TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 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 ‘IFS OFFICERS SHOULD SHAPE GLOBAL AGENDA’ MAURYA PUTS AN END TO HIS DIFFERENCES WITH CM YOGI P5 P10 SENSEX 80,424.68 NIFTY 24,572.65 WEATHER GENERALLY CLOUDY SKY. LIGHT RAIN. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 36 AND 27 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. P9 ` vs $ 83.91 GOLD 73,440 PM to visit Poland, Ukraine The PM's visit to Ukraine is being seen as an attempt by India to balance its ties with Ukraine This is a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations Min. 61 % TEMPERATURE Max: 35.6 °C (+1) SUN RISES 05:54 hrs MOON RISES 19:35 hrs Min: 27.6 °C (+1) SUN SETS 18:55 hrs MOON SETS 07:20 hrs THUMBNAILS Army soldiers celebrate Raksha Bandhan festival, at Akhnoor sector, in Jammu on Monday. n ANI General Sundararajan Padmanabhan passes away: General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, who served as the 20th Chief of the Army Staff, passed away in Chennai on Sunday night. General Padmanabhan, 83, leaves behind a legacy of exemplary leadership and dedication to the nation. Born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, he was a distinguished alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on December 13, 1959, marking the beginning of an illustrious career spanning over four decades. (PG 4) STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19 AUGUST P rime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23 at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Before visiting the wartorn nation, he will visit Poland on August 21-22. ''PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders," Mr Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said at a media briefing Monday. The PM's visit to Ukraine is being seen as an attempt by India to balance its ties with the war-ravaged nation, weeks after Kyiv condemned him for hugging President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow. Mr Lal noted that the PM has held telephonic conversations with the Ukraine President on several occasions. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in June in Italy last year. He said India has supported diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. New Delhi is ready to provide all its support to bring the P12 SILVER 86,000 RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 91 % CUMMINS BACKS HIS ALL-ROUNDERS ‘SAUDI PRINCE FORGED KING’S SIGNATURE ON YEMEN WAR DECREE’ conflict to an end. "India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict (between Russia and Ukraine) and which can lead to enduring peace, so dialogue is absolutely essential. Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement,'' the diplomat said. India has tried to do a delicate balancing act ever since the conflict began in Ukraine in view of its strategic ties with Russia. The Modi government has avoided explicit condemnations of Russia's invasion of Ukraine while urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue. On the PM's August 21-22 visit to Poland, Mr Lal said its is a landmark visit as an Indian PM is visiting Poland after 45 years. This visit takes place as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Apart from meeting Polish leaders, the PM will interact with the Indian community there. The Indian community in Poland is estimated at around 25,000. This includes around 5,000 students. The government and people of Poland had offered valuable assistance to India during 'Operation Ganga' for the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine. More than 4,000 indian students were evacuated via Poland in 2022. BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 78.10 Kolkata rape-murder case: CBI officers intensify investigation STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 19 AUGUST A CBI team today visited the home of the victim doctor of R G Kar Medical College, again. Last Thursday, a five-member CBI team, including a joint director, visited her home. On that day, the investigators examinedthedeceaseddoctor's diary and books. However, the reason for the CBI team's visit on Monday is still unclear. According to sources, several CBI teams left the CGO Complex on Monday morning. One of these teams went to thevictim'shome,whileanother team visited R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on Monday. A special team has flown in from Delhi for the investigation. The investigators are interrogating individuals who may be connected to the incident daily. The CBI teams have been visiting R G Kar hospital and speaking with the authorities there. They have taken several steps to understand what happened on the morning of 9 August, including conducting a 3D laser mapping of the crime scene. On Thursday, the CBI team recorded the statements of the doctor’s parents during their visit. The victim’s parents have consistently claimed that their daughter was murdered and have demanded justice for the perpetrators. According to CBI sources, the officials want to gather information about why the victim's family believes there might be a conspiracy behind the murder. The girl used to write a diary regularly, as informed earlier by the mother of the deceased Identify high-risk taxpayers in GST composition K’taka HC orders no action against CM scheme: CAG directs Finance Ministry in MUDA scam until 29 August hearing STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19AUGUST The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), on Monday, asked the Finance Ministry to identify high risk taxpayers in the GST composition scheme on a periodical basis. The CAG also asked the ministry to verify from other sources, including third parties, their declared value of sales to check tax evasion. Based on an analysis of 8.66 lakh composition taxpayers under the Central jurisdiction between 2019-20 to 2021-22 fiscal, the CAG found that a significant number of GST taxpayers have a high risk of crossing the turnover threshold for composition levy scheme (CLS). As per the reports, these high-risk taxpayers were identified by audit from the data contained in GST returns viz. GSTR-4A, GSTR-7 along with third party data sources such as IT returns, 'Vahan' database etc. The CAG further said two major risk areas in respect of CLS taxpayers are under-declaration of the 'value of outward supply' by the taxpayers to continue in the scheme; and non-fulfillment of eligibility conditions for availing CLS. The audit also observed that there were certain CLS taxpayers who were continuing in the Scheme despite not fulfilling the eligibility criteria prescribed in the Act and the Rules. A substantial number of CLS taxpayers were not discharging their obligatory responsibilities of filing returns and payment of tax under reverse charge. Notably, the GST composition scheme is available to taxpayers whose aggregate turnover, in the preceding financial year, has not exceeded Rs 1.5 crore. For taxpayers in special category states, this limit is Rs 75 lakh. CAG also suggested that the Finance Ministry may develop a system of identifying ineligible taxpayers and take action to exclude them from the CLS in order to prevent misuse of the intended benefits of the scheme. It is to be highlighted that in a report tabled in Parliament recently, CAG had said, "The Ministry should identify high risk taxpayers in the CLS on a periodical basis using a risk-based approach and verify their declared value of outward supply from other sources including third parties to minimize the possibility of misuse by ineligible persons.” AGENCIES BENGALURU, 19 AUGUST The Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the trial court concerned not to take any precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah based on the Governor's sanction in MUDA 'scam', till the next date of hearing before the High Court. A bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna posted the plea for hearing on August 29 which was filed by Siddaramaiah challenging the sanction for his prosecution by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. While hearing Chief Minister's plea, the High Court said trial shall not take any precipitative action based on the Governor's sanction against Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case, as the High Court is hearing the matter. The High Court said proceedings before trial court shall be deferred till the next date of hearing before the High Court. In its order, the bench stated, "It was argued that the proceedings before the trial court are up for orders on whether a sanction should be granted to prosecute the Chief Minister. Any order permitting action to proceed further against the Chief Minister, would frustrate the proceedings before this court. Since the proceedings are pending before this court, the trial court shall defer its proceedings till the next date of hearing. There shall be no precipitative action qua these complaints." Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Siddaramaiah, argued that Governor didn't give a single reason on merits why the sanction ought to be given for prosecution of Chief Minister. Singhvi said that the Governor is bound by a Cabinet decision in such cases, however, he issued sanction in a short twopage order without considering the merits of the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Karnataka Governor submitted that in such cases there only needs to be an apprehension or suspicion of reasonable bias by the Cabinet in favour of the minister against whom sanction is sought. Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. PM Modi celebrates Raksha Bandhan with schoolchildren India, Japan to hold 2+2 AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 19 AUGUST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with many schoolchildren, who tied rakhis on his wrist and also shared a memorable and gratifying moment with him. The school children not only tied rakhis to PM Modi but also engaged in a brief banter where some sought his suggestions on contributing in nation-building while others recited small poems and bhajan. PM Modi had a light-hearted conversation with many children, as the latter posed a series of questions ranging from his favourite colour to suggestions on staying fit. In a video released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), many school children could be seen making a beeline for the 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, with their eyes beaming and faces brimming with joy. Many young girls from various schools arrived at PM’s residence on Monday and tied the sacred thread on his wrist. A specially designed rakhi captured the attention of all, as it featured PM Modi and his mother Heeraben’s picture, highlighting the theme of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. “You