SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00 |LC INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR TARGETING MIGRANTS SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT’S PARTY WINS PARL POLLS P9 WEATHER SMOG/ MODERATE FOG IS LIKELY IN THE MORNING. MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SMOG/ SHALLOW FOG IS LIKELY IN THE EVENING/NIGHT. . THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 30 AND 15 DEGREE CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. P6 TEMPERATURE PM also laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects Min. 56 % Max: 30.5 °C (+2) SUN RISES 06:45 hrs MOON RISES 17:39 hrs Min: 15.6 °C (+2) SUN SETS 17:27 hrs MOON SETS 08:17 hrs THUMBNAILS NIKHIL VYAS Devotees take holy bath on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in the Capital on Friday. n SUBRATA DUTTA EC officials check Amit Shah's chopper: Union Home Minister Amit Shah's bags were checked by Election Commission (EC) officials in Maharashtra's Hingoli district on Friday, in the latest of a series of examinations of the luggage of high-profile political leaders visiting the poll-bound state, amid allegations that only the Opposition was being targeted. (Page 3) NEW DELHI, 15 NOVEMBER Asserting that tribal welfare has always been the priority of the NDA government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the Centre's focus is on "education", "income" and "medicine" of the tribal society. The Prime Minister visited Jamui, Bihar to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, marking the commencement of the 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of SIT to probe Bengal tablet-fund fraud STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SILIGURI, 15 NOVEMBER: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday reaffirmed her government’s commitment to taking strict action against those involved in the tablet funds diversion scam. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter, she said. Speaking to reporters at Bagdogra Airport, Miss Banerjee emphasised that her administration is both “strong” and “rough and tough” in dealing with such malpractices. Highlighting her government’s proactive approach, Miss Banerjee stated: “We were the first to detect and crack down on the racket involved in the tablet funds scam. A P7 ‘Tribal welfare is top priority of our govt’ RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 100 % ‘HIMACHAL IN REVERSE GEAR’ group has been siphoning off fundsinMaharashtra,Rajasthan, and other states. Only we have identified and dismantled this racket.” She confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. “The SIT has already started its investigation. There is no need for a media trial on this issue. Six people have been arrested so far. The administration and police are working effectively. Our administration is rough and tough when it comes to taking stern action. Let the administration do its job,” she said. Miss Banerjee also said that those students who are yet to receive money for a tablet as part of the state’s ‘Taruner Swapna’ project will “get it soon”. Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honour of Birsa Munda. Mr Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore aimed at uplifting tribal communities and improving infrastructure in rural and remote areas of the region. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasised that his Government’s mindset, be it in the field of culture or social justice, was different. “It was their good fortune to elect Droupadi Murmu as the President of India," Mr Modi said. “She (Droupadi Murmu) was the first Adivasi President of India and the credit for all the works incepted under the PM-JANMAN yojana goes to the President,” Mr Modi said. Underlining that the Rs 24,000 crore PM JANMAN yojana was launched for the empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Mr Modi said under the scheme, development of settlements of the most backward tribes of the country is being ensured. He noted that the scheme had completed one year today and thousands of pucca houses were given to the PVTGs under the scheme. He added that road development projects were under progress to ensure connectivity between PVTG settlements and drinking water was ensured under the Har Ghar Jal scheme in many houses of PVTGs. The PM noted that the projects and schemes launched today included 1.5 lakh approval letters for pucca houses for tribals, schools and hostels for the betterment of tribal children’s future, health facilities for tribal women, road projects connecting tribal areas, tribal museums and research centres to conserve the tribal culture. Inaugurating the first Bodoland Mohotsov here on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the NDA government committed to ensuring progress and prosperity for the vibrant Bodo community. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister declared: “A strong foundation for the bright future of the Bodo people has been laid.” He pointed out that the Central government has given a special package of Rs 1,500 crore for the development of Bodoland while the Assam government has given a special development package. "More than Rs 700 crore has been spent on the development of infrastructure related to education, health and culture in Bodoland,” he said. Mr Modi said in the last four years, the development of Bodoland has been accelerated. “After the signing of the Peace Accord, Bodoland has witnessed a wave of development. I feel very satisfied after looking at the positive and encouraging results of the Peace Accord,” he added. “Today's occasion is very emotional for me. 50 years of bloodshed, 50 years of violence, and 3-4 gener- ations of youth were consumed in this violence. After so many decades, Bodos are celebrating the festival today. In the year 2020, after the Bodo Peace Accord, I got the opportunity to come to Kokrajhar. The love and affection you gave me there, it felt as if you considered me one of your own. I will always remember that moment,” the PM said. At COP29, India reminds world about the challenges posed by climate change STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Referring to the New Collective Quantified Goals on Climate Finance, India emphasised that it cannot be changed into an investment goal when it is a unidirectional provision and mobilisation goal from the developed to the developing countries. NEW DELHI, 15 NOVEMBER India has reminded the global community how the impact of climate change has increasingly become evident in the form of one disaster or another. Intervening on behalf of Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), at the High-Level Ministerial on Climate Finance on Thursday in CoP29 of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Summit) in Baku, Mr Naresh Pal Gangwar, India's lead negotiator, stated that extreme weather events are so frequent and strong that the impacts are being felt by the people across the world, especially the Global South. Underlining the need for heightened ambitions on climate action, he said: “We are at a crucial juncture in our fight against climate change. What we decide here will enable all of us, particularly those in the Global South, to not only take ambitious mitigation action but also adapt to climate change. This CoP is historic in this context.” The statement asserted that recognising the historical responsibilities and differences in capacities, the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement envisage a global response to climate change, adhering to the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capacities. India reiterated that the developed countries need to commit to provide and mobilise at least $ 1.3 trillion every year till 2030, though grants, concessional finance and non-debt-inducing support that cater to the evolving needs and priorities of developing countries, without subjecting them to growth-inhibiting conditionalities in the provision of finance. The statement recognised that such a scenario is vital for advancing towards COP30, where all parties are expected to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Achieving this outcome will set a solid foundation for meaningful progress in global climate efforts, the Indian statement noted. Speaking about the importance of the New Collective Quantified Goals (NCQG) on Climate Finance, the Indian official emphasised that it cannot be changed into an investment goal when it is a unidirectional provision and mobilisation goal from the developed to the developing countries. India stressed the point that bringing in elements of any new goal, which are outside the mandate of the con- vention and the Paris Agreement, is unacceptable to it. The statement ruled out any scope for re-negotiation of the Paris Agreement and its provisions. Asserting that Transparency and Trust are the backbones of any multilateral process, India noted that there is no understanding of what comprises climate finance. Developed countries' performance regarding their existing financial and technological commitments has been disappointing, the Indian official said. India's intervention stated that a clear definition of climate finance, in line with the provisions of UNFCCC and its Paris Agreements, will promote transparency and is vital for furthering constructive deliberations and building trust. In this regard, the statement said, “We take note of the work carried out by the Standing Committee on Finance, however, there is need to further work in arriving at a meaningful definition of climate finance”. P12 PM’s aircraft hit by snag in Jharkhand’s Deoghar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 15 NOVEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft was hit by technical snag at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport on Friday, resulting in a delay in his return to the national capital. Later, Mr Modi left for Delhi from Deoghar in another aircraft after a delay of more than two hours, sources said. Mr Modi's aircraft was grounded at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport due to a technical issue, after he flew there on his way to Bihar's Jamui to participate in an event commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. After landing at Deoghar airport, he proceeded to Jamui by helicopter. However, upon completing the event and returning to Deoghar airport for his flight back to Delhi, his aircraft could not take off due to a technical problem. Due to the Prime Minister’s visit, Deoghar was declared a no-fly zone, which also affected the travel plans of other leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and JMM star campaigner Kalpana Soren, both in Jharkhand for election campaigning, faced delays as their helicopters were not allowed