SATURDAY 02 NOVEMBER 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 'WAQF AMENDMENTS ARE VITAL' ‘8,000 NORTH KOREAN TROOPS DEPLOYED IN RUSSIA’S KURSK REGION’ P9 SENSEX 79,724.12p335.06 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 34 AND 19 DEGREE CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 81 % TEMPERATURE P7 NIFTY 24,304.35p99.00 Min: 18.4 °C (+2) SUN SETS 17:35 hrs MOON SETS 17:53 hrs THUMBNAILS Devotees feeding the migratory Siberian seagulls while taking a boat ride on the waters of river Yamuna in Prayagraj on Friday. n ANI Rajesh Kumar Singh takes charge as IndiaÊs new Defence Secretary: Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, assumed the role of Defence Secretary at South Block in New Delhi on Friday. Previously, he served as the Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretarydesignate). In his first act, Singh paid tribute to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. P RITA SACHDEVA NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER has lost an eminent public intellectual who enriched diverse fields, from policy making to translating India's great scriptures.''His understanding of India’s social, cultural and economic landscape was exceptional. For his extraordinary contributions, he was honoured with Padma Shri. I convey my condolences to his family, friends and admirers,'' she said in her post on X. PM Modi said Bibek Debroy was a towering scholar, wellversed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. “Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s India now has 4th largest forex reserves globally STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER India joined the ranks of the world's largest foreign exchange reserves, securing the 4th position globally after China, Japan, and Switzerland. As per the Reserve Bank of India data, India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $12.588 billion in a week to reach an all-time high of $704.885 billion in the week ending 27 September. However, the forex figures has slumped from the peak in the last month. In the week ending 25 October, the forex reserves declined by $3.463 billion to $684.805 billion, according to data released by the RBI on Friday. In the three preceding weeks, reserves dropped by $3.7 billion, $10.7 billion, GOLD 81,930.00 He pointed out that Cong-ruled states have been facing fiscal issues “Their so-called Guarantees lie unfulfilled, which is a terrible deceit upon the people of these states. The victims of such politics are the poor, youngsters, farmers and women, who are not only denied the benefits of these promises but also see their existing schemes diluted,” the post said. In Karnataka, the Prime Minister said in another post, “the Congress is busier in intra-party politics and loot instead of even bothering to deliver on development. Not only that, they are also going to rollback existing schemes.” “In Himachal Pradesh, salaries of Government workers is not paid on PM-EAC Chairman Dr Bibek Debroy passes away, tributes pour in Bibek Debroy, Chairman of The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council and a renowned economist, passed away on Friday. He was 69. Apart from being a learned scholar and author, he was known for translating the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas into English. Debroy is survived by his wife Suparna and two sons, settled abroad. He was admitted to the AIIMS emergency around 10 p.m. on Thursday and died at 7 a.m. on Friday. Sources said the cause of death was subacute intestinal obstruction. They further informed that he had a history of diabetes, hypertension and a blockage in the heart for which he had a pacemaker. President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Debroy's death.The President said in Debroy's demise, the country ` vs $ 84.06 PM attacks Congress for making ‘fake’ promises rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked the Congress Party for making “fake” promises which it was not able to deliver and was badly exposed in front of the people. In a series on posts on the X, he said: “The Congress Party is realising the hard way that making unreal promises is easy but implementing them properly is tough or impossible.” Mr Modi wrote: “Campaign after campaign they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. Now, they stand badly exposed in front of the people! #FakePromisesOfCongress.” In another post, the Prime Minister said: “Check any state where the Congress has Governments today -- Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana -- the developmental trajectory and fiscal health is turning from bad to worse.” In the week ending 25 October, the forex reserves declined by $3.463 billion to $684.805 billion, according to data released by the RBI on Friday. and $2.16 billion, respectively, the data showed. On the other hand, ggold reserves, which form part of the foreign exchange kitty, increased by $1.08 billion to $68.53 billion during the week, according to the central bank. It is likely that the recent drop in reserves is due to RBI intervention to arrest a sharp depreciation in the rupee. For the unversed, the high buffer of foreign exchange reserves helps insulate domestic economic activity from global shocks. intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth,” he said in his post on X. With a wealth of expertise in macroeconomics, public finance, and infrastructure, Debroy published extensively on various subjects, including economic reforms and governance. Bibek Debroy's insights into the Indian railways were particularly noteworthy, reflecting his deep