THURSDAY 18 JULY 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR FOR A BETTER CLASS OF CIVIL SERVANTS UP: MAURYA’S STATEMENT SETS OFF INTERNAL BICKERING P10 WEATHER Generally cloudy sky. Rain / thundershower very likely to occur. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 °C and 27 °C respectively. RAINFALL: 23.9 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY P7 P9 Min. 69 % Max: 33.4 °C (+0.6) SUN RISES 05:2 hrs MOON RISES 14:44 hrs Min: 28.4°C (+1.5) SUN SETS 18:24 hrs MOON SETS 00:49 hrs Full Moon on 21 July THUMBNAILS Tibetans attend a 'Thank You USA' ceremony to express their gratitude to the US government for enacting into law the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, at the Sambhota Tibe- tan School in Shimla on Wednesday.  ANI Kejriwal bail plea: Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Excise policy case. The Court also reserved its order on Mr Kejriwal's plea for interim bail. The bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna fixed 29 July 2024 for the hearing on the regular bail plea moved by Mr Kejriwal in the matter. he Karnataka government, facing a backlash from industry bodies and business leaders on its proposed Bill reserving jobs for Kannadigas in the private sector, has decided not to introduce the controversial Bill in the state Assembly on Thursday. Announcing this on microblogging platform X on Thursday, state chief minister Siddaramaiah wrote: “The Bill approved by the cabinet to provide reservations for Kannadigas in private sector organizations, industries and enterprises has been temporarily put on hold. This will be revisited and decided in the coming days,” In another post, he wrote: “The draft Bill intended to provide reservations for Kannadigas in private sector companies, industries, and enterprises is still in the preparation stage.” He added that a comprehensive discussion will be held in the next Cabinet meeting to make a final decision. The Karnataka state cabinet on Monday T Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with State Deputy CM DK Shivakumar at the State Assembly, in Bengaluru.  ANI approved a Bill enforcing 50 per cent reservation for administrative posts and 75 per cent for non-administrative posts for Kannadigas in private industries. The Bill also seeks 100 per cent reservation for locals in C & D grade government jobs. On Wednesday, industry body Nasscom, which represents the technology and software landscape in the country. expressed strong concern regarding the proposed Karnataka State Employment of Local Industries Factories Establishment Act Bill, 2024 and urged the state government to withdraw the Bill. “The bill's provisions threaten to reverse... Navy warship rescues 9 crew members of capsized oil tanker off Oman coast progress, drive away companies, and stifle startups, especially when more global firms... are looking to invest in the state. At the same time, the restrictions could force companies to relocate as local skilled talent becomes scarce,” Nasscom said in a statement. Several industry leaders in the state also raised objections to the government’s move, saying that it is "discriminatory" and expressed apprehensions that the tech industry may suffer. As it came under fire on the matter, the Karnataka government during the day indicated that it would take a relook at the issue. DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister, told reporters that the government would be holding further discussions. “No investors need to worry. We want investors to come to Karnataka. There are certain sections of the people who are talented and have come from outside the state. We want them to work in Karnataka... We just want to give (Kannadigas) scope... We are more worried than both the employer and the employee. We will see where we can accommodate Kannadigas,” he said. IT Minister Priyank Kharge and Minister for Large and Medium Industries MB Patil said that the Bill was just a proposal by the Labour Department and the recommendations were given without consulting other departments. Mr Kharge said: "I have requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to implement it only after consultation with the industrial experts and other departments on the conditions of the Bill.” Mr Patil also assured resolution of concerns over the draft Bill and added that the interests of both Kannadigas and industries would be protected. MUHARRAM RITUALS With the Haryana Assembly elections just a few months away, state Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday announced 10 per cent reservation for Agniveers who are released from the Indian Army after their service. Making an announcement to this effect, Mr Saini said: “Agniveers are deployed in the Indian Army for 4 years under the Agnipath Scheme implemented by PM Modi on 14th June 2022. Under the scheme, our government in Haryana will provide 10 per cent horizontal reservation to the Agniveers in Haryana in direct recruitment to the posts of Constable, Mining Guard, Forest Guard, Jail Warden and SPO recruited by the state government..." He said the state would provide these Agniveers a relaxation of three years in the maximum age prescribed for Group B and C government jobs. “In the case of the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation will be 5 years. The government will provide 5 per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers in direct recruitment to civil posts in Group C and 1 per cent horizontal reservation in Group B,” he added. The chief minister further said STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 JULY NEW DELHI, 17 JULY The Indian Navy's warship INS Teg rescued nine crew members, including eight Indians, who were on an oil tanker that capsized off Oman coast on 15 July, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday. The rescued crew