WEDNESDAY 05 MARCH, 2025 epaper.morningstandard.in facebook.com/TheMorningStandard X.com/TheMornStandard File photo KUKI-ZO GROUPS DEFY SHAH FIAT, TO BLOCK FREE TRAVEL IN MANIPUR GAZA ARAB LEADERS TO VET COUNTER PLAN Arab leaders meeting in Cairo on Tuesday are set to endorse a counterproposal to US President Trump’s call for the Gaza Strip to be depopulated PAGE 9 The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) said no free movement would be permitted in Kuki-Zo areas until the community’s aspirations are fulfilled DEMAND SEPARATE U.T. WITH LEGISLATURE A CAPITAL VIEW OF NEWS  NEW DELHI  J8.00  PAGES 12 AI to block old vehicles from refuelling A S H I S H S R I V A S TA V A @ New Delhi STARTING March 31, the Delhi government will roll out an AIbased automated system to prevent refuelling of overage vehicles at petrol pumps. The system, known as Automated End-of-Life Vehicle Detection System, will use existing cameras originally installed to check Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and integrate them with AI-powered detection technology . The move, aimed at enforcing a ban on refuelling of vehicles older than 15 years for pet- rol and 10 years for diesel from next month, was announced by Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Currently traffic police , and transport department teams manually check vehicle documents to determine their age. However, identifying old vehicles at petrol pumps has been a challenge. According to officials, the software will connect the transport department’s database of registered vehicles with PUC records to determine the vehicle’s registration year. If an overaged vehicle is detected at a petrol pump, the system will immediately alert the station. Officials explained that the Instant detection of old vehicles at petrol pumps Currently, traffic police and transport department teams manually check vehicle documents to determine their age. However, identifying old vehicles at petrol pumps poses a challenge. To address this, the Transport Department has developed AI-based software system relies on automatic number plate recognition cameras installed at petrol pumps. These cameras are directly connected to the Transport Department’s server, which stores registration and PUC data. “As soon as a vehicle enters a petrol pump, the camera will scan its number plate and instantly verify its age and PUC status. If the vehicle is too old or lacks a valid PUC, a warning beep will sound, and the number will be displayed on a screen at the pump, alerting staff to stop refueling,” said a senior transport department official. POOR TASTE S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi Shreyas Iyer (L) & Virat Kohli added 91 runs for the third wicket against Australia in Champions Trophy semifinal | AP DESERT STORM: INDIA IN FINAL G O M E S H S @ Chennai AND just like that India are in yet another ICC event final. Their fourth in as many events in the last two years, second in a 50-over global event. But this Champions Trophy will feel special. On the other side were the Australians. Though naysayers might say it’s a team without three of their frontline bowlers, yet it’s still a grudge match after losing the 50-over World Cup final. The Aussies are always the biggest threat. Even on Tuesday in front of packed Dubai International Stadium, they threatened to run away with the match with some sumptu- ous hitting after electing to bat. But India were not having any of the surprises this evening. They had all bases covered and once again played with four spinners on a slow wicket. Whenever a partnership was building, India managed to break it. The wounds of World Test Championship final 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023 to Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 are still fresh and any win would lead to some healing. The four-wicket win on the tricky Dubai surface once again showed why India have been dominating the shorter forms of cricket. Virat Kohli once again showed why he is the king of chase with a match-winning knock of 84. K L Rahul remained unbeaten on 42. Aussie skipper Steve Smith and Alex Carey played one of the best innings they have on such a surface. Mohammed Shami was in his vintage best picking three wickets including that of Smith. When Aussies were all out for 264, the smile that vanished from skipper Rohit Sharma’s face resurfaced. Unlike their reputation, the Aussies dropped three catches, including of Kohli when on 51. In the end, in the first ODI encounter between the two since the 2023 ODI WC final, India returned the favour, knocking AustralP11 ia out of CT. — DONALD TRUMP Global trade war begins as high US tariffs kick in Canada, China hit back with extra tariffs on US imports; Mexico to respond on Sunday THE global trade war has officially begun with US President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and an enhanced 20% duty on Chinese goods, taking effect on Tuesday . Trump said the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are “to combat the extraordinary threat to US national security including public health posed , by unchecked trafficking” of lethal drugs such as fentanyl and nitazene synthesis, which could kill 9.5 million Americans. According to the White House, 68% of all drug poisoning deaths in 2022 and 2023 were caused by synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. In 2024, Mexico’s exports to the US were $506 billion and the total bilateral trade was $839.9 billion. The US exported $334 billion to Mexico, making it America’s top trading partner for the second consecutive year in 2024. The US had a trade deficit of $171.8 billion. Mexico is the biggest supplier of passenger cars to the