IPL 2025 FINAL: UPBEAT PUNJAB FACE BENGALURU MIGHT TODAY TUESDAY 03 Fresh from its incredible win against Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer set to lead the team against resurgent Royal Challengers in Ahmedabad JUNE, 2025 epaper.morningstandard.in facebook.com/TheMorningStandard X.com/TheMornStandard ‘PEACEFUL ACTIVITIES’ IRAN SAYS NO NUCLEAR DEAL Iran said on Monday it will not accept a nuclear agreement that deprives it of what it called “peaceful activities”, a reference to uranium enrichment. PAGE 9 JAMIA NAGAR SC refuses to interfere with demolition S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere in the case of authorities issuing demolition notices to property owners in Batla House, Jamia Nagar, and asked the petitioners to approach the relevant authorities. Forty property owners in Batla House on Friday moved SC, seeking a stay on the demolition order issued by civic authorities, citing encroachment on land belonging to the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department. The petitioners claimed they possessed valid title documents and proof of continuous possession of the properties since before 2014. Refusing to entertain the plea, the vacation bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma posted the matter for hearing in July . In Monday’s hearing, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner, referred to a May 7 order of the SC which had directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to demolish unauthorised structures and encroachments in Okhla village by law. He requested the bench’s consideration, and the court had asked the DDA to file a compliance affidavit within three months. “We make it clear that when we say due process of law before demolishing any structure, at least 15 days’ notice shall be served upon the concerned persons,” the top court had said. Hegde then argued that the properties were “arbitrarily picked up” for demolition, contrary to law. Shreyas Iyer Rajat Patidar TROPHY HUNTING IN 18TH EDITION FOR NO 18 A CAPITAL VIEW OF NEWS  NEW DELHI HC worried over ‘next pandemic’, flags delay in SOP S H E K H A R S I N G H @ New Delhi THE Delhi High Court has pulled up the Centre over delays in finalising basic protocols for COVID-19 sample collection, noting that the “next pandemic is far from over” and the issue can’t be allowed to drift. Justice Anish Dayal, in an order dated May 28, called for a status report on steps taken so far regarding standards for sample collection, collection centres, and transportation of biological samples. “This matter assumes urgency considering that there were wide reports of COVID-19 being active in the community It . would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallise an urgent set of measures… and whatever decision was taken in the meeting has reached its proper conclusion,” the judge said. The case arises from a contempt plea filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who alleged that the government had failed to act on a January 27, 2023 order passed by a division bench. The court had then directed the Centre to treat his petition as a representation and issue a reasoned decision within 12 weeks. Jain claimed that no guidelines have been issued so far on Seeks status report The HC asked the standing counsel for the Centre to ensure that officials are informed of the court’s directions and that a status report is filed in six weeks. establishing minimum standards for sample collection procedures or for the functioning of collection centres and transport of samples. A follow-up meeting had taken place on May 30, 2023, chaired by the Additional Director General of Health Services. Jain was present, as directed by the court. Four sub-committees were formed, covering pathology biochemis, try, haematology, and microbiology to draft SOPs and submit , reports. The guidelines were also to include protocols on storage of samples. Additional measures were also discussed. Yet, the court noted that the Centre had not provided any update on the outcome of that meeting or the implementation of decisions taken.  J8.00  PAGES 12 It has been the narrative from the beginning of the season. Will RCB finally win an IPL title? They had a new captain in Rajat Patidar, built a strong squad around Virat Kohli (No 18) and have dominated the season like never before. The bowling attack has played a crucial part as well. Come Tuesday, expect a massive support for Kohli and Co. P11 Tesla won’t make in India: HDK Only wants showrooms; but Merc, VW, Skoda, Hyundai, Kia interested in manufacturing EVs D I PA K M O N D A L @ New Delhi ELON Musk-promoted Tesla is not interested in manufacturing electric vehicles in India, Union heavy industries minister H D Kumaraswamy said here on Monday, adding that the US firm seems interested only in opening showrooms in India. However, other global players including Mercedes, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia have shown interest in setting up manufacturing facilities in India, he added. The minister’s comments came while announcing the guidelines for the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC). He, however, added that the real intention of companies will be known only when the application window for the scheme opens. SMEC—meant for attracting investment from global EV manufacturers—will allow companies to import complete- NEW Union heavy industries ministry, the scheme EV SCHEME Notified by the aims to bring global investments and tech to India 10k crore Annual revenue plus `3,000 cr global asset base needed for cos to apply Lower import duty of 15% (down from 70%) for EVs priced above $35,000 25% domestic value addition must be achieved in 3 yrs, and 50% in 5 yrs 4,150 crore MUST BE INVESTED IN INDIA WITHIN 3 YEARS OF GETTING APPROVAL Import quota capped at 8,000 cars per year, for 5 yrs. Unused quota can be carried forward to next yr ly built units of EVs priced below $35,000 at 15% import duty against the currently applicable rate of 70% for green cars. Government officials said Tesla, which had initially shown interest in setting up manufacturing units in India, attended only the first stake- holders’ consultation meeting to discuss the details of the scheme. They skipped subsequent meetings. US president Donald Trump, who is against American firms setting up factories abroad, has very close links with Musk. When asked about Musk’s SIKKIM LANDSLIDE KILLS 3 JAWANS; 6 OTHERS MISSING ANNA UNIVERSITY The convict in the Anna University sexual assault case was sentenced to life imprisonment for a minimum period of 30 years without any remission of the jail term. | P5 Kamal moves HC for Thug Life release, K’taka film chamber says apologise first THE co-producer of Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life on Monday moved the Karnataka High Court over the proclaimed ban on the release and distribution of the movie in the state by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in connecton with the actor’s controversial statement that ‘Kannada was born out of Tamil’. The HC is likely to hear the petition on Tuesday . In its petition seeking the court’s intervention in ensuring smooth release of the film in Karnataka, Chennai-based Raajkamal Films International said KFCC’s decision infringes the fundamental right to free speech and expression. The film producers said they Actor Kamal Haasan | EXPRESS have spent over `300 crore on the movie, which is slated to be released worldwide on June 5. The petition contended that Kamal’s statement on Kannada during the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai was meant to express cultural solidarity and affection between the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But that remark was deliberately misinterpreted, leading to an unwarranted backlash, including the call for NEET-PG POSTPONED, TO BE HELD IN SINGLE SHIFT K A V I TA B A J E L I - D AT T @ New Delhi THE National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on Monday announced the postponement of NEET-PG 2025 examinations, which was earlier slated for June 15. The announcement to postpone National Eligibility-cumEntrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) came following the Supreme Court’s May 30 order that the exam should be held in one single shift. In its order, the SC had emphasised on the need for “complete transparency” and had mandated that “secure centres are identified and commissioned” for the fair conduct of the examination. The postponement brought relief to anguished candidates. However, many took to social media to urge NBEMS to announce the fresh date soon. In a notice, NBEMS cited the SC order in which they were directed “to make necessary arrangements for holding NEET-PG 2025 exam in one shift, duly ensuring that complete transparency is maintained and secure centres are identified and commissioned.” a ban on the release and distribution of the film, it alleged. Meanwhile, KFCC doubled down on its stance saying it will not allow release of the film in Karnataka unless the actor apologises for his remark. “Let Kamal Haasan go to court. We have not done anything illegal. But we will not allow the screening of Thug Life in Karnataka unless he apologises,” PTI quoted KFCC president M Narasimhalu as saying. “This is not a film industry matter anymore. It has become a question of language and state pride,” he added. The film, which got the censor certification in May, is directed by Mani Ratnam. It also stars Trisha Krishnan and T R Silambarasan in the lead roles with music by A R Rahman. The site of the landslide (above) that hit a military camp at Chaten in Sikkim; and rescue operations (left) in progress | PTI EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Guwahati A landslide struck an Army camp at Chaten in Sikkim’s Lachen district, killing three personnel. Four individuals were rescued while six other personnel were reported missing, a defence ministry statement said. The incident occurred on Sunday evening. The deceased were identified as Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur and porter Abhishek Lakhada. All three bodies were recovered. “Rescue teams are relent- lessly working around the clock under extremely challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions to locate and rescue the six personnel who remain missing,” the statement stated. “The Indian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the safety and well- THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS EVACUATED Most of the over 18,000 tourists stranded in Sikkim’s Lachung