THURSDAY 05 DECEMBER 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 P9 SENSEX 80,956.33 p110.58 WEATHER SMOG/MIST IS LIKELY IN THE EVENING/NIGHT. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 26 AND 10 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 91 % TEMPERATURE P6 NIFTY 24,467.45 p10.30 Min: 12.2 °C (+3) SUN SETS 17:24 hrs MOON SETS 21:07 hrs THUMBNAILS Artists perform during cultural procession ahead of National Ayurvedic Arogya Mela in Guwahati on Wednesday. n ANI Army soldier injured in terrorist attack in South Kashmir: An Army soldier on leave at his home was injured in a terrorist attack on Wednesday evening in South Kashmir's Tral. Reports said that the Territorial Army (TA) soldier was shot at by the terrorists at Sofigund Aripal area of Tral hamlet in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district in the evening. Terrorists opened fire at the soldier outside his residence at Sofigund Aripal. The soldier identified as Delhair Mushtaq suffered injuries and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. An official said that the soldier was on leave, adding that he has suffered injury in leg and his condition was stable. ` vs $ 84.76 Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and his sister and Wayanad MP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were stopped by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday when they were on their way to violence-hit Sambhal. UP police stopped their convoy at Ghazipur border near the national capital. The delegation, which included P12 SILVER 91,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 73.78 Badal escapes assassination attempt at Golden Temple Oath-taking ceremony scheduled for 5.30 p m at historic Azad Maidan Shinde to take oath as Maha Dy CM along with ministers T he BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, backed by the other leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, NCP's Ajit Pawar, and Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday afternoon met Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the next government. Mr Shinde and Mr Pawar submitted letters supporting Mr Fadnavis as the Chief Minister after he was unanimously elected by the BJP legislators as the legislature party leader. Thereafter, the Governor invited Mr Shinde to form the government. Mr Radhakrishnan scheduled the swearingin ceremony for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, 5 December, at the historic Azad Maidan ground in South Mumbai. "We have submitted a letter of support from smaller parties, including the Jan Surajya Party and others. I thank Eknathji Shinde and Ajit Pawar of the NCP for submitting a letter to the Governor supporting my appointment as Chief Minister," Mr Fadnavis said after meeting the governor. "Tomorrow, in the presence of Narendra Modiji, the swearing-in ceremony will take place. We will inform you about the num- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE MUMBAI, 4 DECEMBER ber of people who will be sworn in. The decision regarding the chief minister or deputy chief minister is a technical arrangement among us. We are united for the state's progress. I met Eknath Shindeji yesterday and invited him to be a part of the government since Shiv Sena MLAs want his participation in the government. I am confident that we will receive a positive response from him," said the BJP's choice for the chief minister's post. "We are confident that the three of us will be able to work together for the benefit of the people of Maharashtra and fulfil all the promises we have made to them," Mr Fadnavis said. Earlier in the day, the BJP legislature party met several Congress leaders, was headed to meet the families of the victims of the violence. Addressing the media at the Ghazipur border, the Leader of Opposition in the Lower House said: “The police stopped us from going to Sambhal. Being the Leader of Opposition, it is my right and duty to go there. Yet I was stopped. This is against the Constitution.” He stated that he was ready to go alone with the police, but they did not accept that either. Asserting that his constitutional right was not being given to him, Mr Gandhi said: “This is the new India, this is the India to end the Constitution.” “Why is the BJP scared? Why is it pushing the police to hide its failures? Why is it suppressing the message of truth and brotherhood?” he questioned. Echoing similar sentiments, Ms Vadra stated that Mr Gandhi cannot be stopped like this as being the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, he has the constitutional right to be allowed to go and meet the victims. Slamming the BJP, she said: “BJP is afraid of the voice of justice. BJP is afraid of humanity and love. BJP is afraid of brotherhood and unity. To save its 'market of hatred', BJP wants to barricade every message of love.” ‘Mission Mausam’ approved to boost weather and climate-related science STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 DECEMBER The Union Cabinet has approved the central sector scheme ‘Mission Mausam’ at an outlay of Rs 2,000 crores over two years, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. In a written reply, Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh said ‘Mission Mausam’ is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to tremendously boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services. It will help to better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. GOLD 78,645.00 Fadnavis to be sworn in as Maha CM today at the Central Hall of the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha and elected Mr Fadnavis as its leader. BJP MLAs Chandrakant Patil and Sudhir Mungantiwar proposed the name of Devendra Fadnavis as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party in the Maharashtra assembly. The proposal was then seconded by