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PM addresses the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of India Meteorological Department

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Courtesy PMO

PM launches ‘Mission Mausam’, releases IMD Vision-2047 document

PM unveils a commemorative postage stamp and coin on the occasion

These 150 years of IMD is not just the journey of the Indian Meteorological Department serving crores of Indians but also a glorious journey of modern science and technology in our country: PM

Research and innovation in scientific institutions are part of the temperament of the new India, IMD’s infrastructure and technology have expanded unprecedentedly in the last 10 years: PM

We have launched ‘Mission Mausam’ to make India a climate-smart nation, Mission Mausam is a symbol of India’s commitment towards sustainable future and future readiness: PM

Due to our meteorological advancement, our disaster management capacity has been built, the whole world is benefiting from this, our Flash Flood Guidance system is also providing information to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: PM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in celebrations of 150th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department (IMD) today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said the 150 years of the IMD represent not just the journey of the department but also a proud journey of modern science and technology in India. He lauded IMD has served millions of Indians over these one and a half centuries and has become a symbol of India’s scientific progress. Shri Modi said a commemorative postage stamp and coin was also released today about the achievements of IMD. He added that the release of a vision document outlining the future of IMD in 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of independence. He greeted the citizens on this momentous occasion of 150 years of IMD.

The Prime Minister noted that IMD had organised a National Meteorological Olympiad to engage the youth as part of its 150 years of its journey. He added that thousands of students participated, which would further increase their interest in meteorology. Shri Modi recalled his interaction with the youngsters a while ago at the exhibition in the venue and congratulated all the youth who were part of the occasion today.

Highlighting that IMD was set up on 15th January 1875, very close to Makar Sankranti, Shri Modi said “We all know the importance of Makar Sankranti in India’s tradition”. He added that as a person hailing from Gujarat, his favourite festival used to be Makar Sankranti. Explaining further, Shri Modi said Makar Sankranti marked the sun’s transition into Capricorn and its northward shift, known as Uttarayan. He added that this period signifies the gradual increase in sunlight in the northern hemisphere, leading to preparations for farming. The Prime Minister noted that Makar Sankranti is celebrated with various cultural expressions across India, from north to south and east to west. He extended his greetings to all citizens on this occasion.

“The progress of a country’s scientific institutions reflects its awareness of science”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He remarked that research and innovation in scientific institutions are integral to New India’s temperament. Over the past decade, he added that IMD’s infrastructure and technology have seen unprecedented expansion, with significant increases in the number of Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations, Runway Weather Monitoring Systems, and District-wise Rainfall Monitoring Stations, all of which have been upgraded. The Prime Minister highlighted that meteorology in India benefits greatly from space and digital technology. He noted that India has two meteorological observatories in Antarctica, named Maitri and Bharati, and last year, supercomputers Ark and Arunika were introduced, enhancing IMD’s reliability. The Prime Minister announced the launch of ‘Mission Mausam,’ symbolizing India’s commitment to a sustainable future and future readiness, ensuring the country is prepared for all weather conditions and becoming a climate-smart nation.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the relevance of science lies not only in reaching new heights but also in improving the ease of living for the common person. He remarked that the IMD has advanced on this criterion by ensuring accurate weather information reaches everyone. The Prime Minister highlighted that the ‘Early Warning for All’ initiative now covers over 90% of the population. He noted that anyone can access weather information for the past and upcoming 10 days at any time, with forecasts even available on WhatsApp. He added that the ‘Meghdoot mobile app’ provides weather information in all local languages. Shri Modi pointed out that 10 years ago, only 10% of farmers and livestock owners used weather-related advice, but today, this number has increased to over 50%. He mentioned that lightning warnings were now possible on mobile phones. The Prime Minister highlighted that previously, families of lakhs of marine fishermen were worried when they went to sea, but now, with IMD’s cooperation, fishermen receive timely warnings. These real-time updates enhance safety and strengthen sectors like agriculture and the blue economy, he added.

