MONDAY 21 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00| LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR YOUTH IN BIHAR WANT JOB, NOT SPEECHES: RAHUL GANDHI A FIRM STAND P6 WEATHER GENERALLY CLOUDY SKY. VERY LIGHT TO LIGHT RAIN ACCOMPANIED WITH THUNDERSTORM/LIGHTNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 33 AND 27 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 87 % TEMPERATURE P5 P9 Monsoon Session expected to be stormy affair with Oppn seeking to put govt on the spot on Op Sindoor, Bihar SIR, Trump’s claims NEW DELHI, 20 JULY Min: 26.2 °C (1.1) SUN SETS 19:19 hrs MOON SETS 16:19 hrs THUMBNAILS Passengers in large numbers wait to board a train as Police Constable Recruitment Exam aspirants return after their examination at a railway station in Patna on Sunday. n ANI SIT to probe Dharmasthala allegations: The Karnataka government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising four senior IPS officers to probe the alleged murders in Dharmasthala. The development is likely to stir controversy, as Dharmasthala is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre. (Page 8) P12 ‘Govt ready to discuss Op PM Modi to visit UK, the Sindoor in Parliament’ Maldives from 23-26 July STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min. 59 % Max: 35.5 °C (+0.6) SUN RISES 05:37 hrs MOON RISES 02:32 hrs JAPAN VOTES IN KEY ARSHDEEP SINGH ELECTION AS PM ISHIBA SUFFERS INJURY FACES POSSIBLE LOSS T he Monsoon Session of Parliament, kicking off Monday, by all expectations, would be a turbulent affair with stormy confrontations between the BJP-led government and the Opposition parties expected to dominate the proceedings. With the Opposition seeking debate on various sensitive topics ~ like Operation Sindoor, US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire, and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision in Bihar ~ the atmosphere can be expected to be surcharged. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said after an all-party meeting on Sunday that the government is prepared to hold discussions on all key issues, including Operation Sindoor, during the Monsoon session. “We are very much open to discussing important issues like Operation Sindoor in Parliament,” Mr Rijiju said, as he urged coordination between government and the Opposition in running Parliament smoothly. On the Opposition's plans to raise the controversy surrounding US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Mr Rijiju said the government would address the matter on the floor of the House. “Government will respond appropriately in Parliament,” he said. As regards the Justice Yaswant Varma case, he said that the government plans to move an impeachment motion with over 100 MPs signing it. “In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the government alone," Mr Rijiju said. The session that begins Monday will conclude on 21 August, with 21 sittings scheduled across both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The government is planning to introduce eight new bills during the session. On the other side, the Opposition is gearing up to put the government on the spot on several key issues. They are expected to seek answers on the government's handling of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. They will also seek clarity, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the US President's repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. They are also expected to raise questions about the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is also expected to be raised, along with the still unresolved conflict in Manipur. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 20 JULY Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a visit to the UK and Maldives from 23 to 26 July, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday. “At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to the United Kingdom from 23–24 July 2025,” the MEA said in its statement. During the visit to the UK, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations as well as on issues of regional and global importance. Both sides will review progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focusing on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defense and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties. PM Modi is also expected to call on King Charles III. In the second leg of his trip, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives from 25 to 26 July on the invitation of the President of the Republic of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister Modi's third visit to the Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to the island nation during the Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu. PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Maldivian Independence on 26 July. He will also meet Mr Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the IndiaMaldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ adopted during the state visit of Mr Muizzu to India in October 2024. The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship. Odisha burn victim airlifted to Seeking presence of PM in House at all times is unfair: Rijiju Delhi AIIMS amid Oppn protests STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that PM Modi is one among those who have registered the highest attendance in Parliament. NEW DELHI, 20 JULY Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday slammed the Opposition parties’ attempt to create an unnecessary row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence during proceedings of Parliament, saying that seeking the presence of the Prime Minister in the House at all times, that too against the conventions, is unfair. Mr Rijiju said the Prime Minister makes it a point to attend proceedings unless he is visiting a state to attend an important event or is abroad. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister asserted that PM Modi is one among those who have registered the highest attendance in Parliament. Addressing mediapersons after chairing an all-party meeting on the eve of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said: “Seeking the presence of PM Modi in the House at all times, that too against the conventions, is unfair,” he said, hitting out an attempt to target the Prime Minister while ignoring the established system for proceedings. Mr Rijiju said: “Whenever there are questions taken up during Question Hour related to PM Modi’s ministry, he is there. He has not missed the proceedings even once.” “In the House, the Cabinet functions on the basis of collective responsibility. The Cabinet minister concerned is always present in the House during Question Hour,” he said. As per the convention, the Minister related to the department on which a question is asked remains present in the House, and in addition to that, at least one Cabinet Minister and two Ministers of State are Naidu slams Western media for speculative coverage of AI-171 probe STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 20 JULY Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday hit out at the Western media for their speculative coverage of the probe into the 12 June Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives, saying that making any comments until the final report comes is not a good exercise for anyone. The minister said that the Union government would wait for the final report on the investigation into the tragic Air India Boeing crash before making any comments. He reiterated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had made an appeal to all, especially Western media houses who may have vested interest, referring to some misleading articles being published in relation to the unfortunate AI171 plane crash. “I believe in AAIB. They have done a wonderful job in decoding the whole black box and getting the data out in India itself,” the minister said. “It was a huge success for us because in previous inci- dents, whenever the black box was seen to be damaged, it was always sent abroad to get the data out. But this is the first time that AAIB has successfully decoded everything. The preliminary report has also been