JULY 27 AND EMPOWERED WOMEN KOLKATA GAVE EINSTEIN THE NAME FOR HIS BLACK HOLE THEORY 27 JULY 2025 www.thestatesman.com GILL, RAHUL STABILISE MOMENTUM PAGE 16 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 PAGES 16 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR WEATHER GENERALLY CLOUDY SKY. VERY LIGHT TO LIGHT RAIN ACCOMPANIED WITH THUNDERSTORM/ LIGHTNING AT A FEW PLACES. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 35 AND 27 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 000.0 mm Modi attends Maldives’ 60th I-Day celebrations Maldives has carved a unique place for itself on the world stage: PM Modi RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 89% Min. 53% Max: 36.8°C (-1.9) SUN RISES 05:41 hrs MOON RISES 08:55 hrs Min: 27°C (+2.0) SUN SETS 19:15 hrs MOON SETS 21:05 hrs TEMPERATURE THUMBNAILS NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 26 JULY A view of the Thoothukudi airport before its inauguration on Saturday. nANI India hopes Cambodia, Thailand will take measures for prevention of further escalation: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said India is closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand in view of the ongoing clashes in the region. "India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told mediapersons in New Delhi. P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as 'Guest of Honour' at Republic Square in Male. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also present on the occasion. After attending the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the ‘Guest of Honour’, PM Modi in a post on X said: “It was an honour to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the country’s journey of transformation over the years gone by. From its ancient maritime traditions to global leadership in critical areas like climate change, the Maldives has carved a unique place for itself on the world stage. My best wishes to the great Maldivian people.” “India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges. Our relationship continues Mamata slams Centre over rights body’s report on Bengali speaker deportations STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 26 JULY West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, citing a report by international rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) that accuses BJP-ruled states of targeting Bengali-speaking Indians through alleged harassment and unlawful deportations. Quoting the New Yorkbased human rights watchdog, Miss Banerjee said that Bengali-speaking people in India, across castes and communities, are facing systematic persecution and are being expelled under the pretext of regulating migration. “The internationally reputed and New York-based multicountry NGO Human Rights Watch has also now highlighted the issue of harassment, persecution, and illegal deportation of Bengali-speaking people of India by the BJP governments in various States,” Miss Banerjee wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She cited HRW Asia director Elaine Pearson as saying that the BJP is “fuelling discrimination by arbitrarily expelling Bengalis from the country, including Indian citizens.” HRW, Miss Banerjee noted, reported that such actions are being carried out in several BJP-ruled states ~ Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi ~ following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. “Shame! Now, even international human rights organizations have started taking note of the linguistic terrorism unleashed in India. This must stop at once!!” the Trinamul Congress chief added. The central government has not yet responded to the allegations. TMC MP Samirul Islam, meanwhile, alleged that the BJP-ruled states are targeting Bengali speakers despite the latter possessing valid documents. Bengali-speaking migrants are being wrongfully identified as Bangladeshi nationals and subjected to harassment in several BJPruled states, despite possessing valid Indian citizenship documents, Mr Islam alleged on Saturday. Mr Islam, who also heads the West Bengal Migrant Workers' Welfare Board, said the West Bengal government had verified the citizenship status of many of those being targeted. “Despite this, they are being detained and, in some cases, pushed across the border,” he told reporters. to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors. India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet,” the Prime Minister said in another post on X. A ceremonial gun salute and the playing of the national anthem marked the Maldives Independence Day celebrations. Children performed dance at the Independence Day celebrations in Male. This was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister attended the Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives. Prime Minister Modi was also the first foreign leader at the level of Head of State or Government to be hosted by President Muizzu. On the occasion, PM Modi extended warm greetings to the people and government of Maldives. The celebrations showcased a lively parade by the Maldivian National Defence Forces and other local units, along with a string of cultural performances that dwelt on the achievements of Maldives as a modern nation. Strong backing for time-tested India-Maldives friendship: PM NIKHIL VYAS NEW DELHI, 26 JULY PM Modi on Saturday held a meeting with members of several political parties of the Maldives on the second day of his visit to the island nation and said the participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the ''strong and time-tested'' friendship between the two countries. In a post on X after meeting members of several political parties of the Maldives on Saturday, the Prime Minister said: "Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested IndiaMaldives friendship.” Congress dubs Dhankhar’s resignation a ‘political exit camouflaged as constitutional lie’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY The Congress on Saturday described the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice President of India as a “political exit camouflaged as a constitutional lie” as it contended that the government was showing signs of insecurity over its inability to control the narrative on the impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma. Countering Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's claim that no impeachment motion was admitted in the Rajya Sabha, other than the one admitted in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi asked on Saturday: “Did the Chairman not clearly make the Opposition motion a property of the House when he inquired from the Law Minister about the admission of a separate motion in Lok Sabha?" He said Mr Dhankhar wanted both Houses to join on the issue, and that perhaps that is linked to his sudden resignation and silence. “We believe that Dhankhar's resignation is a political exit camouflaged as a constitutional lie,” he said. The Congress leader also criticized the government's approach to the impeachment motion, saying that it reflects a lack of willingness to cooperate with the Opposition. He accused the government of prioritising its own interests over the principles of democracy and accountability. He said the development has raised questions about the government's intentions and the future of the impeachment motion against Justice Varma. Mr Singhvi said that the government's decision to push forward with its motion in the Lok Sabha would likely lead to a joint committee of Parliament not being pos- sible, and instead, only a committee from the Lok Sabha would inquire against Justice Varma. He said: "There's a difference between what they show and what they do and when it comes to issues related to accountability in the judiciary. The