THURSDAY 02 JANUARY 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR GOVT INITIATES PROCESS FOR DR SINGH'S MEMORIAL ASSAM CM RAISES ALARM OVER CHINA’S BRAHMAPUTRA DAM P5 P8 SENSEX 78,507.41p368.40 WEATHER Generally clear. Hazy in the evening. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 23°C and 13°C respectively. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 72% Min. 59% TEMPERATURE Max: 23.2˚C SUN RISES 06:16 hrs MOON RISES 08:17 hrs NIFTY 23,742.90p98.10 ` vs $ 85.67 Full Moon on 14 January THUMBNAILS A traffic jam caused by heavy crowds celebrating the New Year on the first day of 2025 in New Delhi. n SUBRATA DUTTA Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs.69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The decision will help in risk coverage of crops from non-preventable natural calamities for farmers across the country till 2025-26. (Page 8) SILVER 98,000 GOLD 78,970.00 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 74.80p0.16 India made the request in the context of the annual exchange of lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen by both the countries STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE A mid frosty ties, India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged the lists of nuclear installations and facilities and civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody. The lists were exchanged simultaneously in Delhi and Islamabad. The exchange of lists of nuclear installations and facilities is covered under the Agreement on the prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installation and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 34th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992. The lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody are covered under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008. Such lists are exchanged between the two nations every year on 1 January and on 1 July. India has shared names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian. The Ministry of External STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JANUARY Affairs said India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Islamabad has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided also be placed on emerging domains such as Cyber and Space, as well as next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics, and Robotics. The need for associated tactics, techniques, and procedures to successfully engage in future warfare was also highlighted. Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of inter-service cooperation and training to build a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities. Simplifying and streamlining acquisition procedures to enable faster and more effective capability development was also identified as a priority. The reforms will also aim to facilitate technology transfer and foster collaboration between the defence sector and civil industries, promoting public-private partnerships to enhance the ease of doing business. Additionally, a collaborative approach across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem will be encouraged, with a focus on breaking silos and optimising resources through effective civilmilitary coordination. Another significant aspect of the reforms will be to position India as a credible exporter of defence products and encourage R&D partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to promote knowledge sharing and resource integration. Indian Navy to commission 3 frontline fleet assets, Nilgiri, Surat and Vagsheer, on 15 Jan STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JANUARY The Indian Navy is all set to create history by simultaneously commissioning three frontline combatants at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 15 January. The event will see the induction of Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project. This historic occasion will not only enhance the Navy’s combat capabilities but also underscore India’s growing stature as a global leader in indigenous defense manufacturing. All three vessels have been designed and constructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Ship- P12 TMC will continue to serve people, says CM Mamata Banerjee on Foundation Day Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to boost Armed Forces’ modernisation The Ministry of Defence has announced the year 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” for the Indian Armed Forces during a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This initiative aims to transform the military into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of executing multi-domain integrated operations. The meeting outlined several broad areas where focused interventions would take place throughout the year. A key focus will be on strengthening jointness and integration within the Armed Forces, particularly with the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands. Emphasis will P4 Pakistan asked to expedite repatriation of prisoners NEW DELHI, 1 JANUARY Min: 13.5˚C SUN SETS 17:04 hrs MOON SETS 19:28 hrs BUMRAH SUSPASSES ASHWIN’S RECORD IN TEST RANKINGS ‘ALLEGATIONS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED’ builders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, highlighting the country’s increasing self-reliance in the critical defense sector. The Nilgiri, as the lead ship of the Project 17A class, represents a significant leap in naval warfare technology. With advanced stealth features and a reduced radar signature, Nilgiri is an upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates. Designed to handle a range of missions, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface operations, Nilgiri boasts cutting-edge sensors and weaponry developed largely in India. The frigate is equipped with state-of-the-art aviation facilities and can operate helicopters like the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R. Its Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and Visual Aid and Landing System ensure seamless operations in all conditions, a key asset in modern naval combat. The Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B destroyer class, is a culmination of the Project 15A (Kolkata-class) destroyers, with major enhancements in both design and capabilities. Surat comes with advanced weapon systems, sensors, and communications equipment that position it as one of the most formidable ships in the Indian Navy. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, Surat integrates both indigenous and international technologies, bolstering India's defense capabilities and self-reliance in warship construction. The Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class (Project 75), is one of the most silent and versatile dieselelectric submarines globally. consular access so far. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believedto-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India. ''India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country. In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 76 believedto-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India’s custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan,'' the MEA said. As a result of sustained efforts by the government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date. Ten killed after man rams vehicle into crowd in New Orleans KOLKATA, 1 JANUARY As the Trinamul Congress (TMC) observed its 28th foundation day today, TMC chairperson and state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the party will continue its fight to protect the interest of the people of Bengal. Miss Banerjee had set up the Trinamul Congress on 1 January 1998 after coming to the realisation that the Congress party would never put up a serious fight to end the misrule of the CPI-M, then in power in Bengal. Miss Banerjee wrote a song to celebrate the anniversary of the Trinamul Congress. Indranil Sen, singerturned-politician and the state minister for Information and Cultural Affairs sang the song. Miss Banerjee uploaded a message on the occasion on social media which read: “I wish everyone on English New Year. Today is the foundation day of our party. I have composed a song which has been sung by Indranil Sen. We will continue our fight to protect the interest of the people of Bengal." The foundation day of Trinamul Congress was observed all over the state. The party flag was hoised AGENCIES NEW ORLEANS, 1 JANUARY at the party office. In Khardah, state Agriculture minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay hoisted the party flag and cut a cake to celebrate the occasion. Mr Saugata Roy, party MP from Dum Dum and Mr Sayandeb Chattopadhyay, Trinamul Youth Congress secretary took part in the rally that was taken out in the morning in the area. The day was observed with enthusiasm in Khardah. In Kolkata, all the senior party leaders took part in the rallies that had been taken out in their respective Assembly constituencies. Blood donation camps were held along with distribution of blankets and woollens among the economically challenged people. The workers took a pledge to serve the people. Ten people were killed and 30 were injured after a man rammed a vehicle at high speed into a crowd of New Year revellers in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter district at 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street in what authorities described as a terrorist attack. The suspect was later killed after a firefight with police, law enforcement officials said. The area is known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties. The FBI said in a statement that it was heading an investigation “with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.” At a news conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the killings as a “terrorist attack” and the city’s police chief said the act was clearly intentional.