TUESDAY 02 JANUARY 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC Twitter.com/thestatesman Facebook.com/thestatesman INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR P6 SENSEX 72,271.9431.68 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SHALLOW FOG IN THE MORNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 17 AND 09 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY P10 ` vs $ 83.193 PAISE Min: 10.1°C (+3) SUN SETS 17:36 hrs MOON SETS 11:45 hrs THUMBNAILS A heavy rush of people seen at India Gate in New Delhi on Monday.  SUBRATA DUTTA (SEE PAGE 2) Electoral Bonds sale: With the Lok Sabha elections coming close, the Ministry of Finance on Monday said the State Bank of India (SBI) has been authorised to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its 29 Authorised Branches from January 2 to January 11, 2024. As per the ministry’s release, the Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue and no payment shall be made to any payee Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period. NEW DELHI, 1 JANUARY I ndia on Monday ushered in the new year by successfully launching the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), in its first venture into the field of advanced X-ray astronomy. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C58 (PSLV-C58), with XPoSat as its primary payload, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 9.10 am, accompanied by ten other experimental payloads. The mission, among others, would offer insights into space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from various celestial sources. Addressing scientists after the successful launch of the mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath said the PSLV-C58 vehicle placed the satellite precisely into the intended orbit of 650 km, with a 6-degree inclination. “From this point, the orbit of the PSLV will be reduced to a lower orbit, where the upper stage of the PSLV which is now described NEW YEAR, NEW MISSION  The XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from the ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. It carries two payloads, namely POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing). After successfully putting into orbit its primary payload, the rocket's fourth stage will be lowered to a 350-km orbit, by restarting it twice, to function as an orbital platform with 10 experimental payloads from educational institutions, private companies and ISRO.  One of the payloads is the Women Engineered Satellite built by LBS Institute of Technology for Women for comparison of solar irradiance and UV index. as POEM will carry out experiments with nine of the onboard payloads and that will take some time," Mr Somanath added. The objective of the XPoSat mission is to measure polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV (Kilo electron Volt) emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by its POLIX payload. In its five-year lifespan, XPoSat will also conduct long-term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic Xray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV using the XSPECT payload.In addition, the PSLV-C58 rocket's fourth stage ~ the PS4 stage ~ will be lowered to a 350km orbit, by restarting it twice, to function as an orbital platform with 10 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JANUARY India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody and of nuclear installations and facilities. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen are exchanged by the two countries every year on 1 January and 1 July. India has shared a list of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani nationals or are believed to be Pakistanis. Similarly, Pakistan has shared the list of 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian nationals or are believed to be Indians. New Delhi has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JANUARY experimental payloads from educational institutions, private companies and ISRO. One of the payloads is the Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT) built by LBS Institute of Technology for Women for comparison of solar irradiance and UV index. ISRO will also test its fuel cell, which will be the precursor for powering an Indian space station whenever it is built. The space agency will also test its silicon-based high energy cells. The other payloads are from TakeMe2Space, K. J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Inspecity Space Labs Private Ltd, Dhruva Space Private Ltd and Bellatrix Aerospace Private Ltd (two payloads). India soared to new heights in 2023 with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the moon and the launch of Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission. These milestones not only secured India's standing in the global space economy but also fueled the engines for the private space sector in India. Sidhu Moosewala murder India, Pak exchange lists of civilian prisoners, fishermen, N- installations accused Goldy Brar declared Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen are exchanged by the two countries every year on 1 January and 1 July. with their boats, from Pakistan's custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 184 Indian fishermen, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners in Pakistan's custody, who are believed to be Indians. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India. “India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country. In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite necessary action at its end to confirm the nationality status of 65 believed-to-be Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It said that as a result of sustained efforts by the government, 2639 Indian fishermen and 67 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and nine Indian civilian prisoners who were repatriated from Pakistan in 2023. The exchange of lists of nuclear installations is covered under an Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between the two countries. BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 76.64 PM Modi hails Gujarat for Surya Namaskar Guinness World Record ISRO begins 2024 with flawless XPoSat launch STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE TEMPERATURE P12 SILVER 78,600 GOLD 63,870 The mission is ISRO’s first venture into the field of advanced X-ray astronomy Max.95% Min. 60% Max: 17.0°C (-2) SUN RISES 07:14 hrs MOON RISES 23:18 hrs P5 NIFTY 21,741.9010.50 DAVID WARNER TO RETIRE FROM ODI CRICKET U’KHAND GOVT BANS OUTSIDERS BUYING AGRICULTURAL LAND AMIT SHAH TO CHAIR HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY REVIEW MEET ON J&K GRAVE CONCERN Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Gujarat for setting a Guinness World Record for the most people performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues to welcome the New Year’s Day. He urged everyone to make Surya Namaskar a part of their daily routine due to its immense benefits. The Prime Minister posted on X: "Gujarat welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat -- setting a Guinness World Record for the most people performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues! As we all know, the number 108 holds a special significance in our culture.” “The venues also include the iconic Modhera Sun Temple, where several people joined. This is indeed a true testament to our commitment to Yoga and our cultural heritage,” he posted. “I also urge you all to make Surya Namaskar a part of your daily routine. The benefits are immense," he said. On the morning of 1 January, over 4,000 participants across 108 locations and 51 different categories performed the iconic sun salutation yoga sequence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted this picture on his X account as Gujarat set the Guinness Book of World Records for performing mass Surya Namaskar, on Monday. ANI solidifying the state's commitment to wellness and cultural heritage. The recordbreaking event, held at the majestic Modhera Sun Temple, witnessed enthusiastic participation from diverse groups, including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and even senior citizens. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the celebrations at Modhera. The Sun Temple of Modhera is dedicated to the solar deity Surya and located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. Swapnil Dangarikar, Adjudicator at Guinness World Records said, "I was here to verify the record for the most people doing Surya Namaskar. This is a new title because no one had attempted to break this record before.” He said: “After going through all the evidence and seeing them perform here in Modhera...They have successfully set a new Guinness World Record title for most people doing Surya Namaskar." Gujarat Home Minister Sanghavi, brimming with pride, stated, "Today Gujarat has registered the first world record of the country and the world, where thousands of people have done yoga together at 108 places and in 51 variety of places." NEW YEAR’S RITUALS terrorist under UAPA STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE CHANDIGARH, 1 JANUARY Canada-based gangster Satwinder Singh aka Goldy Brar was declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on Monday. Goldy Brar first hit the headlines when his name came up in the murder of Punjabi singer-cum-rapper Sidhu Moosewala which took place on 29 May, 2022. Subsequently, the Punjab Police named him as one of the main accused in that case. A Ministry of Home Affairs notice said that Goldy Brar is associated with the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International and that Brar is backed by cross-border terror agencies. Apart from the Moosewaala murder, he is involved in several other killings and accused of making threatening calls to pro-nationalist leaders and celebrities such as rap- per Honey Singh from whom he allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh ransom. It was after the murder of Goldy's cousin Gurtej Brar, that he chose a life of crime. Brar who belongs to Sri Muktsar Sahib in Punjab migrated from India to Canada in 2017. Ever since he has been operating several criminal and terror-related networks which spreads across Punjab. There are several cases registered against him in Punjab. Now, a red corner notice has already been issued against Goldy Brar by Interpol. Ranga pooja and utsavadis being held at Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple on the first day of the year 2024, in Bengaluru on Monday. ANI Tsunami waves hit Japan after series of quakes 32 pc decline in no. of active terrorists in J&K, 91 terrorists still active after 72 killed in 2023 AGENCIES TOKYO, 1 JANUARY Tsunami waves, some over 1.2 metres high, hit Japan's coasts on Monday after a series of strong quakes struck the country’s western coast in the afternoon. Waves as high as 1.2 metres struck Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture while Toyama prefecture also reported tsunami waves of 50 centimetres at 4:23 p.m. local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4 p.m. The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt. In the wake of the quakes, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially issued a major tsunami warning, urging people to evacuate immediately, for a broad swath of the country's western coast, including Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, Toyama, Yamagata and other prefectures. The warning was downgraded to a regular tsunami several hours later, meaning the waters could still reach up to 3 metres. Aftershocks could also slam the same area over the next few days, the agency said. Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV initially warned torrents of water could reach as high as 5 metres and authorities urged people to flee to high land or a top of a nearby building as quickly as possible. According to the agency, the major temblor occurred at 4:10 p.m. local time (0710 GMT) at a shallow depth, registering a maximum 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It also shook buildings in central Tokyo. JMA warned in a nationally broadcast news conference that central Japan may experience more earthquakes with maximum intensity on its seven-tier scale system in the coming week. Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said at least six homes were damaged by the quakes, with people trapped inside. A fire broke out in Wajima city and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said. He said no reports of deaths or injuries had been confirmed from the quakes, saying the situation was still unclear. AGENCIES NEW DELHI , 1 JANUARY There has been a sharp 32 per cent decline in the number of active terrorists in Jammu and Kasmir in 2023 while 91 terrorists are still active despite the security forces neutralising 72 in different operations during the previous year. According to the data, a total of 61 foreign terrorists and 30 local terrorists are among those 91 still active in the erstwhile state. The data mentions that a total of 135 terrorists were active in 2022. Of them, 85 were foreign terrorists and 50 local terrorists. In comparison with the figure of active terrorists in 2022, there was a nearly 32.59 per cent decline in the number of active terrorists in 2023. Officers privy to the development told ANI that the majority of the active terrorists belong to Lashkar-eTaiba, a proscribed terrorist organisation. As per the data, a total of 72 terrorists were neutralised in 2023. Of them, 22 were local terrorists and 50 were foreign terrorists. In 2022, a total of 187 terrorists were neutralized comprising 130 local terrorists and 57 foreign terrorists. While militancy-related violence and local recruitment have gone down significantly in Kashmir Valley, militants seem to have shifted the focus seemingly towards Jammu which was a militancy-free region before August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was read down. Officers mentioned that there has been a decline in terrorism activities in Kashmir but noted that the number of such incidents, causing casualty, is increasing in the Rajouri and Poonch areas of the Jammu region. The region, which has rugged terrain with a thick cover of vegetation, has witnessed some of the deadliest attacks on security forces and civilians. In a recent incident, four soldiers were killed and three injured following an encounter started after terrorists fired at two army vehicles passing through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri's Poonch region at around 3.45 pm on December 21 last year. In November last year, five soldiers including two Captains were killed in action after the army and its special forces launched an anti-terror operation in Rajouri's Kalakote. In April and May 2023, 10 soldiers were killed in action in twin attacks in the RajouriPoonch region. This region had been largely free of terrorism between 2003 and 2021, after which frequent encounters started happening. Over 35 soldiers have been killed in action during antiterror operations in the area during 2021 and 2022. Pir Panjal, which also comprises Rajouri district besides Poonch and parts of Reasi districts, has witnessed a spike in militancy in recent years with several Army soldiers losing their lives after being ambushed by militants in the region, said sources in the security wing.