WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR CABINET COLLAPSE P6 P5 SENSEX 77,301.14308.37 WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY.DUST STORM/THUNDERSTORM/LIGHTNING WITH VERY LIGHT RAIN ACCOMPANIED WITH GUSTY WINDS (SPEED 40-50 KMPH). THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 43 AND 34 DEGREE CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY NIFTY 23,557.9092.30 Min. 24 % Max: 44.0 °C (+5) SUN RISES 05:24 hrs MOON RISES 16:59 hrs Min: 33.8 °C (+6) SUN SETS 19:22 hrs MOON SETS 03:29 hrs THUMBNAILS A portion of a bridge over the Bakra River collapsed in Araria, Bihar, on Tuesday.  ANI Airports in Patna, Vadodara receive bomb threats, security tightened: Security has been tightened at airports in Gujarat's Vadodara and Bihar's Patna after bomb threat emails were received by the airport authorities on Tuesday. "A bomb threat email was received by Patna airport. Security heightened at the airport. Further details awaited," Patna Airport's Director said. Security was also tightened at Vadodara airport after a bomb threat email was received by the airport authorities. P Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitates a farmer during the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan, in Varanasi on Tuesday.  ANI Nidhi. Through this, Rs 20,000 crore will be disbursed to 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers across the country. The PM also provided Krishi Sakhi certificates to over 30,000 women from self-help groups. Later in the evening, he will worship at the Vishwanath temple and participate in the Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh ghat. The PM said: "We have witnessed the work of sisters as Asha workers. Sisters play a crucial role in advancing Digital India. BALASORE, 18 JUNE Curfew was imposed in Balasore town till Tuesday midnight following violent clashes between two groups which began from Patrapads and spread to other areas on Monday. There are reports that a place of worship and a few shops were damaged by a mob. A house was allegedly torched by the miscreants. Stray incidents of stone pelting also took place at night despite the presence of police. The curfew order directs closure of all shops , business establishments and other establishments. However emergency services, mainly medical, were exempted, the order said. The district administration has also suspended internet services for 48 hours. Balasore SP Ms Sagarika Nath said "no movement will be allowed". She claimed that the situation is under control. Several FIRs have been Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke to district collector Ashish Thakare and directed for implementation of swift measures to manage the unrest. The chief minister also appealed to everyone to maintain brotherhood and peace. registered over Monday’s violence and 34 persons have been detained. The SP said over 35 platoon police has been deployed to ensure peace Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke to district collector Ashish Thakare and directed for implementation of swift measures to manage the unrest. The CM also appealed to everyone to maintain brotherhood and peace. It may be noted that on Monday at least two police- men were injured during the violent clash and hooligans even manhandled journalists asking them to delete photographs taken on their mobile phones. Several vehicles were vandalized by the mob. According to reports, the incident occurred after a group noticed red colour in water flowing in a drain and suspected it to be blood due to the slaughter of cattle. They called the police, who did not find anything. They collected water samples for further tests. When the police were conducting its probe another group came and protested. The arguments turned into heated exchanges and a clash ensued. After the incident flared up the vehicular traffic on the road which connects the Town with Chandipur was disrupted. Notably, the road connects the defence establishments including ITR, PXE, Chandipur beach and fishing base Balramgadi . Now, we will see farming getting new strength in the form of Krishi Sakhi. Today, 30,000 certificates have been awarded to support groups under Krishi Sakhi, which is currently operational in 12 states. In the near future, thousands of groups across the country will be integrated into this programme. This initiative will also help in creating three crore Lakhpati Didis, and the state government has worked with full dedication whenever it got the opportuni- Rahul informs Speaker’s office on vacating Wayanad seat STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday formally informed the Lok Sabha Speaker's office about retaining the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat and vacating the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. According to sources, the Congress leader submitted the letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker for this on Tuesday within the two week period required to relinquish one of the two seats. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had on Monday announced Ms Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's candidature from Wayanad. If Ms Vadra wins from Wayanad, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family will be in Parliament - Mrs Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha and Mr Rahul Gandhi and Ms Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha. Centre implements measures to meet high power demand amid heatwave STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Amid the prevailing heat wave resulting in increased demand for power supply, the Ministry of Power has implemented a series of measures to meet the highest-ever peak demand of 250 GW during this ongoing summer season. The ministry on Tuesday said that the Northern Region of India has been experiencing high demand conditions due to a prevailing heat wave since 17 May. Despite these challenging conditions, the highest-ever peak demand of 89 GW in the Northern Region was successfully met. This achievement was made possible by importing 25 to 30 per cent of the region's power requirement from neighboring regions. All utilities have been advised to maintain a high state of alert and minimize forced outages People cover themselves to protect from the dust storm on a hot summer day, at Sangam, in Prayagraj, on Tuesday.  