TUESDAY 29 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 DMK DISMISSES VIJAY AS BJP’S ‘C TEAM’ CONG WANTS GOVT TO CALL ALL-PARTY MEET OVER CENSUS P8 SENSEX 80,005.04 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. MIST IN THE MORNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 34 AND 20 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 94 % TEMPERATURE ` vs $ 84.07 Min: 20.4 °C (+4) SUN SETS 17:39 hrs MOON SETS 15:57 hrs THUMBNAILS Security personnel take position during thesearch operation following the attack onthe Indian Army vehicle by terrorists, at the Battal area in Akhnoor, on Monday. nANI One Pakistani terrorist killed as troops foil attempt to ambush Army convoy in Jammu: One Pakistani terrorist was killed on Monday morning when the Indian Army troops foiled an attempt of heavily armed terrorists to ambush a convoy in the border area near Akhnoor in the Jammu district. The terrorists also fired indiscriminately at an Ambulance of the Army. This was followed by an encounter between the security forces and terrorists. Three terrorists are believed to be trapped in the cordon of security forces. Confirming the attack, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said; "Terrorists fired upon a convoy near Asan, in the Sunderbani Sector, targeting Army vehicles in the morning". "Swift retaliation by troops ensured foiling of the attempt, ensuring no injuries. The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation to neutralise the terrorists is ongoing", said the Army. GOLD 80,595.00 PM says establishing defence corridors in UP and TN infused new energy into the sector PM to distribute over 50,000 appointment letters under Rozgar Mela P rime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said that India’s transformation of the defence sector exemplifies how a right plan and partnership can turn possibilities into prosperity. He underlined that strategic decisions have spurred the growth of a vibrant defence industry in India over the last decade. Speaking at the inauguration of TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft in Vadodara, he said, ''We expanded private sector participation in defence manufacturing, made public sector units more efficient, restructured ordnance factories into seven major companies, and empowered DRDO and HAL.'' He said establishing defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu infused new energy into the sector. Touching upon iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) scheme, the PM said that it has driven the growth of around 1,000 defence startups in the past five to six years. He said that India’s defence exports have increased 30 times over the past decade, with the country now exporting equipment to over 100 countries. Mr Modi and his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez, jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara. A total of 56 aircraft are there under the C-295 programme, of STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 OCTOBER which 16 are being delivered directly by Airbus from Spain and remaining 40 are to be made in India. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd is responsible for making these 40 aircraft in India. This facility will be the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. He said "...All of you have witnessed unprecedented growth and transformation in India's aviation sector in the last decade. We are already working to make India an aviation hub. This ecosystem will pave the way for Made in India civil aircraft in the future.'' He said various Indian airlines have placed orders for 1200 new aircraft, adding that this factory is going to play a major role in the design and manufacturing of civil aircraft to meet the future needs of India and the world. On the occasion, PM Modi said , "This is my friend Pedro Sanchez's first visit to India. From today, we are giving a new direction to India and Spain's partnership. We are inaugurating the production factory of C-295 aircraft. This factory will strengthen India-Spain relations as well as the 'Make in India, Make for the World' mission ..." Remembering Late Ratan Tata, the PM said, "Recently, we lost the country's great son Ratan Tata ji. If he had been among us today, he would have been happy, but wherever his soul is, he would be happy. This C-295 aircraft factory reflects the new work culture of New India ... When I was the Gujarat CM, it was decided to set up a factory in Vadodara to build train coaches. The factory was also prepared for production within a record time.'' Today, he said, India is exporting the metro coaches manufactured in that factory to other countries and expressed confidence that in the future, the aircraft made in this factory will also be exported to other countries. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 OCTOBER MP Jagdambika Pal, the Opposition MPs alleged that the commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Waqf board CEO, Ashwini Kumar, completely altered the initial report of the Waqf Board and further alleged that the Chief Minister's approval in the matter was not sought. The Opposition MPs protested, alleging that "fake presentations" were being discussed, specifically questioning the validity of the Delhi Waqf Board's report. They cited a letter from Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena to JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, requesting that the report be disregarded due to alleged irregularities concerning Waqf properties. A fierce exchange between ruling and Opposition MPs followed, prompting the Opposition to walk out. They later returned but continued to clash with the ruling party MPs over the Bill. In today's meeting, the committee had called representatives of the Delhi Waqf Board, Haryana Waqf Board, Punjab Waqf Board and Uttarakhand Waqf Board to record their oral evidence on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The panel has also called Call for Justice (Group led by Chander Wadhwa, Trustee), Waqf Tenant Welfare Association, Delhi and Harbans Dunkall, President, Residents Welfare Association (All Blocks), BK Dutt Colony, New Delhi to record their views and suggestions. The committee will also meet on October 29. In this meeting, the panel will record oral evidence of the representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs on the 'Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024'. Tensions between the ruling and Opposition MPs have marked recent JPC meetings. Earlier in the October 22 session, a dramatic incident unfolded when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee broke a glass bottle amid a heated exchange. The meeting had to be adjourned briefly after Banerjee, in a fit of rage, smashed the bottle and threw its broken pieces towards Pal. The JPC Chairman immediately informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about the incident, expressing relief that no one was hurt. He also condemned Banerjee’s behaviour, describing it as inappropriate and disruptive. Banerjee was suspended for a day (two sessions). P12 SILVER 98,000 India’s defence ecosystem reaching new heights:Modi Another stormy meeting of JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which was called to review the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, witnessed another stormy sitting on Monday as Opposition MPs walked out alleging biased proceedings. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to bring significant reforms, including digitization of records, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties. The JPC is holding a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members and community representatives from different states and Union Territories, aiming for the most comprehensive reform possible. In the meeting which was chaired by JPC chairman BJP P9 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 OCTOBER Min. 53 % Max: 34.4 °C (+3) SUN RISES 06:32 hrs MOON RISES 04:28 hrs P4 NIFTY 24,339.15 WTC: INDIA NEED FOUR WINS IN SIX TESTS TRUMP’S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN EVENT FEATURES RACIST INSULTS Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth on Tuesday through video conferencing. The Rozgar Mela highlights the PM's commitment to prioritising employment generation. It will empower the youth by providing them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to nation-building. The Rozgar Mela will be organised at 40 locations nationwide, with new recruits joining the Central Government across various Ministries and Departments, such as the Department of Revenue, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare among others. Newlyappointed recruits will have the opportunity to undertake foundational training through ‘Karmayogi Prarambh,’ an online module available on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. Over 1400 e-learning courses are available which will equip recruits with essential skills to serve in their roles effectively and work towards building a Viksit Bharat. Russia welcomes India-China pact on patrolling arrangements STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 OCTOBER Russia on Monday described the recent India-China pact on patrolling arrangements at the LAC as a positive development in bilateral ties and welcomed the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. The agreement between the two countries was good news and Moscow was happy to learn about the progress in talks between the two countries on the border issue, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said at a media conference. On the Modi-Xi meeting, he denied Russia had any role to play in it but said he was happy it took place in Kazan. He said Russia too had border issues with the Chinese. ''We managed to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. No doubt India, China will be successful in border problems. It would require determination, an open heart approach and trust,'' he added. Mr Alipov said the recent BRICS Summit in Kazan was a “total success” and asserted that the grouping is “not an exclusive but an inclusive platform”. BRICS, he said, is not anti-West but nonWest. On India-Russia ties, the envoy said the two countries were considering different ways to step up trade, including establishing a direct ‘CJI gave stinging response to those involved in petty politics’: BJP slams Opposition for questioning PM's visit to CJI's residence STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 OCTOBER Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday lashed out at the opposition for raising objections and questioning the impartiality of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud following PM Modi's visit to the CJI's house for Ganpati Puja. In an interview with a newspaper CJI DY Chandrachud said that these visits are purely social only pleasantries are exchanged, and no substantial discussions take place. "Today the statement of the Chief Justice of India which has come is a stinging response to those doubting unfortunately for the sake of petty politics drag in constitutional institutions and besmirch them by saying that just because Prime Minister visited Ganesh Puja or Ganesh Aarti at the residence of CJI, there was a deal struck between them. When the same CJI attended the Iftar party of Manmohan Singh that time it was secular. This means their problem was with Ganesh Puja and therefore they started abusing and insulting CJI because he invited the PM to Ganesh Aarti. This much hatred they have for Ganesh Aarti and after that they have constantly abused the post of CJI..." Shehzad Poonawalla said. Earlier on September 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the auspicious Ganesh Puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud. "Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," the PM had said in a post on X. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioned this interaction and said, "Look, it is Ganpati festival. How many people's houses has the Prime Minister visited so far? I don't have the information. Ganesh festival is celebrated in many places in Delhi, but the Prime Minister went to the Chief Justice's house, and the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice together performed the Aarti." In the eye of the storm: How CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s hands-on leadership met Odisha’s challenge of cyclone Dana STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 28 OCTOBER In a true test of resilience and leadership, Odisha’s new Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, found himself confronting a daunting challenge only four months into office as Cyclone Dana bore down on the state. The cyclonic threat required an effective response from his government — a first-time BJP-led administration in Odisha that faced the formidable legacy of disaster management set in place over the last two decades by his predecessor, Naveen Patnaik. Odisha, recognized nationwide and internationally for its disaster response and preparedness, has faced numerous cyclones over the years. The Odisha State Disaster Man- agement Authority (OSDMA), established in 1999, has spearheaded initiatives that range from setting up