FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 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 FAMILY FEUDS ARE GHAR GHAR KI KAHANI: JAGAN SITHARAMAN MEETS WORLD BANK PRESIDENT, DISCUSSES KEY ISSUES P8 P10 SENSEX 80,065.16q16.82 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 33 AND 19 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 82 % TEMPERATURE THUMBNAILS Decorative lanterns (lamps) at a shop ahead of the Diwali festival in Nagpur on Wednesday. n ANI Congress decides not to contest UP bypolls: The Congress on Thursday said that it will not contest the forthcoming bye-election to nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. The party said it would strive for victory of the candidates from the parties of the INDIA bloc. Congress in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Avinash Pande said this at a press conference at the party headquarters. (Pg 5) GOLD 80,660.00 Danger looms over Odisha as Cyclone Dana approaches Over 3,00,000 evacuated, says CM; PM closely monitoring the situation A sense of imminent danger looms large over Odisha’s Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts as Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, is set to make landfall well past midnight. Massive sea waves in Dhamra and Bhitarkanika have already battered the shoreline, damaging fishing trawlers and signalling the storm's rapid approach. With wind speeds expected to reach 110 kmph, the state government has focused on urgent evacuation. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the media after reviewing the situation with district officials, claimed that over three lakh people have already been evacuated to cyclone shelters out of a target of 3.62 lakh. "Our goal is to ensure the safety of every individual, with zero casualties," he stated, emphasising that teams were working around the clock to ensure complete evac- uation from the most vulnerable areas before the storm strikes. Amid intensifying rains and escalating winds, the Odisha government has activated 7,285 shelters, including 842 permanent cyclone shelters and 6,443 temporary facilities. District collectors have been instructed to ensure that all evacuees receive cooked food, while over 2,338 pregnant women have been relocated to hospitals and maternity homes to ensure their safety, said the CM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation, and efforts are being coordinated at the highest levels Jaishankar calls for addressing conflicts, tensions at BRICS meet STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 24 OCTOBER External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called for effectively addressing conflicts and tensions and appealed to the global community to show ‘zero tolerance’ to terrorism. “Addressing conflicts and tensions effectively is a particular need of the day. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has emphasised that this is not an era of war. Disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue and diplomacy. Agreements, once reached, must be scrupulously respected. International law should be adhered to, without exception. And there should be zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said, addressing the BRICS Outreach Session in Kazan. The minister expressed concern over the situation in West Asia, saying there is a widespread anxiety that the ` vs $ 84.07 BHUBANESWAR, 24 OCTOBER Min: 20.7 °C (+3) SUN SETS 17:42 hrs MOON SETS 14:02 hrs ongoing conflict would spread further in the region. Noting that maritime trade has also been deeply affected, he said the human and material consequences of further escalation are truly serious. “Any approach has to be fair and durable, leading to a two state solution,” he added. Mr Jaishankar, who represented PM Modi at the outreach session, observed that even as forces of change have advanced in the world, some long-standing issues have only become more complex. On the one hand, there is the steady diversification of production and consumption. Nations that attained independence from colonialism have accelerated their development and socio-economic progress. New capabilities have emerged, facilitating the harnessing of more talent. “This economic, political and cultural rebalancing has now reached a point where we can contemplate real multipolarity. The BRICS itself is a statement of how profoundly the old order is changing,” he added. At the same time, he observed that many inequities of the past also continue. In fact, they have assumed new forms and manifestations. For creating a more equitable global order, Mr Jaishankar suggested strengthening and expanding platforms of an independent nature. And by widening the choices in different domains and minimising undue reliance on those that can be leveraged. to mitigate the disaster’s impact, stated Mr Majhi. The storm is expected to affect 1,653 villages, 9 towns, and 26 wards across 11 districts, including Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Jagatsinghpur. In anticipation of the storm’s impact, 19 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 51 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and 220 fire brigade units have been deployed. Additionally, 157 police platoons, 92 medical teams, and 58 veterinary teams have been dispatched to handle both human and animal welfare during and after the storm. Despite the government’s proactive measures, concerns remain high over the potential for a tidal surge of 1-2 meters, which could devastate coastal areas. "The timing of the landfall ~ after midnight ~ is particularly worrying," an official noted, as emergency response efforts may be further complicated by the dark and severe conditions. While authorities have assured the public that all cyclone shelters are equipped with essential supplies, some complaints have arisen, particularly from women, about the lack of dry food provisions in certain shelters. As heavy rains and strong winds batter the coastline, Odisha's coastal communities brace for what could be a night of destruction. With Cyclone Dana now less than 100 kilometres from the coast, the state’s readiness will be tested as the storm barrels toward its landfall. Heavy rainfall across several coastal districts pose the threat of rainwater inundation. KOLKATA, 24 OCTOBER The lifeline of the 'City of Joy' – Kolkata