SATURDAY 05 APRIL 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR BLACK PHASE: STALIN AS PRESIDENT NIXES NEET EXEMPTION BILL DHANKHAR HAILS WAQF BILL PASSAGE IN RECORD RS SITTING P5 SENSEX 75,364.69q930.67 WEATHER Generally clear. Nearby storms may bring lightning, gusty winds. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 38°C and 27°C respectively. NIFTY ‘ECI IS NOT UNBIASED’ P4 22,904.45q345.65 ` vs $ 85.23 P7 P12 SILVER 1,08,000 GOLD 93,230.00 BIMSTEC: PM proposes 21-point action plan BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 65.26q4.88 PM conveys to B’desh India's concern over safety of Hindus India will extend support for training in cancer care across BIMSTEC nations RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY ASHOK TUTEJA Max. 75% Min. 48% NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL Min: 27.3˚C SUN SETS 17:53 hrs MOON SETS 00:25 hrs U TEMPERATURE Max: 38.2˚C SUN RISES 05:25 hrs MOON RISES 11:11 hrs IPL 2025: SPINNERS TAKE CENTRESTAGE AS CHENNAI HOST DELHI Full Moon on 13 April THUMBNAILS With the rising sun, devotees arrive to perform ‘Arghya’ on the fourth and last day of the Chaiti Chhath festival 2025, at river Ganga in Patna on Friday. n ANI Tariff war: China announced Friday that it will impose a 34 per cent tariff on imports of all U.S. products beginning 10 April 1, part of a flurry of retaliatory measures following U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” slate of double-digit tariffs, sending stock markets worldwide careening even lower on Friday. The new tariff matches the rate of the US “reciprocal” tariff of 34 per cent on Chinese exports that Trump ordered this week. (Details on Page 9) nderlining that a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is the shared priority of BIMSTEC nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed a 21-point action plan to enhance cooperation among the members of the sevennation grouping. Addressing the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, he proposed, among other things, establishing connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment systems of BIMSTEC member states. Such integration, he said, would bring substantial benefits across trade, industry, and tourism, enhancing economic activity at all levels. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), the seven-nation grouping, brings together five Asian nations - India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka - and two Southeast Asian nations -Thai- land and Myanmar. The PM said India will extend support for training and capacity-building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries. Mr Modi was of the view that to further strengthen BIMSTEC, the member-nations must continue to expand the grouping's scope and enhance its institutional capacities. “It is encouraging to note that the Home Ministers’ mechanism is being institutionalised. This forum can play a major role in the fight against cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. In this regard, I propose that India host the first meeting of this mechanism later this year,” he said. He said trade and business connectivity are vital to the collective progress of the BIMSTEC nations. To strengthen collaboration and coordination among business communities, he proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, he said, will be organised to foster greater economic engagement. He also suggested conducting a feasibility study to explore the potential for trade in local currencies within the BIMSTEC region. “The Maritime Transport Agreement concluded (among BIMSTEC nations) today will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport, giving a significant boost to trade across the region,” the PM said. He also proposed the establishment of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre. This Centre will focus on capacity building, research, innovation, and fostering greater coordination in maritime policy. It will also serve as a catalyst for enhancing our cooperation in maritime security across the region. The PM said the recent earthquake, which shook Myanmar and Thailand, has been a stark reminder of how vulnerable the BIMSTEC region remains to natural disasters. In this context, he proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India. This Centre will facilitate cooperation in disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus India's deep concern over the safety and security of the minorities, including Hindus, in the neighbouring country and hoped the interim government would ensure their safety, including by thoroughly investigating all cases of atrocities committed against them. The meeting between the two leaders on the margins of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok was the first since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina regime in Bangladesh in August last year. ''This issue did come up. Bangladesh has made a formal request regarding Sheikh Hasina. Saying anything more on this will not be correct right now," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed. PM Modi hails passage of Waqf bills in Parliament as watershed moment STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Quad pledges over $20 million in humanitarian assistance for quake-hit Myanmar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL The four Quad nations on Friday pledged over $20 million in humanitarian assistance to Myanmar to deal with the situation arising from the recent earthquake in the country. In a joint statement, India, Japan, Australia and the United States expressed deep sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand following the quake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March. The significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure worsen an already-dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, they noted and welcomed recent commitments to temporary, partial ceasefires and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden these measures, to provide a safe and conducive environment to facilitate timely delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance throughout the Southeast Asian country. Modi assures Myanmar of India's assistance STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams continuing search and rescue operations in earthquake-hit areas of Myanmar under Operation Brahma, on Friday. n ANI ''We, the Quad partners, have so far committed humanitarian assistance estimated at a combined value of over USD 20 million. Through our funding and bilateral efforts, we are delivering relief supplies, deploying emergency medical teams and supporting humanitarian partners working in Myanmar to provide care for those affected by the earthquake,'' the joint statement said. It said the Quad is coordinating efforts to ensure that our response effectively and efficiently distributes assistance and meets the needs of the communities affected. The Quad’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Partnership has established a coordination group that is collaborating closely with other partners, including the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assis- tance