TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR P8 SENSEX 74,169.95 p341.05 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. SURFACE WINDS (SPEED 10-20 KMPH) OCCASIONALLY GUSTING TO 30 KMPH. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 32 AND 17 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. P5 NIFTY 22,509.65 p112.45 P10 ` vs $ 86.78 GOLD `90,615 RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 83% PM shares concerns over 'anti-India' elements in NZ ASHOK TUTEJA Min. 44% NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH TEMPERATURE Min: 16.8˚C (+ 0.3) SUN RISES 06:26 hrs MOON RISES 22:13 hrs SUN SETS 18:31 hrs MOON SETS 08:55 hrs THUMBNAILS Bharatiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party councillors protest during the House meeting of Municipal Corporation of Delhi on Monday. SNS (P2) SC notice to Centre on PIL on transparency in CAG's appointment: The Supreme Court, on Monday, issued a notice to the Central government on a public interest plea (PIL) seeking an independent and transparent process for the selection of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) free from government influence, instead of the prevailing system of the Central government alone appointing the head of the country’s audit and accounts department. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotishwar Singh issued the notice and sought the Centre's response on the PIL by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) contending that the present system of the Central government solely selecting the CAG hampered their independence of the national auditor. A lluding to the anti-India activities of Khalistan elements in the Pacific island nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed to his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon New Delhi's concern over such activities while asserting that the two countries are firmly opposed to the menace of terrorism. ''We are one in the fight against terrorism. Whether it is the March 15, 2019, Christchurch terrorist attack or the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attack, terrorism in any form is not acceptable to us. It is necessary to act against the accused in terror attacks,'' he said at a joint press conference with the New Zealand PM after talks between them. The PM said India and New Zealand will cooperate in the fight against terrorism, separatism and radicalism. ''In this regard, we expressed our concern over the anti-India activities of some unlawful elements in New Zealand. I am confident that we will continue to get the cooperation of the New Zealand Government against these unlawful elements,'' he added. Briefing the media after the meeting between the two PMs, Mr Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said, "About Khalistan, this was an issue that came up... We do alert our friends to the activities of anti-India elements in their countries and their abuse of freedom of speech and other democratic India-New Zealand Strategic Ties Security and Anti-Terrorism Strengthening Bilateral Relations l PM Modi raised concerns over anti-India activities by unlawful elements in New Zealand. l Negotiations were launched for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and mobility arrangements for professionals and skilled workers. l Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and radicalism. l Both nations support a free and open Indo-Pacific, and India joined the Combined Maritime Forces. l New Zealand endorsed India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. Both countries emphasized nuclear non-proliferation and cooperation in global peace efforts, including in the Middle East and Ukraine. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH to ensure that differences between the two countries do not escalate into conflicts and that dialogue remains key to the diplomatic approach. CHRISTOPHER LUXON, New Zealand Prime Minister Geopolitical and Multilateral Engagements ''We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism. We welcome New Zealand on joining the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative," he added. A joint statement issued by the two countries said the two PMs reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship which is anchored in shared democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. ''Both leaders recognised that there remains significant potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in diverse areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, China appreciates PM Modi’s remarks on Sino-Indian ties China on Monday appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “positive remarks” on Sino-Indian ties. ''In recent months, both sides have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by their leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at various levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a media briefing in Beijing. In a conversation with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi spoke about efforts being made “New Zealand and India bookend the Indo-Pacific, but distance is no barrier to our pursuit of a brighter future for both our nations. Thank you for welcoming me to New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” l Collaboration in multiple sectors like trade, defense, education, technology, and space was emphasised. freedoms to glorify terrorism and to threaten attacks against our diplomats, our Parliament or our events in India. So these were also conveyed. The government of New Zealand has been receptive and has taken our concerns on board in the past as well." The two countries signed seven MoUs, including one for cooperation