TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR P4 SENSEX 78,248.13 q450.94 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. COLD DAY CONDITIONS AT ISOLATED PLACES. SMOG/SHALLOW TO MODERATE FOG IS LIKELY IN THE MORNING. SMOG/SHALLOW TO MODERATE FOG IS LIKELY IN THE EVENING/NIGHT. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 15 AND 08 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. P6 NIFTY 23,644.90 q168.50 ` vs $ 85.46 TEMPERATURE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE After South Africa confirmed their spot in the ICC World Test Championship final in June 2025 with a nail-biting two-wicket victory in Centurion on Sunday, the race for the second finalist heats up with Australia now the frontrunners after their 184-run win at the MCG on Monday. Having said that, India and Sri Lanka are still in contention for the second finalist. The two Asian countries are at the third and fourth place in the standings, with Sri Lanka set to host the Aussies for a two-match Test rubber. For Rohit Sharma & Co, a win in the upcoming Sydney Test could keep them alive for a third straight appearance in the WTC final at the Lord’s. A win would take India to 55.26, which would be enough for them to finish second if Australia were to achieve no more than one draw in Sri Lanka. In that case, Australia would drop to 53.51, and Sri Lanka would finish with 48.72 (with a 1-0 win). However, if India only manage a draw, they will drop to 51.75 and will be out of the WTC final race. For Pat Cummins’ side, a win in Sydney will ensure their spot for a second straight WTC final, regardless of results in Sri Lanka if Australia were to win in Sydney but lose both Tests in their upcoming series in Sri Lanka, they would finish on 57.02 percentage points to India's 50 and Sri Lanka's 53.85. If Australia were to lose in Sydney, they would need one win in Sri Lanka to qualify. A 1-1 verdict in Sri Lanka after losing in Sydney would leave Australia on 57.02 to India's 55.26. Meanwhile, the Islanders’ fortunes not only are in their own hands, and thus they will be hoping for a draw between India and Australia in Sydney and they then beat Australia 2-0. In that case, Sri Lanka, on 53.85, would finish above Australia (53.51) and India (51.75). If India win in Sydney, they will knock Sri Lanka out. Australia, also, will certainly finish ahead of Sri Lanka if they go to 31 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. was snared by another smart slips catch with the Australians' fielding skills proving a critical difference between the teams. The end then came quickly when Siraj was trapped in front by Lyon, sparking wild celebratory scenes of celebration when umpire Michael Gough's finger was raised and again when the decision was upheld after Siraj's almost apologetic review. Brief Scores: Australia 474 (Smith 140, Marnus 72; Bumrah 4-99) and 234 (Labuschagne 70, Bumrah 5-57) beat India 369 (Nitish Reddy 114, Jaiswal 82; Boland 357) and 155 (Jaiswal 84, Pat Cummins 3-28, Boland 3-39) by 184 runs. NEW DELHI, 30 DECEMBER THUMBNAILS TRIDIB BAPARNASH NEW DELHI, 30 DECEMBER W Vitul Kumar assigned officiating charge as CRPF Director General: The Centre on Monday assigned senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Vitul Kumar to officiate charge for the post of Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF upon the retirement of the incumbent force chief Anish Dayal Singh on December 31, 2024. Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Special Director General of the CRPF. He will hold the position until the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever comes earlier, according to an office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. SILVER 92,400 hat appeared to have been an epic end to the Boxing Day Test that drew an unprecedented aggregate crowd, turned out a meek surrender from the Indian team as a disciplined Australia came all guns blazing with seven wickets in the final session to claim a 184-run victory, and a 2-1 lead in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The loss technically left the visitors at the mercy of other teams in the race to the ICC World Test Championship final in June. However, despite trailing in the five-match series, Rohit Sharma’s men still have a chance to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a win in Sydney. For Australia, a win in the final Test - and a 3-1 margin - would secure their spot in the WTC final alongside South Africa who qualified yesterday with their own gripping victory over Pakistan. After India had slid to 33 for 3, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant added 88 in 32 overs to raise hopes by taking India into the final session with seven wickets in hand, but Travis Head burgled a breakthrough and Australia seized their moment as India lost 7 for 34. There was a dose of controversy, too, when Jaiswal's rearguard was ended via the DRS after he gloved a pull against Pat Cummins. Although snicko did not register anything, but third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat ruled he had seen a clear a deflection, which matched what was shown on TV. Jaiswal appeared to know he had hit it but spoke with the umpires on the way off. Later, India had to rely on three fast-bowling tailenders – Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj – to negotiate an increasingly frantic final 20 overs. The equation was further down to the final two wickets when Akash fell to the first delivery of Scott Boland's new spell. Nine deliveries into the final hour's minimum 15 overs, Bumrah STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 30 DECEMBER The Reserve Bank of India on Monday said the real Gross Domestic Product growth is expected to recover in the third and fourth quarter of the current financial year. It will be riding on the back of pick up in domestic drivers, mainly public consumption and investment, strong service exports and easy financial conditions, it said. RBI in its Financial Stability Report said despite this recent deceleration, structural growth drivers remain intact. Real GDP growth is expected to recover in Q3 and Q4 of 202425. Real GDP is projected to grow at 6.6% in 2024-25 aided by revival in rural consumption, pickup in government consumption and investment and strong services exports. The underlying growth momentum remains strong and is supported by the steadfast focus of monetary