WEDNESDAY 01 JANUARY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘CONGRESS TO FIGHT ‘ANTI-CONSTITUTIONAL’ THINKING OF BJP-RSS’ MANY EVOLUTIONS FOR CENTENARIAN ‘CITIZEN OF THE WORLD’ P9 SENSEX 78,139.01q109.12 NIFTY A GIANT AMONG MEN P5 23,644.80q0.100 BUMRAH NAMED CAPTAIN OF CRICKET AUSTRALIA'S TEST TEAM OF 2024 P7 ` vs $ 85.65 GOLD 78,495.00 P12 SILVER 98,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 74.36p0.37 We are determined to work even harder in 2025: PM Modi 2024 was a year of progress, unity and steps towards a Vikshit Bharat: MyGovIndia WISHES ITS READERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR WEATHER SMOG/SHALLOW TO MODERATE FOG IS LIKELY IN THE MORNING. MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SMOG/SHALLOW TO MODERATE FOG IS LIKELY IN THE EVENING/NIGHT. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 18 AND 08 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 95 % TEMPERATURE Responding to a video post by MyGovIndia on X, Mr Modi said: “Collective efforts and transformative outcomes! 2024 has been marked by many feats, which have been wonderfully summed up in this video. We are determined to work even harder in 2025 and realise our dream of a Viksit Bharat." Manipur CM apologises for ethnic violence, calls for unity in the year 2025 Min. 61 % Max: 17.7 °C (-3) SUN RISES 07:14 hrs MOON RISES 09:16 hrs Min: .09.6 °C (+3) SUN SETS 17:36 hrs MOON SETS 18:58 hrs THUMBNAILS People gather at India Gate on the last day of 2024. n SUBRATA DUTTA STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER P rime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said the Union Government was determined to work even harder in 2025 and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat. Responding to a video post by MyGovIndia on X, Mr Modi said: “Collective efforts and transformative outcomes! 2024 has been marked by many feats, which have been wonderfully summed up in this video. We are determined to work even harder in 2025 and realise our dream of a Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted this picture of him taking oath as the Prime Minister of India for the third term. nNARENDRA MODI/X Viksit Bharat." The video post mentioned the achievements of India in 2024 and the unforgettable moments that marked a year of progress, unity, and steps toward a Viksit Bharat. Meanwhile, in a series of posts, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) reflected on 2024's memorable moments. Prime Minister Modi’s recent international ‘Govt extending all assistance to Indian nurse on death row in Yemen’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER The government on Tuesday confirmed that it is aware of the death sentence awarded to Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse, in Yemen and said it is extending all possible assistance in the matter. In response to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Ms. Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter." Nimisha Priya, who has been sentenced to death in Yemen, is a trained nurse and has worked in private hospitals in Yemen for a few years. She was awarded a life sentence in 2020 after being convicted of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi, her business partner, who she accused of fraud and abuse, in 2017. Her husband and minor daughter returned to India in 2014 because of financial reasons and in the same year, Yemen was gripped by a civil war, and they could not go back as the country stopped issuing new visas. Later in 2015, Ms Priya joined hands with Mahdi to set up her clinic in Yemen's capital city Sana. She sought Mahdi's support because, under Yemen's law, only citizens are allowed to set up clinics and business firms. In 2015, Mahdi accompanied Ms Priya to Kerala when she came for a month-long holiday. During the visit, he stole a wedding photograph of Ms Priya, which he later manipulated to claim that he was married to her. A plea moved by the mother of Ms Priya had stated, "After a while, Nimisha's clinic began, Mahdi manipulated the ownership documents of the clinic. He also began to take money out of her monthly earnings after telling everyone that Nimisha was his wife Nimisha had alleged that Mahdi had been harassing her and her family for years. Mahdi also seized her passport. This was done to ensure that she would not leave Yemen. He tortured her under the influence of drugs. He threatened her at gunpoint several times. He took all the money from the clinic and her ornaments." visits have significantly strengthened India’s global partnerships, enhancing strategic and economic cooperation and cultural ties across continents, the PMO said in a post on X. India’s active role in various global summits in 2024 highlights its commitment to promoting international cooperation and a sustainable, equitable world. The country is emerging as a PM Modi cradles a baby in his arms after casting his vote in Ahmedabad. nNARENDRA MODI/X STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE global economic leader with resilience and innovation. It has redefined governance, advanced social progress and led a digital transformation. These efforts are shaping a future of growth and opportunity for all. India is setting global standards in climate action with innovative policies, renewable energy leadership and initiatives like Inter- Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday issued a heartfelt apology to the people of the state for the ethnic violence and unrest that erupted in May 2023 and continues to persist, leading to loss of hundreds of lives, widespread displacement, and prolonged tension. Speaking at a public event, Mr Singh called the events since May 2023 “deeply unfortunate” and expressed profound regret over the suffering endured by the people. “I feel regret, and I want to say sorry to the people of Manipur for what has been happening. Many people lost their lives and were rendered homeless. I really feel regret and apologise to all victims,” the Chief Minister said. “It is very unfortunate that many people have lost their loved ones, many people had to leave their homes and villages. However, considering the positive developments during the past three-four months, I hope peace and normalcy will return to the