FRIDAY 25 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR PIB DISMISSES VIRAL CLAIMS ON DHANKHAR TARIFF TRUCE P5 SENSEX 82,184.17 q542.47 WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY.VERY LIGHT TO LIGHT RAIN ACCOMPANIED WITH THUNDERSTORM/LIGHTNING.THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 36 AND 25 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 000.0 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 94% P6 NIFTY 25,062.10 q157.80 ` vs $ 86.42 GOLD `1,01,750 PM says extremist forces must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms THUMBNAILS NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 24 JULY Heavy rainfall causes streams to swell in Poonch’s Bedar village on Thursday. nANI India, Pakistan likely to be in same group for Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan are expected to be drawn into the same group for the Asia Cup 2025, setting the stage for another high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals, says a report. The Asia Cup was a key topic of discussion during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Dhaka on Thursday, with officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) attending virtually. The BCCI, which holds the hosting rights for the eight-team tournament, has reportedly agreed to stage the event at a neutral venue, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerging as the frontrunners. I n a stern message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that India and the United Kingdom (UK) are of one view that there is no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism. Making a press statement along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, after the signing of the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, PM Modi said: “We are united in our view that there can be no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism.” The Prime Minister thanked the United Kingdom for its condemning the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi further said that both India and the UK agree that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms. “Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account,” he said. On the issue of extradition of economic offenders, PM Modi said: "On the matter of extradition of economic offenders as well, our agencies will continue to work together in close coordination and cooperation." Speaking on the ongoing conflicts in the world, the Prime Minister said: “We have continued to share our perspectives on peace and stability in the IndoPacific, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in West Asia. We support early restoration of peace and stability. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is essential. Today’s era demands development, not expansionism." He also offered condolences to the families of the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. “Last month, in the tragic accident that took place SC stays Bombay HC judgment on 7/11 blasts; no halt on release of acquitted persons PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 24 JULY The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Bombay High Court judgment in the 2006 Mumbai train serial blasts case to the limited extent that it will not be treated as a precedent in other cases being prosecuted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). However, it refused to halt the release of the eleven accused who were acquitted by the High Court. A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh made it clear that since the respondents had already been released, there was no question of sending them back to prison. “All respondents released and thus no question to bring them back to prison. However, on the question of law, we will say that the impugned judgment is not to be treated as precedent in any other cases. Therefore, to that extent, let there be a stay on the impugned judgment,” the bench said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State of Maharashtra, sought the limited stay, submitting that the High Court’s findings could impact other trials being conducted under MCOCA. “So far as the stay is concerned, I am not on liberty (of the accused). There are some findings which will affect all our MCOCA trials. The judgment can be stayed and the release be not hampered,” he told the bench. Accepting the submission, the court issued notice to the acquitted persons. “We will issue notice. Let the parties come. We will hear them and decide,” the court said. Nine of the acquitted individuals have already been released from prison, while two ~ Mohammad Faisal Ataur Rahman Shaikh and Naveed Hussain Khan ~ remain incarcerated in con- Anil Ambani not on boards of companies, says statement after ED raids his 35 properties STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE MUMBAI, 24 JULY The Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure issued a statement on Thursday that raids carried out by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) "have absolutely no impact on the business operations, financial performance, shareholders, employees, or any other stakeholders of the companies". "The media reports appear to pertain to allegations concerning transactions of Reliance Communications Limited (RCom) or Reliance Home Finance Limited (RHFL) which are more than 10 years old," the statement mentioned. "It is clarified that Reliance Power is a separate and independent listed entity with no business or financial linkage to RCOM or RHFL," the statement