FRIDAY 25 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 16 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR DHANKHAR NOT ASKED TO VACATE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE: GOVT TARIFF TRUCE P5 SENSEX 82,184.17 q542.47 WEATHER Generally Cloudy sky with one or two spells of light to moderate rain/ thundershower very likely to occur. RAINFALL: 00.2 mm P8 NIFTY 25,062.10 q157.80 P11 ` vs $ 86.42 TEMPERATURE Max: 35.2˚C (+3.2) Min: 28.3˚C (+1.8) SUN RISES 05:05 hrs MOON RISES 04:13 hrs SUN SETS 18:22 hrs MOON SETS 18:14 hrs New Moon on 25 July THUMBNAILS Heavy rainfall causes streams to swell, at Bedar village in Poonch on Thursday. nANI ED searches premises of Anil Ambani: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at the premises of industrialist Anil Ambani in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation. The case is said to involve alleged laundering of approximately Rs 3,000 crore received as loans from Yes Bank between 2017 and 2019. The ED's probe is based on a CBI FIR in the Yes Bank case and centres around the financial dealings of RAAGA companies — firms under the Reliance Anil Ambani Group. 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, Prime Minister 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 King Charles III receives Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, at Sandringham House in Norfolk on Thursday. n THE ROYAL FAMILY X/ANI 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 Indo-Pacific, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in West Asia. We support early restoration of peace and stability. Respect for sovereignty 100 per cent proof of EC allowing cheating, says Rahul Gandhi; poll panel rebuffs charge 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. 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 IOA resolves internal row, forms anti-doping panel 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 inter- BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 69.10 India, UK of one mind India, UK sign landmark free trade deal to boost on terror fight: PM $34 billion in annual trade NEW DELHI, 24 JULY NEW DELHI, 24 JULY P16 SILVER `1,18,000 GOLD `1,01,750 NIKHIL VYAS Min. 62% STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE 17-YR-OLD UNNATI STUNS SINDHU PM Modi said extremist forces must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 91% ZELENSKYY ANNOUNCES NEW ANTI-GRAFT BILL AFTER RARE PROTESTS vention 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. 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. 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 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. “The agreements concluded today, along with our Vision 2035, are milestones that carry forward this very spirit,” PM Modi said. 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. PM Modi lauded the signing of the agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), saying that it will add momentum to the ‘Make in India’-led growth and boost exports. Making a press statement along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, after the signing of the agreement, PM Modi said: “Today marks a historic milestone in our bilateral relations. I am pleased that, after years of dedicated efforts, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between our two countries has been concluded today." PM Modi said this agreement is more than just an economic partnership; it is also a blueprint for shared prosperity. “On the one hand, it paves the way for enhanced market access in the UK for Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods. It will also unlock new opportunities for India’s agricultural produce and processed food industry. Above all, this agreement will be especially beneficial for India’s youth, farmers, fishermen, and the MSME sector,” he said. On the other hand, UKmade products such as medical devices and aerospace components will become more accessible and affordable for Indian consumers and industries, the Prime Minister said. He said alongside the trade agreement, a consensus has also been reached on the Double Contribution Convention. 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. Mamata demands end to ‘linguistic terror’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 24 JULY Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday called for a halt to ‘linguistic terror’ as she attacked what she described as the continuing persecution of Bengali-speaking individuals, particularly in BJP-ruled states. Miss Banerjee, in a tweet, said: “I have been receiving an increasing number of reports about detentions and atrocities targeting our Bengali-speaking people from various districts of West Bengal in Gurgaon, Haryana. The West Bengal Police is receiving these reports from the Haryana Police under the guise of identity verifi- cation requests. “Separately, I’ve also been receiving disturbing accounts from other states like Rajasthan regarding the illegal pushback of West Bengal citizens -who carry all the required documentation being sent directly to Bangladesh. Our officers have obtained copies of these valid documents,” she wrote. “I am shocked by these terrible atrocities committed by the so-called double-engine governments against Bengalis in India. What are you trying to prove? This is appalling and unacceptable. We will not tolerate it,” she wrote, adding: “Stop this linguistic terror.” The TMC, meanwhile, welcomed a Delhi court’s stay order on the eviction of Bengali-speaking people from Delhi's Jai Hind Colony, saying it was a significant step forward for the ongoing fight for justice. “The eviction of Bengalis in Jai Hind Colony of Delhi's Vasant Kunj has been stayed by the Patiala House Court, marking a significant step forward in our ongoing fight for justice," the TMC said in a statement. “This is a direct and decisive response to the continued targeting of Bengali-speaking citizens by the Modi-led government," it said.