“Meteorology is crucial for a country’s disaster management capabilities”, remarked Shri Modi and added that to minimize the impact of natural disasters, the efficiency of meteorology must be maximized. He highlighted that India has consistently understood this importance and is now able to mitigate the effects of disasters that were once considered inevitable. Recalling the devastation caused by the cyclonic storm in Kandla, Kutch in 1998, and the super cyclone in Odisha in 1999, which resulted in thousands of deaths, the Prime Minister said that however, in recent years, despite numerous major cyclones and disasters, India has successfully minimized or eliminated loss of life in most cases. He credited the significant role of the meteorological department in these successes. He noted that the integration of science and preparedness has also reduced economic losses worth billions of rupees, creating resilience in the economy and boosting investor confidence.

“Progress in science and its full utilization are key to a country’s global image”, said the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India’s meteorological advancements have strengthened its disaster management capacity, benefiting the entire world. The Prime Minister noted that India’s Flash Flood Guidance system provides information to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He added that India as ‘Vishwa Bandhu’, always stood first to help other countries during natural calamities. This, he further added, has raised India’s global image. He commended IMD scientists for their significant contributions to this achievement.

Highlighting India’s rich history of meteorological expertise on the occasion of IMD’s 150th anniversary, Shri Modi remarked that weather has been a primary factor influencing human evolution, and throughout history, people worldwide have continuously tried to understand weather and the environment. Discussing India’s rich history of meteorological expertise, emphasizing that traditional knowledge was documented, refined, and deeply studied in ancient texts like the Vedas, Samhitas, and Surya Siddhanta, Shri Modi said that Tamil Nadu’s Sangam literature and the folk literature of Ghagh Bhaddari in the north contain extensive information on meteorology. He remarked that meteorology was not considered a separate branch but was integrated with astronomical calculations, climate studies, animal behavior, and social experiences. The Prime Minister mentioned significant works such as Krishi Parashar and Brihat Samhita, which studied cloud formation and types, and the mathematical work on planetary positions. Quoting Krishi Parashar, Shri Modi said that higher or lower atmospheric pressure and temperature affect cloud characteristics and rainfall. He remarked on the extensive research conducted by ancient scholars without modern machinery, emphasizing their profound knowledge and dedication. He further stressed the importance of linking proven traditional knowledge with modern science and urged for more research in this direction. The Prime Minister referenced the book launched by him a few years ago, “Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages,” which documents centuries-old maritime knowledge of Gujarat’s sailors. He also acknowledged the rich knowledge heritage within India’s tribal communities, which includes a deep understanding of nature and animal behavior. He called for greater exploration and integration of this knowledge with contemporary scientific practices.

Emphasizing that as IMD’s weather forecasts become more accurate, their importance will increase, the Prime Minister remarked that the demand for IMD’s data will grow across various sectors, industries, and even in everyday life. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to work with future requirements in mind, including developing warning systems for natural disasters like earthquakes. He encouraged scientists, research scholars, and institutions like IMD to work towards new breakthroughs. Concluding his address, Shri Modi expressed confidence that India will play a crucial role in global service and security. He extended his congratulations to IMD and all those involved in meteorology on their 150-year journey.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Prime Minister launched ‘Mission Mausam’ with the goal of making our country a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation. The Mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers. It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data that will help strategize weather management and intervention in the long run.

Prime Minister also released the IMD Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change adaptation. It includes plans for weather forecasting, weather management, and climate change mitigation.

To celebrate 150th Foundation Day of IMD, a series of events, activities and workshops have been organised to showcase IMD’s achievements during the past 150 years, its role in making India climate-resilient, and demonstrate the role played by government institutions in providing various weather and climate services.

IIT-Kharagpur student found hanging in hostel room probe underway

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 A student of IIT-Kharagpur was found dead inside his hostel room, an institute official said on Monday.

Shaon Malik, a third-year student of Electrical Engineering, was found hanging inside the room by his parents who had come to meet him on Sunday.

His parents and institute personnel had to forcibly open the door of the hostel room after he did not respond to repeated calls, the official said.

Malik had spoken to his parents over phone the previous night and “things seemed perfectly normal”, according to the official.

The institute will conduct an internal probe into the death and take steps to prevent such incidents in future, he said.

