TUESDAY 07 JANUARY 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR PRASHANT KISHOR’S ARREST IGNITES PROTESTS AGAINST BIHAR GOVT TN GOVERNOR RAVI BOYCOTTS ASSEMBLY, LEAVES HOUSE IN A HUFF P5 U.S. CONGRESS READY TO CERTIFY TRUMP’S ELECTION WIN P8 P9 SENSEX 77,964.99q1,258.12 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SMOG/SHALLOW FOG LIKELY IN THE EVENING/NIGHT. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 19 AND 08 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. TEMPERATURE Min. 75 % Max: 16.9 °C (-2) SUN RISES 07:15 hrs MOON RISES 12:06 hrs 23,616.05q388.70 THUMBNAILS A view of a snow-covered 'Lal Chowk' after fresh snowfall in Srinagar on Monday. n ANI Sensex tumbles 1,258 points over HMPV fears, global uncertainties: The Indian stock market witnessed a steep decline on Monday as domestic benchmark indices plunged more than 1.5 per cent amid growing concerns over human metapneumovirus (HMPV) along with global uncertainties. Heavy selling was seen in the PSU bank sector on Nifty. The PSU bank sector was down by more than 4 per cent. (Page 10) SILVER 99,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 76.87p0.36 ‘US finalising steps to strengthen nuclear energy cooperation with India’ Rail infrastructure projects in J&K, Odisha and Telangana will promote tourism, says PM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE TheUnitedStatesisnowfinalising the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India's leading nuclear entities and US companies, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said here on Monday. “The formal paperwork will be done soon but this will be an opportunity to turn the page on some of the frictions of the past and create opportunities for entities that have been on restricted lists in the United States to come off those lists and enter into deep collaboration with the United States, with our private sector, scientists and technologists to move civil nuclear cooperation forward together,” he said. Mr Sullivan is in New Delhi to hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on issues ranging from space, defence, strategic technology cooperation aswellassharedsecuritypriorities in the Indo-Pacific region. Mr Sullivan later in the day met Prime Minister Narendra Modiandtheypositivelyassessed the significant advancement in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership over the last four years, especially in the key areas of technology, R eiterating that the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is helping turn the vision of a developed India into reality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country's first bullet train will start running in the near future. Launching multiple railway projects for Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha and Telangana, Mr Modi in his virtual address said: “In 2014, we started work with the dream of modernising Indian Railways. The facilities of Vande Bharat trains, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat Rail are now becoming the new benchmark of Indian Railways. Today's Aspirational India aspires to achieve a lot in a short time." The Prime Minister said today people want to complete distance journeys in less time. In such a situation, the demand for high speed trains is increasing in every part of the country, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony of various railway projects performed via video conferencing, in New Delhi on Monday. n ANI “Today Vande Bharat trains are running on more than 50 routes. 136 Vande Bharat services are making people's journey pleasant. Just two-three days ago I was watching a video, how the new sleeper version of Vande Bharat is running at a speed of 180 kilometres per hour in its trial run, and seeing this, not only me but any Indian will feel good. Such experiences are just the begin- Atishi breaks down, slams Bidhuri for remarks against her father STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 6 JANUARY to hurling abuse at a man who cannot even defend himself. It breaks my heart to see my father, a man who gave so much to society, being disrespected like this," she added. Ms Atishi stressed that she could never imagine that the politics in the country would stoop to such low standards. She further said that she would like to inform Bidhuri that her father remained a teacher throughout his life, and he taught thousands of poor children. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi said Atishi’s emotional plea has struck a chord with citizens across the city and the country, with many taking to social media to condemn Bidhuri’s remarks and express solidarity with the chief minister and her family. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also rallied behind his CM in her support, and taking to platform X, wrote, “Atishi ji, you are an inspiration for all the women of Delhi. By abusing you, BJP has not only insulted you but every woman of Delhi. Every woman of Delhi will give a befitting reply to BJP for this insult.” It was on Sunday that Mr Bidhuri, who had earlier made controversial comments about Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, triggered another controversy with his alleged remarks on Delhi CM's surname, where he was heard saying she changed her surname and father as earlier she was Marlena and then became Singh. ning, the time is not far when the first bullet train will also run in India," Mr Modi said. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects, via video conferencing. Mr Modi inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division. He also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charla- Justin Trudeau to step down as Canadian PM OTTAWA, 6 JANUARY Justin Trudeau on Monday announced that he will step down as the Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader once his party has chosen a new leader. Trudeau, who has been the leader of the Liberal Party since 2013, and has been serving as the country's PM for more than nine years, announced his decision at a news conference in Ottawa, late Monday evening, India time. Facing a major revolt within his party and a dismal public opinion polls ahead of this year's general elections, Trudeau also asked Governor-General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until 24 March. Mr Trudeau has faced mounting challenges, particularly after Chrystia Freeland's abrupt