiency. This had led to an unbalanced devel- opment in the country which hampered the trust of the people in the government. He said his government had won back the trust of the people by ensuring the 'mantra' of ''Progress of the people, Progress by the people and Progress for the people.'' He said the government's aim is to build a new and developed India and the people have entrusted it with the capital of their trust. ''Despite misinformation and disinformation in this age of social media, the citizens of India have faith in us, in our government,'' he added. Mr Modi said that when the trust of the people increases, their confidence also goes up, resulting in the development of the country. Emphasising on the importance of risk-taking, he remarked that the people in the past centuries took risks which helped the country promote Indian goods and services in foreign countries and make India a hotspot of commerce and culture. However, he added that this culture of risk-taking was lost in the post-independence era by previous governments. India has again witnessed development and changes in the last ten years since his government came to power and gave new energy to the risk-taking culture. “Indian society, today, is filled with unprecedented aspirations and we have made these aspirations the basis of our policies,” he said. The government has promoted a model of development consisting of the combination of employment through investment and dignity through development.The PM also said that when there is investment, employment is generated. This leads to the nation's development, thus increasing the dignity of the citizens. He expressed confidence that India will maintain the pace of development and soon become the third largest economy in the world.