Metro, India’s first metro which is fully operated by Indian Railways – has completed 40 years of successful commercial service on Thursday, providing fast, smooth, and hassle-free journeys to lakhs of commuters daily and continues to be the cheapest mode of transport in the country with a minimum fare of Rs 5 and a maximum of Rs 50. In March this year, Metro Railway, Kolkata, achieved a groundbreaking feat when it launched India's first underwater service under the Hooghly River, connecting the two centuries-old cities of Howrah and Kolkata. It was the first time in the country that a metro train is plying underwater. This transformation from under the surface to underwater, both for the first time in the country, has made Kolkata Metro special in the country. On 6 March 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inau- gurated the 4.8 Km stretch from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade under the River Hooghly of Green Line-2. This has been completed at the cost of Rs 4,965 crore. At present, Metro Railway, Kolkata, has four corridors. Since its inception on 24 October 1984, Metro Railway, Kolkata, India’s first Metro system, has travelled a long way and carried millions of passengers to their destinations safely. Starting with a stretch of only 3.4 km from Esplanade to Bhawanipore (now Netaji Bhavan), Metro Railway now has a network of nearly 60 km connecting different corners of the city. According to the Ministry of Railways, by next year, the Kolkata Metro network will be spread over 90 km, and by 2027 it will further increase to 130 km. Talking to The Statesman, P12 SILVER 1,10,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 75.41p0.45 India and China reach consensus on LAC: Patrolling and grazing rights to be restored PARWINDER SANDHU NEW DELHI, 24 OCTOBER In a significant step towards de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced today that a broad consensus has been reached with China to restore the ground situation and allow traditional patrolling and grazing activities in the contested areas. Mr Singh made this statement during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, held at the Manekshaw Center in New Delhi. The Defence Minister emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue in resolving conflicts, stating that diplomatic and military talks between India and China had paved the way for this consensus. “Pursuant to the talks, broad consensus has been achieved to restore the ground situation based on the principles of equal and mutual security. The consensus achieved includes patrolling and grazing in traditional areas. This is the power of engaging in continuous dialogues because sooner or later some solutions will emerge,” he went on to add. This follows a recent announcement by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who disclosed that discussions over the past several weeks had resulted in new patrolling arrangements along the LAC. The contentious areas, including the Depsang Plains and Demchok, have remained flashpoints since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. That incident, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers, including a Colonel, was said to have been sparked by China’s objections to Indian infrastructure projects in the Galwan River Valley, particularly a road connecting the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) airfield, a strategic airbase. The Army chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, however, cautioned that “trust issues” remain between the two countries. Areas such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok continue to be contentious, as both nations have longstanding territorial claims there. During his address, Mr Singh also underscored the need for a robust defense sector as a crucial pillar of national development. He stressed that a stronger domestic defense industry would not only enhance India's security but also drive technological innovation, economic growth, and selfreliance. Indigenous manufacturing, he noted, generates employment and creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire economy. “Additionally, domestic production boosts income generation and stimulates economic activity through supply chains, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire economy. Initiatives in the name of security often serve as powerful catalysts for broader national development,” he said. J&K CM Omar Abdullah meets PM Modi in Delhi SEBI chief fails to appear before PAC, meet postponed, war of words follows AGENCIES STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, 24 OCTOBER Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his first visit to the national capital after assuming office last week. This is Mr Abdullah’s first meeting with PM Modi after being sworn in as the Chief Minister of J&K. On Wednesday, Mr Abdullah met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and according to reports, submitted the resolution passed by the J&K Cabinet for restoration of statehood to the Home Minister. Mr Abdullah was expected to submit the statehood resolution to the Prime Minister on Thursday. However there is no confirmation as of yet whether he has submitted the res- olution. The Chief Minister also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and during the meeting, the Defence Minister conveyed PM Modi’s interest in ensuring progress and development of J&K. The Defence Minister also told the Chief Minister that the Union government is committed to support the initiatives that will bring prosperity and stability to the region. Omar Abdullah also met Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and discussed the ongoing road projects and future developmental initiatives in J&K. Their meeting focused on the expansion of road infrastructure, including critical highway projects and the enhancement of transportation facilities across J&K. At 40, Kolkata Metro remains the cheapest mode of transport in the country NIKHIL VYAS WASHINGTON SUNDAR SPINS OUT NZ FOR 259 P7 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min. 43 % Max: 34.0 °C (+2) SUN RISES 06:29 hrs MOON RISES 00:55 hrs NIFTY 24,399.40q36.10 CANADA’S EMERGENCE AS A HAVEN FOR TERRORISTS Kaushik Mitra, CPRO, Eastern Railway, and CPRO, Metro Railways, Kolkata, said the omnipresence of the Metro system in