THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 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 SONIA GANDHI FILES RS BIENNIAL NOMINATION IN JAIPUR CHARAN SINGH’S VISION P6 SENSEX 71,822.83267.64 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SHALLOW TO MODERATE FOG IN THE MORNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 25 AND 09 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Min. 45 % Max: 25.0 °C+2) SUN RISES 6:59 hrs MOON RISES 10:27 hrs Min: 09.6 °C (-1) SUN SETS 18:11 hrs MOON SETS 00:14 hrs THUMBNAILS Devotees gather in large numbers to take a dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Vasant Panchami and the ongoing annual Magh Mela festival, in Prayagraj on Wednesday. ANI ED issues sixth summons to Delhi CM: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a sixth summons to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering probe related to irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 case asking him to join the investigation on 19 February.The fresh summons to the CM were issued after he skipped the fifth sum(P2) mons on 2 February. Mamata likely to visit Punjab on 21 Feb STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 14 FEBRUARY ` vs $ 83.202 PAISE GOLD 62,180660 SILVER 74,0001,500 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 82.170.69 He was addressing the World Governments Summit, 2024 in Dubai P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he believed there should be neither lack of governance nor pressure of a Government and it is a government’s responsibility to ensure its minimal interference in lives of people. He was addressing the World Governments Summit, 2024 in Dubai, delivering a special keynote address on "Shaping the Future Governments.” The Summit was attended by 20 world leaders, including 10 Presidents and 10 Prime Ministers, along with delegates from over 120 countries. Mr Modi said he had been in Government for 23 years and his focus was on minimum government, maximum governance. He tried to create an environment which encouraged enterprise among people and gave them energy, he said. The Prime Minister said the international system was in a bad shape, and there was need for reforms in global governance institutions, as each country tried to grapple with its challenges. The world may be getting modern in the 21st century, but it is not free from problems of the last century which are getting more severe, he said. Mr Modi said there is need to promote concerns of the developing world, and Global South should see participation in global decision-making. While nations give priority to national sovereignty, there will be need to respect international law, he said. Considering the chal- lenges, the world needs governments that are inclusive and take everyone along, he said. There is need for governments which are smart, make technology the medium for major changes, and are clean and free of corruption, he said. Internationally, it was noted that people’s faith in their governments had fallen during the Covid crisis, he said. The Indian experience was just the opposite. People in India have total faith in the intent and commitment of their government. This was so because BJP’s Bengal chief Majumdar injured, taken to hospital the government was sensitive to people’s needs and helped them realise their dreams, he said. The Prime Minister said his Government followed a policy of saturation to ensure that no deserving person was left out of benefit from welfare schemes. India’s governance model had taken 25 crore people of poverty, he said. The Prime Minister emphasised that given the inter-connected nature of the world, governments must collaborate and learn from each other to address future challenges. He highlighted that it was the need of the hour for governance to be Inclusive, Tech-smart, Clean and Transparent, and Green. In this context, he emphasised that governments must prioritise – Ease of Living, Ease of Justice, Ease of Mobility, Ease of Innovation and Ease of Doing Business in their approach to public service. Elaborating on India’s steadfast commitment to Climate Change action, he called for people to join Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to create a sustainable world. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 14 FEBRUARY Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. He was welcomed at the majestic BAPS temple by BAPS' Ishwarcharandas Swami and garlanded by a group of priests upon his arrival. He performed Aarti and offered prayers at the temple. People gathered for the occasion also raised "Modi, Modi" slogans and he waved towards them. The 'BAPS Mandir', the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, sits on 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the UAE leadership. The significance of the cultural milestone lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in the message it conveys -a testament to the harmonious relationship between Bharat and the Gulf region. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, the majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is also a reflection of the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the construction of the mandir. The UAE Government, during its Year of Tolerance, allocated a further 13.5 acres of land in January 2019 -- making a total of 27 acres of land gifted for the Mandir, a temple release said earlier. India's Ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir visited the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi last month to see the progress of its construction. In December, Swami Ishwarcharandas of the BAPS called on the PM at his residential office and extended him an invitation to inaugurate the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi on 14 February. PM pays tributes to brave heroes martyred in Pulwama STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 14 FEBRUARY Remembering the brave heroes, who were martyred in Pulwama in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said their service and sacrifice for the nation will always be remembered. The Prime Minister posted on X: "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered." It has been five years since the devastating Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel on duty. A suicide bomber targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying over 2,500 soldiers on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar sustained injuries when he slipped and fell on a car’s bonnet in North 24Parganas district on Wednesday, even as party workers clashed with police personnel after being stopped from going to restive Sandeshkhali village. Mr Majumdar, the Lok Sabha MP from Balurghat constituency, was addressing mediapersons standing on the car's bonnet, when he lost his balance and fell on it amidst an altercation between party workers and police at Taki on the banks of the Ichamati river. He was taken to Basirhat State General Hospital and later shifted to a private nursing home in Kolkata. BJP leader Dr Archana Majumder said that he received an injury at his waist. Earlier, Mr Majumdar had staged a protest in front of Basirhat police station last night to demand the release of seven BJP supporterswho were arrested by police following a clash yesterday afternoon. Though briefly detained, the police eventually let him go. On Wednesday morning, tension rose again as Mr Majumdar and BJP workers were stopped by police from proceeding towards Sandeshkhali at Taki. As party workers