BJP MLA Pankaja Munde. Almost immediately, BJP MLAs Pravin Darekar, Pankaja Munde and many others supported the proposal. Shortly thereafter, BJP central observer and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced the election of Mr Fadnavis as the leader of the BJP legislative group in the Maharashtra assembly. Rahul, Priyanka stopped from visiting violence-hit Sambhal STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 DECEMBER ‘HAVE TAKEN A LOT OF CONFIDENCE FROM PERTH TEST’ P8 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE MUMBAI, 4 DECEMBER Min. 32 % Max: 28.0 °C (+3) SUN RISES 07:00 hrs MOON RISES 11:18 hrs ASSAM BANS BEEF IN HOTELS AND PUBLIC FUNCTIONS HUNTER PARDONED AFTER MARTIAL LAW MOVE, YOON FACES IMPEACHMENT MOTION The mission's focus will include improving the observations by augmenting various observational networks for providing highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, including monsoon forecasts, alerts for air quality, extreme weather events and cyclones, weather interventions for managing fog, hail, and rain, etc., capacity building and generating awareness. The newly-launched ‘Mission Mausam’ is intended to augment the Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network across the country for complete radar coverage and to enhance the accuracy of the weather forecasting system, the minister said. He said the exact locations are being worked out for installing 87 more DWRs, 15 radiometers and 15 wind profilers across the country, to observe not only surface measurements but also upper atmosphere, to improve the weather forecast. Currently, 39 Doppler Weather Radars are installed at various locations across the country to monitor rain and thunderstorms. The locations of these radars have been distributed in the best possible way to monitor severe weather conditions across the Indian region. Uproar in LS over Rahul’s Sambhal visit STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 DECEMBER Oppositionmembersstaged abriefwalkoutonWednesday after a heated exchange of words over Rahul’s visit to violence-hitSambhaldistrict of Uttar Pradesh. DuringZeroHour,during discussion on issues pertaining to his constituency Kishanganj, Congress member Mohammad Jawed steered the discussion towards Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Sambhal, during which he was stopped enroute.This led to shouting and sloganeering from both sides, andabriefwalkoutbycertain opposition members. Hours after the Mahayuti alliance partners held a press conference on Wednesday evening after meeting Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, it is learnt that Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has agreed to take oath as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers on Thursday. The development came hours after Mr Fadnavis publicly urged Mr Shinde to join his Cabinet while addressing a press conference after staking claim to form a Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. It is learnt that Ajit Pawar will continue as one of the two Deputy Chief Ministers. The BJP has released a list of 17 probable ministers who are likely to be inducted in the Mahayuti government. While BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis will be chief minister, the Mahayuti cabinet list features names of BJP MLAs like Ashish Shelar, Girish Mahajan, Rahul Narvekar and Nitesh Rane. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE CHANDIGARH, 4 DECEMBER Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal escaped unhurt a bid on his life at the Golden Temple in Amritsar when a Khalistan sympathiser associated with the radical Dal Khalsa Wednesday opened fire at him. The shooter targeted the former Punjab deputy chief minister while the latter was performing "seva" at the shrine as part of a religious punishment pronounced by the Shri Akal Takht Sahib. In a video, the wheelchair-bound SAD leader is seen in a blue 'sewadar' uniform holding a spear when the shooter whips out the gun and fires at him from point-blank range. The policemen in attendance reacted swiftly and overpowered the assailant. The shooter was identified as Narain Singh Chaura, an alleged former militant facing many cases and is an accused in the sensational Burail jailbreak case in Chandigarh in 2004, where four undertrials, three of them assassins of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, escaped from the jail by digging a tunnel. Chaura slowly approached Sukhbir Badal, who was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple with a plaque card around his neck as part of the 'tankhah' (religious punishment), before opening fire at him. However, a policeman standing nearby was able to push his hand upwards and save the Akali Dal leader. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh told reporters that proper security arrangements were in place and he was himself present at the site. “Chaura was present in the temple yesterday also. On Wednesday morning, he came to the temple as usual and paid obeisance before opening fire at Badal,” he told reporters. According to the police, Chaura had crossed over to Pakistan in 1984 and was instrumental in smuggling weapons and explosives into Punjab during the initial phase of militancy. He was allegedly associated with the Khalistan Liberation SC reserves order on bail plea of former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 4 DECEMBER The Supreme Court reserved order on the bail plea of Partha Chatterjee, an MLA and former West Bengal education minister, on Wednesday in a money laundering case related to cashfor-jobs recruitment irregularities. A bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan reserved the order after hearing both the parties. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi for Chatterjee stressed the top court for granting bail to his client which was strongly opposed by the Additional Solictor General SV Raju, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate in the case. Senior Advocate Rohatgi said that Chatterjee is inside jail in the matter for a long time and sought bail on the parity that other accused were out on bail. The top court remarked that he should be a little shy to claim parity with them as they are accused due to him. The top court remarked that what message will be sent to society if the corrupt persons can get bail like this. However, the top court also noted delay in the trial in the case. The top court in the previous hearing noted the trial, in the money laundering case related to irregularities of recruitment of primary teachers, against Partha Chatterjee, an MLA and former West Bengal education minister, is yet to start and hundreds of witnesses supposed to be examined. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi for Chatterjee in the last hearing informed the top court that his client is in jail for nearly 2.5 years, 183 witnesses are in the case and trial is yet to start. He also referred to his age and said that he is 73 years old. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for Enforcement Directorate, had opposed Partha Chatterjee bail plea in case and said that charges are serious in nature and huge amounts of cash were seized. Indian Navy shows off prowess with spectacular display off Puri coast STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 4 DECEMBER The swirling seawater off Odisha’s Puri coast turned virtually into a war-zone on Wednesday with the Indian Navy brilliantly displaying its prowess and combat skills, leaving the audience including President Droupadi Murmu awe-struck. The Indian Navy showcased its skill and versatility of its fleet of ships, submarines, aircraft and Special Forces at the Navy Day celebration with President Murmu flagging off the operational demonstration at Odisha’s Blue Flag Beach in Puri. The mega event enlightened the audience on the multifarious capabilities of the Navy in defending India's National Maritime security and interests. It was an exhilarating and breathtaking display of the sense of pride, self-command, and patriotism the men in uniform instilled the audience. The manoeuvring operation of aircraft and warships enthralled the people. The submarines which can attack enemy ships, hostile submarines added to the excitement of the event. The event also provided people the opportunity to witness the skill, courage and dedication of India’s elite Marine Commandos or MARCOS. Combat Free Fall, a parachute landing method to land in enemy territory undetected, left the enthusiastic crowd spellbound. Chetak helicopters, used for logistics support, medical evacuation, and search and rescue missions, both over land and sea carried out a coordinated display showcasing their versatility and manoeuvrability. Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft, used for basic and advanced training of fighter pilots before they graduate to carrier based fighter, also displayed its maneuvering skill. Force and the Akal Federation and was wanted in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ropar districts. Sixty-two-year-old Badal was performing 'sewadar' duties after the Akal Takht pronounced the 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for him and several other Akali Dal leaders for "mistakes" committed during the party's rule in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. As part of the punishment, Sukhbir Badal and his former colleagues in the then cabinet were ordered to clean toilets, serve “langar” (community kitchen), perform daily prayers, and recite Sukhmani Sahib. Placards were also placed around their necks as part of the sentence. Due to health concerns, Sukhbir Badal and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa were instructed to serve as gatekeepers at the Golden Temple entrance for two days. Chaura is a resident of Village Chaura in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. According to the details shared by the police, Chaura, born on April 4, 1956, is the son of Chanan Singh and Gurnam Kaur. According to reports, he was the leader of the nowdefunct militant outfit Khalistan National Army. He has been jailed several times and faces multiple cases under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Oppn walks out of RS after being disallowed to question EAM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 DECEMBER Opposition leaders staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday after being disallowed from raising questions on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's China statement. Opposition members tried to speak after Mr Jaishankar’s statement but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called Union Minister Piyush Goyal to introduce The Boilers Bill, 2024. The Chair declined to allow Opposition members to speak on the issue, prompting them to stage a brief walkout in protest against the Chairman’s decision. In his statement, Mr Jaishankar said India remains committed to engaging with China to arrive at a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement. He said: “Following the October 21 understanding, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 23. They welcomed the understanding and directed the Foreign Ministers to meet to stabilise and rebuild the relationship. The Special Representatives will also oversee the management of peace and tranquillity, besides exploring a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.” Mr Jaishankar said that in pursuance of the directive, he recently held discussions with Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024. He further said: “Our ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquillity were disturbed due to Chinese actions.”