TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 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 'BJP-RSS SPREADING HATE, VIOLENCE ACROSS COUNTRY' REVANTH AND BJP HAND IN GLOVE: KTR P4 SENSEX 84,928.61 P5 NIFTY 25,939.05 WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 37 AND 26 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. ‘DISUNITY LED US TO WAIT FOR 500 YEARS FOR RAM TEMPLE’ ` vs $ 83.55 2ND TEST: SHAKIB REMAINS DOUBTFUL P10 GOLD 76,690.00 P12 SILVER 93,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 74.49 Committed to make India 3rd-largest economy: PM RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Modi also highlights the huge transformation happening in Indian economy Max. 100 % STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min. 71 % TEMPERATURE Max: 37.0 °C (+3) SUN RISES 6:11 hrs MOON RISES 23:03 hrs Min: 24.9 °C (+1) SUN SETS 18:15 hrs MOON SETS 13:54 hrs THUMBNAILS Workers prepare Kalawa threads (a traditional sacred orange-yellow thread) ahead of the Navaratri festival, at Lal Gopalganj village in Prayagraj on Sunday. ANI Badlapur minor girls' rape case accused injured in 'police encounter': In a shocking development, Akshay Shinde -- the prime accused in the sensational Badlapur rape case of two nursery school girls in August -- who allegedly grabbed a policeman’s gun, was allegedly shot at in return fire and injured seriously, here on Monday evening. Another policeman is reported to be injured in the sudden firing, and both have been admitted to a hospital in Kalwe town for treatment. The incident -- suspected to be an ‘encounter’ by the police in self-defence’ -- occurred when Shinde was being shifted by a police escort from Taloja Jail to Badlapur town for investigation in another case in which he is an accused. NEW DELHI, 23 SEPTEMBER P rime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his government's resolve to make India the thirdlargest economy in the world during his third term. Expressing his government's commitment to making India a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, he highlighted the economic transformation happening in India, particularly in electronics and information technology manufacturing, semiconductors, biotech and green development. The PM was interacting with technology industry leaders in New York in a Roundtable anchored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering. The techroundtable focused on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum; Biotechnology and Life Sciences; Computing, IT and Communication; and Semiconductor technologies. The CEOs participated in a deep dive with the PM on the evolving technology landscape at a global level and how these cutting-edge technologies are contributing to the well-being of people around the world including in India. They touched upon how technology is being leveraged for innovations, which have the potential to revolutionize the global economy and human development. Mr Modi appreciated the efforts of the MIT School of Engineering and its Dean for bringing the technology leaders together. He noted that technology collaboration and efforts such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies [ICET] lie at the core of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. He stressed that in his third term, India will make every effort to become the third-largest economy in the world. He encouraged the companies to take advantage of India’s growth story for collaboration and innovation. They can co-develop, co-design, and co-produce in India for the world, harnessing the opportunities from India’s economic and technological growth. He assured the business leaders of India’s deep commitment to the protection of intellectual property and to fostering tech-innovation, he said. The PM also dwelt on India’s BIO E3 policy to develop India into a biotech powerhouse. On AI, he noted that India’s policy is to promote AI for All, underpinned by its ethical and responsible use. The CEOs expressed their strong interest in investing and Odisha CM Majhi orders time-bound judicial probe into custodial abuse case STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 23 SEPTEMBER Amid growing national outrage over the alleged custodial harassment of an army officer and his fiancée on 15 September, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his cabinet colleagues met the victims and assured them that justice will be served. In a series of swift developments, the Chief Minister, Deputy CM K.V. Singh Deo, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, senior bureaucrats, DGP Y.B. Khurania, and Advocate General Pitambar Acharya met late on Sunday night. They announced a judicial probe led by retired High Court judge C.R. Das. The commission has been directed to submit its report within 60 days. The government also requested the High Court to oversee the ongoing Crime Branch investigation into the case. However, the High Court declined the request today, stating that investigative agencies have statutory powers in cognizable offenses and court should not face interference unless under exceptional circumstances. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to the incident, the court also instructed the media not to reveal the names of the army officer and his fiancée and called for a status report on CCTV installations at all police stations in the state. Having ordered a judicial inquiry, Chief Minister Majhi, on Monday met with the army officer, his fiancée, and her father at the state secretariat (Lok Seva Bhawan). During the meeting, Majhi assured them of an impartial investigation. "Mohan Majhi has proved that he is truly a people's CM," said the fiancée after the meeting. Her father expressed optimism, saying, "We are hopeful of getting justice with the government's judicial probe order. I have sought protection for my daughter, who runs a restaurant, and the CM has assured us that police security will be provided." He also requested action against those who circulated defamatory videos related to the incident on social media. "I thank CM Mohan Majhi for ordering a judicial inquiry. Justice will be done in a timebound manner," he added. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan reiterated the government's stance, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards atrocities on women. He noted that the CM and his ministers were out of Bhubaneswar when the incident occurred and that upon their return, they immediately ordered the judicial inquiry. He criticized the Opposition for politicizing the sensitive issue. collaborating with India. India's growing prominence as a global technology hub, driven by its innovation-friendly policies and flourishing market opportunities, got much appreciation from the tech-leaders. They also agreed that investing in startups would be a synergistic opportunity to innovate and develop newer technologies in India. MIT Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at the Institute and Dean of the MIT School of Engineering, who chaired the roundtable, thanked the PM and CEOs for their participation, affirming MIT’s commitment to advancing technology and making it accessible for global good. Those who participated in the roundtable included: Ms. Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, Mr. Shantanu Narayen, Chairman, President, and CEO of Adobe, Ms. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, Mr. Chris Viehbacher, CEO of Biogen Inc, Mr. Chris Boerner, CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, Mr. David A. Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, Mr. Sundar Pichai , CEO of Google, Mr. Enrique Lores, CEO & President of HP Inc., Mr. Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, Mr. Tim Archer, CEO of LAM Research, Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Chairman of Moderna, Mr. Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon, Mr. Thomas Caulfield, CEO of Global Foundaries, Mr. Jensen Huang, Founder, President and CEO of NVIDIA and Mr. Martin Schroeter, CEO of Kyndryl. PM meets Palestine President, calls for end to hostilities STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 SEPTEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday met Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York and called for an end to the war in West Asia. The PM expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance. ''The PM reiterated India's time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and Navy to launch expedition to circumnavigate globe STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 SEPTEMBER- The Indian Navy is all set to embark on the extraordinary mission of circumnavigating the globe with the second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition. Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini would sail on this challenging expedition with two women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A on 2 October. The historic voyage will be flagged off from Naval Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi, Goa. Over a period of eight months, the duo will navigate over 21,600 nautical miles (about 40,000 km) without any external assistance, relying solely on wind power. The circumnavigation highlights the exceptional Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini would sail on this challenging expedition with two women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A on 2 October. valour, courage and perseverance of the officers, who will face rigours of high seas, extreme weather conditions, pushing the limits of human endurance. The route will take them through some of the most treacherous waters including the perilous passage around the three great Capes - Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. The voyage is not just a testament to their personal bravery and skill, but also a celebration of the Indian Navy's commitment to Nari Shakti showcasing their indomitable spirit and determination. The expedition was conceived by the Indian Navy with the inaugural Navika Sagar Parikrama, the first ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all women crew of six officers in 2017. However, the second edition of the expedition will be an exceptional one as they will become the first from India to accomplish such a feat in double handed mode. Earlier, Capt Dilip Donde (Retd.) was the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009 10. Subsequently, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd.) was the first Asian skipper to participate in two circumnavigations and accomplished the rare feat of completing the Golden Globe Race in 2022. Storing, watching of child porn is an offence under POCSO Act: SC PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 23 SEPTEMBER Suggesting the Parliament to “seriously consider” amending POCSO Act for substituting the word ‘child pornography’ with “child sexual exploitative and abuse material” (CSEAM) so that it could reflect more accurately on the reality of such offences, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that watching and storage of child pornography material on the digital devices can be