members included eight Indians and one Sri Lankan national. According to the Omani Maritime Security Centre, one crew member was found dead. “9 crew members from MV Falcon Prestige (8 Indians and 1 Sri Lankan) have been recovered alive during the search and rescue operations. The search and rescue operations to find the remaining crew members will continue in the area," the Indian Navy said. Oman's Maritime Security Centre, meanwhile, stated in a post on microblogging site X: “Search and rescue operations have successfully found 10 crew members of the oil tanker Prestige Falcon, 9 found alive. Tragically, one crew member was found deceased. The government has convened an all-party meeting on Sunday, ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, to seek the cooperation of political parties in the smooth functioning of the two Houses of Parliament. The Budget Session will be held from 22 July to 12 August. The Union Budget will be presented on 23 July. The government is expected to present the Economic Survey on Monday, 22 July. The Budget will be the first Budget of the Narendra Modi government in its third term. A meeting of the Union Cabinet is likely to take place on Thursday morning. The all-party meeting will be significant in view of the stormy proceedings witnessed in the two Houses during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to Parliament in the last session. The short session was mainly devoted to oath-tak- The search and rescue operations continue for the remaining members of the vessel's crew." The vessel had capsized about 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, Oman, on 15 July and search and rescue efforts in coordination with Oman authorities have been in progress since 16 July. The vessel was reported to have had a total of 16 crew members, including 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans. The search and rescue of Indian and Omani assets is being undertaken in challenging weather conditions as the area is experiencing rough seas and strong winds. The Indian Navy's P8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft is also assisting in the search for survivors, the Navy stated. The Indian Embassy in Oman has said it is in constant touch with the Omani authorities. Giving the latest update on the rescue effort, the Indian Embassy in Oman also posted on X: “Embassy is coordinating SAR operations with Omani authorities and the Indian Navy for MT Prestige Falcon, a Comoros-flagged vessel that capsized off the coast of Oman on July 15th." “9 crew including 8 Indians have been rescued today by INS Teg. The search for the remaining survivors continues," it added. A young Shia Muslim girl participates in a religious procession to mark Ashura on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, in Lucknow on Wednesday.  ANI The chief minister further said that in case an Agniveer is hired by an industrial unit on a monthly salary of Rs 30,000, his government will provide Rs 60,000 per annum as a subsidy to the unit. that in case an Agniveer is hired by an industrial unit on a monthly salary of Rs 30,000, his government will provide Rs 60,000 per annum as a subsidy to the unit. Furthermore, Agniveers will be eligible for a Rs 5 lakh loan if they wish to start a business. Earlier, last week, in line with a Union home ministry directive, various Central Armed Police Forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, and Railway Protection Force, had announced ten per cent reservation for ex-Agniveers in vacancies, as well as relaxation in age limits and exemption from physical efficiency tests. In the Agnipath scheme, youths between the ages of 17-and-a-half years and 23 are recruited in the armed forces, as ‘Agniveers’ who serve for four years, with provision to retain 25 per cent of them in the permanent cadre, who serve for 15 more years. The scheme had come under attack from the Opposition, questioning what will happen to the 75 per cent of Agniveers who are not retained after their fouryear tenure and alleging discrimination in terms of pay and benefits, including compensation in the event of death while in service, as compared to soldiers recruited for the full tenure. Budget Session: Govt to seek cooperation of all parties for smooth functioning AGENCIES The oil tanker, Prestige Falcon, capsized 25 nautical miles south-east of Ras Madrakah. This is near the Omani port of Duqm. The Indian Navy's warship INS Teg has been deployed along with P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft along with Omani vessels P12 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE CHANDIGARH, 17 JULY Backlash from industry to proposal for up to 75 pc reservation for locals BENGALURU, 17 JULY JAISWAL, GILL RISE IN ICC T20 BATTERS RANKINGS LIST Ahead of Assembly polls, Haryana CM announces 10 pc quota for ‘Agniveers’ Karnataka govt puts jobs quota Bill on hold AGENCIES Max. 92 % TEMPERATURE UK’S NEW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION FOR ‘NATIONAL RENEWAL’ The Budget Session will be held from 22 July to 12 August. The Union Budget will be presented on 23 July. The government is expected to present the Economic Survey on Monday, 22 July. ing by newly-elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha and the re-election of Mr Om Birla as the Speaker. While the Opposition was disturbed in the session over the government’s references to the 1975 Emergency, the day of the imposition of the Emergency, the 25th of June, has since been declared as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day). A government notification last Friday declared “25th June as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” to pay tribute to all those who suffered and fought against the gross abuse of power during the period of Emergency and to recommit to the people of India to not support in