A senior police officer said the post-mortem has been completed and the process was videographed.

Investigation is underway, he said.

IIT-Kharagpur, in a statement, said: “With a sense of utter shock, the students, staff and faculty members deeply mourn the sudden loss of Shaon Malik, a third-year student from the Department of Electrical Engineering. He was found dead in Azad Hall of Residence premises on the morning of January 12.”

The Azad Hall of Residence is one of the hostels in the institute.

“Upon discovery of the incident, the campus security and medical teams were immediately alerted… The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Malik’s death. The institute is fully cooperating with the authorities,” it said.

Describing Malik as an academically gifted student, the institute said “he was known for his intelligence, dedication and promising future in the field of Electrical Engineering”.

“The institute is devastated by this tragic event. Our foremost priority at this moment is to extend our heartfelt condolences and support to Malik’s family and friends. We are providing all necessary assistance to help them through this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.

IIT-Kharagpur said it is committed to the well-being and mental health of its students.

“We have a range of support services available, including counseling and mental health resources, and we urge students to utilise these services whenever needed,” it said.

A few days ago, the body of an IIT-Kharagpur junior lab technician-cum-assistant was recovered from one of the quarters on the campus.

Rupee sinks to record low, settles 66 paise down at 86.70 against US dollar

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The rupee logged its steepest single-day fall in nearly two years and ended the session 66 paise down at its historic low of 86.70 against the US dollar on Monday, weighed down by a stronger American currency and surging crude oil prices.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 86.12, and moved 1 paisa during intraday to 86.11 before closing the session with a loss of a staggering 66 paise at its lowest-ever level of 86.70 against the greenback.

The fall of 66 paise in one session was the steepest since February 6, 2023 when the unit had lost 68 paise.

The Indian currency has witnessed the deepest plunge of more than Re 1 in the past two weeks from the closing level of 85.52 on December 30.

Rupee had breached the 85-per-dollar mark for the first time on December 19, 2024.

On Friday, the local currency had declined 18 paise to settle at 86.04 against the US dollar, a day after registering a marginal gain of 5 paise. In the preceding back-to-back sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, it had plunged 6 paise and 17 paise, respectively.

The unprecedented fall was attributed to the relentless chase of the US dollar by investors, which also led to a massive withdrawal of foreign capital from Indian equities.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,892.84 crore on Monday.

According to analysts, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed the fall in rupee’s exchange rate versus US dollar amid dwindling forex reserves and declining emerging market currencies.

“RBI will allow the weakness as demand keeps moving up and supplies dwindle,” said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday said the country’s forex reserves dropped by USD 5.693 billion to USD 634.585 billion in the week ended January 3.

At the same time, the dollar strengthened on better-than-expected job growth in the US market, which also fuelled the rising benchmark treasury yields amid expectations of a slower interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, analysts said.

Besides, the US has imposed more sanctions on Russia, resulting in Brent oil prices higher to USD 81 per barrel. This comes at a time when investors are already cautious in anticipation of restrictive trade measures by the new regime under President Donald Trump.

Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said the rupee hit a fresh low on strong dollar and weak global markets. FIIs continue to remain as net sellers, while crude oil prices rose nearly 2 per cent.

Going ahead, Choudhary said, rising crude oil prices and risk aversion in global markets may weigh on the rupee. “USD-INR spot price is expected to trade in a range of 86.25 to 86.80,” he said.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading up 0.24 per cent to its over two-year-high level of 109.91.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, surged 1.14 per cent to USD 80.67 per barrel in futures trade.

According to Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, the rupee marked its lowest level amid a rapid fall of over 1 per cent in the past week. The decline is attributed to higher crude prices, following sanctions on Russia by the Biden administration in the US.

“Elevated crude prices have further widened India’s import bill, adding pressure on the rupee. The trading range for the rupee is seen with support near 87.00 and resistance around 86.25, as participants keep a close eye on geopolitical developments and commodity trends,” Trivedi added.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex crashed 1,048.90 points, or 1.36 per cent, to settle at 76,330.01 points, while the Nifty tanked 345.55 points, or 1.47 per cent, to 23,085.95 points.