and Chungthang towns following landslides were evacuated on Monday. Over 100 others are still stuck in Lachen being of all its personnel, demonstrating its unyielding spirit and dedication to duty even in the face of nature’s fury the statement added. ,” With rainfall in recent days exceeding 130 mm, roads to key tourist destinations, including Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, the Valley of Flowers and Zero Point, suffered major damages. As emergency work is underway following a sudden increase in river Teesta’s water level, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd restricted vehicular movement along National Highway 10. Rahul steps in, Haryana Cong set for revamp H A R P R E E T B A J W A @ Chandigarh THE faction-ridden Haryana Congress is all set to be revamped after more than 11 years, with Rahul Gandhi visiting Chandigarh on June 4 to take stock of organisational issues. As part of the party’s Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, Rahul would be accompanied by 21 central observers. A senior leader said that Rahul would hold two meetings on the party’s restructuring and discuss selection of district presidents and formation of district-level committees. For the past 11 years, the party has Tharoor versus Bhutto as India, Pak delegations on US outreach J AYA N T H J A C O B @ New Delhi SEXUAL ASSAULT CONVICT GET 30 YRS JAIL TERM YAT H I R A J U @ Bengaluru plans to manufacture in India, Trump had said it would be “very unfair”. Meanwhile, India and the US are negotiating a trade deal under which India is expected to lower the import duty on American cars, which at present is in the range of 70-100%. Under the recently concluded India-UK trade deal, India has agreed to reduce the tariff on cars to 10% in 10 years. However, small EVs have been kept out of the purview of the deal. The application window under SMEC will open next week, and won’t shut for 120 days. However, the Centre can reopen the window as and when required till March 15, 2026. On the likely chances of BYD applying under the scheme, officials said the Chinese EV maker is very keen but the Indian government has no plans to grant permission. The government estimates a revenue loss of `6,484 crore per applicant under the scheme. no district-level organisation in Haryana. In the first meeting, 17 leaders, including former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, state party chief Udai Bhan, working presidents, including Ram Kishan Gurjar, Jitender Bhardwaj and Suresh Gupta, Sirsa MP Kumar Selja and RS member Randeep Surjewala, former CLP leaders and AICC office-bearers will brief Rahul on the party reorganisation. Rahul will meet 22 AICC and 90 PCC observers in the second meeting. It is not yet clear whether all the 37 party MLAs would be NO DISTRICT-LEVEL UNIT FOR 11 YEARS Rahul Gandhi will visit Chandigarh on June 4 to take stock of issues in the faction-ridden Haryana Congress. For the past 11 years, the party has no district-level organisation in Haryana. called for the meeting. It is learnt that AICC Haryana incharge BK Hariprasad has been asked to separately call other leaders, including legislators and former ministers. Earlier, district presidents used to be appointed in consultation with the state unit president and CLP leader. This time applications will be invited from interested candidates and panel from each district will submitted to the high command. The entire process is expected to take a month. Interestingly it has been sev, en months that the party is yet to select CLP leader. AS diplomatic efforts intensify , delegations from both India and Pakistan are arriving in the US this week, seeking to shape political opinion among American lawmakers and officials. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is leading an Indian all-party team back to Washington on June 3, after an outreach tour across Latin America. Meanwhile, a Pakistani delegation, headed by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, begins its US leg in New York and Washington this week. Bhutto-Zardari’s nine-member delegation includes prominent figures such as former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, ex-information minister Sherry Rehman, former defence minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, and former foreign secretaries Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tehmina Janjua. Their visit extends beyond the US to London and Shashi Tharoor Brussels, according to a statement of Pakistan’s foreign ministry . The Indian delegation had initially touched down in New Bilawal York on May 24, Bhutto-Zardari ahead of the Memorial Day holiday when the , US Congress was out of session. With lawmakers now back in Washington, the Indian team is expected to hold engagements with members of influential Congressional committees, key US lawmakers, and some Trump administration figures. It remains unclear whether the Indian and Pakistani delegations will be in the same city at the same time. P7 EXPRESS READ Musk’s father to get state guest status in UP Errol Musk, South African businessman and father of billionaire Elon Musk, will visit Ram temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. He is expected to be accorded the status of state guest by the UP government | P8