resignation as Finance Minister on 16 December. AGENCIES Groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM VINIT WAHI NEW DELHI, 6 JANUARY The year 2024 saw the total annual groundwater recharge experiencing a significant increase of 15 BCM (billion cubic meters), while extraction decreased by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment. This progress underscores the importance of understanding availability, usage, and the challenges to groundwater ahead. In addition to this,the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at 446.90 BCM, with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction of 245.64 BCM. According to the annual report on groundwater resources released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments, the increased recharge, mainly due to water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures, shows improvements in groundwater conditions GOLD 79,300.00 ‘Time not far off when first bullet train will run in India’ NEW DELHI, 6 JANUARY Min: 09.6 °C (+3) SUN SETS 17:40 hrs MOON SETS 01:23 hrs Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday broke down and hit out at BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri over his remarks against her and her father, accusing him of stooping so low during election time. Terming Mr Bidhuri's remarks as "painful and sad", she challenged him to seek votes on the basis of the work done by him for the people of Kalkaji during his 10-year long tenure as a South Delhi MP, instead of hurling abuses at her 80-year-old ailing father. Ms Atishi, while addressing a press conference here, paused multiple times wiping away tears as she spoke of her father’s legacy and the pain her family has endured. Slamming Mr Bidhuri, she said: "How can anyone justify such indecency? Instead of discussing his work as an MP from South Delhi, he resorts ` vs $ 85.79 P12 NIKHIL VYAS RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 100 % NIFTY AUSTRALIANS PRAISE JASPRIT BUMRAH FOR BGT HEROICS in 128 units compared to 2023. The 'National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024' offers a comprehensive state-wise overview, serving as a foundation for effective policies and management strategies. The report says the year 2024 has seen positive advancements in several key areas, with notable highlights. Some of these highlights show that total Annual GW Recharge has increased (15 BCM) substantially and extraction has declined (3 BCM) in 2024 from 2017 assessment. Recharge from tanks, ponds and WCS (Water Control System) has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments. In the year 2024, it increased by 0.39 BCM w.r.t. 2023. In 2017 saw an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from tanks, ponds & WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024). The percentage of assessment units under the safe category have increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4 % in 2024. The percentage of over exploited assessment units has declined from 17.24 % in 2017 to 11.13 % in 2024. Maintaining groundwater quality is just as crucial as its recharge for sustainable water management. Key pollutants such as Arsenic, Fluoride, Chloride, Uranium, and Nitrate pose serious health risks, either through direct toxicity or long-term exposure. Additionally, Elevated Electrical Conductivity (EC) can indicate contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion, while Iron contamination may lead to gastrointestinal issues, highlighting the importance of careful water quality monitoring. To assess the critical areas impacted by contamination, the Annual Groundwater Quality Report for 2024 offers a comprehensive analysis of groundwater quality across India, drawing insights from data collected at over 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations. The report emphasizes the importance of not only preserving groundwater but also ensuring its quality for effective, long-term water management. palli New Terminal Station in Telangana. In his virtual address, Mr Modi said the launch of rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha and Telangana will promote tourism and add to socio-economic development in these regions. “Today, the country is engaged in achieving the resolve of Viksit Bharat and for this, the development of Indian Railways is very important,” Mr Modi said. “We are taking forward the development of railways in India on four parameters. First- modernisation of railway infrastructure, Second- Modern facilities for railway passengers, Third- Railway connectivity in every corner of the country, FourthRailways for creating jobs, supporting industries,” he said. “Today India is close to 100 per cent electrification of railway lines, We have also continuously expanded the reach of railways," the Prime Minister said. He said Jammu and Kashmir is achieving new milestones in railway infrastructure, with the Udhampur - Srinagar Baramulla rail line, which is being discussed all over the country today. The Prime Minister said the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, will play a key role in connecting the region with the rest of India providing convenience to the people of Leh-Ladakh. Mr Modi said the Anji Khad Bridge, which is the country’s first cable-based railway bridge, is also part of this project. He said Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge are unparalleled examples of engineering leading to economic progress in the region and promoting prosperity. Lauding India's fastpaced progress in connectivity, Mr Modi said since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1000 kilometers. NEW DELHI, 6 JANUARY defence, space, civil nuclear, clean energy, semiconductors, and AI. In a post on X, Mr Modi said: “It was a pleasure to meet the US National Security Advisor @JakeSullivan46. The IndiaUS Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, including in the areas of technology, defence, space, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Look forward to building upon this momentum in ties between our two democracies for the benefit of our people and global good.” The PM deeply appreciated a letter from US President Joe Biden handed over to him by Mr Sullivan. Mr Modi also reaffirmed his commitment to continue to deepen close cooperation between the two democracies for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for the global good.