US, with 23% of all US car imports. China’s total trade with the US was $582.4 billion in 2024, while the US exports to China was only $143.5 billion and imports were $438.9 billion, causing a trade deficit of $295.4 billion. In 2024, Canada exported 75.9% of all its goods to the US worth $410 billion, led by $107 billion in crude oil alone, and leaving it with a merchandise trade surplus of $102.3 billion. The tariff war has put global markets on edge and triggered retaliations by the affected nations. China and Canada—the US’ second largest trading partner and third largest source market, respectively—announced equal retaliatory tariffs. Mexico—the largest source market for the US and the largest auto supplier— said it would announce counter tariffs shortly . Canada announced a 25% tariff on $107 billion worth of US goods, while China slapped an additional 15% tariff on US farm goods like corn and soybeans. With the additional duties, the average effective US tariff rate on Chinese goods has hit 33%, up from around 13% before Trump began his latest term in January according to an anal, ysis by Nomura. JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PM So today, the US launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM MEXICAN PREZ The US’ unilateral decision affects our people and firms operating in the country GLOBAL MARKETS TUMBLE 1.41% Dow Jones Indl Avg 1.20% Nikkei Index 1.29% S&P 500 Index Updated till 12.10 AM MILITARY AID PAUSE SOFTENS ZELENSKYY EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi THE Trump administration has suspended all US military aid to Ukraine, halting crucial shipments and increasing pressure on Kyiv to seek peace with Moscow, deepening the rift with Europe. The decision comes after the blow-up in the White House last week during wh i ch P re s i d e n t D o n a l d Trump, infuriated over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s alleged ‘disrespect and ingratitude’, told him he was “gambling with a third world war”. Zelenskyy was asked to come back “when he is ready for peace”. “The President has been clear he is focused on peace... We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” a White House official said. Reacting to the development, Zelenskyy said he wants to “make things right” with Trump. “Our meeting in Washington on Friday did not go as planned. It is regrettable that it happened this way It’s time to . make things right. We want future cooperation and communication to be constructive,” he posted on X. Meanwhile, EU leaders announced a $841-billion plan to defend European countries and boost Ukraine’s security Twen. ty-seven EU leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the package. Since the start of the UkraineRussia conflict in 2022, the US has provided $65.9 billion in military aid to Kyiv. Further contributions are uncertain after Trump ordered a pause on aid, affecting deliveries of ammunition, vehicles, and other equipment, including shipments previously agreed upon under Joe Biden’s presidency . The US decision further deepens the rift between the Trump administration and Europe, as what the State Department described as the US’ “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” is now under threat. Maha Minister Munde quits after murder heat Kannada actress held for S U D H I R S U R YA W A N S H I @ Mumbai ADVANTAGE BHUJBAL? MAHARASHTRA minister Dhananjay Munde on Tuesday resigned after his close aide Walmik Karad was named the mastermind in the horrific abduction, torture and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch in Beed. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accepted his resignation and forwarded it to Governor C P Radhakrishnan. Munde, 49, had represented the NCP led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in the ministry. His vacancy could be filled by sulking party veteran Chhagan Bhujbal. Sources said estranged NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal could take Munde’s place in the ministry. Bhujbal has been sulking as he was not included when the Mahayuti ministry was first constituted. Bhujbal is an OBC and so is Munde Gory images of Deshmukh, 45, tied to a vehicle and dragged for several kilometres went viral on social media. The assailants, including Karad, allegedly beat him with an iron rod, and when he asked for water, peed in his mouth. These photog raphs are part of the Dhananjay Munde chargesheet submitted by the criminal investigation department (CID) in a local court. Deshmukh was murdered on December 9 after he tried to stop an extortion racket targeting Avaada, an energy firm. Seven accused, including Karad, have been arrested while AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel secures bail S H E K H A R S I N G H @ New Delhi DELHI High Court on Tuesday granted bail to British arms consultant Christian James Michel in the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who presided over the case, allowed Michel’s bail plea citing his extended imprisonment of over six years and the absence of any progress in the trial. The court also took into account the Supreme Court’s February 18 ruling, which had It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used before because they were stupid, dishonest, or paid off B E N N K O C H U V E E D A N @ Mumbai Pejorative ‘Pakistani’ not a criminal offence: SC THE Supreme Court has held that using pejoratives like ‘miyan-tiyan’ or ‘Pakistani’ are in poor taste but do not constitute a criminal offence intended to hurt religious sentiments. A two-judge bench comprising justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, pronounced the verdict on February 11 after hearing an appeal filed by Hari Nandan Singh, 