BJP is exhibiting precisely this kind of double-faced, hypocritical behaviour." The Congress leader described the government's bid to push forward its motion in Lok Sabha as "institutional sabotage and constitutional transgression". "In a democracy and on an issue on which you have the support of most of the members of the Opposition, why do you want to be arrogant and pursue Ekla Chalo?" said Mr Singhvi, criticising the BJP for "double-standards". "The government ignores cooperation but is talking of competition and a race of who will make the first announcement," he said, adding that the government seems concerned more about who should be in camera and is focused on optics and lighting. Bihar SIR: Petitioner ADR slams exclusion of Aadhaar from list of documents AGENCIES It also alleged that electors whose names are being removed from electoral rolls have not been given enough time to appeal against the ECI decision. NEW DELHI, 26 JULY Ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on Monday over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, petitioner Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) has challenged the grounds on which the ECI excluded Aadhaar and ration cards as documentary proofs, a lawyer said on Saturday. In a rejoinder to the reply filed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), ADR said the 11 documents included in the approved list of documents are equally susceptible to being procured using fake and false documentation. “The fact that Aadhaar card is one of the documents accepted for obtaining Permanent Residence Certificate, OBC/SC/ST Certificate and for passport ~ makes ECI's rejection of Aadhaar (which is the most widely held document) under the instant SIR order patently absurd," said the ADR. The NGO also raised concerns over the discretionary powers of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and the lack of a defined procedure that could allow them to act arbitrarily. It also alleged that electors whose names are being removed from electoral rolls have not been given enough time to appeal against the ECI decision. On 10 July, the Supreme Court started hearing pleas challenging the SIR in Bihar but refused to stop the ECI's exercise in the poll-bound state. The NGO, in its rejoinder, alleged that media reports have pointed out that enumeration forms in Bihar were being filled in the absence of electors. "With elections set to be held in October-November 2025, there is no time for a large number of voters, who do not have documents but have submitted a form and whose names do not find a mention in the draft roll, to get themselves included in the rolls. Moreover, the impact of the deletion of migrated electors can be substantial if they are clustered within a few constituencies and demographics, said the NGO. The NGO said that when the ECI carried out an exercise like SIR in Assam, they said that it is not the job of the ERO to confirm citizenship, but here, in the case of Bihar, their stand is different. It also highlighted concerns of political parties over the addition of non-existent voters, deletion of genuine voters supporting the Opposition parties and the issue of casting of votes after closure of polls. Earlier, the ECI defended its decision to ask people for proof of Indian citizenship to include their names in the voter list. The Commission said that under Article 326 and the Representation of the People Act, it is its responsibility to ensure that only the names of Indian citizens are included in the voter list. ‘India forever indebted’: Kargil heroes honoured on Kargil Vijay Diwas STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY Stating that the nation will forever remain indebted to the brave martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial (NWM), here today. After paying homage and laying a wreath at NWM, the defence minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the bravehearts on behalf of the nation, in his remarks in the visitors’ book. He stated that Kargil Vijay will forever remain a unique example of bravery for the future generations. He described NWM as a living symbol of the sacrifice made by the heroes. Later, in a post on X, the defence minister remembered the extraordinary courage, grit and determination displayed by the bravehearts in defending the nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. “Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service,” he said. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieu- tenant General NS Raja Subramani also laid a wreath and paid homage to the bravehearts at the NWM. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ which was led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. The walk which was organised in Dras saw the participation of over 1,000 youth, serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, families of the fallen heroes, and civil society members. Covering a distance of 1.5 kilometers, the padyatra commenced from Himabass Public High School, Dras, and concluded at Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. Later, the two Ministers, accompanied by 100 youth volunteers, proceeded to the Kargil War Memorial. Seth laid a wreath and paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in 1999. In a post on X, the minister exuded confidence that the stories of valour and sacrifice of the brave soldiers will continue to be an inspiration to the future generations. “The sacrifice of the bravehearts will forever keep the lamp of patriotism burning in the heart of every Indian,” he said. In his remarks the CDS said, Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds every Indian of the unparalleled bravery, tenacity and patriotism of our valiant soldiers who fought fearlessly to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation, as also, the bitter truth of Pakistan's betrayal… Our adversaries will continue to test our resolve, but the legacy of Kargil reminds us that jointness, preparedness and unwavering courage - proven once again by the success of Oper- ation Sindoor, will always triumph over enemy's deceit and aggression…”. The Chief of the Naval Staff stated that the legacy forged by the bravehearts stands as a testament to the spirit of ‘Service before Self’ and unwavering devotion to the service of the nation. “Your sacrifice will remain a beacon of inspiration, not only for future citizens of our country but also for those who choose to serve in the Defence Forces with 'Duty-Honour-Courage!'” he added. The Chief of the Air Staff termed NWM as a sacred symbol of national remembrance and gratitude, immortalising the legacy of the fallen heroes whose valour continues to inspire all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. He stated that the Indian Air Force remains committed to defend the sovereignty of our Nation and uphold the proud traditions of courage, honour and duty exemplified by the bravehearts. PM Modi, Rahul & Kharge pay tributes to bravehearts STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 JULY Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation's pride during the Kargil War. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi said: "This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation." The Prime Minister's message comes as the nation remembers the sacrifices of the armed forces personnel who fought bravely during the Kargil War in 1999. Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also offered tribute on the day. "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer my heartfelt tributes and countless salutations to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. India will forever remain indebted to them and their families,” he said. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations."