FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | Tuesday, 09 December 2025 SPORTS WORLD ‘Govt’s multi-pronged strategy boosting growth’ Page 10 BRIEFLY India sends more naval ships to SL with relief supplies NATION Page 9 BUSINESS ‘Zelenskyy hasn’t read US-authored proposal to end war’ Page 5 Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis hits back at Aaditya Thackeray over claim on 22 MLAs PM Modi fires salvo: Cong ‘betrayed’ Vande Mataram SHAHID K ABBAS PM Modi likely to host special dinner for all NDA MPs on 11 December: New Delhi, 8 December P New Delhi: India has expanded its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the recent cyclone, with four more naval ships deployed to deliver essential relief material as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Navy said on Monday. According to the Navy, INS Gharial, LCU 54 LCU 51and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected regions across Sri Lanka. Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities. Page 8 India’s GDP growth outperforms expectations: New Delhi: India’s economy outperformed expectations in Q2 FY26 as income tax cuts, GST rationalisation, an early festive season and easing inflation supported the acceleration of private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) to 7.9 per cent in the quarter, a report said on Monday. Despite some moderation, gross fixed capital formation grew at an encouraging rate of 7.3 per cent in Q2, supported by public capital expenditure, said the report from CareEdge Ratings. It forecasted that growth momentum is expected to moderate to roughly 7 per cent in the second half of FY26 after averaging at about 8 per cent in the first half, estimating FY26 GDP growth at 7.5 per cent. (Page 10) rime Minister Narendra Modi set a powerful tone for the Winter Session of Parliament on Monday, launching a pointed critique of the Congress during a special Lok Sabha debate marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The 10-hour session focused on the patriotic song’s enduring legacy while sharply questioning the historical decisions tied to India’s Partition. Describing Vande Mataram as the "emotional and ideological backbone" of India’s freedom struggle, PM Modi immediately challenged the nation: “If Vande Mataram was so popular, why was injustice meted out to it? Why was it betrayed?” Directly targeting the Congress, he stated, “On October 26, 1937, Congress compromised on Vande Mataram and broke it into pieces. In Bankim Chandra’s Bengal, Congress compromised on Vande Mataram at the Kolkata session in 1937. Congress kneeled PM Narendra Modi, speaks in Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday AGENCIES before the Muslim League by sidelining Vande Mataram, which led to the tragedy of Partition.” PM Modi asserted that this compromise was a deliberate attempt to “appease certain sections,” disrespecting the song that “gave strength and direction to our freedom movement” and ultimately “sowed the seeds of India’s partition.” The Prime Minister recalled the British colonial era efforts to suppress Indian unity by Government asks Beijing not to harass Indian nationals at Chinese airports STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 8 December Advising its nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to or transiting through China, India on Monday said that it expects the authorities in the neighbouring country to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be ''selectively targetted, arbitrarily detained or harassed''. The sharp reaction from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came two weeks after an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh was arbitrarily detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai International Airport, an incident which was termed Pro-Pakistan, obscene posts case: SC grants bail to Assam professor PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 8 December The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Joynal Abedin, a college professor accused of sharing pro-Pakistan and sexually explicit content on social media, but made it clear that the relief will not pave the way for the revocation of his suspension and return to teaching. A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that Abedin has already spent six months in custody and that the trial, in which four prosecution witnesses are yet to be examined, is unlikely to conclude soon. “Taking into consideration all such factors, let him be released on bail upon furnishing bonds. promoting “God Save the Queen” and banning Vande Mataram due to its unifying power. He further claimed that when then-Congress president Jawaharlal Nehru “saw his throne shaking,” he “tore Vande Mataram into pieces,” alluding to political concessions made in the face of Muslim League opposition. Modi also noted that Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised slogans against Vande Mataram from Lucknow on October 15, 1937. New Delhi: PM Modi is likely to host a special dinner for all NDA MPs on December 11 as part of efforts to strengthen coordination, enhance engagement and streamline floor strategy during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. According to a senior BJP leader, the proposed dinner meeting is intended to create a platform for an open and constructive exchange of ideas among alliance partners. It is expected to provide the PM with an opportunity to discuss legislative priorities, review the government's broader agenda for the session and reinforce the NDA's collective political roadmap. He shall remain present before the trial court on every date of hearing,” the Bench directed. At the same time, the Court expressly cautioned that the bail order must not be read as a ground for reinstatement. Referring to allegations that Abedin had previously stalked female students and made obscene remarks online, the Bench said it was “highly advisable” that he not be permitted to resume duty pending trial. Abedin, formerly a professor at Gossaigaon College, had approached the Supreme Court after the Gauhati High Court refused him bail in July. The case stems from a Facebook post in which he purportedly wrote that “we are with the brother of Pakistani citizens” and “we will be with them in future also,” allegedly uploaded during heightened tension between India and Pakistan. The High Court had taken a stern view of the post, remarking that Abedin appeared to support Pakistan over India and had failed to uphold the duties mandated under Article 51A of the Directive Principle of the Constitution. Earlier, when the matter came up before the Supreme Court, the Bench had expressed serious concern over the accusations of stalking and obscene online behaviour towards women. by New Delhi as a clear violation of international norms and bilateral understanding Addressing his weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targetted, arbitrarily detained or harassed and that regulations governing international air travel would be respected by the Chinese side." "The MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to China or while transiting through the country," he said. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, had alleged that she was detained for 18 hours by the Chinese immigration officials during what was supposed to be a brief three-hour layover while travelling from London to Japan on November 21. She said the officials refused to accept her Indian passport, claiming her birthplace, Arunachal Pradesh, was "part of China". Responding to a media query on Arunachal Pradesh during his weekly media briefing on Monday, Jaiswal said "We have stated many times that Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain an integral part of India, and we do not want any interference in it." Meanwhile, on the China-India relationship, he said, "This relationship is gradually moving in a positive direction, and we want to keep it moving in that direction." Celta stun Real Madrid to leave Barca clear at top of La Liga Page 12 US National Security Strategy document attaches India as a key partner: New Delhi: The MEA welcomed the newly released US National Security Strategy report, noting New Delhi's strategic importance to Washington & identifying India as a key partner in global security and strategic initiatives. MEA Spokesperson stated that the US report attaches India as a key partner in the comprehensive global strategic partnership. Govt to take strict action against IndiGo, Civil Aviation Minister tells RS STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 8 December Amid the ongoing IndiGo crisis, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that the Union government will take strict action against the low-cost airline over the massive disruption of flights to "set an example" for all airlines. For the seventh consecutive day, the airline’s services remained disrupted. Air travel across India has been in chaos with widespread IndiGo flight disruptions on Monday, and major airports across the country reported extensive cancellations. The airline has cancelled 500 flights and plans to operate 1,802 services today, the civil aviation ministry said. In a statement, the airline has delivered 4,500 bags to the passengers out of the total 9,000, and will deliver the remaining in the next 36 hours. The minister in the Rajya Sabha said that the Union government has initiated a thorough probe into the issue. "We care for pilots, crew, and passengers. We made it clear to all the airlines. IndiGo was supposed to manage the crew and roster. Passengers faced a lot of difficulties. We are not taking the situation lightly. We will take strict action. We will set an example for every airline. If there is any non-compliance, we will take action," he said in the Rajya Sabha. The minister said the chaos that led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and stranded thousands of people was the result of IndiGo's "internal crisis" after the new passenger safety norms came into force. He said over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded, and Rs 569 crore had been provided to affected passengers. In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu said the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). The Aviation Minister emphasised that "there will be no compromise on safety". Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu stated that stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. "For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country," he said. The Minister Naidu explained that the problems at IndiGo were related to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis. He added that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety. IndiGo refunds Rs 827 crore to passengers; returns 4,500 bags amid stern govt warning: Facing intense government scrutiny, low-cost airline IndiGo on Monday said it has so far refunded Rs 827 crore to affected passengers, and the rest is under process for cancellations up to December 15. • Page 10 Teams hold practice sessions at Barabati Stadium ahead of India-South Africa T20 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Bhubaneswar, 8 December Cricket mania has swept across Cuttack and Bhubaneswar as Barabati Stadium gears up to host the India–South Africa T20 international on Tuesday. Team India went through an intense training session on Monday, drawing a packed crowd in the stands, one of which was opened to the public. Jasprit Bumrah bowled in full rhythm during the nets, offering reassurance to fans ahead of the high-voltage clash. The South African squad is slated to practice later in the evening to acclimatise to the dew and wind conditions. In a significant boost for India, both Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya—recently recovering from injuries—were back on the field. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed their full fitness, adding that the team’s batting order remains flexible. “Sanju Samson can slot in anywhere. From positions three to six, we have players who can adapt to any role,” he said. While fans are hoping for a high-scoring contest, local cricketers remain cautiously optimistic about the pitch. A state Ranji Trophy player noted that the red-soil wicket used in a recent 60-over game had deteriorated after the first innings. “This one could be much better—they’ve had time to prepare it, and it’s a 40-over match,” he said. On the use of chemicals to reduce dew, he remained doubtful: “Dew comes from above—I don’t think chemicals help much.” The Odisha Cricket Association and the state government are making elaborate arrangements to avoid any glitches, especially after the previous match saw a 20-minute floodlight failure. Meanwhile, reports of black-marketing of tickets have surfaced in Cuttack, with six people detained in connection with illegal sales. Ministers, legislators, journalists and others were flooded with requests for tickets or passes.