ANI of equipment, it said. According to the IMD forecast, heat wave conditions in NorthWest India are expected to abate from 20 June. The ministry highlighted that it has taken measures like Imported Coal Based (ICB) Plants Operation to continue the generation support during the high demand period. Minimum planned maintenance of generating units has been scheduled during this period. Efforts are being made to minimize partial and forced outages to maximize the availability of generation capacity, the ministry said. Additionally, plants under long-term outage have been sensitized to revive their units to ensure maximum power generation. All generating companies (GENCOs) have been advised to keep their plants in healthy condition to ensure full capacity availability for optimal operation of various generation sources and adequate coal stocks are being maintained at coalbased thermal stations. Further, the hydro stations have been advised to conserve water during solar hours and dispatch maximum generation during non-solar hours to ensure power adequacy at all times. The ministry has directed the gas-based power plants to provide grid support. Additionally, around 860 MW of additional gas-based capacity (non-NTPC) has been tied up through competitive bidding specifically for this summer. Furthermore, approximately 5000 MW of NTPC gas-based capacity has been instructed to be ready for immediate operation as per system requirements. ty." He said that farmers are becoming self-reliant and have become leaders in agricultural exports. “Today, Langra mango of Varanasi, Radish of Jaunpur, Ladyfinger of Ghazipur and many such products are reaching foreign markets. With the creation of One District, One Product, and export hub at the district level, expertise is increasing and the production is also of export quality. Our goal now is to take the country to new heights in the glob- P12 SILVER 91,500500 Till now, ` 3.15 lakh cr has been deposited into bank accounts of crores of farmer families across India: PM Odisha: Curfew imposed in Balasore after violent clash STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE GOLD 72,220110 ` vs $ 83.42 Kisan Samman Nidhi is world's largest DBT scheme, says Modi rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has now become the world's largest direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme. “Till now, Rs 3.15 lakh crore has been deposited into the bank accounts of crores of farmer families across the country. Additionally, Rs 700 crore has been deposited into the accounts of farmers in the Varanasi district. I am happy that technology has been utilised more effectively in the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to ensure all beneficiaries receive their entitled benefits. Just a few months ago, during the Bharat Sankalp Yatra, more than one crore farmers joined this scheme,” he claimed. Mr Modi arrived in Kashi on Tuesday on a two-day visit and addressed a farmers' rally at Mehdiganj. The PM released the 17th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman GAMBHIR INTERVIEWS FOR INDIA HEAD COACH’S ROLE P10 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE VARANASI, 18 JUNE Max. 51 % TEMPERATURE BEFORE SUMMIT WITH KIM, PUTIN VOWS THEY’LL BEAT SANCTIONS TOGETHER PANNUN MURDER PLOT: NIKHIL GUPTA PLEADS NOT GUILTY al market and my dream is to promote the mantra of having one or the other treasure of India on every dining table across the world, whether it's coarse grains, crops with medicinal properties, or natural farming. A big support system for farmers is being developed through the PM Kisan Samridhi. It is not possible to imagine farming without the involvement of our mothers, who are present here in such large numbers. Therefore, we are expanding the roles of mothers and sisters to steer farming towards new horizons," he added. PM Modi said along with Kashi, crores of farmers from villages across the country are standing with us. Expressing his commitment in his third term, the PM said, "I have considered youth, women power and the poor as strong pillars of India. At the beginning of my third term, as soon as I formed the government, the first decision I took was related to farmers and poor families.” BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 82.150.60 Group of Ministers discusses candidates for post of LS Speaker STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE A key meeting of the Group of Ministers was held at the residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday evening to discuss candidates for the post of Speaker and deputy Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha and also strategy for the upcoming Parliament session which will commence on 24 June, sources said. The sources further said the meeting, which was also attended by Union Ministers S Jaishankar, Manohar Lal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Kiren Rijiju, and Chirag Paswan, discussed ways to ensure better floor coordination among NDA partners during the session.(Photo) Rajnath Singh has been given the responsibility to build a consensus for the SC on NEET: Even 0.001 pc negligence needs firm action PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that even if there was 0.001 per cent negligence in the conduct of the NEETUG 2024, the National Testing Agency (NTA) must come forward and admit it, as it issued notice in another set of petitions seeking re-conduct of the examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses in government and private institutions across the country. Stating that “Even if there is 0.001 per cent negligence (in the conduct of NEET-UG 2024) it should be looked into”, a vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and S V N Bhatti told the National Testing Agency that “it should come forward and admit it” and “We expect timely action from you”. “Even if there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone it should be thoroughly dealt with. All these mat- Bengal rail mishap toll rises to 11, probe launched STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SILIGURI, 18 JUNE The number of fatalities following the collision between the Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train near Rangapani railway station in Darjeeling district has risen to 11. According to Dr. Sandeep Sengupta, Dean of the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, two individuals, including a six-year-old girl, passed away last night, succumbing to their injuries. More than 30 passengers who were injured are currently receiving medical care in the hospital. Meanwhile, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, for the North-east Frontier Railway, Janak K. Garg, has initiated an official investigation into the incident. Members of several student organisations stage a protest over the NEET issue in Hyderabad on Tuesday.  ANI ters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation,” Justice Bhatti said as the bench tagged the present set of petitions with the earlier ones which are listed for hearing on 8 July 2024. The court gave the Central government and the NTA two weeks’ time to respond to the fresh petitions. Notwithstanding the denial of alleged leakage of NEET-UG 2024 paper at certain centres and the irregularities in the conduct of exam, Justice Bhatti further said: “Imagine a situation where a person who has played fraud on the system, becomes a doctor and starts treating patients, he is more deleterious towards society.” The bench told counsels appearing for the Centre and NTA that children have prepared for the exams and “we cannot forget their labour” for preparing for the exams. As the advocate appearing for one of the petitioners referred to the conversation with the advocates appearing for the Central government and the NTA outside the courtroom before the matter was called, Justice Bhatti said: “Your (the NTA and the Central government) stance ought not to change the moment you enter the court, representing the Agency which is responsible for conducting the examination. You must come forward and admit mistake.” Having said this, Justice Bhatti said that normally in the course of the hearing “we react” but during vacation “We react very slowly”. PM invites inputs for 111th Mann Ki Baat STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Prime Minister Narendra Modi will revive his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on 30 June after a short hiatus due to the General Elections. Mr Modi urged people to share their ideas and inputs for the 111th episode of Mann Ki Baat by penning them down on MyGov Open Forum, NaMo App or recording the message on 1800 11 7800. Expressing his happiness about the coming episode of the programme, he posted on microblogging site X: “Delighted to share that after a gap of some months due to the elections, #MannKiBaat is back!” He said: “This month's programme will take place on Sunday, 30th June. I call upon all of you to share your ideas and inputs for the same. Write on the MyGov Open Forum, NaMo App or record your mes- sage on 1800 11 7800.” After its beginning on 3October 2014, ‘Mann ki Baat’ became a national tradition in course of time, with the Prime Minister addressing the nation every month, inspiring millions to participate in India’s developmental journey. The programme struck a a chord with citizens of India, who reached out to Mr Modi, sharing their achievements, difficulties, happiness and proud moments as well as giving suggestions for a New India. The programme also played a significant role in introducing the real “Bharat” to citizens. After assuming the Prime Minister’s office, Mr Modi was apprehensive he would lose connect with people. Mann Ki Baat however, gave him a medium to connect with them comprehensively, listening to their stories, and giving his suggestions in a dialogue which became more intense every after episode. election of the Speaker's post among alliance parties as well as opposition parties. During this Parliament session, the newly elected MPs will be sworn in, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha will be elected and President Droupadi Murmu will deliver her customary address to Parliament. The election to the post of Speaker is scheduled to be held on 26 June during the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha. The President will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on 27 June. Recently, Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi made it clear that his party, along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), would back the candidate nominated by the BJP for the key post in the Lower House of Parliament. The JD-U leader’s comments are an indication that the saffron party is likely to put up its nominee for the Speaker’s post and that the candidate may not be from its allies. The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between 31 January and 10 February. Maliwal seeks time from INDIA bloc leaders to discuss her assault case STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 18 JUNE Rajya Sabha MP and former DCW chief Swati Maliwal on Tuesday wrote to top leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, seeking time to discuss the alleged assault on her by AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal’s close aide. In her letter addressed to the Opposition leaders, she wrote: “I was assaulted by the PA of the Delhi CM at his residence on 13th May. Following this traumatic incident, I took the necessary step of filing a police complaint. Regrettably, instead of finding support, I was confronted with incessant attacks on my character and victim shaming orchestrated by the leaders and volunteers of my own party (AAP).” Claiming that a smear campaign was organised in the electronic and social media to undermine her reputation, character and credibility, the parliamentarian said: “Due to the lies spread against me, I have been receiving multiple rape and death threats.” “Over the past one month, I have encountered firsthand the pain and isolation a survivor faces when she fights for justice. The brutal victim shaming and character assassination I have been subjected to, would discourage other women and girls from speaking up against abuse. I would like to seek time to discuss this pertinent issue,” she said. In the letter, Ms Maliwal also highlighted the work done by her during her tenure as chief of the DCW. “The Commission handled more than 1.7 lakh complaints of crimes against women and children. The Rape Crisis Cell and Crisis Intervention Centre programmes of the Commission counselled 60,751 survivors of sexual assault and assisted them during 1.9 lakh hearings in courts,” she said.