in the field of defence, and made some key announcements like the launch of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an arrangement facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers. Mr Modi said India and New Zealand support a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. PM Modi emphasised that cooperation between India and China is essential for global stability and prosperity, advocating for healthy competition rather than conflict. "Dialogue is the key to building a stable and cooperative relationship that benefits both nations", he said. "We appreciate Prime Minister Modi's recent positive remarks on ChinaIndia relations. Last October, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi met successfully in Kazan and provided strategic guidance for improving and developing China-India relations. Recently, the two sides have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive results," the Chinese spokesperson said. DRAPER EMERGES TRIUMPHANT AT INDIAN WELLS P12 SILVER `1,02,900 PM said India & New Zealand will cooperate in the fight against terrorism & radicalism RAINFALL: Nil Max: 29.2˚C (-2.1) TRUMP TO SPEAK WITH PUTIN ABOUT ENDING WAR IN UKRAINE UPDATE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS: PREZ BC BILLS: REVANTH URGES ALL PARTIES TO COME TOGETHER science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people and sports,'' it added. The two leaders reaffirmed the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. They noted with satisfaction the strong connections between the people of the two countries, with Indian-origin people making up almost six percent of New Zealand’s population. PM Modi, Luxon jointly inaugurate Raisina Dialogue STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon jointly inaugurated the tenth edition of Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, here on Monday. The Raisina Dialogue, hosted annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), serves as a multilateral platform where heads of state, cabinet ministers, diplomats, corporate leaders, media professionals, and scholars come together to assess the evolving geopolitical landscape. The conference which will be held here from March 17-19, will be attended by deputy prime ministers/foreign ministers of nearly 20 countries, including the Foreign Minister of Ukraine. In his keynote address, Luxon said India and New Zealand are so fortunate to live in one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world addig that the Indo-Pacific represents two-thirds of global economic growth in the coming years. India itself is at the centre of this exciting economic future, the New Zealand Prime Minister said. "Our trade has diversified considerably from wood, US President Trump shares Modi’s podcast on social media platform STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH President Donald Trump has shared Prime Minister Narendra Modi's podcast with USbased podcaster Lex Fridman, in which the PM commended the leadership of the American President, on his social media platform, Truth Social. During the three-hour conversation, PM Modi spoke about his camaraderie with President Trump, emphasising their mutual trust and commitment to prioritising their national interests. He lauded Trump's "humility" and noted that the American leader appeared far more prepared for a second term compared to his first. PM Modi praised President Trump's unwavering dedication to the US, highlighting his resilience even after the recent assassination attempt. "Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation. This showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first – Bharat first," PM Modi said. He recalled Mr Trump's gesture at the 'Howdy Modi' event in 2019, where he chose to sit in the audience, calling it a testament to his humility. PM Modi further expressed admiration for Trump's clarity of vision and well-defined roadmap for a potential second term. Reflecting on his visit to the White House, the PM noted how Trump broke protocol by personally guiding him on a tour of the presidential residence. Despite not having met in person for years, he emphasised that their communication and trust remained strong. When asked about Trump's past comment that PM Modi is a better negotiator, Mr Modi attributed it to the US President's graciousness and humility. "He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," he said, adding that his own approach to negotiations is always driven by India's interests. Rajnath, US intelligence Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb shakes up Maharashtra politics chief reaffirm strength of defence partnership BOBBY ANTHONY MUMBAI, 17 MARCH STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH India and the United States on Monday explored avenues for collaboration in cuttingedge defence innovation and niche technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests at a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Additionally, the two sides addressed key areas such as enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of defence industrial supply chains to bolster resilience and innovation. Ms Gabbard, who is the first top representative of the Donald Trump administration to visit India, is scheduled to address the Raisina Dialogue. Drawing from the Joint Statement issued after the recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Trump, the discussions between Mr Singh and Ms Gabbard reaffirmed the growing strength of the IndiaUS bilateral defence partnership. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on the floor of the Maharashtra assembly on Monday that the state government will protect Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar but will never allow the glorification of the long dead emperor, after he faced repeated calls for the removal of the grave by BJP members. "We will protect Aurangzeb's grave but not allow glorification of his memory. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's temple will be glorified and not Aurangzeb's grave. It is unfortunate that we have to protect Aurangzeb's tomb since it was declared a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 50 years ago. As a result, it is the responsibility of the Central and state governments to protect it. Aurangzeb killed thousands of our people but we have to protect his grave. However, I promise that no matter what happens, I will not allow Aurangzeb's grave to be glorified. I will crush the idea of glorifying Aurangzeb," Fadnavis stated. However, on March 10, Fadnavis himself suggested that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave which is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), should be removed from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, by using legal means, in response to an appeal to do so from BJP MLAs. The controversy about Aurangzeb and his grave erupted in February after Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi praised the Mughal emperor. Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly till the end of the budget session after he was criticised by members of the ruling and opposition parties. After the controversy was triggered, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut had accused Fadnavis of engineering the Aurangazeb controversy to divert attention from Dhananjay Munde issue which was in public memory back then. “In the Legislative Assembly, they (Fadnavis government) were cornered over Dhananjay Munde. So, the BJP instructed Abu Azmi to issue a statement, to trigger a drama. Abu Azmi and Owaisi frequently indulge in such tactics,” Raut had stated, hinting that Fadnavis had taken advantage of the popularity of the recently released Hindi film 'Chhaava', which had highlighted Aurangzeb's cruelties. However, as things stand, organisations like the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad submitted a memorandum to the state government on Monday, urging legal action to remove the grave and warned of "karseva" and statewide protests if their demand is not met. BJP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 71.56 a descendant of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, has also sought the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. Meanwhile, Maharashtra state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal on Monday lashed out at the Fadnavis government for "diverting attention from real issues." "By removing Aurangzeb's grave, will the farmers' problems be solved? Will lakhs of people get jobs if Aurangzeb's tomb is discussed? There are some ministers who are instigating people. These ministers rose to power by taking an oath on the Constitution. The entire history of Shivaji Maharaj is connected to this grave. When after 200 or 500 years, Shivaji Maharaj's name will be mentioned, this tomb will also be mentioned. Therefore, whatever is related to Shivaji Maharaj should be preserved," Sapkal said. thanks to the increased sophistication of your economy. Today, India is a critical source of pharmaceuticals and machinery for us. While we are a great tourism and education destination for you (India)," Luxon said. "It is more than 200 years since Indians and New Zealanders began living side by side... Just as they were 200 years ago, 'KiwiIndians' today are fully integrated into our multicultural society," he said. Luxon underscored the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, pointing out that "New Zealanders of Indian heritage comprise 11 per cent of the people living in Auckland, our biggest city." Addressing the gathering, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Luxon's perspective on the IndoPacific is valuable at a time when the world is debating the nature of the global order. "I reiterate our deep appreciation for PM Modi's vision and motivation that has driven the Raisina Dialogue...The world order is undergoing a great churn. This requires leadership, the kind we have in the room today. It requires systems to think differently, honest conversations, fresh ideas and creative solutions...Let the dialogue begin," the External Affairs Minister added. Justice Joymalya Bagchi sworn in as Supreme Court judge STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH Justice Joymalya Bagchi on Monday was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. With his swearing in, the strength of the top court judges has gone up to 33 against its sanctioned strength of 34 judges. He was administered oath by the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Bagchi will go on to become the Chief Justice of India in May 2031. He would succeed Justice K.V. Viswanathan who will retire as CJI on May 25, 2031. Justice Bagchi will have a short tenure of four months and eight days as he will retire from the Supreme Court on October 2, 2031. He would be the second Chief Justice of India in recent years who hails from Calcutta High Court. Earlier, late Justice Altamas Kabir was the Chief Justice of India with Calcutta High Court being his parent High Court. Justice Altamas Kabir was the Chief Justice of India from September 29, 2012, to July 19, 2013. The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on March 6, 2025, had recommended the elevation of Justice Bagchi as top court judge. Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Bagchi was a judge of the Calcutta High Court.