Kolkata has made people's lives fast, smooth, and hassle-free. The Metro has already stitched Kolkata, Howrah, North, and South 24 Parganas together and become ‘Amar Metro’. He said the Metro system in Kolkata has fully air-conditioned coaches. Travelling by Metro saves time and it is also a pocket-friendly mode of transport. “Residents of Howrah, Hooghly, Medinipur, Burdwan, North and South 24-Parganas, Nadia are availing Metro services from Howrah, Sealdah, Dum Dum and Kavi Subhash stations. Even passengers from other states are also availing our services from Howrah and Sealdah. As a result, Metro Railway is now carrying around 7 lakh commuters daily. This was unthinkable on 24 October 1984 when the first Metro services began at Kolkata," he said. “By 2025, the Kolkata Metro network will be spread over 90 km and by 2027 it will further increase to 130 km,” Mr Mitra added. He said Kolkata is popularly known as the “City of Joy” as well as the cultural capital of the country. Metro Railway, Kolkata is the “life line” in the field of the transport network of this great city. “Kolkata Metro provides the cheapest mode of transport in the city and all over India as the minimum fare of the ticket is Rs 5 for up to 2 km journey. The maximum fare is Rs 50," the CPRO, Metro Railways, Kolkata, said. A series of events including a heritage walk, exhibition walkathon, running of old non-AC rake, and cultural evening were held from 18 October to 24 October to celebrate the 40 years of Metro Railway, Kolkata, and make it a memorable occasion. In the exhibition, rare photographs, old tickets, smart cards, and philately items were on display. A special cover and stamp were also released during the celebrations. NEW DELHI, 24 OCTOBER Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday postponed its meeting after it witnessed a ruckus after Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch did not appear before the panel. SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch was scheduled to appear before the PAC in Parliament. PAC Chairperson K C Venugopal of the Congress told reporters that Madhabi Buch informed him on Thursday morning that she is not in a position to travel to Delhi. He said: “In the first meeting of the committee itself we decided to have a suo motu subject for review of our regulatory bodies. That is why we called SEBI today morning for a review of SEBI. The committee branch sends the notice to the concerned people.” First of all, he said, the SEBI chairperson sought an exemption from appearing before the committee which was denied. After that, she confirmed she and her team would be present before the committee. This morning, she informed him that she is not in a position to travel to Delhi and he decided to postpone the meeting for another day. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticised Mr Venugopal for discussing the proceedings of the PAC meeting outside or with the media and accused the Opposition members of unparliamentary conduct. "Generally, we don't discuss the proceedings of standing committees or PAC's meetings outside. It pains us that the chairman of the PAC, K C Venugopal, gave a byte outside,” he said. The BJP leader said “We were in the majority in the PAC meeting today. We objected to his suo motu decision to choose the subject, did he ask anyone? We had serious reservations about the procedure adopted in the PAC meeting.” Mr Prasad said: “We have reports from trustworthy sources that CAG hasn't given any paragraph over SEBI in its report... Today's conduct of the chairperson of the PAC ~ the way he didn't allow us to speak and walked away is unparliamentary and politically motivated. Hence, we are going to register our complaint to the Lok Sabha Speaker," he added. Ensure compliance with court orders on clock symbol, SC tells Ajit Pawar’s NCP AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 24 OCTOBER The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the NCP's Ajit Pawar faction - which has been recognised by the Election Commission as the "real" NCP - to meticulously comply with earlier orders requiring the addition of disclaimers in party advertisements that the allocation of the party's "clock" symbol is subject to the outcome of proceedings pending before the top court. A bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, was hearing an application filed by the Sharad Pawar faction alleging that the Ajit Pawar side has engineered a "large scale confusion" in the minds of voters by using the “clock” symbol without any disclaimer. The apex court said that it expects the parties to comply with its orders and asked both sides not to violate the March 19 interim direction. In that order, the Supreme Court had asked the Ajit Pawarled party to issue a public A bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, was hearing an application filed by the Sharad Pawar faction alleging that the Ajit Pawar side has engineered a "large scale confusion" in the minds of voters by using the „clock‰ symbol without any disclaimer. notice in English, Marathi, and Hindi editions, stating that the usage of the 'clock' symbol reserved for NCP is subject to the final outcome of proceedings pending before the Supreme Court. "Such a declaration shall be incorporated in every pamphlet, advertisement, audio, or video clip to be issued on behalf of the respondents (Ajit Pawar-led party)," the SC order had said. It had clarified that the Nationalist Congress Party– Sharadchandra Pawar (NCPSP) - having the ‘Man Blowing Turha’ symbol - will also follow court orders and not use the “clock” symbol.Further, it had asked Ajit Pawar's side to sensitise NCP workers, office bearers and candidates to not defy the top court’s direction. Further, it had asked Ajit Pawar's side to sensitise NCP workers, office bearers and candidates to not defy the top court’s direction. Issuing notice on the Sharad Pawar faction’s application that the Ajit Pawar camp be temporarily allotted a new symbol for the 20 November Maharashtra Assembly elections instead of the clock, the apex court asked the latter to file a fresh undertaking that it was complying with earlier SC orders. In another plea filed before the Supreme Court, Sharad Pawar group leader Jayant Patil has sought disqualification of Ajit Pawar faction MLAs for defecting and joining the Sena-BJP government.