policy on a durable alignment of inflation to the target. A stable financial system, bolstered by healthy balance BJP, Congress spar over Rahul’s Vietnam visit amid national mourning for Dr Manmohan Singh `18,000 monthly for Hindu priests & Sikh granthis if AAP returns to power: Kejriwal STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 30 DECEMBER A war of words erupted between the BJP and Congress on Monday after the saffron party castigated Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for "flying abroad" when India is mourning former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's demise. BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that the Congress leader has ''exploited'' Dr. Singh's death for his "expedient politics" and has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year while India is mourning his demise. In a post on X, Malviya said, "While the country is mourning former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year. Rahul Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr. Singh’s death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable. The Gandhis and the Congress hate Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib." Reacting to the BJP's charge, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said in a post on X, "When will the Sanghis stop this ‘Take Diversion’ politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks Jimmy Carter, 39th US President, dies at 100 his motivations in politics and beyond in the same way- an almost missionary zeal to solve problems and improve lives. AGENCIES WASHINGTON, 30 DECEMBER The life of James Earl Carter Jr, the 39th and longest-lived US president, ended Sunday at the age of 100 where it began~Plains, the town of 600 that fueled his political rise, welcomed him after his fall and sustained him during 40 years of service that redefined what it means to be a former president. With the stubborn confidence of an engineer and an optimism rooted in his Baptist faith, Carter described BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 73.99 India face do-or-die situation in Sydney to remain in WTC final race Min: 10.3 °C (+3) SUN SETS 17:35 hrs MOON SETS 17:53 hrs A boatman breaks a thin sheet of ice as he rows a 'Shikara' on Dal Lake during the 40day winter period of 'Chillai Kalan' in Srinagar on Monday. ANI GOLD 78,450.00 P12 With this 184-run victory Australia now has 2-1 lead in the Border Gavaskar Trophy Min. 74 % Max: 15.0 °C (-5) SUN RISES 07:14 hrs MOON RISES 08:32 hrs P8 BGT: Australia thrash India in Real GDP growth final-session thriller at MCG to recover in Q3, Q4, says RBI report RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 98 % BUMRAH IN SHORTLIST FOR ICC CRICKETER OF THE YEAR RAJNATH URGES FOCUS ON FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES DUAL NARRATIVES ‘LAW IS EQUAL FOR ALL’ Modi mourns Carter's demise: PM Modi on Monday condoled the passing of former President of the US Jimmy Carter, hailing his contribution to deepening India-US ties. In a post on X, the PM wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of former USA President Mr. Jimmy Carter. A statesman of great vision, he worked tirelessly for global peace and harmony. His contributions to fostering strong India-U.S. ties leave a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of the US.” and how his ministers cornered Dr. Saheb’s family is shameful. If Mr Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? Get well in the New year. Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala posted on X, "While the country is mourning former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as nation observes 7 days of mourning. Congress doesn’t care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime. They continue to do so now. Yesterday nobody went to collect his ashes.. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr Manmohan Singh as per latest dis- closures. This is their true face." He further said that the Congress leader 'paryatan' is nothing new. "Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of 'paryatan' and Leader of the party. At a time when the country is in grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi has left for 'paryatan' and party, as per media reports...Rahul Gandhi and 'paryatan' is nothing new. At a time when the 26/11 attack happened in Mumbai, he was partying all night. He is not concerned about the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh" the BJP national spokesperson said while talking to the media. NEW DELHI, 30 DECEMBER Ahead of the forthcoming Delhi assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced another electoral promise, pledging a Rs 18,000 monthly honorarium for temple priests and Gurdwara Granthis in the national capital upon being voted back to power. Kejriwal on Monday unveiled AAP's ‘Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana’ as a tribute to spiritual and cultural custodians in the national capital. Addressing a press conference, the AAP chief announced that he would personally launch the initiative at the ancient Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, by registering the priests on Tuesday. He cautioned the BJP against allegedly derailing the plan, describing any interference as a ‘great sin’. Delhi CM Atishi, Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Jarnail Singh were also present during the press conference. Reacting to this initiative, senior AAP leader and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia took to social media platform X, and shared mentioning, “Thank you Arvind Kejriwal. When the Aam Aadmi Party government is formed, the priests of temples and the granthis of Gurdwara Sahib will be given their rights by giving them an honorarium of Rs 18,000 per month. Respect for the culture and religious institutions of Delhi has always been Arvind Kejriwal's priority,” he added. Addressing the media, Kejriwal stated, “Today, I am about to make a very important announcement. This announcement is for those individuals who have made significant contributions to society but have never received the recognition they deserve. Neither society nor any government or political party has ever paid attention to them.” He elaborated on the pivotal role of priests and granthis in society, stating that they are present for everyone in every moment of joy and sorrow, whether it’s a wedding, a child’s birthday, or any other joyous occasion, or even in moments of grief like a death in the family, priests are always there, to conduct prayers and rituals. 