MONDAY 24 MARCH 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00| LC SINCE 1818 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR POPE FRANCIS DISCHARGED P9 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 34 AND 17 DEGREE CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 85 % TEMPERATURE P8 THUMBNAILS A crowd of shoppers at New Market in Kolkata on the last Sunday before Eid. n BISWAJIT GHOSHAL India clamps anti-dumping duty to check flood of cheap Chinese goods: India has imposed anti-dumping duty on four Chinese products, including aluminium foil, to safeguard domestic industry as these goods were being exported by the neighbouring country at below-normal prices. The duties have been imposed on soft ferrite cores, vacuum-insulated flasks of a certain thickness, aluminium foil and trichloro-isocyanuric acid, as the inflow of these goods into the Indian market was hurting domestic manufacturers. Cash discovery probe: Investigators to also examine call records A mid suspicion of evidence tampering bid in the ‘cash at home’ of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma, senior judges and investigators probing the 14 March incident have asked the former to secure his phone and call records. Apart from conducting forensic tests on the burnt currency notes allegedly recovered from an outhouse on the premises of Justice Varma’s official bungalow, investigators are also expected to inspect call records of all phones which were present at 30 Tughlak Road, near Lok Kalyan Marg Metro, on 14 March night when the fire broke out. Call records of phone numbers, which were contacted by people present on the premises and calls received by them immediately after the fire broke out, will also be scanned as part of a technical investigation, said Delhi Police sources. In his defence, Justice Varma has denied any wrongdoing and alleged a conspiracy to malign him, outrightly rejecting the insinuation that he removed currency from the storeroom. He is also reported to have challenged the visuals of burnt wads of Rs-500 notes shown in a video given by Delhi Police to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. The video was purportedly shot around the time of firefighting at the outhouse on the premises of Justice Varma’s official residence. Investigatorssuspectthat an attempt to tamper with evidence may have been madeduringorimmediately after firefighters doused the blaze in ‘stationery and domestic articles in a storeroom’ before leaving at 1.56 a.m. on 15 March. Witness accounts of Delhi Police Control Room personnel present at the fire scene, along with firefighters, and the subsequent video recording of the fire scene have lent credence to the theory about the presence of burnt Rs-500 notes at the site. However, Justice Varma has told the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, D K Upadhyaya: “I was totally shocked to see the contents of the video since that depicted something which was not found on site as I had seen it.” He added: “It is a room which is completely disassociated from my living areas and a boundary wall demarcates my living area from that outhouse. I only wish that the media had conducted some enquiry before I came to be indicted and defamed in the press." “I unequivocally state India set to become the world's consumption capital: Report AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 23 MARCH India is on track to become the global consumption capital, outpacing major economies, according to a new report. The consumption in India accounts for 56 per cent of the country’s GDP and is growing at the fastest rate in the world. A report by Angel One and Iconic Asset showed that over the next decade, India’s consumption is projected to double by 2034. One of the key drivers of rising consumption is the increasing number of nuclear families. Household growth in the country is outpacing population growth, leading to a surge in spending. Additionally, India is set P12 Conspiracy to malign, Idea of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ applies to foreign claims Delhi HC judge policy too: EAM Jaishankar NEW DELHI, 23 MARCH Min: 15.0 °C (-2.3) SUN SETS 18:35 hrs MOON SETS 13:06 hrs ISHAN STARS AS SRH BEAT RR BY 44 RUNS IN IPL RUN-FEST P6 AGENCIES Min. 24 % Max: 34.3 °C (2.8) SUN RISES 06:19 hrs MOON RISES 03:35 hrs COVENTRY’S CHALLENGE COPS HARASSING BRS CADRES WON’T BE SPARED: KTR to lead the global workforce expansion, further boosting economic activity. The report also highlights India’s impressive savings potential. Between 1997 and 2023, the total savings in the country amounted to $12 trillion. Over the next 25 years, this figure is expected to make a ten-fold jump to $103 trillion by 2047. This rise in savings will unlock significant opportunities for increased spending and economic growth. Recent tax cuts announced in the Union Budget will also contribute to rising consumption. The report estimates that these tax reductions will free up Rs 1 lakh crore, leading to an additional Rs 3.3 lakh crore in spending, which could boost India’s GDP by 1 per cent. India is expected to follow a global trend where discretionary spending, such as electronics, apparel, accessories (including jewellery), and experiences, grows