TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘UPDATE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS’ BC BILLS: REVANTH URGES ALL PARTIES TO COME TOGETHER P4 SENSEX 74,169.95 p341.05 WEATHER Partly cloudy sky. Possibility of rain / thundershower likely in some areas towards evening/night. RAINFALL: 0.0 mm Min. 48% NIFTY 22,509.65 p112.45 Min: 25.2˚C (+ 1.6) SUN RISES 05:44 hrs MOON RISES 20:23 hrs NEW DELHI, 17 MARCH A SUN SETS 17:46 hrs MOON SETS 07:11 hrs New Moon on 29 March THUMBNAILS Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors protest during the House meeting of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), in New Delhi on Monday. nANI EPFO achieves historic 2.16 crore autoclaims settlement during current FY: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) achieved a historic high of 2.16 crore auto claim settlements so far during the current financial year, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. This was up from 89.52 lakh in 202324, she said. The minister was giving a written reply through which she informed that the auto-mode claims are processed within three days. For auto mode processing of advance claims, the amount limit has been enhanced to Rs 1 lakh. ` vs $ 86.78 P12 SILVER `1,02,900 GOLD `90,615 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 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. Mamata announces development projects at Furfura Sharif CHRISTOPHER LUXON, New Zeal land Prime Minister l Collaboration in multiple sectors like trade, defense, education, technology, and space was emphasised. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE HOOGHLY, 17 MARCH l Both nations support a free and open Indo-Pacific, and India joined the Combined Maritime Forces. l New Zealand endorsed India’s bid f permanent l d d d di for 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. 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. 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. ur but dis ut distance is no barrier to ou pursuit of a ations. Thank you for brighter future for both our na er Geopolitical and Multilateral Engagements STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE ''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, 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. 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. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attended an iftar party at Furfura Sharif today in the presence of Pir Zadas from the revered site. Addressing the gathering, Banerjee expressed her dismay over attempts to politicise her visit. “It is unfortunate that some people fail to understand the true spirit of religious occasions. I have visited Furfura Sharif more than 16 times since the days of Akbar Ali Khandakar. I visit places of worship of all religions, yet my visit here today is being misinterpreted as a political move ahead of next year’s assembly elections,” she remarked. The CM criticised certain social media narratives for distorting facts and reaffirmed Bengal’s legacy of communal harmony, brotherhood and 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. SC notice to Centre on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb shakes up Maharashtra politics PIL on transparency in CAG’s appointment BOBBY ANTHONY MUMBAI, 17 MARCH PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 16 MARCH 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 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 71.56 India-New Zealand Strategic T Ties China appreciates 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 P9 PM shares concerns over ‘anti-India’ elements in NZ ASHOK TUTEJA TEMPERATURE Max: 33.7˚C (-0.5) P5 DRAPER EMERGES TRIUMPHANT AT INDIAN WELLS Modi said India & New Zealand will cooperate in the fight against terrorism & radicalism RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 91% TRUMP TO SPEAK WITH PUTIN ABOUT ENDING WAR IN UKRAINE 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. The court tagged the NGO CPIL’s plea with the already pending matter relating to the appointment of the CAG. Appearing for the petitioner NGO CPIL, advocate Prashant Bhushan told the bench that “In recent times, the CAG has lost its independence”. 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, 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. respect for all faiths. On the occasion, Banerjee inaugurated the 100-bed hospital, Mehaman Khana (guest house), a five-storeyed madrasa building campus. She also announced plans to establish a polytechnic college and a bus stand, both to be named in memory of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique, the founder of the Furfura Sharif order. Banerjee further clarified that recruitment for the new hospital is currently on hold as the OBC reservation bill is pending judgment in court. Toha Siddiqui and other Pir Zadas praised Banerjee for her dedicated efforts toward the development of Furfura Sharif. They lauded her continued stand against communal forces attempting to create societal divisions based on religious sentiments. Justice Joymalya Bagchi sworn in as SC judge, hails from Calcutta HC 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. Justice Bagchi was appointed as a Judge of the Calcutta High Court on June 27, 2011 and transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court on January 4, 2021. He returned to the Calcutta High Court on November 8, 2021 and has been functioning there since then.