On the domestic macroeconomic front, retail inflation eased to 5.22 per cent in December, from 5.5 per cent in November, 2024.

The industrial production (IIP) growth accelerated to a six-month high of 5.2 per cent year-on-year in November 2024, riding on the increased festive demand and pick-up in the manufacturing sector.

Centre betrays Karnataka by meagre allocation of funds: CM Siddaramaiah

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Centre betrays Karnataka by meagre allocation of funds: CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses the media

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday alleged that the BJP led Centre is betraying the state by allocating a mere Rs 6,310 crore of the Rs 1,73,030 crore allocated to states.

He also criticised the Karnataka BJP leaders for their silence against the ‘betrayal’.

In a statement, Siddaramaiah said he deliberately waited a couple of days, hoping that the BJP leaders in Karnataka would muster the courage to speak up for Kannadigas, which they did not do.

Instead of fighting for Karnataka’s rightful share, they were busy singing praises of Modi for this worst betrayal of Karnataka, the Chief Minister said.

He asked whether “bowing to Delhi while Karnataka is robbed of its dues” was the BJP leaders’ idea of leadership.

“The NDA government’s betrayal of Karnataka continues in full swing. Of the Rs 1,73,030 crore allocated to states, Karnataka has been given a mere Rs 6,310 crore — a shocking drop from previous installments. This injustice mocks every hardworking Kannadiga,” Siddaramaiah alleged.

Despite making up only 5 per cent of India’s population, Karnataka contributes 8.4 per cent to the nation’s GDP, he pointed out.

Siddaramaiah also claimed that Karnataka ranks second in GST collection and lead the nation in GST growth with an impressive 17 per cent increase.

“However, despite Karnataka’s significant contributions, the Union Budget has doubled from Rs 24.42 lakh crore in 2018-19 to Rs 48.20 lakh crore in 2024-25, Karnataka’s share has stagnated,” he charged.

In 2018-19, according to Siddaramaiah, Karnataka received Rs 46,288 crore, but in 2024-25, it has been allocated only Rs 44,485 crore, with an additional Rs 15,299 crore in grants.

He observed that Karnataka should receive at least Rs one lakh crore annually, “but continues to be denied its rightful share”.

“Why should Karnataka, contributing Rs 4.5 lakh crore annually to the national exchequer, receive only Rs 45,000 crore in tax share and Rs 15,000 crore in grants — a mere 13 paise for every rupee we contribute?” the Chief Minister sought to know.

“Meanwhile corruption-ridden states like Uttar Pradesh (Ra 31,039 crore), Bihar (Rs 17,403 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 13,582 crore), and Rajasthan (Rs 10,426 crore) are showered with funds. Is Karnataka being punished for excelling in governance, GST growth, and development?” he alleged.

Siddaramaiah also said that the 15th Finance Commission reduced Karnataka’s tax share from 4.713 per cent to 3.64 per cent, costing the state Rs 79,770 crore over five years.

Even the recommended special grant of Rs 5,495 crore to compensate for these losses was denied by the Modi government, he alleged. He hit out at the state BJP leaders.

“And where are Karnataka’s BJP leaders? Silent as always. Why are they not demanding our rightful share? Are they representatives of Kannadigas or mere puppets of Delhi? Their silence is a betrayal of Karnataka’s people and their aspirations,” the Chief Minister charged. As the nation celebrates Sankranti, Karnataka, despite its unparalleled contributions, is left to fend for itself, he said.

“While our tax money builds the coffers of BJP leaders in UP, Bihar and MP, our people suffer during floods, droughts, and other crises,” Siddaramaiah alleged.

“This injustice demands an answer: ‘Our Tax, Our Right’. Karnataka will not tolerate this bias any longer. We call upon every Kannadiga, cutting across caste, religion, and politics, to rise against this discrimination. Let’s fight for what is rightfully ours!” the Chief Minister said.

