FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Thursday, 02 April 2026 SPORTS WORLD Page 6 Story of the Kaul amendment Page 9 EDITORIAL BRIEFLY Lok Sabha clears Bill to make Amaravati official capital of Andhra Pradesh: New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, formally designating Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill, aimed at amending the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, was passed after a brief discussion through a voice vote. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his Statement of Object and Reasons for the Bill, explained that the 2014 Act initially allowed Hyderabad to serve as a common capital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for up to ten years. Shah highlighted the steps already taken to establish Amaravati as the administrative and legislative center, citing extensive infrastructural and policy measures Page 8 Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth assumes charge as Army Vice-Chief: New Delhi: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth on Wednesday assumed charge as Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over nearly four decades, he has built an exceptional operational profile across diverse terrain and conflict environments, including counter-insurgency experience. He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the developed sector, and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir. On promotion to Lt Gen, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw major engagements. New Delhi, 1 April The price of commercial LPG cylinders were increased by Rs 195.50 on Wednesday, driven Page 12 LAW PAGE PM Modi chairs CCS meet on West Asia crisis, calls for safeguarding citizens and ensuring supplies NIKHIL VYAS New Delhi, 1 April A mid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening reviewed the availability of fertilisers in the country and steps being taken to ensure their supply for the Kharif and Rabi seasons. The Prime Minister, who chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review measures being taken in the context of the ongoing West Asia conflict, said, “All efforts must be made to safeguard citizens from the impact of this conflict.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi chaired the meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg to review measures taken by various ministries and departments and to discuss further initiatives in response to the evolving situation. This was the second special CCS meeting on the issue. During the meeting, the Prime Minister assessed the availability of essential commodities for the common man. He also emphasised the need for the smooth flow of authentic information to the public to prevent misinformation and rumour-mongering. He directed all concerned departments to take all possible measures to mitigate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by the ongoing global situation. At the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary briefed on steps taken to ensure the supply of petroleum products, particularly 47 lakh 'logical discrepancy' cases adjudicated in West Bengal; remaining by 7 April: SC told PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 1 April The Supreme Court of India was informed that out of nearly 60 lakh claims and objections arising from the list of names categorised under “logical discrepancy” in West Bengal, around 47 lakh had been adjudicated by the evening of 31 March 2026, and the remaining 13 lakh would be decided by 7 April. It was also stated that 19 Appellate Tribunals have been constituted to hear appeals against orders on these claims and objections. Heading a Bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, Chief Justice Surya Kant noted on Wednesday that a communication dated 31 March from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court indicated that over 46 lakh claims and objections had already been adjudicated, with the balance expected to be completed by 7 April. The Court was further informed that nearly 700 former and serving judicial officers overseeing the process are collectively deciding close to two lakh cases every day. Of these 700 judicial officers, 500 are from West Bengal, while 200 are from Odisha and Jharkhand. It was stated that the 19 Appellate Tribunals, to be headed by former Chief Justices and senior High Court judges, will commence hearing appeals arising from decisions on the “logical discrepancy” list. These tribunals will also be empowered to consider fresh documents in appeal after verifying their genuineness. The Court observed that the Commercial LPG prices hiked by `195.50, domestic rates unchanged PANKAJ JAIN IPL 2026: After enduring winless starts, KKR, SRH aim to reset at Eden Gardens Page 11 Mediator’s Mirage NASA prepares to launch Artemis II mission in return to the moon by a sharp rise in global oil and gas benchmarks amid the escalating situation in West Asia, according to state-owned oil marketing companies. Following the revision, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 2,078.50 in Delhi. The hike is expected to impact commercial establishments that rely heavily on bulk LPG supplies. However, the price of domestic LPG cylinders has been kept unchanged. A 14.2-kg household cylinder continues to be priced at Rs 913, while beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will continue to receive cylinders at Rs 613. In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that prices of commercial LPG cylinders are deregulated and market-determined, and are revised on a monthly basis. It attributed the price hike to a steep 44 per cent increase in the Saudi Contract Price (CP), which rose from USD 542 per metric tonne in March to USD 780 per metric tonne for April. The Ministry, meanwhile, announced a 25 per cent increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for domestic scheduled carriers. LNG and LPG, and adequate power availability. Sources are being diversified for LPG procurement, with new inflows from different countries. Similarly, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is being sourced from multiple countries. He further informed that LPG prices for domestic consumers have remained unchanged, and anti-diversion enforcement drives are being conducted regularly to curb hoarding and black marketing. Initiatives have also been taken to expand piped natural gas connections. Measures such as exempting gas-based power plants with a capacity of 7–8 GW from the gas pooling mechanism and increasing rake availability to position more coal at thermal power stations have also been undertaken to ensure adequate power supply during the peak summer months. UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Washington, 1 April US President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that the war with Iran could be nearing its conclusion, asserting that Tehran does not need to strike a deal with Washington for hostilities to end. The President’s comment, delivered at the White House, indicated a shift in the US approach to the conflict, now in its fifth week, after having given mixed and conflicting statements and shifting goalposts since the beginning of the war on 28 February. “We'll be leaving very soon,” Mr Trump told media, adding that the exit could