2024 marked by breakthrough in India-China talks to end Ladakh face-off ASHOK TUTEJA NEW DELHI, 30 DECEMBER A breakthrough in India-China talks to end the protracted military stand-off in eastern Ladakh in October ahead of the BRICS Summit in Russia was the crowning feature of Indian diplomacy in 2024 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made honest efforts to bring to an end the ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia. However, Pakistan, despite internal crisis, continued with its policy of sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. India was also faced with a challenging situation in Bangladesh after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime in the wake of a students' movement. India's relationship with Dhaka is currently under a severe strain. The India-China accord to start disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh after marathon talks over the last four years was a significant step by the two countries to stabilise and rebuild relations which touched a new low in the wake of the military standoff that began in April/May 2020. The confrontation between the two armies brought them to the brink of a full-scale confrontation following the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 in which India lost 15 of its troops. China also lost an unspecified number of its soldiers. The disengagement deal resulted in the PM holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Kazan in Russia on the margins of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders directed their top aides to hold meetings and restore the status quo ante on the border. The chill in Sino-Indian ties has, of course, ended but strategic analysts say India must remain vigilant on the LAC, given China's expansionist designs. PM Modi visited Russia and Ukraine to prevail upon the leaderships of the two warring nations to end hostilities and settle their differences through peaceful talks. He also continued to appeal for peace in West Asia time and again. Over the past decade, India has transformed its diplomatic posture, emerging as a nation that engages with intent, assists with compassion, and leads with purpose. The diplomatic wins of 2024, while remarkable, are the result of years of steady efforts to reshape how the world views India, government officials say. From bold moves like the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes to extending a helping hand during the pandemic with Vaccine Maitri, India has shown it can lead with resolve and empathy. Initiatives like the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, the International Solar Alliance, and the Global Biofuel Alliance highlight its commitment to a fairer, sustainable future for all. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s first-time visits to countries like Kuwait, Poland, Egypt, and Papua New Guinea revived long-dormant ties, reinforcing the message that India values relationships big and small. When crises arose, India didn’t just stand by. It acted. Operations like Ganga and Ajay ensured Indians were safely brought home from conflict zones, while aid to earthquake-hit Turkey and war-stricken Ukraine showed India’s solidarity with the world. Today India demonstrates that it is ready to engage, assist, and inspire on the global stage. The year 2024 was a remarkable one for India’s diplomacy, solidifying its position as a global leader. India’s stance that ‘this is not the time for war’ at the UN has resonated deeply with the world. India finds itself in a position to play peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine war. India hosted the third Voice of Global South Summit. This Summit was the first plurilateral Summit hosted by the PM since the formation of the new Government on 9 June. sheets and profitability of banks and non-banks and reasonable expansion in credit, is providing support to businesses and households, the RBI report said. During H1:2024-25, real GDP growth (y-o-y) moderated to 6% from 8.2% and 8.1% growth recorded during H1 and H2 of 2023- 24, respectively. Despite this recent deceleration, structural growth drivers remain intact, RBI said. Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) lowered India's economic growth forecast to 6.5% for the current financial year due to lowerthan-expected growth in private investment and housing demand. Earlier it estimated the growth of 7% The multilateral development bank has also lowered India's growth forecast for the 2025-26 financial year. "India's outlook is adjusted downward from 7% to 6.5% for this year, and from 7.2% to 7% next year, due to lowerthan-expected growth in private investment and housing demand," ADB said. RBI directs banks to let remitters verify account name before RTGS, NEFT transfers AGENCIES MUMBAI, 30 DECEMBER The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday directed all banks to put in place a facility to enable a remitter to verify the beneficiary bank account name before initiating a transaction using the RTGS or NEFT system. "All banks who are direct members or sub-members of RTGS and NEFT are advised to offer this facility no later than April 1, 2025," the RBI circular states. With the introduction of this facility, remitters can input the account number and the branch IFSC code of the beneficiary, following which the name of the beneficiary will be displayed. This facility will increase customer confidence as it would reduce the possibility of wrong credits and frauds. The introduction of a beneficiary bank account name look-up facility for Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) Systems was proposed in the RBI’s Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated October 9, 2024. Currently, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Immediate Payments Service (IMPS) systems enable a remitter to verify the name of the beneficiary before initiating the transfer. It has been decided to put in place a similar facility that would enable a remitter to verify the beneficiary bank account name before initiating a transaction using RTGS or NEFT system. Accordingly, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has been advised to develop the facility and onboard all banks, the RBI has stated in its circular to all banks.