Karnataka High Court upholds confiscation of Jayalalithaa’s assets

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Karnataka High Court upholds confiscation of Jayalalithaa's assets
Late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa

Bengaluru, Jan 13: The Karnataka High Court has dismissed on Monday an appeal by J Deepak and J Deepa, the legal heirs of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, seeking the release of her assets confiscated in a 2004 disproportionate assets case.

Jayalalithaa was convicted by a special court in 2014 for amassing wealth disproportionate to her known sources of income during her tenure from 1991 to 1996. Following her conviction, her properties were confiscated by the authorities.

Although she was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court in 2015, then congress government in Karnataka appealed against it in supreme court. Case against Jayalalithaa was abated due to her demise in 2016. While convicting late CM’s close aide V K Sasikala, and her two relatives V N Sudhakaran and Elavarasi in 2017, Supreme Court upheld the confiscation of Jayalalithaa’s assets.

Deepak and Deepa, recognized as Jayalalithaa’s legal heirs by the Madras High Court in 2020, filed an appeal seeking the release of her confiscated assets, arguing that since the proceedings against her were terminated upon her death, she should not be considered a convict, and her properties should be restored to them.

Justice V Srishananda upheld the trial court’s July 12, 2023, order rejecting their request, stating that the confiscation order remains valid as upheld by the Supreme Court.

The court noted the absence of detailed evidence indicating which assets were acquired before the investigation period and clarified that any claims regarding such assets must be supported by proper proof and presented before the trial court.

In a concluding remark, the judge encouraged the legal heirs to consider establishing a foundation in Jayalalithaa’s name to serve the poor, suggesting that engaging in charitable work would bring peace to the late leader’s soul.

Kejriwal following Modi’s strategy of propaganda false promises: Rahul Gandhi

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Kejriwal following Modi's strategy of propaganda, false promises: Rahul Gandhi
LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses during the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ public meeting

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying that they keep mum on the issue of caste census as they do not want backwards, Dalits, tribals and minorities to get their due share.

Specifically targeting Kejriwal at his first public meeting for Delhi assembly polls, Gandhi said that the AAP convenor was following “Modi’s strategy of propaganda and false promises” despite rising pollution, corruption and inflation in the national capital.

Gandhi also promised a caste survey in Delhi if the Congress formed the government in the national capital.

“Kejriwal had said that he would clean Delhi, remove corruption, and turn the national capital into Paris.

“What actually happened — one cannot move around due to pollution and inflation is rising,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said addressing his ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ public meeting at Seelampur.

“Arvind Kejriwal had talked of removing corruption. Has he removed corruption? Just like Modi ji’s propaganda of making false promises, he is following the same strategy…. Pollution, corruption and inflation are on the rise in Delhi,” Gandhi said.

The Congress and AAP are part of the INDIA bloc. The two parties had fought the Lok Sabha election together in Delhi, but are contesting the assembly polls separately.

Stressing that India belongs to everyone, Gandhi said the Congress does not want “an India run by a handful of crony capitalists”.

“When I talk of caste census, neither Modi says a word nor does Kejriwal because both want that backward sections, Dalits, tribals and minorities do not get their due share (bhaagidari). Ask Kejriwal whether he is with the caste census. Ask Modi ji whether he is with the caste census,” Gandhi said.

“I had said to Modi ji in Parliament that you do it or not, we will get the caste census done and reservation cap removed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha when a Congress government comes.

“We want the poorest of the poor, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians, to dream big… head big companies,” he said.

He urged the people to support the Congress and make it victorious, asserting that the party would ensure Delhi’s development as in the past under Sheila Dikshit’s government.

“Neither Kejriwal nor the BJP can do what the Congress had done,” Gandhi said.

He said a battle of ideology is currently on in the country.

“It is written in the Constitution that India belongs to everyone. The BJP-RSS people spread hatred, make people fight,” he alleged.

“We walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to protect the Constitution. (BR) Ambedkar’s Constitution is being attacked by Narendra Modi and the people of BJP-RSS daily,” he alleged.

“Till I am alive, I will protect every Indian from assault be it Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians,” he said.

With the rise of AAP, Congress’ stake in Delhi’s political landscape has shrunk and it failed to open its account in the last two assembly polls.

Four children drown, mother who jumped in canal with them rescued

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Vijayapura: Four children drown, mother who jumped in canal with them rescued

Vijayapura (Karnataka): Four children drowned while their mother, who allegedly threw them into a canal and jumped in with them, was rescued in this district on Monday, police said

A local fisherman who saw Bhagyashree Bhajantri (26) struggling for life in a canal in Benal village of Nidagundi Taluk rescued her. Her four girl children including a twins were found dead, they added.

Bhajantri hailed from Telagi village in Kolar Taluk. It is alleged that she took the extreme step due to frequent quarrel in the family, police said.

You cannot compare one generation of cricketers with another says Kapil Dev

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You cannot compare one generation of cricketers with another, says Kapil Dev
Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev

New Delhi: It is needless to compare two generations of players and pass a judgement on who was better, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev said on Monday and refused to get into a debate if BCCI selectors were right in excluding Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant from the T20I squad for the five-match series against England.

Kapil bowled nearly 300 overs during the 1991-92 Test series against Australia and in the same rubber he became the first Indian to take 400 wickets in the traditional format apart from contributing with the bat in the team’s cause.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah could not bowl in the second innings of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Test recently because of back spasms. India lost the five-match series 1-3. The 31-year-old Bumrah bowled more than 150 overs and emerged the highest wicket-taker on both sides with 32 scalps.

“Please don’t compare. You cannot compare one generation with another. That is not required. Today, players are scoring 300 runs in a day. It didn’t happen during our time. So don’t compare the two (generations),” said Kapil during an event hosted by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) of which he is the president.

The 1983 World Cup-winning skipper also added that one should not question the judgement of the selectors as they would have arrived at the decision to not play Jaiswal and Pant after giving it a thought.

The two cricketers played all five Tests during the gruelling Australia series, with Jaiswal (391) emerging the second-highest run-getter, second only to Travis Head (448).

Asked if it was the right decision to drop two for the home series, Kapil said, “How can I comment on the judgement of others? I think the selectors would have though about it.”

“So, if I say something it would be criticising them. I don’t want to criticise them. They (selectors) are a group of people who must have planned and thought about that.”

With batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dishing out below-par performances in Australia, and talks of whether it’s time for them to retire swirling, Kapil said the decision should be left to them.

“They are very big players. Let’s hope when they think it’s the right time to play, when they think it’s not, they will call it off,” said Kapil, in response to a question whether they should be there for the Test series in England later this year.

With Bumrah taking over the captaincy from Rohit in the fifth BGT Test at Sydney and talks on whether he should be given a long stint to prove himself going forward, Kapil said, “If he has been given the opportunity (to lead the side), then give him some time also.”

Retail inflation eases to 4-month low of 5.2 pc in Dec creates room for RBI’s rate cut

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New Delhi: Retail inflation declined to a four-month low of 5.22 per cent in December, mainly on account of easing of prices in the food basket, including vegetables — according to government data released on Monday — giving headroom to the Reserve Bank to reduce the key interest rate in upcoming monetary policy reviews.

The inflation-based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) eased for the second month in a row after it breached the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) upper tolerance level of 6 per cent in October.

The annual rate of inflation was 5.48 per cent in November and 5.69 per cent in the year-ago period.

“During the month of December 2024, significant decline in inflation is observed in vegetables, ‘pulses and products’, ‘sugar and confectionary’, ‘personal care and effects’, and cereals and products,” the National Statistics Office (NSO) said while releasing the CPI data.

The top five items showing highest year-on-year inflation in December 2024 were peas (89.12 per cent), potato (68.23 per cent), garlic (58.17 per cent), coconut oil (45.41 per cent), and cauliflower (39.42 per cent).

The key items having lowest year-on-year inflation in December were jeera, ginger, dry chillies, and LPG (excluding conveyance).

“The CPI (General) reached its lowest point during this period in July 2024. However, the CPI (General) and food inflation in December, 2024 is the lowest in the last four months,” NSO said.

Inflation in the food basket was at 8.39 per cent in December, down from 9.04 per cent in the preceding month and 9.53 per cent in December 2023.

The RBI, which has been tasked by the government to ensure inflation remains at 4 per cent (+/- 2 per cent), has kept the key short-term lending rate (repo) at 6.5 per cent since February 2023.

The Reserve Bank’s rate setting panel — Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) — is scheduled to meet in February.

Commenting on the data, Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist and Head — Research and Outreach at ICRA — said while the CPI inflation declined in December 2024 from 5.5 per cent in November 2024, the pace of the correction was narrower than expected.

In sequential terms, the dip was driven by food and beverages, even as the year-on-year inflation for fuel and light, and pan, tobacco and intoxicants recorded mild upticks, she said.

“With the headline inflation stuck stubbornly above 5 per cent, the probability of a rate cut in the February 2025 policy review has certainly receded. However, the considerable decline in vegetable prices that is underway could convince some MPC members to consider an early cut in the upcoming meeting, with a view to supporting growth,” Nayar said.

Paras Jasrai, Senior Economic Analyst at India Ratings and Research, said the February 2025 monetary policy would be happening at the outset of the Union Budget.

“The conviction of fiscal arithmetic would also be weighing closely on the monetary policy action. While the current data is positive from the monetary policy perspective, Ind-Ra believes that the monetary authority would want to wait for one more policy before undertaking any change on the rates front,” Jasrai said.

Akhil Mittal, Senior Fund Manager — Fixed Income, Tata Asset Management, said early price trend in January show vegetable inflation moderating and this could mean inflation falls below 5 per cent sooner and well within the RBI expected trajectory going forward.

“This could open up space for the RBI to support growth, which is estimated to have slowed down most since Covid-19. We believe the RBI to shift focus from inflation towards growth going forward. While currency volatility has complicated matters for RBI, we think that as things calm down globally, RBI could start easing cycle,” he added.

Last month, the RBI raised the inflation projection for the current fiscal year to 4.8 per cent from 4.5 per cent. It also said the lingering food price pressures are likely to keep headline inflation elevated in the December quarter.

The CPI-based headline inflation increased from an average of 3.6 per cent during July-August to 5.5 per cent in September and further to 6.2 per cent in October 2024.

According to the NSO data, inflation rate for rural and urban during December were 5.76 per cent and 4.58 per cent, respectively.

Highest inflation was in Chhattisgarh (7.63 per cent) and lowest in Delhi (2.51 per cent).

The price data are collected from selected 1,114 urban markets and 1,181 villages covering all states and UTs by NSO on a weekly roster.

Some Israeli soldiers refuse to keep fighting in Gaza

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Jerusalem, Jan 13: Yotam Vilk says the image of Israeli soldiers killing an unarmed Palestinian teenager in the Gaza Strip is seared in his mind.

An officer in the armoured corps, Vilk said the instructions were to shoot any unauthorised person who entered an Israeli-controlled buffer zone in Gaza. He saw at least 12 people killed, he said, but it is the shooting of the teen that he can’t shake.

“He died as part of a bigger story. As part of the policy of staying there and not seeing Palestinians as people,” Vilk, 28, told The Associated Press.

Vilk is among a growing number of Israeli soldiers speaking out against the 15-month conflict and refusing to serve anymore, saying they saw or did things that crossed ethical lines. While the movement is small — some 200 soldiers signed a letter saying they’d stop fighting if the government didn’t secure a ceasefire — soldiers say it’s the tip of the iceberg and they want others to come forward.

Their refusal comes at a time of mounting pressure on Israel and Hamas to wind down the fighting. Ceasefire talks are underway, and both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have called for a deal by the January 20 inauguration.

Seven soldiers who’ve refused to continue fighting in Gaza spoke with AP, describing how Palestinians were indiscriminately killed and houses destroyed. Several said they were ordered to burn or demolish homes that posed no threat, and they saw soldiers loot and vandalise residences.

Soldiers are required to steer clear of politics, and they rarely speak out against the army. After Hamas stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel quickly united behind the war launched against the Hamas group. Divisions here have grown as the war progresses, but most criticism has focused on the mounting number of soldiers killed and the failure to bring home hostages, not actions in Gaza.

