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 | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI Sacred trust US, Iran agree to halt attacks, resume Qatar talks on 30 June after Gulf flare-up Page 6 Page 9 BRIEFLY India to lift fuel sale curbs for commercial buyers from 1 July: New Delhi: The Centre on Monday decided to withdraw temporary restrictions on the retail sale of petrol and diesel to commercial consumers from July 1, restoring normal fuel purchases for industrial, institutional and transport sector users after a brief period of curbs aimed at safeguarding domestic fuel supplies. According to a government order, commercial buyers will once again be allowed to purchase petrol and diesel from retail fuel stations without quantity restrictions. The move brings to an end measures introduced earlier this month amid concerns over disruptions in global energy trade and uneven fuel demand patterns. With the withdrawal of these measures, transport operators, industrial users and other commercial consumers will be able to resume fuel purchases from retail outlets without any limitations. Canada edges South Africa 1-0 in knockout opener PERSPECTIVE Pakistan plays to its internal audience Page 12 Page 7 Indian diaspora ‘living bridge’ between India, Seychelles: PM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 29 June Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the Indian community in Seychelles as a “living bridge’ between the two nations, praising its enduring contribution to the island country's development while preserving India's cultural heritage, as he concluded a landmark three-day State Visit. The PM’s interaction with members of the Indian diaspora in Victoria reflected the central role the community has played in nurturing the close historical and cultural ties between India and Seychelles, even as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in maritime security, sustainable development, and regional stability across the Indian Ocean. Mr Modi received a warm welcome on his arrival at his hotel in Victoria, where members of the diaspora greeted him Tuesday, 30 June 2026 SPORTS WORLD EDITORIAL | with traditional Kutch folk dance performances, sacred mantra chanting and the waving of the Indian Tricolour. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister commended the diaspora for keeping Indian traditions alive thousands of kilometres away from India. Later, in a series of posts on social media platform X, the he said, “Had a wonderful interaction with members of the Indian community in Seychelles. They are making effective contributions to Seychelles’ progress. At the same time, their connection with India is still very strong.” The outreach formed an important component of a State Visit that witnessed several historic milestones in India-Seychelles relations. Modi attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence as the Guest of Honour, an event that also coincided with five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In another first, Mr Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of Seychelles, highlighting the growing strategic importance of the bilateral partnership and India's commitment to the Indian Ocean region. Mr Modi was also conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon,’ Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, during his State Visit to the Indian Ocean nation, adding another prestigious international recognition to his growing list of global honours for climate action and sustainable development. Bengal Assembly passes twin bills on law enforcement, public order STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 29 June The West Bengal Assembly on Monday passed two key legislations aimed at strengthening law enforcement, curbing organised crime and ensuring recovery of damages caused during riots, protests and acts of vandalism. The ‘West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ and the ‘West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026’ ~ popularly referred to as the “Anti-Goonda Bill”~ were passed through division, where 176 votes were in favour and 41 were against it, while 20 legislators abstained from voting. The government said the legislations were necessary in the backdrop of widespread allegations of corruption, extortion, syndicate operations, land grabbing and large-scale destruction of public property during the previous Trinamul Congress regime. It also cited instances where investigating agencies allegedly recovered lavish properties, huge bank deposits, gold and other valuable assets from several political leaders and their associates. Piloting the Anti-Goonda Bill, Minister of State for Home Bishal Lama said the legislation would provide law enforcement agencies with stronger legal tools to tackle organised criminal networks and restore the rule of law. Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the legislation, alleging that West Bengal had witnessed prolonged political violence and destruction of public property under the previous government. “West Bengal witnessed the country’s first anti-CAA procession, which sparked violence across the state. Railway tracks were uprooted in Samsi, stations were set ablaze in Beldanga and Rejinagar, buses were torched in Santragachi and shops were looted and destroyed at several places,” Mr Adhikari said while speaking in the Assembly. He said the new law would ensure that those responsible for such violence would not only face imprisonment but also have their properties attached to compensate victims and recover losses. “Those who want to indulge in violent protests should go to states ruled by the INDIA bloc. In West Bengal, those responsible for damaging public or private property will have to pay for it,” he said.