faster than essential spending. The report notes that during periods of economic expansion, both the US and China saw discretionary consumption outpace basic spending, and India is likely to follow the same pattern. "Consumption spend in the US increased 10X during the phase of a strong rise in per capita income. India can witness similar growth in consumption as per capita income rises," the report added. Despite the rise of modern retail, 92 per cent of India’s retail trade still happens through small neighbourhood Kirana stores. This presents a huge opportunity for organised retail to expand and capture a larger market share, the report said. The report also highlights the role of India’s young population in driving consumption. India has more Gen Zers than the entire population of the United States. By 2035, every second rupee spent in India will come from a Gen Zer, further fueling the country’s consumption boom. that neither I nor any of my family members had stored or kept any cash or currency in that storeroom at any point of time,” he said. “During the exercise to douse the fire, all staff and the members of his household were asked to move away from the scene of the incident in view of safety concerns,” said the judge, adding that after the fire was doused, they (all staff and family members) saw no cash or currency on site, said Justice Varma. CJI Sanjiv Khanna constituted a three-member committee to conduct an inquiry against Justice Varma. “The Chief Justice of India has constituted a three-member Committee consisting of Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana; Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh; and Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the High Court of Karnataka, for conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting Judge of the High Court of Delhi," said a press statement released by the Supreme Court. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 MARCH External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ applies to the country’s foreign policy too, pointing out that India is among the few countries that can simultaneously engage with Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Iran. Speaking on ‘Diplomacy in the age of Disruptions’ at a media event in Mumbai last night, he said: “Even in a sensitive domain like defence and security, Indian diplomacy ensures that both our armed forces and businesses have the widest possible selection of partners.” The foreign minister said that as far as international cooperation is concerned, India has shown the ability to forge different combinations for different domains, be it trade, technology, energy or security. “The endeavour, in the final analysis, is to keep as many doors open as possible. I have always maintained that 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' applies equally to the foreign policy." The External Affairs Minister said: “A strategic approach also helps widen options. In the current polarised era, India is among the few that can simultaneously engage Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Iran, the democratic West and the Global South, and the BRICS and QUAD. We have initiated or joined more than 40 different groupings devoted to specific agendas - from renewables and biofuels to disaster resilience and connectivity,” he said. He also spoke about the TRIBUTE TO MARTYRS Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the unveiling of the statue of Shaheed Bhagat Singh on his martyrdom day, as BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj and others look on, in the capital on Sunday. n SNS (More reports on page 2) Manipur visit: Judges urge to uphold Constitutional values India receives artefacts of Mahatma Gandhi donated by his kin in South Africa STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE UNITED NEWS OF INDIA IMPHAL, 23 MARCH NEW DELHI, 23 MARCH A delegation of Supreme Court judges, led by Justice BR Gavai, that is visiting Manipur, participated in the duodecennial celebrations of the Manipur High Court in Imphal. During the visit, Justice Gavai inaugurated the Secretariat of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur along with several new court buildings and projects. Speaking at the function to mark the 12th anniversary of the establishment of the Manipur High Court, Justice N Kotiswar Singh addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of upholding constitutional values to overcome the state's challenges. “Manipur, as a small state, is not without challenges, but fortunately, we have the Constitution which provides us guidance to work in difficult times," he said. Justice Singh highlighted that the Supreme Court del- Artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi while he was in Durban, South Africa, including clothing items handspun by him like Kasturba Gandhi’s saree with a red border, her blouse, and some khadi cloth, were today handed over by the Gandhi Development Trust and Phoenix Settlement Trust to the National Gandhi Museum in Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar witnessed the handing over of the artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi. The handing over was done by Kidar Ramgobin, the greatgrandson of