to take off. ‘Wave of development in Bodoland after Peace Accord’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 15 NOVEMBER SHASTRI BACKS KOHLI TO BEAT SLUMP IN AUSTRALIA The two-day Mahotsav is being organised here at SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and will last till 15 November. It is a mega event on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society. It aims to integrate the indigenous Bodo people residing not only in Bodoland but also in other parts of Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other international border areas of the North East. The theme of the Mohotsov is ‘Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat’ with a focus on the rich culture, language, and education of the Bodo community along with other communities from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). It aims to capitalise on the rich cultural and linguistic heritage, ecological biodiversity, and touristic potential of Bodoland. BCCI flags PCB’s plan of CT2025 trophy tour to PoK TRIDIB BAPARNASH NEW DELHI, 15 NOVEMBER Already in a limbo after BCCI refused to send the Indian cricket team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy to Pakistan, the tournament faced another hurdle after the Indian cricket board has flagged Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) plan to take the Champions Trophy for a tour of the disputed 'Pakistan Occupied Kashmir' (POK), prompting the global body ICC to put the promotional event on hold. According to multiple sources, it has been learnt that the BCCI has raised its objections to the ICC on PCB’s proposed plans of conducting a Trophy tour of multiple cities which fall under POK. The Trophy Tour is part of the global body’s promotional campaign, involving visits to multiple cities as per discussions between the international body and the host country. The issue came up after the PCB, without prior consultation with all stakeholders, announced on its official social media that the Trophy would be taken to Skardu, Murree, and Hunza ~ areas that fall under the disputed territory. “Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 1624 November,” PCB tweeted. The eight-team tournament has been originally set to be held in Pakistan in FebruaryMarch 2025. Meanwhile, the lead up to the tournament has been nothing short of dramatic as the PCB has written to the ICC seeking clarification on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. In its letter to the ICC, the PCB has requested an official explanation regarding India's stance. The communication from Pakistan does not discuss the event format or a potential hybrid model that the BCCI proposed to play the Indian team’s matches and the final in the UAE. This stand-off between the PCB and BCCI has left the future of the Champions Trophy in jeopardy. The ICC was reportedly set to announce the schedule, without confirmation of the venues, in the second week of November. According to a tentative schedule, the Champions Trophy was to be held from 19 February to 9 March, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, there has been no clarity from the global body on the issue yet. Staggered timings for govt offices in Delhi to curb air pollution, congestion STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 15 NOVEMBER To reduce vehicular congestion on the roads in the city that contributes to pollution, the Delhi government on Friday announced that all the government offices in the national capital would run on staggered timings. Announcing this decision on X, Chief Minister Atishi posted: “To reduce traffic congestion and the resulting pollution, government offices across Delhi will operate at staggered timings”. She further wrote in the post that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) office would run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, while Central government offices would function from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Delhi government offices from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This initiative by the AAP government aims to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours in the morning and evening, thereby contributing to a significant reduction in vehicle-induced pollution. The revised timings are part of the GRAP-III (Graded Response Action Plan) restrictions implemented in the city starting Wednesday to control rising pollution levels. The announcement came a day after the invocation of GRAP-III restrictions at a time when the city has been in the grip of severe air pollution for almost a month with the AQI level hovering between severe and very poor categories. Measures taken under stage III include a ban on construction and demolition activities as per the rules laid out by the CAQM. The actions also include intensifying the frequency of mechanized sweeping of roads, ensuring daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours on roads and including hotspots, and heavy traffic corridors. With the implementation of GRAP-III restrictions in Delhi, the city's air quality index saw slight improvement on Friday, moving to 'very poor' category from the 'severe' one a day earlier. According to the 4 pm bulletin of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average air quality index (AQI) for the past 24-hours stood at 396, 28 points down in contrast to Thursday when the AQI reached 424.