THURSDAY 05 SEPTEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 14 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ARIF MOHAMMED SET TO CONTINUE AS KERALA GUV US CHARGES HAMAS LEADERS OVER 7 OCT ATTACK ON ISRAEL P9 SENSEX 82,352.64q202.80 WEATHER Thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Storms could contain frequent lightning. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 °C and 27 °C respectively. P4 NIFTY 25,198.70q81.15 P5 ` vs $ 83.96 GOLD 73,355.00 India, Brunei call for rules-based system RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Both nations agree to work together for enhanced multilateralism Max. 89% STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min. 73 % TEMPERATURE Max: 34.6˚C SUN RISES 05:20 hrs MOON RISES 06:58 hrs NEW DELHI, 4 SEPTEMBER Min: 27.3˚C SUN SETS 17:49 hrs MOON SETS 19:06 hrs I Full Moon on 18 September THUMBNAILS A man holding an umbrella cycles across Kartavya Path amid a shower, in New Delhi on Wednesday. n ANI EPS pensioners to get pension from any bank, branch across India: Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Chairperson, Central Board of Trustees, EPF, Mansukh Mandaviya has approved the proposal for a Centralized Pension Payment System for Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. This marks a major shift by establishing a national-level centralised system, enabling pension disbursement through any bank, any branch across India. (P10) ndia and Brunei have supported adherence to a rules-based international system to ensure peace and development, and agreed to strengthen cooperation at various regional and multilateral fora such as ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and United Nations (UN). This was stated in a Joint Statement released at the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Brunei Darussalam, which concluded on Wednesday. Mr Modi undertook the visit at the invitation of Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. This was the Prime Minister’s first visit as well as the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei Darussalam. During their talks, the two leaders agreed to work together for enhanced multilateralism Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah before their bilateral meeting, in Bandar Seri Begawan on Wednesday. Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah is also seen. n ANI reflective of contemporary realities. They reiterated their commitment to work closely together in mutually beneficial areas to further strengthen the ASEAN – India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Joint Statement said: “Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.” The two leaders also urged all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982. Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called upon states to repudiate it. They underlined that no country should allow territory under their control to be used for terrorism; no country should harbour terrorists and resolved to work together to bring perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice. Recognizing terrorism and transnational organized crime linkages, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in this regard. Both sides agreed to work together at the UN and other multilateral fora to combat terrorism. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need to address climate change and enhance efforts in mitigating the adverse impacts from this rising challenge, in accordance with international climate objectives, such as the Paris Agreement. The Sultan of Brunei appreciated India’s initiative in establishing the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Global Bio-fuel Alliance (GBA). He also appreciated India’s support for Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in hosting the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change. Citizens of Kolkata reclaim the night once again STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 4 SEPTEMBER: With anger and outrage persisting over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital nearly a month ago, citizens of Kolkata ‘reclaimed the night’ once again on Wednesday night. Reports that the Supreme Court hearing on the R.G. Kar case is unlikely to be held tomorrow did not dampen the spirit of the citizens who were resolute to carry out their programme of reclaiming the night despite all odds. The call of the protesting junior doctors to switch off household lights for one hour from 9 p.m. received a huge At RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday night. n SNS response from citizens across sections. Citizens carrying candles and mobile torches started gathering as early as 7.30 pm at various locations in the city. Men, women, teenagers and even the elderly, people from all walks of life hit the city streets tonight answering the call. Among the protesters were the parents of the deceased doctor. Echoing the 'Reclaim the Night' movement of 14 August, people gathered at multiple AJEET WINS PARALYMPICS JAVELIN SILVER SHAH TO RELEASE BJP’S ELECTION MANIFESTO FOR J-K ON 6 SEPTEMBER locations, including Shyambazar, Dharmatala, Hazra, Sakherbazar, Netaji Nagar, Ultadanga , Garfa Bazar, Laketown, New Town, Garden Reach and many more. The outrage and the voices demanding justice for the R.G.Kar victim were not restricted to Kolkata but extended way beyond. There were gatherings in