Mahatma Gandhi, toA.Annamalai,Director,National Gandhi Museum. In a post on X, Mr Jaishankar said: “Privileged to witness the handing over of artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi, by @PST_GDT, South Africa to National Gandhi Museum, New Delhi. “Bapu’s life and message egation observed a sense of optimism among the people despite the ongoing crisis. During their visit to the conflict-affected districts of Churachandpur and Bishnupur, the judges witnessed enthusiasm among the residents, reflecting hope for reconciliation and stability. “There is so much optimism in Churachandpur and Bishnupur. Despite the challenges, we can overcome them if we abide by constitutional values,” Justice Singh noted. He also praised the rich traditions and vibrant community of Churachandpur, acknowledging its con- tribution to the legal system and judiciary. “Churachandpur has produced two eminent judges of the Manipur High Court," he added. Apart from attending the celebrations, the judges visited relief camps and interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom have been affected by the ongoing ethnic violence between the Imphal Valleybased Meitei community and the adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups. The violence, which began in May 2023, has claimed over 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless. challenges Indian businesses face in a volatile world and highlighted the importance of trust while advancing trade and technology partnerships. “The importance of trust and strong political relationships in advancing our trade and technology partnerships. Our diverse energy partnerships as well as choices, to meet our development demands,” he said. Mr Jaishankar also talked about the active role played by Indian embassies in pursuing India’s commercial interests, the role of concessional financing in enabling access for Indian businesses abroad, the efforts for Indian talent mobility in a global workplace and in reaching out to Indians abroad when in distress." He highlighted India's endeavours in promoting tourism, as an economic driver back home, connectivity initiatives, globally and in the neighbourhood and the key role therein for Indian businesses. "As we move forward, our diplomacy and businesses must continue to work together as Team India in the quest for a Viksit Bharat and in promoting India's interests globally,” the minister said in a social media post on X later. continue to inspire generations to come.” Mahatma Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 and departed in 1915. In the intervening period, he stayed for a long duration in Durban and had established the Phoenix Settlement in 1904. The Phoenix Settlement and its programme is conducted through the Gandhi Development Trust and the Phoenix Settlement Trust, which are registered Non–Profit Organisations in South Africa. The family of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly Manilal Gandhi. his son, resided in the settlement and continued to work the printing press after the departure of Mahatma Gandhi, and produced the Indian Opinion newspaper and other publications for the Natal Indian Congress. The legacy of Gandhi’s family in South Africa continues through Ela Gandhi, daughter of Manilal, and her son Kidar Ramgobin, who played a key role in the donation. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a landmark visit to South Africa, during which he retraced Mahat- ma Gandhi’s historic train journey from Pentrich to Pietermaritzburg. PM Modi also visited Mahatma Gandhi’s home ‘Sarvodaya’ at Phoenix Settlement, accompanied by Ela Gandhi, and saw various artefacts associated with the formative years of Bapu’s political life. During the visit, PM Modi stated that it was in South Africa that Mahatma Gandhi found his true calling. In light of the historic and enduring legacy of Bapu’s life and connect with both India and South Africa, the Gandhi Development Trust and the Phoenix Settlement Trust (GDT/PDT) decided to donate some items which belonged to the family of Mahatma Gandhi back to India, to the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. On 21 March 2025, Kidar Ramgobin donated few artefacts associated with the life of Mahatma Gandhi to A Annamalai, Director, National Gandhi Museum, in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar witnessed the handing over of the artefacts. PM podcast now available in multiple languages STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 MARCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent podcast with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman is now available in multiple languages including Gujarati, Telugu and Odia, with an aim to make the conversation accessible to a wider audience. In a post on X, the Prime Minister on Sunday wrote: “The recent podcast with Lex Fridman is now available in multiple languages! This aims to make the conversation accessible to a wider audience. Do hear it….” It may be mentioned that the Prime Minister in the three-hour podcast had talked on a wide range of subjects. On Donald Trump, he had said the US president appears highly focused in his current term and has built a strong team, with whom he also had the opportunity to meet.