TUESDAY 26 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 UP GOVT SPENDS `40,000 CR ON WELFARE SCHEMES IN 6 YEARS YAMANDÚ ORSI BECOMES URUGUAY’S NEW PRESIDENT P9 SENSEX 80,109.85p992.74 WEATHER SMOG/SHALLOW TO 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 26 AND 12 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Min. 51% Max: 25.8˚C (-1) SUN RISES 06:53 hrs MOON RISES 03:14 hrs Min: 14.8˚C (+3) SUN SETS 17:25 hrs MOON SETS 14:25 hrs THUMBNAILS A thick layer of snow blanketed the Bhaderwah area in Doda on Monday.n ANI S&P revises estimate for India's growth to 6.7 pc for FY26, 6.8 pc for FY27: S&P Global Ratings revised down its estimate for India's economic growth in the next two financial years as high interest rate and lower fiscal impulse temper urban demand. The rating agency projected a 6.7 pc GDP growth rate in 2025-26 financial year and 6.8 pc in the following fiscal year. (P10) NIFTY 24,221.90p314.65 ` vs $ 84.31 GOLD 79,165.00 P12 SILVER 1,01,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 73.75q1.42 Modi says it is essential for the two Houses to engage in healthy discussions I n a stinging attack on the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said those who have been repeatedly rejected by the people do not allow Parliament to function even as he hoped the Winter Session of the two Houses will be highly productive and strengthen the country's global stature. Speaking to reporters ahead of the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament, he said it is essential for the two Houses to engage in healthy discussions in which as many people as possible contribute. ''Unfortunately, some individuals rejected by the people are continuously attempting to control Parliament through disruptive tactics for their political gains. Their primary goal of halting parliamentary proceedings rarely succeeds, and the people take note of their actions, often punishing them when the time comes,'' he added. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 NOVEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in the national capital on Monday. SUBRATA DUTTA The PM noted that this session of Parliament is special in many ways, with the most significant aspect being the 75-year journey of the Constitution, as it steps into its 75th year. ''This is a momentous occasion for democracy. Tomorrow, we will collectively begin the celebration of the 75th year of our Constitution in the Constitution Hall. The Constitution framers debated every point in great detail while drafting the Constitution, resulting in this excellent document. A sig- the future of the Palestinian people be addressed. India favours a two-State solution,'' the Minister said at the ''Rome Mediterranean Dialogue 2024'' in the Italian capital. He said that as far as Lebanon is concerned, there is an Indian contingent like Italy, that is part of UNIFIL. ''With regard to the Gulf of Aden and the northern Arabian sea, Indian naval ships have been deployed since last year to protect commercial shipping. Given our capacity to engage various parties, we are always willing to contribute meaningfully to any international diplomatic endeavours,'' he added. On the conflict in Ukraine, he noted that it is well into its third year. The continuation of this conflict has serious destabilising consequences, including for the Mediterranean. ''What is clear is that no solution is going to emerge from the battlefield. India has consistently held the view that disputes in this era cannot be settled by war. There must be a return to dialogue and diplomacy; the sooner the better. This is a widespread sentiment in the world today; especially in the Global South,'' he added. Mr Jaishankar pointed out that since June this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally engaged leaders of both Russia and Ukraine to this end. This has included his visiting Moscow and Kyiv. nificant pillar of this is our Parliament and its members,'' he added. However, Mr Modi observed that the most troubling aspect is that the Opposition's behaviour stifles the rights of new MPs— those who bring fresh ideas and energy from all parties. These new members are often denied opportunities to speak in the House, he felt. ''In a democratic tradition, every generation has the responsibility to prepare the next generations. But those who have been repeat- Tension prevails in Sambhal as toll climbs to 5; internet snapped MANOJ BHADRA SAMBHAL, 25 NOVEMBER A curfew-like situation prevailed in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on Monday following the violence over a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid which left five people dead. The entire area near the Jama Masjid has turned into a fortress even as the internet services have been snapped. Moradabad Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar said the situation in Sambhal is under control, adding that all shops are open except in the Jama Masjid area. He said an FIR has been registered against Sambhal MP Zia ur Rehman Barq and the local MLA's son Shail Iqbal in connection with the incident. (DETAILS ON PAGE 5) BGT 2024-25: New-look India silence Aus with record-shattering win in Perth TRIDIB BAPARNASH NEW DELHI, 25 NOVEMBER Unlike the tours of Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, India’s arrival for the 2024-25 fiveTest Border-Gavaskar trophy Down Under was marred by a 3-0 upset to New Zealand at home. Cricket experts were skeptical of India’s chances, more so because the Kangaroos were unbeaten in their four appearances at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Rohit Sharma’s absence and an injury to No.3 Shubman Gill escalated India’s concerns, but stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah led a spirited turnaround to knock off the hosts by 295 runs in a one-sided result set to cause aftershocks in the latest