an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) if the person concerned had the intention to make some gain or advantage from the same. Urging the parliament to “seriously consider” amending the POCSO Act, a bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice J.B. Pardiwala ,in a judgment today, said that in the meantime, the Central government may “consider to bring about the suggested amendment to the POCSO by way of an ordinance.” Having flagged the necessity and immediacy of amending the POCSO Act and bringing an ordinance in the meantime, the top court today forbid all the courts across the country from using the term “child pornography” and instead, use “child sexual exploitative and abuse material” (CSEAM). “We further forbid the courts from using the term "child pornography" and instead the term "child sexual exploitative and abuse material" (CSEAM) should be used in judicial orders and judgements of all courts across the country”, the judgment said in a direction having far- reaching effect. “We put the courts to notice that the term “child pornography” shall not be used in any judicial order or judgment, and instead the term “child sexual exploitative and abuse material” (CSEAM) should be endorsed”, said one of the directions issued today. Speaking for the bench, Justice Paridiwala said, “One must also be mindful of the fact that the term "child pornography" is a misnomer that fails to capture the full extent of the crime. It is important to recognize that each case of what is traditionally termed "child pornography" involves the actual abuse of a child.” Further stating that the use of the term "child pornography" can “lead to a trivialization of the crime, as pornography is often seen as a consensual act between adults”, Justice Pardiwala, pronouncing the judgment, said “The term "child sexual exploitative and abuse material" (CSEAM) rightly places the emphasis on the exploitation and abuse of the child, highlighting the criminal nature of the act and the need for a serious and robust response.” In a series of suggestions to both the parliament and the Central government, the apex court, in its judgment today favoured imparting “comprehensive sex education programmes that include information about the legal and ethical ramifications of child pornography can help deter potential offenders” and suggested “constituting an Expert Committee tasked with devising a comprehensive programme or mechanism for health and sex education, as well as raising awareness about the POCSO among children across the country from an early age, for ensuring a robust and wellinformed approach to child protection, education, and sexual well-being.” It said that the schools can also play a crucial role in early identification and intervention. Implementing school-based programmes that educate students about healthy relationships, consent, and appropriate behaviour can help prevent problematic sexual behaviours (PSB). The top court judgment came on the petitions by NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance and the Bachpan Bachao Andolan who had challenged the January 11, 2024, Madras High Court judgment holding that the mere possession or storage of any pornographic material is not an offence under the POCSO. The High Court had further held that mere watching or downloading of child pornography in private domain is not punishable under the same. The Just Rights for Children Alliance a coalition comprising five different NGOs - work in unison against child trafficking, sexual exploitation and other allied causes. The Bachpan Bachao Andolan is a child rights organization working towards protecting children from exploitation. The bone of contention was the question whether, mere viewing, possessing or storing of any child pornographic material is punishable under the POCSO? The other issues were the scope of Section 15 of the POCSO Act, and the true scope of Section 67B of the Information Technology Act. diplomacy. He stressed that only a two-State solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine's membership of the UN,'' the Ministry of External Affairs said Monday. The two leaders held constructive discussions on various facets of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including India’s support to Palestine at the United Nations and ongoing assistance and support to Palestine in the field of education, health, and other capacity-building efforts. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen IndiaPalestine bilateral relations. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is India's official entry for Oscars 2025 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 23 SEPTEMBER Filmproducer and screenwriter's Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies', has been chosen as India's official entry for the Oscars 2025, the Film Federation of India (FFI), announced on Monday. India has officially selected 'Laapataa Ladies' as its entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Produced by Aamir Khan in collaboration with Kiran Rao and Jyoti Deshpande, 'Laapataa Ladies' has garnered widespread acclaim since its release. The film was released in theaters on March 1 this year. The film, which features a talented cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and actor and politician Ravi Kishan, presents a comedic tale of two young brides who find themselves lost during a train journey, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings. The Film Federation of India (FFI), made the announcement recognising the film's unique storytelling and its appeal to both audiences and critics.