80, who was accused of making these remarks. While quashing the case, the court said there was no assault involved in the case to attract Section 353 of the IPC. It faulted the Jharkhand High Court for refusing to quash the trial court’s verdict. “Undoubtedly, the statements made are poor taste. However, it does not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the informant.” The prosecution had accused Singh of hurting the religious feelings of the informant. The top court, however, did not find any evidence to justify the case. It said there was no assault or use of force by the appellant to attract Section 353 (assault or criminal force used to stop a public servant from doing their duty) of the IPC. “Therefore, the High Court ought to have discharged the appellant under Section 353 IPC... Additionally we find that , the appellant cannot be charged under Section 504 IPC, as there was no act on his part that could have provoked a breach of peace and accordingly, deserves to be discharged under Section 504 IPC as well,” the verdict said. The prosecution had argued that in 2020, when the complainant, an Urdu translator and acting clerk (Right to Information) at the Chas Sub-Divisional Office of Bokaro district in Jharkhand, went to deliver the infor mation sought by Singh at his residence, the accused allegedly abused him by referring to his religion. The decision was part of an ‘eight-point charter of resolution’ adopted at an event on Monday. The resolution followed Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to security agencies to ensure free movement for people on all roads in Manipur from March 8. COTU said its demand for a separate Union Territory with legislature is non-negotiable | P8 granted him bail in the parallel case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). “... the prolonged incarceration of the accused, of about six years and two months, and the fact that investigation is not yet complete and trial has not yet begun, and there are more than 100 witness to be examined in this case, would entitle him to grant of regular bail, thereby overriding the statutory bar under Section 45 of PMLA and proviso to Section 436A of Cr.P ,” the court stated. .C. The bench also underscored that while PMLA’s Section 45 imposes stringent conditions for granting bail, it cannot be interpreted in a manner that leads to indefinite judicial custody The present case presents . an exceptional situation where the applicant has already been in custody for over six years and two months, yet the trial has not even commenced due to the incomplete investigation. It also underscored that while PMLA’s Section 45 imposes stringent conditions for granting bail, it cannot be inter preted in a manner that leads to indefinite judicial custody . The present case presents an exceptional situation where the applicant has already been in custody for over six years and two months, yet the trial has not even commenced due to the incomplete investigation. one person is on the run. Sources said Fadnavis called Ajit Pawar and senior NCP leader Praful Patel to his bungalow, shared with them the CID’s findings, and added that Munde cannot be defended any longer. The decision to force Munde to resign was taken late on Monday night. Congress MLA Nana Patole accused Fadnavis of breach of protocol as he had announced Munde’s resignation in the media without sharing it with the assembly first. “Munde’s name should be added to the list of accused in the supplementary chargesheet,” he said. EXPRESS READ Sushil Kumar gets bail in wrestler murder case Delhi HC granted regular bail to Olympic medalist wrestler Sushil Kumar on Tuesday in junior wrestler Sagar Dhankar murder case. The incident that occurred on May 4, 2021, led to his arrest. | P3 Strong winds prevail in Delhi, temp at 27.5°C Strong surface winds prevailed with the daytime temperature settling at 27.5°C, 0.1 degree above normal. With clear skies, wind speeds ranged between 25 to 35 kmph during the day, IMD said. smuggling `12.5 cr gold EXPRESS NEWS SERVI CE @ Bengaluru KANNADA actress Ranya Rao, said to be the daughter of a serving senior IPS officer, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold fromDubai into the city . Airport sources said the actress alighted from an Emirates flight at T2 on Monday night when she was held while passing through the immigration clearance section. They said Rao had worn the gold on her person and also hidden it inside her clothing. Since she had visited Dubai multiple times within 15 days, intelligence officials had kept her under surveillance, said a source. Elaborating on her modus operandi, a source said that whenever she arrived at the airport, she would seek the support of local police, claiming that she was the daughter of a DGP They would arrive and es. cort her out of the airport. Rao was taken to the DRI Headquarters at HBR Layout on Tuesday . She was produced before the 42nd Additional Sessions Court in the city. “A case has been filed against her under differ- PROBE FOCUS ON GANG Ranya Rao was remanded to 14 days in judicial custody. Authorities are investigating whether she was acting alone or was part of a smuggling network operating between Dubai & India ent sections of the Customs Act, and Customs officials have taken her into custody said a ,” top cop. Following her arrest, she was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody The value of the gold she . has smuggled is roughly `12.5 crore. Authorities are investigating whether she was acting alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India. Rao, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in ‘Maanikya’ (2014), has also appeared in a few other South Indian films.