International rights groups have accused Israel of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice is investigating genocide allegations filed by South Africa. The International Criminal Court is seeking the arrests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.

Israel adamantly rejects genocide allegations and says it takes extraordinary measures to minimize civilian harm in Gaza. The army says it never intentionally targets civilians, and investigates and punishes cases of suspected wrongdoing. But rights groups have long said the army does a poor job of investigating itself.

The army told AP it condemns the refusal to serve and takes any call for refusal seriously, with each case examined individually. Soldiers can go to jail for refusing to serve, but none who signed the letter has been detained, according to those who organised the signatures.

Soldiers’ reactions in Gaza

When Vilk entered Gaza in November 2023, he said, he thought the initial use of force might bring both sides to the table. But as the war dragged on, he said he saw the value of human life disintegrate.

On the day the Palestinian teenager was killed last August, he said, Israeli troops shouted at him to stop and fired warning shots at his feet, but he kept moving. He said others were also killed walking into the buffer zone — the Netzarim Corridor, a road dividing northern and southern Gaza.

Vilk acknowledged it was hard to determine whether people were armed, but said he believes soldiers acted too quickly.

In the end, he said, Hamas is to blame for some deaths in the buffer zone — he described one Palestinian detained by his unit who said Hamas paid people USD 25 to walk into the corridor to gauge the army’s reaction.

Some soldiers told AP it took time to digest what they saw in Gaza. Others said they became so enraged they decided they’d stop serving almost immediately.

Yuval Green, a 27-year-old medic, described abandoning his post last January after spending nearly two months in Gaza, unable to live with what he’d seen.

He said soldiers desecrated homes, using black markers meant for medical emergencies to scribble graffiti, and looted homes, looking for prayer beads to collect as souvenirs.

The final straw, he said, was his commander ordering troops to burn down a house, saying he didn’t want Hamas to be able to use it. Green said he sat in a military vehicle, choking on fumes amid the smell of burning plastic. He found the fire vindictive — he said he saw no reason to take more from Palestinians than they’d already lost. He left his unit before their mission was complete.

Green said he understands Israeli anger over October 7 but hopes his act of refusal encourages all sides to break the cycle of violence.

The soldiers’ refusal as an act of protest

Soldiers for the Hostages — the group behind the letter troops signed — is trying to garner momentum, holding an event this month in Tel Aviv and gathering more signatures. A panel of soldiers spoke about what they’d seen in Gaza. Organisers distributed poster-size stickers with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote: “One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”

Max Kresch, an organiser, said soldiers can use their positions to create change. “We need to use our voice to speak up in the face of injustice, even if that is unpopular,” he said.

But some who fought and lost colleagues call the movement a slap in the face. More than 830 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the war, according to the army.

“They are harming our ability to defend ourselves,” said Gilad Segal, a 42-year-old paratrooper who spent two months in Gaza at the end of 2023. He said everything the army did was necessary, including the flattening of houses used as Hamas hideouts. It’s not a soldier’s place to agree or disagree with the government, he argued.

Ishai Menuchin, spokesperson for Yesh Gvul, a movement for soldiers refusing to serve, said he works with more than 80 soldiers who have refused to fight and that there are hundreds more who feel similarly but remain silent.

Effects on soldiers

Some of the soldiers who spoke to AP said they feel conflicted and regretful, and they’re talking to friends and relatives about what they saw to process it.

Many soldiers suffer from “moral injury,” said Tuly Flint, a trauma therapy specialist who’s counselled hundreds of them during the war. It’s a response when people see or do something that goes against their beliefs, he said, and it can result in a lack of sleep, flashbacks and feelings of unworthiness. Talking about it and trying to spark change can help, Flint said.

One former infantry soldier told AP about his feelings of guilt — he said he saw about 15 buildings burned down unnecessarily during a two-week stint in late 2023. He said that if he could do it all over again, he wouldn’t have fought.

“I didn’t light the match, but I stood guard outside the house. I participated in war crimes,” said the soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity over fears of retaliation. “I’m so sorry for what we’ve done.”

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