clarified. "RCOM has been undergoing the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process as per the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 for over 6 years. "RHFL has been fully resolved pursuant to the judgment of the Supreme Court. Similar allegations as those set out in the media reports are sub-judice and pending before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), as per publicly available information," according to the statement. "Further, Anil Ambani is not on the Board of Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure. Accordingly, any action taken against RCOM or RHFL has no bearing or impact on the governance, management, or operations of both the companies," the statement maintained. Earlier on Thursday, the ED raided more than 35 premises and 50 companies linked to the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group to probe an alleged Rs 3,000-Crore Yes Bank loan fraud, where Bank officials allegedly received bribes. According to the ED, the raids and searches were conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on two FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after inputs shared by the including Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the National Housing Bank (NHB), Bank of Baroda and the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). nection with other pending cases. One accused, Kamal Ansari, died in 2021 due to Covid-19 while lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. The case pertains to the 11 July 2006 serial bomb blasts in suburban trains on Mumbai’s Western Railway line. Seven explosions occurred during peak hours, killing 187 people and injuring over 800 others. A lengthy investigation and trial under MCOCA led to the conviction of twelve accused ~ who now stand acquitted ~ by a Special Court in October 2015. Five were awarded the death penalty ~ Kamal Ansari, Mohammad Faisal Shaikh, Ehtesham Siddiqui, Naveed Khan, and Asif Khan ~ while seven others were sentenced to life imprisonment. P12 SILVER `1,18,000 India, UK of one mind on terror fight: Modi Min: 25°C (-2.3) SUN SETS 19:17 hrs MOON SETS 19:58 hrs TEMPERATURE 17-YR-OLD UNNATI STUNS SINDHU P9 Min. 58% Max: 35.9°C (1.0) SUN RISES 05:40 hrs MOON RISES 06:56 hrs ZELENSKYY ANNOUNCES NEW ANTI-GRAFT BILL AFTER RARE PROTESTS in Ahmedabad, several of those who lost their lives were our brothers and sisters from the UK. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families,” PM Modi said. Mentioning the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India's ties with the UK, he said: “The people of Indian origin living in the UK serve as a living bridge in our relationship. They did not just bring curry from India, but also creativity, commitment, and character. Their contribution is not limited to the UK’s thriving economy ~ it is equally visible in the country's culture, sports, and public service.” The Prime Minister also highlighted how cricket is a passion for both nations and expressed India's commitment to building a high scoring solid partnership with the UK. "I would be remiss not to mention cricket when India and the UK are coming together, especially during a Test series. For both of us cricket is not just a game but a passion. And also, a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be a swing and a miss at times. But we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high scoring solid partnership," he said. BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 69.10 India, UK sign landmark free trade deal to boost $34 billion in annual trade STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 24 JULY India and the United Kingdom on Thursday signed a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at enhancing bilateral trade by nearly $34 billion annually. The deal was formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This marks India’s most comprehensive trade pact to date, eliminating duties on 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, leather goods, agricultural products, and chemicals. For the UK, the FTA unlocks reduced tariffs and wider access for key exports like whisky, automobiles, and financial services. According to Indian officials, the agreement will immediately halve the import duty on Scotch whisky to 75 per cent, with a phased reduction to 40 per cent over a decade. Tariffs on electric vehicles will also drop sharply, from 110 per cent to 10 per cent under a quota-based system. India will reduce 90 per cent of its tariff lines, with average tariffs on UK products falling from 15 per cent to just 3 per cent. The deal is expected to boost India’s competitive- ness across multiple sectors. Leather exports could capture an additional 5 per cent market share in the UK within two years, while exports of electronics, engineering goods, and chemicals are set to surge. Gems and jewellery exports are projected to double from the current $941 million in three years, and software services exports may grow 20 per cent annually. Indian farm products will now enjoy tariff parity with major EU exporters, giving a leg up to agricultural trade, while zero-duty access to UK markets could position India more competitively against regional rivals such as Bangladesh and Cambodia. For the UK, the trade agreement is projected to increase exports to India by nearly 60 per cent in the long term. It includes provisions for UK firms to bid on Indian federal procurement contracts and features chapters on services, financial services, and intellectual property— ensuring a level playing field for British companies. Importantly, the agreement preserves India’s ability to supply generic pharmaceuticals, addressing earlier concerns over potential restrictions tied to intellectual property standards. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a “major win for Britain,” saying it would generate thousands of jobs and support economic growth across the country. His office also announced nearly £6 billion in new investments and export wins tied to the agreement, expected to create over 2,200 jobs. 100 per cent proof of EC allowing cheating, says Rahul Gandhi; poll panel rebuffs charge STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 24 JULY In a rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations of allowing cheating in the voter list revision process, the Election Commission Thursday said that the electoral rolls are prepared transparently and copies are shared with recognized political parties. Rahul Gandhi during the day had accused the Election Commission of India of allowing cheating in the voter list revision process, claiming to have "100 per cent proof" of manipulation in a Karnataka constituency. In a quick rejoinder, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka took to social media to clarify that electoral rolls are prepared with utmost transparency saying: "Electoral rolls are prepared transparently; copies were shared with recognised political parties." Speaking to reporters outside Parliament during the day, Mr Gandhi said: “We have concrete, 100 per cent proof of the Election Commission allowing cheating in a seat in Karnataka… we decide to show it to you, it is 100 per cent proof. We just looked at one constituency and we found this. I am absolutely convinced that constituency after constituency this is the drama that is taking place." Mr Gandhi's accusations come amid protests by the INDIA bloc parties in Parliament, demanding a discussion on the issue and roll-back of the SIR exercise. “I want to send a message to the Election Commission ~ if you think you are going to get away with this, if your officers think they are going to get away with this, you are mistaken. You are not going to get away with this because we are going to come for you,” Mr Gandhi said. ECI defends voter list purge: The ECI Thursday, responded to criticism over its Special Intensive Review drive, questioning whether it should allow fake votes to be cast in the name of deceased voters, migrants, or those with duplicate registrations. “The Constitution of India is the mother of Indian democracy....So, fearing these things, should the Election Commission, getting misled by some people, pave the way for some to cast fake votes in the name of deceased voters, voters who have migrated permanently, voters who have got their votes registered at two places, fake voters or foreign voters, going against the Constitution, first in Bihar, then in the entire country,” the ECI asked in a statement. IOA resolves internal row, forms anti-doping panel as 2036 Olympic push gains steam TRIDIB BAPARNASH NEW DELHI, 24 JULY Ending a prolonged standoff, the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Executive Council (EC) on Thursday ratified the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as Chief Executive Officer and announced the formation of a panel to address the country’s doping concerns, an issue flagged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during India’s recent pitch for the 2036 Olympic Games. Iyer’s appointment, made by IOA President PT Usha in January 2024, had been held up due to opposition from EC members over his remuneration package of Rs 20 lakh per month, along with additional perks. However, the impasse was resolved following the intervention of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, clearing the way for Iyer’s official appointment. At a press conference following the EC meeting on Thursday, Usha also launched Mission 2036, which aims to elevate India's global sporting profile. “We are focused on our long-term goal of transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. It's part of the resolve to power through India's sporting aspirations via Mission 2036. We also aim to bring the Olympics to India in 2036,” Usha said. India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics was first formally articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the IOC Annual Session in Mumbai in October 2023, with Ahmedabad identified as the proposed host city. Meanwhile, in response to concerns raised by the IOC regarding India’s doping record, the IOA has constituted a seven-member anti-doping panel led by former Davis Cup player Rohit Rajpal, with former shuttler Aparna Popat and sports medicine expert Dr PSM Chandran as the members, along with four others. “The IOC (International Olympic Committee) mentioned high doping cases in India when the IOA (delegation) visited Lausanne,” Iyer said at the joint press meet alongside Usha and other EC members. India had last month topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2023 testing figures among countries which analysed 5,000 or more samples with a high positivity rate of 3.8 per cent for banned substances. Taking a U-turn from their original stance regarding the new sports bill, which was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, the IOA finally welcomed it. The bill, once enacted, will lead to the institution of a National Sports Board that will be authorised to grant recognition to national federations and regulate their funding as well.