any manner such gross abuse of power in the future.” In her address to Parliament, the President had referred to the coming Budget and said: “My Government will present its first budget in the forthcoming session. This budget will be an effective document of the Government’s far-reaching policies and futuristic vision.” She further stated: “Along with major economic and social decisions, many historic steps will also be seen in this budget. The pace of reforms will be further accelerated in tune with the aspirations of the people of India for rapid development.” She said the government believed that there should be healthy competition among the states to attract investors from all over the world. This is the true spirit of competitive cooperative federalism, she said. “We will continue to move ahead with the belief that the development of the country lies in the development of the states,” she had stated. Made in India products take SKY most likely to succeed Rohit as India’s new T20I captain the world by storm, says PM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 JULY STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 JULY Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Make In India success story and presented a glimpse how it is propelling India's economy on to the global stage. In a post on social media platform X, he said: “The Made in India initiative showcases the phenomenal success of Indian-made products globally. From Indian bicycles to digital payments, India is taking the world by storm with its products.” The Prime Minister put together a collection of news clippings on his post to show how Indian products are entering international markets. The first clipping said Indian bicycles are becoming a global sensation, with exports surging to the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. This growth highlights India’s rising influence in international markets. The next said that Madein-Bihar boots are now part of the Russian Army’s gear, showcasing the unexpected global reach of Indian products. This milestone reflects India’s growing influence in international defence markets and the high quality of its manufacturing capabilities. “Kashmir willow bats were in high demand as the World Cup approached, solidifying their status as a global favourite,” another clipping said. These bats exemplify India’s superior craftsmanship and significant impact on the international cricket scene. “Amul is taking India’s unique flavours to the world, launching its products in the US. This international expansion highlights the global appeal of Indian dairy products and Amul’s commitment to spreading the taste of India worldwide,” a clipping said. Another clipping stated: “India’s UPI system is now global, enabling seamless digital payments in multiple countries. This technological advancement underscores India’s leadership in fintech innovation and its commitment to revolutionizing digital transactions worldwide.” Suryakumar Yadav is set to be appointed as India’s new T20I captain ahead of Hardik Pandya, the incumbent vicecaptain of the side, for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. It has been learnt that the newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar discussed the leadership transition in detail with Hardik, and also informed him of the long-term plans for the shortest format. The selection committee meeting to pick the squad for the Sri Lanka tour, that was initially scheduled on Wednesday, has now been rescheduled to Thursday. The T20I series against Sri Lanka is scheduled from 27 to 30 July in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from 2 to 7 August in Colombo. Reportedly, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah will be travelling to Sri Lanka for the annual ICC meeting which is scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 July in Colombo. Meanwhile, Suryakumar, who was among the top aspirants along with Hardik for the CMYK post, and is a sure-starter in India’s first-choice XI, has been preferred to succeed Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from the shortest format along with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, after leading India to T20 World Cup glory in the Caribbean last month. The reason behind SKY’s promotion to the role has more to do with Pandya’s fitness concerns, and with an eye to manage his workload, given that the star all-rounder’s services will be crucial as India targets the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. While Hardik, who served as Rohit’s deputy at the T20 World Cup and is a more experienced captain - he has led India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is, apart from leading Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, his injuryprone past might have led the decision makers to opt for a safer option in SKY. Hardik had suffered an ankle injury during the 50-over World Cup at home last October-November and was out of action until the start of IPL 2024, when he returned to lead Mumbai Indians in the Indi- an Premier League. Since the start of 2022, Hardik has featured in just 46 of the 79 T20Is that India have played. In contrast, SKY has previously led India to a 4-1 series win over Australia last November, followed by a 11 series scoreline in South Africa. He has also led Mumbai in the domestic circuit. The T20Is in Sri Lanka will also be the team’s first assignment under Mr Gambhir, who was appointed after the triumphant T20 World Cup campaign under Rahul Dravid. The new captain-coach duo is expected to work together in building the outfit for the next T20 World Cup that will be co-hosted by India in 2026. Immediately after the T20 World Cup, a fresh-look Indian team captained by Shubman Gill toured Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, and returned with a 4-1 series triumph.