prepared,” Mr Naidu said. The minister stated that making any comments until the final report comes is not a good exercise for anyone. The government is being very cautious and studying the report thoroughly, and whatever necessary steps are required in terms of safety would be implemented, he added. “Regarding the incident and investigation, we have to wait for the final report before we say anything,” the minister said. "Making any comments until the final report comes out is not a good exercise... There is no point in jumping to conclusions at this point," the minister told reporters after launching IndiGo's flight operations from Hindon Airport. "AAIB has made an appeal to all, especially Western media houses, which may have a vested interest in the kind of articles they are trying to publish," he said. Earlier this week, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India issued a strong appeal to the public and media, raising concerns about "selective and unverified reporting" by certain international outlets in the aftermath of the ill-fated Air India 171 crash that took the lives of 260 people. The caution came amid heightened global scrutiny following reports in international media. A Wall Street Journal report, cited by Reuters, suggests that cockpit voice recordings indicate the captain may have turned off the fuel control switches shortly after takeoff, which prompted confusion and panic in the cockpit. always present in Parliament, he said. Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has expressed hope that the Prime Minister will address critical issues in Parliament, particularly regarding defence, foreign policy, and electoral structure. Mr Gogoi emphasised the importance of PM Modi's presence in Parliament to provide clarity on the Pahalgam terror attack, responding to US President Donald Trump's claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and the Election Commission's functioning, particularly about the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and its potential extension to other states. At the all-party meeting, a day before the monsoon session of Parliament, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the government will have to put forth its point on the security lapse in the ghastly 22 April terror attack. "There are some crucial issues that will be raised in the monsoon session, and this is why we have more hope than before that Prime Minister Modi will address the country through the House. Those important issues are Pahalgam and the security lapse, as well as the things the Lieutenant Governor said about it. A lot of time has passed, and the government will have to put forth its point on it,” Mr Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, told reporters here. BHUBANESWAR, 20 JULY The 15-year-old girl from a village in Puri district, who suffered 75 per cent burn injuries after allegedly being set ablaze by three unidentified miscreants near Bayabar village on Saturday, was airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi on Sunday. AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas confirmed that the girl's condition had stabilised, making her fit for air travel. A special flight transported her, accompanied by medical staff and two family members. A green corridor was created between AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and Biju Patnaik International Airport to facilitate the transfer. The brutal incident, coming on the heels of the tragic selfimmolation of a female student from FM College, has triggered statewide outrage and sharp criticism of the BJP-led state government for The incident had triggered outrage and sharp criticism of the Odisha government for rising crimes against women rising crimes against women. The initial account stated that the girl was waylaid by three bike-borne miscreants, taken to an isolated embankment, doused with an inflammable substance, and set on fire. However, senior police officials confided that there are inconsistencies in this version, and no concrete evidence confirming the presence of three assailants has yet been found. The Opposition BJD and Congress intensified their protests, first staging a demonstration at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Saturday, followed by a gherao of Balanga police station on Sunday. They demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on moral grounds and also called for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who heads the Women and Child Development Department, and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryavanshi. It is pertinent to note that the All India Mahila Congress has announced that it will stage protests and raise the issue in Parliament when the monsoon session begins on Monday. The investigation has been intensified with DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania visiting the crime scene. Forensic experts revisited the site for the second time in two days. Meanwhile, local police have begun questioning at least eight individuals, including some of the victim's relatives, to identify the perpetrators and uncover the motive behind the attack. Courage has no age: Ropar’s Teghbir’s journey from Sunday treks to world records PARWINDER SANDHU NEW DELHI, 20 JULY They say that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a small step. But for 6-yearold Teghbir Singh, the small steps helped him summit Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus, located at an altitude of 18,510 feet. With a world record under his belt, the child prodigy is now eyeing his next destination, Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia. A determined class 2 student, Teghbir’s sheer courage and focused attitude have helped him in achieving milestones with ease, which many adults can only dream of but couldn’t dare to attempt. Before reaching the age of 6, the wonder boy had already scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa (19,341 ft), Mount Everest Base Camp, and was awarded the youngest Asian to scale Mt Kilimanjaro. Visiting his home located in the quiet bylanes of Ropar, in Punjab, The Statesman was received by an eager Teghbir who was running along, leading the way to his home. Accompanied by his father, Sukhinder Singh, a hospital administrator, one could see the calmness and the bond Teghbir shared with his father, his companion on the arduous treks. Once inside, one could see the display of Teghbir’s achievements in the form of certificates, medals, and photographs. On being asked how he felt about his achievements, Teghbir coyly admits, “Good.” It was the curiosity of accompanying his father on the latter’s routine Sunday short treks to nearby ranges that got Teghbir hooked on trekking and mountaineering. “I used to go for Sunday hikes to ranges located around Ropar. Teghbir was 3 years old at that time. He pestered me to take him along with me. On the first trek itself, he walked the entire trail without complaining even once. It happened again on a couple of treks. It was then that Bikramjit Singh Ghuman, a handball coach, realized Teghbir’s potential and decided to train him for the professional climbs,” Sukhinder disclosed. Sharing the best moments from his Mt Elbrus summit, the six-year-old said that it was the last section that was covered in snow. “I wanted to play in the snow, but then the guide asked me to summit first. During the descent, I played in the snow and made a snowman with my father. It was the best time,” said Teghbir, quite unaware of the magnitude of his achievement. Expressing concern over the negative comments floating on social media regarding the health and well being of Teghbir, his mother, Dr Manpreet Kaur, a gynecologist, said that initially it used to bother them as parents, but not anymore. “We come from a land which has given birth and seen the sacrifice of Chaar Sahibzadas. For us, bravery and courage are not defined by age. We take complete care of Teghbir’s physical requirements and mental health. As parents, we will never push our child to do something that would be harmful to him. He enjoys the climbs, and if that started at an early age, as parents, we should nurture it with proper guidance and care,” she said.