the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to constructing thousands of cyclone shelters across the state. Under the leadership of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the state refined these frameworks and established a legacy of robust, responsive disaster management. Patnaik's meticulous planning and calm handling of previous cyclones became a model for India, with repeated acknowledgments from international disaster relief agencies. But the legacy presented a unique challenge for Chief Minister Majhi. Expectations were high; he would need to build on an established, celebrated system, yet also bring something new to the table. Cyclone Dana may not have matched the ferocity of past storms, but it arrived as a defining moment for Majhi. Taking on this challenge, Majhi chose an approach characterized by intense, hands-on involvement that underscored his leadership style and commitment to Odisha’s safety. In contrast to past responses, Majhi personally led the preparation and response efforts. Displaying remarkable stamina, he held continuous meetings, supervised control rooms, and remained visibly engaged in the state’s media, assuring the public with transparency and direct communication. His proactive style brought noticeable shifts: for the first time, the political leadership visibly guided disaster management, as Majhi deployed senior ministers, including Deputy Chief Ministers and MLAs, across nine vulnerable districts to oversee evacuation and relief operations. This move, unprecedented in recent years, placed elected representatives in active roles, directly involved with local authorities and communities rather than deferring entirely to the administrative machinery. Majhi’s government prioritized large-scale evacuations, moving over eight lakh people to safety, (a figure that is often questioned as 8000 shelters would accommodate a maximum of 4 lakh people of 500 per shelter). But the significant and indisputable fact is that 4,431 pregnant women who were transported to health centers — an initiative that resulted in the safe delivery of 1,600 newborns during the cyclone. The mobilization was not limited to human resources alone. Reinforcing Odisha’s resilience, central government support was also seamlessly integrated, with additional NDRF units deployed from Punjab, bolstered by direct communication from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. This synergy marked the advantage of a "double-engine" government, demonstrating swift coordination at both state and central levels. The response was further strengthened by the tireless efforts of the Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Special Relief Commissioner D.K. Singh, whose organized behind-thescenes work ensured timely action without a media spotlight. Alongside them, experienced ministers like Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardan Singh Deo played significant roles in coordinating ground efforts in highly impacted areas such as Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts. Majhi’s proactive strategy ensured that the extensive workforce — from ASHA and Anganwadi workers to BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 71.14 ODRAF, fire services, and police teams — performed their roles with renewed dedication, striving to meet and even exceed past standards. In the aftermath, Majhi acknowledged divine grace, crediting Lord Jagannath for the state’s success in achieving its "zero casualty" goal. Yet it was evident that Majhi’s leadership had played a pivotal role in inspiring confidence among both the administration and the public. He emerged from the cyclone not only as a leader who had capably managed a natural disaster but as a CM who had left a unique imprint, demonstrating that even against the backdrop of established protocols, his fresh, dynamic approach could enhance Odisha’s disaster resilience. trade payment system in rubles and rupees. He said both countries were working towards making bilateral payments more feasible despite financial hurdles. "Both [India and Russia] are thinking about a rublerupee trade mechanism," Mr Alipov said. "I'm not a big specialist in finances, but there is no direct exchange of rupee and ruble currently. The problem is not the exchange rate; the biggest challenge is the over-cautiousness of Indian banks regarding transactions with Russia." He attributed this hesitation to pressure from the United States, noting, "The US has been meticulous in tracking transactions between India and Russia, even threatening sanctions." Mr Alipov wondered why India should be restricted to working only with USaligned countries, and said , "Today it is necessary for India to settle its relationship with Russia; tomorrow the US might ask India to curb its relationship with Bangladesh, for example. There might be an endless list of countries the US decides upon." The ambassador then stressed the need for India, Russia, China, and other nations to have an equal say in global financial matters. "It is necessary for India, Russia, China, and other members, the vast majority of the world, to have an equal voice in various issues of global financial cooperation. India, China continue disengagement in Demchok, Depsang in eastern Ladakh AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 28 OCTOBER Disengagement between the Indian and Chinese Army continues in Depsang plains and Demchok in the Eastern Ladakh sector, defence sources said on Monday. According to the defence sources, the process is expected to be completed soon. Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the frontier troops of both India and China are engaged in "relevant work" in accordance with the agreement reached between the two nations on issues concerning the border. Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the work is underway "smoothly". Being asked whether India and China have started pulling back their troops from friction points, Li Jian said, "In accordance with the resolutions that China and India reached recently on issues concerning the border area, the Chinese and Indian frontier troops are engaged in relevant work, which is going smoothly at the moment." On October 21, India announced that it reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh ending the over fouryear-long military standoff. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on October 24, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the two countries had reached a consensus to restore the "ground situation" based on the principles of equal and mutual security. He added that this includes restoration of "patrolling and grazing to traditional areas".