tussle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India has regained the top spot in the World Test Championships standings, although entering a third straight final P6 PM: Oppn not allowing Parliament to function ‘India in touch with Israel, Iran to advocate restraint’ Expressing concern over the widening of conflict in West Asia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said India has been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran at the highest levels to advocate restraint and enhance communication. He said the situation in the region is concerning not only in the context of what has happened and what may still come. ''India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage taking. It also regards large scale civilian casualties in military operations to be unacceptable. International humanitarian law cannot be disregarded. In immediate terms, we should all support a ceasefire. India has also extended relief directly and through UNRWA. In the longer term, it is imperative that ROHIT SHARMA JOINS TEAM INDIA PRACTICE IN PERTH P5 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 NOVEMBER Max. 89% TEMPERATURE TRUMP'S AG will depend on performances in the remaining four Tests. The win is India’s biggest by margin of runs against Australia in Australia. The previous biggest win dates back to 1977, when India won their first Test Down Under in Melbourne. It is also their 10th Test victory in the country. The result seemed a mere formality on the penultimate day. Debutant Harshit Rana rubber-stamped the triumph by dismissing Alex Carey just after tea to trigger celebrations in the Indian camp. While Bumrah claimed eight wickets for the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli produced outstanding second innings centuries to leave Australia searching for cover. For India, the misfiring top order has been their major concern, especially No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne who managed just five runs to continue a lengthy form slump. With Australia reeling at 12/3 late on day three, India looked in firm control on Mon- day. Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith to reduce Australia to 104/5 after one session. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh made batting look relatively easy post-lunch with a speedy 81-run partnership before a Bumrah delivery caught Head’s edge on 89. Marsh was out on 47 he chopped on to allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who capped an impressive debut with his first Test wicket. Washington Sundar ended Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc’s resistance just before tea as Dhruv Jurel pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at short leg to dismiss Starc. Sundar struck again, deceiving Nathan Lyon with a peach of a delivery. Harshit Rana sealed the win with a brilliant slower delivery that bowled Carey. In the second innings, Jaiswal and Kohli led India's charge with centuries, leaving the hosts a mountain to climb. edly rejected by the people —80, 90 times—neither allow discussions in Parliament nor respect democratic principles or the aspirations of the people. They don’t realise their responsibility towards the people. As a result, they consistently fail to meet public expectations, leading to repeated rejection by the electorate,'' the PM said. He was of the view that Parliament is a testament to democracy. After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the people of the country have had opportunities in their respective states to express their thoughts, views, and expectations. The results of these elections in the states have further strengthened the outcomes of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, broadening the support base and increasing trust in democratic processes, he said. ''In democracy, it is imperative for us to respect the sentiments of the people and work tirelessly to meet their hopes and expectations. I have repeatedly urged the Opposition, and some Opposition members act very responsibly. They also desire smooth functioning of the House. However, those rejected by the people suppress even their colleagues’ voices, disrespect their feelings, and undermine the spirit of democracy,'' he added. Mr Modi hoped the new members of Parliament, who represent different parties, get opportunities in the House. They bring fresh ideas and innovative visions to advance 'Bharat'. He said the world is looking at the country with great hope. ''As Members of Parliament, we must use our time to further enhance Bharat’s global respect and attraction. Opportunities like the one Bharat has today are rare on the world stage. The message from Bharat’s Parliament should reflect the voters' dedication to democracy, their commitment to the Constitution, and their trust in parliamentary practices. We, as their representatives, must live up to these sentiments,'' he added. First day, no show: Both Houses of Parl adjourned STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 NOVEMBER The Winter Session of Parliament began on a stormy note on Monday with the Opposition parties forcing adjournment of both Houses without transacting any business, demanding an immediate discussion on issues like bribery allegations levelled against the Adani Group by the US and the Manipur violence. As soon as the Lok Sabha met on the opening day of the session, Congress and other Opposition mem- bers shouted slogans, demanding a discussion on the fresh wave of violence in Manipur and the bribery charges against the Adani Group. Amid the din, Speaker Om Birla read out the obituary references and then adjourned the House till 12 noon. There was no change in the situation when the House reassembled, leaving the Speaker with no choice but to adjourn it for the day. There will however be no session on Tuesday, 26 November – the Constitution Day.