occur “within two weeks, maybe three.” When asked if a successful diplomatic agreement was necessary for ending 'Operation Epic Fury', Mr Trump replied: “Iran doesn't have to make a deal, no. No, they don't have to make a deal with me.” Mr Trump later in the day claimed on social media that “Iran’s New Regime President” was seeking a ceasefire, which he said would only happen once the Strait of Hormuz was “open, free, clear.” There was no immediate response from Tehran to the claim. Speaking to the media earlier, Mr Trump emphasised that the objectives of the US military campaign have largely been achieved. Speaking from the Oval Office, he claimed that the Iranian military has been significantly degraded, stating, “It will take 15 to 20 years for them to rebuild what we've done to them.” He added that Tehran’s naval, air, and anti-aircraft capabilities, as well as its telecommunications infrastructure, have been degraded to such an extent that Iranians will take 20 years to rebuild. “If they come to the table, that will be good. But it doesn't matter if they come to the table or not,” Mr Trump said, noting that the United States is prepared to conclude the conflict without a formal negotiated settlement. He also reiterated that the primary goal of ensuring Iran does not possess nuclear weapons has been met. The White House announced that Mr Trump will address the nation on Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT (Thursday 6.30 a.m. IST) to provide a further update on the Iran situation. • Related reports: Page 9 Lok Sabha passes Jan Vishwas Bill 2026, decriminalises hundreds of minor offences STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 1 April tribunals are free to evolve their own procedures for hearing such appeals. The Appellate Tribunals will function from offices located at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation. An orientation programme is being conducted for the former Chief Justices and judges heading these tribunals by the ElectionCommission of India. US could end Iran war in two to three weeks even without a deal: Trump The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, advancing the government’s push to decriminalise minor offences and promote a trust-based governance model aimed at improving ease of living and doing business. The legislation removes criminal penalties from 717 provisions across 80 central laws, replacing them with civil measures such as fines, warnings, and advisory notices. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada moved the Bill for consideration and passage, with the government highlighting the need to reduce compliance burdens while ensuring proportionate enforcement. The Bill was passed following detailed deliberations in the House, concluding a legislative process shaped by consultations and revisions. The move follows the withdrawal of the earlier version of the legislation in March. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had withdrawn the Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025, after review by a select committee, to incorporate stakeholder feedback into a more comprehensive framework. The revised 2026 version significantly expands its scope, covering more laws and provisions. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the reforms align with the government’s “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” vision. Goyal had noted that reducing compliance burdens would streamline business processes, improve ease of living, and boost investor confidence by making India a more attractive investment destination. The legislation introduces sweeping changes across sectors by replacing imprisonment clauses with monetary penalties in several laws. For example, offences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which previously carried jail terms of up to one year, will now attract civil penalties. Similarly, violations under the National Highways Act, 1956, such as making highways unsafe, will shift from criminal punishment to financial penalties. In some laws, including the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and the Electricity Act, 2003, imprisonment provisions have been removed entirely. Certain offences have been omitted altogether, including provisions related to false fire alarms under the Delhi Police Act, 1978, and failure to report births and deaths under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. The bill also introduces a graded enforcement system, offering warnings or advisories for initial violations before penalties are imposed for repeat offences. A key feature is the rationalisation of penalties through adjudicating officers empowered to determine fines based on the severity of offences. Appellate authorities will handle appeals, creating a structured and less punitive enforcement system. The bill also mandates an automatic increase in fines by 10 per cent every three years to maintain deterrence. ‘Congress would bring in law to protect infiltrators in Assam’ UNITED NEWS IF INDIA Dhemaji (Assam), 1 April Alleging that the Congress would enact a law to protect infiltrators if it was voted to power in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday promised that the BJP would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if it formed the government again in the state. Addressing a massive public rally at Gogamukh in Assam’s Dhemaji district, Mr Modi accused the Congress of harbouring plans to “make the majority community into a minority in its bid to establish a permanent vote bank of infiltrators”. As against this, Modi said, the BJP was committed to protecting the identity of tribals and giving them safeguards under the Sixth schedule of the Constitution to protect Assam's identity. “Congress leaders have been publicly saying that they will introduce new legislation in Assam to protect infiltrators and are openlybsupporting them," the PM alleged. He also charged the Congress with attempting to " divide the country, just like what the Muslim League did during the partition”. Continuing his attack on the Congress, the principal Opposition party in the north-eastern state, Mr Modi invoked the name of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, considered the father of the Indian Constitution, and alleged that the Congress has “stabbed” the Constitution prepared by the Dalit icon. Mr Modi pledged that the BJP administration would enforce the UCC once the party again formed the government in the state. The BJP manifesto unveiled on Tuesday has promised to implement the UCC within three months of forming the government again in the state. Exuding confidence that the BJP would make a hat-trick of wins in the state by emerging victorious in the single-phase Assembly elections slated to be held on 9 April, he said: “And for the Congress, it will be a hat-trick of electoral defeats in the state.” The BJP had come to power in 2016, when Sarbananda Sonowal took over as chief minister. The party retained power in the 2021 polls, after which Himanta Biswa Sarma became the CM. Ridiculing the Congress, the PM said the Grand Old Party would soon complete a century of electoral defeats in the country. Turning to developmental issues, Mr Modi said the BJP's ten-year rule has ushered in a new dawn of seva (service) and sushashan (good governance) in Assam.