MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00| LC SINCE 1818 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR IMPEACHED PRESIDENT'S ARREST SPARKS RIOTS IN SOUTH KOREA FIR AGAINST RAHUL FOR ‘FIGHTING AGAINST INDIAN STATE’ REMARK P9 WEATHER SMOG/SHALLOW FOG LIKELY IN THE EVENING/NIGHT. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 26 AND 11 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 100 % TEMPERATURE Min. 48 % Max: 26.1 °C (+6.5) (+1.6) SUN RISES 07:14 hrs MOON RISES 23:49 hrs P4 3 Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinians to be freed in initial exchange DEIR AL-BALAH, 19 JANUARY Min: .09.2 °C SUN SETS 17:51 hrs MOON SETS 11:20 hrs THUMBNAILS Tourists enjoy a Shikara ride at Dal Lake on a sunny day in Srinagar on Sunday. n ANI 719 candidates to contest elections from 70 seats in national capital: A total of 719 candidates remained in the fray for the Delhi Assembly elections on Sunday after 1,522 nomination sets, including multiple ones, were filed before scrutiny by Election Commission ahead of the polling on February 5, an official said. The final list of candidates in each of the 70 constituencies will be out on Monday – the last day for withdrawal of names by eligible candidates. (P2) P6 Ceasefire takes hold in Gaza following delay AGENCIES A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, ushering in an initial six-week period of calm and raising hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truce’s start by nearly three hours and highlighted its fragility. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations erupted across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. Israel, meanwhile, announced the names of the first three hostages expected to return home later Sunday, in exchange for the planned release of 90 Palestinian prisoners. The truce, which started at 11:15 a.m. local time, is the first step toward ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. An Israeli official confirmed that Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were set to be released later Sunday. Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen. Hamas was supposed to provide the names before the start of the ceasefire, originally planned for 8:30 a.m. It released the names about two hours later, citing technical reasons and saying it was still com- mitted to the agreement. In the interim between 8:30 a.m. and when the ceasefire took hold, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. It did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. The military has warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreat to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Israel’s hard-line national security minister, meanwhile, said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvir’s departure weakens Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin AUS OPEN: DJOKOVIC TO FACE ALCARAZ IN QF TRUMP’S RETURN Netanyahu’s coalition but will not affect the truce. In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 IsraelHamas war, in a special operation in Gaza. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained there after the 2014 war and had not been returned. The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday. Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Trump’s backing to continue fighting if necessary. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. P12 ‘Bangladeshi-origin’ man arrested for attack on actor Saif Ali Khan AGENCIES MUMBAI, 19 JANUARY Mumbai Police on Sunday arrested a Bangladeshi national accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his home, a senior officer confirmed. The accused, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, 30, was picked up from neighbouring Thane city early Sunday and brought to Mumbai. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam, who confirmed the arrest. told the media that Shahzad, a Bangladeshi national, had changed his name to Vijay Das to hide his Bangladeshi origins in India. Mr Gedam said police have recovered some items from him that indicate he is not of Indian origin. He also said that based on information with the police Shahzad was arrested him from neighbouring Thane city. Shahzad has been living in Mumbai for about six months. He was attached to a housekeeping agency. The motive behind the crime was robbery, the officer said. The accused was being grilled by teams from Mumbai police and the crime branch, added Mr Gedam. A local court later in the day remanded Shahzad in police custody for five days till 24 January. Police have sought 14 days custody of the accused for further investigation but the court granted custody for only five days. The accused was produced before the local Bandra holiday court under heavy police protection at 1.30 p.m. Meanwhile, the accused’s lawyer refuted the police claims, asserting that his client is not a Bangladeshi national and he possesses several documents to prove his identity. The lawyer termed the police’s allegations as false. He has been made a scapegoat and has no involvement in the case, his lawyer said. Shezad is booked under sections 311 (robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause grievous hurt or death, 331(4) (housebreaking), and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Passport Act, 1967. Officers of the Bandra police and Mumbai crime branch grilled the accused at the Khar police station where he had reportedly confessed to the crime. During the probe, the accused had repeatedly said “Ha maine hi kiya (Yes, I did it).” A police officer who is part of the team probing the matter said adding that Shahzad was unaware that he had entered actor Khan’s residence. Shahzad told police that he saw his images on TV news after the incident and fled to Thane. He switched off his phone and hid near a labour camp in Thane. Police tracked down his phone's last known location, reached Thane, and arrested him. According to police, after crossing into the country “illegally”, Shahzad settled in Mumbai and found work at a bar in Thane, a satellite city on the outskirts of Mumbai. However, he left his job just a week before the attack, hoping to find a better job. According to the police, Shahzad also did not have any valid Indian identification documents. The accused has told police that he used the rear staircase and air-conditioning ducts to get inside the building. He also said it was the first time he had entered the building. Police have said they may recreate the scene with the accused. Fair polling: PM Narendra Modi heaps praise US envoy meets Modi, says Indo-US on Election Commission during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ partnership will continue to grow NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Election Commission of India (ECI) for leveraging technology to further empower the people and modernise the country’s voting process. Addressing the 118th episode of his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast on All India Radio, Mr Modi remarked: "Today is the first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2025. While this program typically airs on the last Sunday of each month, this time we are meeting earlier on the third Sunday, as Republic Day falls next Sunday. I extend my warm wishes for Republic Day in advance." Speaking on National Voters’ Day, which coincides with the ECI's founding anniversary on January 25, he said: “Our Constitution makers accorded immense importance to the Election Commission and people’s participation in democracy." “During the first elections in 1951-52, many doubted if India’s democracy would endure. Yet, India, the Mother of Democracy, has silenced those doubts. Over the decades, our democracy has grown stronger and more vibrant.” Expressing his gratitude to the ECI, he added: “I thank the Election Commission for modernising and strengthening the voting process. Through the power of technology, it has further empowered citizens and upheld the commitment to fair elections. I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote in large numbers and actively participate in our democratic process." The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of this year’s Republic Day, marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic and the adoption of the Constitution. "I salute the members of the Constituent Assembly who gave us this sacred document. Their deliberations and thoughts are a priceless heritage." Prime Minister Modi shared original audio clips of distinguished leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, reflecting on the principles of unity, human values, and equality. Drawing inspiration from these leaders, Mr Modi urged citizens to work towards building a nation that would make the Constitution's architects proud. In addition, Mr Modi spoke about the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, describing it as a “spectacle of humanity, harmony, and cultural confluence.” He highlighted the enthusiastic participation of youth and the extensive digital engagement with the Kumbh this year. “This grand festival exemplifies unity in diversity. People from all corners of India and the world come together at the Sangam, transcending barriers of caste and creed. The involvement of youth ensures pride in our civilisation, strengthening roots and paving the way for a golden future," Mr Modi said. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE His meeting with PM Modi came a day before Mr Donald Trump's inauguration as America's 47th President. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at Mr Trump's inauguration. NEW DELHI, 19 JANUARY Outgoing US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Sunday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his family for a 'final' meeting and later said the partnership between the two countries has reached new heights due to the efforts of PM Modi and President Joe Biden. His meeting with PM Modi came a day before Mr Donald Trump's inauguration as America's 47th President. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at Mr Trump's inauguration. In a social media post on X, Mr Garcetti said: "Had a great final visit with PM Modi with my family. It's clear that he and President Biden have raised our compelling and consequential US-India partnership to new heights--record visas, record trade, record defence collaboration, record space cooperation, record students, record investments and so much more." He expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and the people of India for their warm hospitality.He underlined that the US-India partnership has become indispensable and will continue to grow stronger in the coming years. “What was seen as unthinkable a generation ago will seem as indispensable a generation from now, thanks to the work of these leaders and the people of our nations. Thank you Prime Minister and thank you to all Indians. It's been a daily joy to help co-write this chapter with you,” he added. Mr Garcetti's last official engagement in India was the inauguration ceremony of the US Consulate office in Bengaluru on Friday along with Mr Jaishankar. “We are not beginning a new presence here. In Karnataka, but are expanding our existing presence here, a commitment that America makes to this great state and city in this amazing nation as well. And thank you to all of our honourable dignitaries,” he said. The US Ambassador also highlighted the rich history of US-India relations, dating back to 1776 when the US opened its second-ever consulate in Kolkata, India. He noted that the recent inauguration of the US Consulate office in Bengaluru marks an expansion of the US presence in India, rather than a new beginning. Mr Jaishankar announced on the occasion that India will open its Consulate in Los Angeles. Classic cars and elegance take centre stage at 54th Statesman Vintage Car Rally ANWESHA SANTRA KOLKATA, 19 JANUARY The grounds of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club transformed into a shimmering time capsule on Sunday as over 120 vintage masterpieces roared to life, tipping their hats to the 54th edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally. Flagged off at 10 in the morning by Mrs Ashima Srikanth, regional vice president of the Army Wives Welfare Association (and the better half of Lt Gen. RC Srikanth, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command), this automotive cavalcade traced their journey from CR Avenue in the north to Ashutosh Mukherjee Road in the south, a total of 25 km, while an enthusiastic sea of spectators turned the streets into a symphony of cheers and camera flashes. The 54th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally unfolded like an opulent stage play, with its stellar cast of automotive royalty captivating the audience. New entries glimmered alongside beloved classics, creating a pageant of elegance and engineering marvels. Leading the convoy was the dignified elder, a scarlet 1906 Renault Freres, lovingly rejuvenated by Shrivardhan Kanoria. Close behind were other four-wheeled luminaries: Ananda Chowdhury’s parakeet-green 1913 Gebrüder Stoewer, SK Lahiri’s sleek sapphire-blue Plymouth (endearingly nicknamed ‘Nilu’) and the star-studded 1963 Triumph Spitfire 4, famously owned by Bollywood’s Jackie Shroff. Adding a touch of wartime drama was the formidable 1971 Mercedes Benz, a triumphant relic driven to Kolkata from Dhaka as a war trophy during the Bangladesh Liberation War, and an Austin Sheerline, a paragon of grandeur. The sophisticated 1938 Adler shared the limelight with the stately 1948 Rover 75 and an Oxford blue 1951 Austin A40 Somerset. Stealing the show were a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, once the chariot of Sir Roger Lumley, Governor of Bombay, and another RollsRoyce with an illustrious past, once owned by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. Adding cinematic flair was an Austin with its storied history of chauffeuring Bengali legends Uttam Kumar and Kishore Kumar. The quirky 1956 Lambretta LD 150, owned by Lt Col. Nitin Shrestha, injected a dose of whimsy, while a Vespa, seemingly plucked from the frames of Roman Holiday, epitomised timeless charm. Meanwhile, the fiery red 1973 Ideal Jawa and the venerable 1949 Norton Dominator drew admiring glances from motorcycle enthusiasts. The rally wasn’t merely a showcase of gleaming machines but a living tableau of vintage elegance. Many par- ticipants adorned themselves in period costumes, turning the event into a cinematic walk down memory lane. Speaking to The Statesman, Prof. (Dr) Ananda Chanda, a veteran member of the judges’ panel, shed light on the meticulous parameters of judgment: “We evaluate authenticity, mechanical integrity, interiors and coachwork. This year’s rally also featured a post-war section for vehicles manufactured after 1939. However, the Indian heritage class, like Ambassadors and Fiats, was not included this time.” The day was graced by notable personalities, including the Minister for IT and Electronics, Government of West Bengal, and MP June Malia. The rally also doubled as a cinematic launchpad, with the crew of the upcoming Bengali film Puratawn, starring Rituparna Sengupta, unveiling its teaser. Musical notes added to the festivity, as versatile singer Shrestha Das enthralled the crowd, while the mellifluous voices of Narayana School’s children added a harmonious touch. The evening saw the judges, led by Jitendra Pandit, announcing the eagerly awaited awards. Supriya Roy claimed the coveted Statesman Trophy for Best Performance with a Stude- baker. The Statesman Roadmaster Trophy was awarded to the Eastern Command Indian Army for their Mercedes-Benz, while Syed Kamal Uddin Hossain’s 1923 Panther Sloper won the Central Bank of India Trophy for being the oldest motorcycle completing the course. Reflecting on the event’s success, Vineet Gupta, Director of The Statesman Group, remarked: “Hosting the rally at RCTC grounds was initially daunting, but the outcome exceeded our expectations. With the majestic Victoria Memorial as a backdrop and soulful music filling the air, the rally came alive like never before.” Echoing the sentiment, Ravindra Kumar, Editor and Managing Director of The Statesman, extended heartfelt thanks to the Indian Army, Kolkata Police, sponsors, judges, participants and spectators for orchestrating a triumphant celebration of vintage magnificence.