on disaster management. Quad cooperation traces its origin to our response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and since then we have provided practical and effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in moments of need across the Indo-Pacific. “We affirm the Quad’s commitment to working together in response to natural disasters and broader challenges to regional stability and security, as part of our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the statement added. Opposition MPs protest over US tariffs on India in Parl premises STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL Opposition MPs, including the Congress, held a protest on Friday in the Parliament premises over the US' reciprocal tariff on India, and demanded the government's response on the issue. Congress lawmakers, including Deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, Shashi Tharoor and Manickram Tagore, staged the protest at Makar Dwar against the Centre after the Donald Trump administration imposed 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on India. Speaking to reporters, Congress MP K C Venugopal said: “Yesterday, too, we raised this issue in the House. The LoP also raised it. This will be a big attack on the Indian economy. We are asking for a reply from the government on this, but the government is running away by shutting the Parliament. The Finance Minister is not replying.” Mr Gogoi told reporters: “At a time when the Indian economy is in trouble, the PM has started his 'maun vrat'. Opposition leaders are protesting today, asking him to break his silence." Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said: “See, what has happened now...The US has imposed tariffs on us. There was friendship (between India and the US), but see what has happened now." Congress’ Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said: ''The PM should come to the House and give an answer on the issue of tariffs." Earlier today, Congress MP Manish Tewari gave a notice to move an adjournment motion to discuss the "deteriorating" diplomatic relations of India with the United States in light of recent incidents of visa revocations affecting Indian students and the imposition of a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. The Congress Rajya Sabha lawmaker has sought permission from the Chair to raise this matter for urgent discussion in the House. Congress MP Manickram Tagore also gave the notice to move a motion for the adjournment to discuss the recent US tariffs on the Indian economy, which are "adversely affecting" Indian exports, imports, and the livelihoods of farmers, businesses, and MSMEs across the nation. On Thursday, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi raised the issue in the House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday and reassured him of India's assistance to deal with the recent devastating earthquake in the Southeast Asia nation. The two leaders, who met on the margins of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development and more. In a post on X, the PM wrote: “Met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Once again, expressed con- The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building and more. dolences on the loss of lives and damage to property in the wake of the recent earthquake. India is doing whatever is possible to assist our sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time.'' Mr Modi also met Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay and discussed cooperation between the two countries in different areas. “Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust. We are cooperating extensively in several sectors.'' NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill in both Houses of Parliament, saying it marks a watershed moment in the country's collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. In separate threads posted on X, he wrote: “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.” He expressed gratitude to all MPs who participated in the Parliamentary and Committee discussions, voiced their perspectives and contributed to the strengthening of these legislations. “A special thanks also to the countless people who “ “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.” NARENDRA MODI PRIME MINISTER sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed,” he added. The PM noted that “for decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims. The legislation passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights.” He said the country will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passes away STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 APRIL Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 on Friday. A legendary name in Hindi cinema, he was best known for his patriotic films like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970). He breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, family sources said. The actor was reportedly admitted to the hospital after suffering heart-related complications. According to the hospital, the secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis. Born in present-day Pakistan, Kumar’s birth name is Harikrishan Giri Goswami. He received the Padma Shri in 1992 for his contributions to Bollywood and was later honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. Known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his patriotic films, he also made a mark with classics like Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, and Kranti. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared pictures of the legendary actor in a social media post. “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Sharad Pawar also paid their tributes to the veteran actor-filmmaker. The late actor's son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that his last rites will be performed on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Pawan Hans in front of Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle (West). Speaking to media persons here, Kunal Goswami also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his heartfelt tweet, saying: "I thank PM Narendra Modi for his tweet... Be it Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, or Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, these movies are still relevant today. The issues he raised are still relevant today whether in the Parliament or in society". In his condolence message, Fadnavis stated: "I pay my tributes to the senior artiste 'Bharat Kumar' who aroused and instilled the sentiment of patriotism and awareness about Indian social life among citizens." He said Kumar made a mark for himself with his film "Shaheed", playing revolutionary Bhagat Singh, and later focussed on the issue of agriculture in several of his movies. NCP president Sharad Pawar called Manoj Kumar's demise as "heartbreaking". "He was known for his patriotic films and acting. The lines in his song 'Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon, Bharat Ki Baat Sunata Hoon' that introduce the great tradition of Indian culture still resonate in the mind," according to a post tweeted on X.