understanding of the nation's economic framework. Condoling Bibek Debroy’s demise, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on ‘X’: “Saddened by the news of the sudden demise of Bibek Debroy, noted economist and chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council. A brilliant son of Bengal and a scholar of repute, he will be remembered by us. Condolences to the bereaved family and friends”. Minor detained in Delhi double murder case STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER Delhi Police have detained a juvenile in connection with a double murder case in Shahdara area, officials said on Friday. The 17-year-old accused has turned out to be the main conspirator in the case. According to officials, the minor, a distant relative of the deceased, hatched the conspiracy to kill a 40year-old Aakash Sharma due to an old enmity over a debt of Rs 70,000. The incident occurred on the evening of Diwali when two persons on a motorcycle attacked victim, Aakash Sharma, leading to deaths of both Aakash and his nephew Rishabh. (P2) time. In Telangana, farmers are waiting for the waiver they promised. Previously, in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan they promised certain allowances which were never implanted for five years. There are numerous such examples of how the Congress works,” he said. Finally, he wrote: “The people of the country will have to be vigilant against the Congress sponsored culture of fake promises! We saw recently how the people of Haryana rejected their lies and preferred a Government that is stable, progress oriented and action driven.” “There is a growing realisation across India that a vote for Congress is a vote for non-governance, poor economics and unparalleled loot,” he posted. The Prime Minister said “The people of India want development and progress, not the same old #FakePromisesOfCongress!” The Prime Minister’s posts came in reply to the BJP’s official comment on the Congress Party that its party president had finally advised the party to make only such promises which it can deliver. Earlier, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge asked the Congress units headed for polls to announce guarantees on the basis of their budget. Mr Kharge urged for careful consideration and warned that an unplanned approach could lead to financial difficulties and negatively impact future generations. During a press conference, he underscored the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating that if the government fails to deliver on its commitments, it could result in a bad reputation and hardships for the community. I will strengthen partnership with India and my good friend Modi: Donald Trump STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER US presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that he would protect 'Hindu Americans' against the antireligion agenda of the radical Left and strengthen his country's partnership with India and 'my good friend' Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a social media post on 'X' on the occasion of Diwali, he said his rival in the election and Vice-President Kamala Harris Kamala Harris would destroy small businesses of Hindu Americans with more regulations and higher taxes. “By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before— and we will Make America Great Again,'' the former president said and wished 'Happy Diwali' to All. “I hope the NZ PULL INDIA BACK WITH QUICK WICKETS P6 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER Min. 48 % Max: 33.6 °C (+3) SUN RISES 06:35 hrs MOON RISES 08:08 hrs BUDGET GAMBLE Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil!'' Mr Trump also strongly condemned the violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which, he said, remains in a total state of chaos. “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and (President) Joe (Biden) have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength!” the former president said. P12 SILVER 1,06,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 73.56p0.75 India & China resume joint patrols in Ladakh’s Demchok after 4-yr standoff STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER After four years of heightened tensions and a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley, which led to a prolonged military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), joint patrols resumed in Demchok, eastern Ladakh, on Friday following a mutual disengagement. Indian defence sources indicate that patrols in the Depsang region are also expected to start shortly. The renewed patrolling comes on the heels of Diwali, marked by a traditional exchange of sweets between Indian and Chinese soldiers at multiple LAC locations, including Chushul Maldo and Daulat Beg Oldi, celebrating a step toward normality. This gesture followed a complete troop withdrawal from both sides along the eastern Ladakh border area, an outcome of recent peace talks. The deadly 2020 clashes in the Galwan and Pangong Tso areas had cost the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and led both countries to mobilise large contingents of troops along the LAC. Disputes over infrastructure development in the Galwan River Valley, particularly a key road con- The deadly 2020 clashes in the Galwan and Pangong Tso areas had cost the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and led both countries to mobilise large contingents of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). necting India’s strategic Daulat Beg Oldi airbase, triggered the tensions in this historically contested region. On Friday, after verification procedures were completed, joint patrols resumed in Demchok, and similar efforts are planned for Depsang. Troop activities are being carefully managed, with protocols in place to avoid misunderstandings and prevent future escalations. Surveillance along the Not surprised EC gave itself clean chit: Cong slams poll panel on Haryana complaints AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER After the Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed allegations by the Congress party regarding irregularities in the recent Haryana elections, the Congress submitted a "counter response" to the ECI on Friday, describing its initial reply as "generic" and focused on dismissing the complaints and their petitioners. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared the letter on X, stating: “The ECI gave a non-reply to INC India's specific complaints in 20 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Haryana.” The party further remarked: "Not surprisingly, the ECI has given a clean chit to itself. Ordinarily, we would have left it there. However, the tone and tenor of the ECI's response, the language used, and the accusations levelled against the INC compel us to submit this counter-response." The Congress also criticised the “pattern” outlined by the ECI in Paragraph 8 of its reply, calling it “disingenuous”. “The majority of issues raised concern the period between the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct and the end of the election, i.e., the date of counting. Grievances arise quickly, often within minutes, and sometimes only become apparent once results are Delhi records warmest October in 73 years, faces severe post-Diwali pollution surge STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 NOVEMBER Delhi experienced its warmest October this year, with temperatures reaching levels not seen in 73 years, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday. The average maximum temperature in October 2024 was recorded at 35.1 degrees Celsius, and the average minimum temperature stood at 21.2 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's premier weather station. Historically, the maximum temperatures recorded in October were 35.5 degrees Celsius in 1907, 35.0 degrees Celsius in both 1930 and 1938, 35.8 degrees Celsius in 1941, and 36.2 degrees Celsius in 1951. Alongside the unseasonably warm temperatures, pollution levels in Delhi surged, with a smoky haze reappearing on Friday morning after residents flouted the ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. Most areas of the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of over 350, raising health concerns. At the India Gate, where the AQI stood around 317 LAC will continue, employing advanced technologies to uphold the disengagement agreement. While these developments mark a milestone, talks remain ongoing to resolve standoffs in other contested areas, such as Galwan, Gogra Hot Spring, and Pangong Tso. In addition to troop reductions, ground-level communication at the brigadier level will help maintain order and reduce the likelihood of future tensions. post-Diwali, a cyclist commented: “Because of the pollution, terrible things are happening. It came on very suddenly this time. Just a few days ago, there was nothing, and now my brother has fallen sick. I used to come here to cycle with him, but he has been severely affected by the pollution lately. And today, the pollution is extreme.” Around 7 a.m, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, Aya Nagar stood at 352, Jahangirpuri at 390, and Dwarka reached 376 ~ each reporting "very poor" air quality, posing significant health risks. The pollution problem extended beyond Delhi; several cities across India, including major metros like Chennai and Mumbai, reported similar post-Diwali conditions, with smog and poor air quality impacting large areas. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted the serious impact of pollution, particularly following the Diwali celebrations, raising concerns about air quality and public health nationwide. declared or information from other booths can be compared. If not addressed on the ground, these issues become moot, leaving only the option of an Election Petition, which is a lengthy process that can take years to resolve," it stated. The party added: “We approach the ECI with whatever information we possess, and the ECI, with its vast resources, examines and reviews this information to assess its accuracy. Often, the ECI finds our information correct; at other times, it does not. Yet we refrain from 'naming and shaming' the ECI after the election concludes." The Congress also claimed that, despite filing over a hundred complaints against the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, the ECI has taken action on none, while holding Congress's president and former president to account for their actions or speeches. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve elephant deaths reach ten STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHOPAL, 1 NOVEMBER A total of ten wild elephants, out of a herd of 13 jumbos, have died possibly after consuming some poisonous substance at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Madhya Pradesh within three days from Tuesday to Thursday. Two elephants undergoing treatment in critical condition succumbed on Thursday taking the death toll to 10. According to MP Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), V K N Ambade, one elephant undergoing treatment died on Wednesday evening while the other two on Thursday. The remaining three elephants of the herd are said to be fine.