state in the New Year 2025,” Singh said. Manipur has faced one of its most challenging years in recent history, with ethnic clashes breaking out between the Meitei and Kuki communities over longstanding grievances related to land rights, Scheduled Tribe status, and governance. The violence, which began in May 2023, has left over 200 dead, thousands injured, and tens of thousands displaced. Entire villages were burned, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) were forced into relief camps, enduring severe ADIEU 2024 The setting sun marks the final evening of 2024 in New Delhi on Tuesday. n SUBRATA DUTTA Quad now a vital force for stability in Indo-Pacific: Jaishankar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER In a social media post on 'X' marking the 20th anniversary of the Quad partnership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said the four-nation grouping now stands as a vital force for stability, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. “Two decades ago, the idea of Quad began with a shared response to the Indian Ocean tsunami,” he noted. He also shared a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the four Quad nations (India, Australia, Japan and the United States) on the occasion of the grouping's 20th anniversary, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the region's needs together. The joint statement said that 20 years ago, in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Australia, India, Japan, and the USA came together in service to the people of the region for the first time as the grouping now known as the Quad. The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming the lives of nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million across 14 countries. “Together our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the catastrophe. We honour the memories of those no longer with us and recognize the survivors and the families of those who were lost.” the statement said. They said that their foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and national Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE and Global Biofuels Alliance, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. “Rising as a symbol of progress and resilience, India is earning global recognition for its economic progress, technological advancements and contributions to regional and global stability,” the PMO said. disaster relief remains strong. “We continue to work sideby-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region. In 2024, our four countries collectively supported disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the IndoPacific, and we continue to build on those efforts to identify new ways to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and disasters.” The statement further noted that what began as an emergency response to a catastrophe has grown into a full-fledged partnership delivering positive outcomes for the people of the region. Quad countries now work together and with partners across the Indo-Pacific to address complex challenges, from fighting climate change, cancer, and pandemics, to bolstering quality infrastructure, maritime domain awareness, STEM education, count- er-terrorism efforts, critical and emerging technologies, and cyber security. “Since 2021, the Leaders of our four nations have met annually to drive the Quad’s positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific,” it added. The Quad nations said that as four partners, they share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions. “We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organisation,” they added. IMPHAL, 31 DECEMBER hardship. The unrest also highlighted deeper issues, including the state's fragile social fabric and challenges in governance. Despite a strong security presence, sporadic violence has continued. In his appeal, the Chief Minister urged all communities to forgive and forget past grievances, emphasising unity among the state’s diverse tribal and ethnic groups. "Whatever happened, happened. Let’s forgive and forget past mistakes and start a new life filled with peace and prosperity, with Manipur living harmoniously with all its recognised 34-35 tribes,” Mr Singh stated. “I appeal to all the communities to live together and to make Manipur prosperous with a united effort,” the Chief Minister said. “On the eve of a New Year, I reflect on the progress we have made together in 2024 and the challenges we have to overcome. As we step into 2025, I reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive state.” Giving details of incidents of the violence over the past 20 months, the Chief Minister said that so far around 200 people have been killed, around 12,247 FIRs were registered and 625 accused persons were arrested. CBDT extends deadline for taxpayers under Vivad Se Vishwas scheme to 31 Jan STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the deadline for taxpayers participating in the Vivad Se Vishwas scheme to 31 January 2025. Initially, the deadline was set for 31 December 2024. The CBDT stated that the extension allows taxpayers additional time to determine the amount payable as specified in column (3) of the relevant table in the scheme. For taxpayers categorised as new appellants, the amount payable for disputed tax on 31 January 2025, is 100 per cent of the disputed amount, increasing to 110 per cent if paid on 1 February 2025. Old appellants will face a charge of 110 per cent on 31 January 2025, which rises to 120 per cent the following day. Regarding disputed interest, penalties, or fees, new appellants are required to pay 25 per cent on 31 January 2025, increasing to 30 per cent on 1 February 2025. For old appellants, the amounts are 30 per cent on 31 January 2025, and 35 per cent on 1 February 2025. In case the appeal proceedings are made after 31 January 2020, they will be called new applicants and if done before 31 January 2020, they will be categorised as old applicants. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Vivad Se Vishwas scheme, aimed at helping taxpayers resolve disputes with the income tax department. The scheme enables taxpayers to settle their outstanding tax liabilities by paying the disputed amount along with a specified percentage.