clashed with police, he fainted after falling on the bonnet of a police car which he had climbed. Last night, Mr Majumdar had put up at a guest house in Taki. On Wednesday he performed Saraswati Puja at the guest house, and later at Ichamati Ghat. Afterward, he tried to proceed to Sandeshkhali but faced police resistance. Earlier in the day, Mr Majumdar alleged that the police cordoned off the lodge where he was staying to prevent him from going to Sandeshkhali. Meanwhile, police have clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC at 19 entry points of Sandeshkhali to prevent any untoward incident. The most important entry points include Sadeshkhali Ghat, Khulna Ghat, Bolakhali Ghat, Trimoni Bazar and Patra Para. The movement of a section of women of Sandeshkhali against Sheikh Shahjahan, Uttam Sardar and Shibaprasad Hazra were organised from Patra Para. Munda urges farmer organisations to find solution through dialogue NEW DELHI, 14 FEBRUARY STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SC to deliver its verdict on validity of electoral bonds scheme today As the farmers' protest entered its second day, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday urged all the leaders from different farmers' organisations to cooperate and communicate so that the common people do not suffer. Speaking on the ongoing farmers' protest, Munda, who is also negotiating with farmer leaders, said, "The way things are being said by (farmer) organisations and the way they are said, instead of solving the problems, they are trying to add to those problems, creating difficulties for the people." He requested all the farmer organisations to take initiatives that can strengthen the way to solve the problem and to find a solution through dialogue, adding that the government was completely ready for it. "I would like to urge all the leaders from different farmers' organisations to cooperate and communicate so that the common people should not have to suf- The Supreme Court will deliver on Thursday its verdict on pleas challenging the validity of the electoral bonds scheme.In November last year, a 5-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra had reserved its verdict in the matter after hearing the arguments for three days in a row. The petitioners before the apex court had argued that the Electoral Bond scheme violates the citizen's fundamental right to information under Article 19 (1) and it enables backdoor lobbying and promotes corruption and eliminates level playing field for political parties in Opposition. Responding to the challenge, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had contended that the scheme is intended to reduce cash in the electoral process. AGENCIES Indian Navy, IAF showing interest in indigenous Tapas drones AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 14 FEBRUARY The Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force have shown interest in the indigenously designed and developed Tapas medium altitude long endurance drone. The Indian Navy and Air Force have held discussions and communicated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation regarding the capabilities of the drone and the roles it can perform in the services, defence officials told news agency. The Tapas drone capabilities were discussed in detail during a DRDO interaction with the forces. The Indian Air Force has also P12 Minimum govt, max PM Modi inaugurates first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi governance, says PM KOLKATA, 14 FEBRUARY Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to go to Punjab on 21 February after disbursing money to the workers for 100 days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme whose dues have not been paid by the Centre. Miss Banerjee had announced that they would be paid their dues on 21 February. A sum of Rs 3,700 crores would be required to clear their dues, and budgetary provisions have been kept in the budget for 2024–25. Miss Banerjee had staged a dharna demanding payment of their dues in November 2023. Again, she took a delegation of MPs to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press her demand. However, despite assurances given by the Prime Minister, nothing has been done so far in the matter. It was learnt that Miss Banerjee will offer prayer at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. She is likely to meet the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Bhagwant Mann. P9 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 14 FEBRUARY Max. 97 % TEMPERATURE P5 NIFTY 21,840.0596.80 JADEJA SIMPLIFIES BAZBALL PAKISTAN’S EX-PM SHARIF, ALLIES AGREE ON COALITION written to the DRDO in this regard, they said. The DRDO is also likely to hand over the two Tapas drones in its inventory to the Indian Navy for trials and testing in the Andaman and Nicobar Island territory, the officials said. If the trials are successful and meet the roles for which the force wants them, there is a possibility of the Indian Navy placing orders for around 10-12 drones. The Indian Air Force would also look at the performance of the drones along with other issues before it decides further on the issue, they said. The DRDO recently rubbished reports about shelving of the Tapas drone project and announced that it is continuing with it to further develop the Tapas drones. The Tapas drones being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment Laboratory have not been able to fully meet the Joint Services Qualitative Requirements of flying at 30,000 feet for over 24 hours at a stretch and have been excluded from the category of mission mode projects. The Tapas drones have been tested by the defence forces and during the trials, they managed to reach 28,000 feet altitude and could fly for over 18 hours, they said. DRDO officials said the laboratory concerned would be working on improving designs and increasing the power in the drone to make it more suitable for service requirements of altitude and endurance, which it was not able to meet in the recent evaluations. The premier defence research agency led by Dr Samir V Kamat has been working on major drone projects, including unmanned combat aerial vehicles like Ghatak and Archer. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 14 FEBRUARY Tear gas is being used to disperse the farmers who are continuing their second day of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march from the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border on Wednesday.ANI fer, government is determined in this regard. We have assured them that all the works of administrative nature will be fast-tracked. But in the formulation of new laws, there are so many things to consider.” “In the coming days, we want to discuss with the farmers' organisations and to look for any possible solutions," the Minister said. Earlier in the day, Munda said that efforts were on to engage in constructive dialogue with the farmers' unions. The Minister also expressed readiness to hold discussions considering all viewpoints and appealed for a conducive environment for a dialogue. "I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers' union will continue. Farmers' organisations must understand that the decision on the law that is being talked about cannot be taken in such a way that people criticise the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it," he said. HAPPY FACES Saraswati Puja at Raisina Bengali School at Mandir Marg, in the Capital on Wednesday. SUBRATA DUTTA
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