made a very beautiful rakhi,” an elated PM Modi said while the girl tied rakhi on his wrist. Many students, who brought flowers, sweets and even a hand-made portrait of PM Modi, also shared their excitement and joy of meeting the Prime Minister for the first time and celebrate the special occasion with him. “I am feeling overjoyed as I will meet him for the first time,” said a girl student while another said, “He looked like a friend to me, I felt very good.” A girl student enquired from the Prime Minister on how they can contribute to his Viksit Bharat vision, to which he replied, “keep yourself and society fit and healthy.” “Whatever we do, there should a feeling of greater well-being for the society,” he further advised. PM Modi also gave an autograph to a girl child and shared a hearty laugh when she sought ‘one more’ for her sister. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister extended his heartfelt wishes to the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. “Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in your relationships and happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in life,” he wrote on X. The festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. ministerial dialogue STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19 AUGUST Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will host Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa for the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday. On the sidelines of the 2+2 dialogue, a bilateral meeting will be held between the defence minister and his Japanese counterpart. During bilateral talks and the 2+2 meeting, the two sides will review the ongoing cooperation and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements between the two countries. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of Defence said. India and Japan share a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' based on the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Defence has emerged as one of the most important pillars in this relationship. Strengthened India-Japan defence partnership is vital for ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific in the prevailing global environment. ''This visit will further deepen defence cooperation and bring greater depth to the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries,'' the MoD added. The second IndiaJapan 2+2 dialogue was held in September 2022 in Japan. doctor. She even hinted that important clues related to her daughter’s mysterious death might be found in that diary. The police had seized the diary. However, the next day, the victim's mother made explosive claims, accusing the authorities of tampering with evidence. She alleged that several pages of her daughter’s diary had been torn out, and they have proof of this. The parents' accusations have caused a stir. Questions are arising about whether the diary contained information that could change the course of the investigation or, if not, why the pages were torn. Additionally, they have raised questions about the location of the victim's death. According to family sources, the young woman had been maintaining a diary since Class IX, recording her daily routine, activities,thoughts,andfeelings. Her mother confirmed that she had written in the diary on the fateful night as well. The parents revealed to the media that some pages of the diary had been torn out, and they have a photo of one such torn page. After nearly 6.5 hours of continuous questioning from 12:45 PM, the 5-member CBI team left at 6:30 PM from residence of RG Kar victim. Earlier in the day, a 2-member team arrivedfirst,followedbyanother team of 3 members at around 4 PM. They brought along printers, laptops, several A-4 size sheets, and several other electronic devices. However, the 5-member CBI team did not answer any questions from the media while leaving. Nepal to export 1,000 MW electricity to India, says Jaishankar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 19 AUGUST Nepal will export about 1000 MW of electricity to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced Monday following wide-ranging discussions with visiting Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba here. ''Pleased to welcome FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal on her first official visit abroad. Discussed the multifaceted India-Nepal cooperation, including in energy, trade, connectivity and infrastructure development. Glad to note that Nepal will be exporting close to 1000 MW of electricity to India, a new milestone. Our Neighbourhood First policy and unique people-to-people & cultural connect propels our relationship forward,'' he wrote on X after the talks. The Nepal foreign minister arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day official visit to India on the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level IndiaNepal bilateral exchanges. In a post on X, the MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal as she arrives in New Delhi on an official visit. The visit continues the tradition of regular high-level IndiaNepal bilateral exchanges and is a testament to the unique & close. The Nepali foreign minister will be meeting other Indians leaders also during the course of her visit. The meetings are part of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations to strengthen bilateral ties.