Barasat and Salkia, Kalyani and New Barrackpore, Chunchura and Canning, Kanchrapara and Krishnanagar. Ahead of the protest, social media was abuzz with groups and contacts of people participating in the protest march. Unlike the movement on 14 August, which was largely made up of women citizens, tonight’s night reclaim programme was more inclusive with participation of a large number of men. “It is like now or never. If we do not claim our rights as women now, we would never be able to live safely ever,” said Arunima Dutta, a private firm employee who had planned to join the protest at the Academy of Fine Arts in the city. Echoing the sentiment, Soumyadip Saha, a second year student said: “It is not only about one victim, but the sword of danger hangs over our mothers, sisters and all women. We need stand by women in their demand for safety and justice to the R.G.Kar victim.” Centre asks states for ATR on safety of healthcare workers STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 SEPTEMBER The Central government has asked the States and Union Territories (UTs) to provide an action-taken report on measures taken for safety of doctors and healthcare workers by 10 September. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all States and UTs on Tuesday, Health Secretary Apurva Chandra referred to the virtual conference of chief secretaries and DGPs held recently regarding the provisioning of safety and security measures and safe working environment for doctors and healthcare workers in all medical institutions. “It is worth reiterating that as per the order dated 22nd August, the Supreme Court (SC) has inter-alia directed to hold a meeting with Secretaries and DGPs so as to ensure that the State governments/UTs put into place certain basic minimum requirements pending the receipt of the report of the National Task Force (NTF) to assuage the concerns of the doctors over their safety Among the steps discussed to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals were identification of high-risk establishments, security audits, focus on high-risk areas, CCTV surveillance and integration with local police. at their work places,” he said. Among the key points discussed during the meeting of Chief Secretaries and DGPs of States/UTs on immediate steps for safety and security of healthcare professionals were identification of highrisk establishments, security audits, focus on high-risk areas, CCTV surveillance and integration with local police. “Most of the State/UTs have informed in the meeting that various actions are already initiated as per the suggestions provided in the letter dated 23rdAugust.Itisalsoheartening to note that some of the States have initiated additional measures over and above those suggested by the Health Ministry,” the Health Secretary wrote. SILVER 90,000 P14 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 72.71q0.59 Warm, vibrant welcome to PM in Singapore The PM will hold talks with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a major push to India-Singapore ties and IndiaÊs Act East Policy STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 SEPTEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Singapore where he will hold talks with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a major push to India-Singapore ties and India’s Act East Policy and Vision of the Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister was warmly received at the airport by the Singapore Minister of Home Affairs and Law, and greeted at his hotel by the vibrant Indian community. Mr Modi posted on the X: “Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India’s reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti makes our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties.” The Prime Minister said his welcome by the Indian community was truly vibrant. He posted on X: “Thank you, Singapore! The welcome was truly vibrant.” The Indian community welcomed the PM by Ganapati Bappa Moraya cries and short dance recitals by girls. He joined in beating the dhol, and a woman tied Rakhi on his right wrist, while a child carried a placard “I love Modiji.” Tripura: Memorandum signed with NLFT, ATTF to end insurgency STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE AGARTALA/NEW DELHI, 4 SEPTEMBER The Union government, the Tripura government, and representatives of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) on Wednesday signed a historic Memorandum of Settlement, aiming to bring long-lasting peace to Tripura. The agreement, witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Shah, represents a crucial step towards eradicating decades of violence and integrating former militants into mainstream society. This settlement is part of a broader effort under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform the Northeast into a region free from extremism and conflict, Mr Shah said. The National Lib- eration Front of Tripura (NLFT), formed in 1989, and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), established in 1990, have both been involved in armed struggles for Tripura's independence. Their commitment to peace through this agreement marks the culmination of years of negotiation and a significant reduction in insurgent activities across the state. This is one of several agreements signed under the Modi government, contributing to around 10,000 militants laying down their arms and joining the mainstream.