LAND OF INTOXICATING MAHUA PROFILE: KIRAN DIXIT THACKER 27 APRIL 2025 RCB AIM TO CONTINUE AWAY FORM AGAINST DELHI CAPITALS www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 PAGE 20 SINCE 1818 PAGES 20 |` 5.00 | LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR WEATHER Mainly clear sky becoming partly cloudy towards afternoon/evening. Possibility of thundery development in the evening. Min. 65% TEMPERATURE Max: 35.6˚C (-0.3) SUN RISES 05:08 hrs MOON RISES 03:45 hrs Min: 28.3˚C (+2.1) SUN SETS 18:01 hrs MOON SETS 16:33 hrs New Moon on 28 April THUMBNAILS STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL Odissi artists perform during the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi on Saturday. nANI Pune court summons Rahul Gandhi in Savarkar defamation case: A court in Pune, Maharashtra, has asked Leader of Opposition and Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on 9 May and record his plea in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his remarks about the late Hindu Mahasabha leader and Hindutva ideologue, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. (Page 5) T he United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and to bring them to justice. In a statement, the 15member UNSC on Friday said: "The members of the Security Council con- demned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of India and Government of Nepal and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured." The members of the UNSC noted that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one Govt issues advisory on media reporting of defence operations STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, asking the media to observe restraint in the reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. Asking the varied media platforms to exercise utmost responsibility, the advisory stated: “In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations." Specifically asking to stop real-time coverage, the advisory, which comes four days after 26 people were gunned down by terrorists, says: “Specifically: No real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on 'sources-based' information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel.” While referring to the past reporting pattern during the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, the ministry said that unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests. The advisory said: "Apart from the legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the security of our forces.” Earlier, in an advisory to all TV channels, the ministry had asked them to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021). “No programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes,” it read. Referring to the same, the Ministry said:"Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operation and movement by the security forces in the interest of national security. Media coverage may be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government till such operation concludes.” "All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in service of the nation," it added. of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Underlining the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, they stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all countries, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard. The members of the UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all countries to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. Pak official makes throat-slitting gesture at protesters NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL A senior Pakistani Army official was caught on camera making threatening gestures at Indian community members who were holding a protest outside the Pakistani High Commission in London. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Colonel Taimur Rahat, Pakistan Army & Air Advisor in the High Commission in London is seen making a throatslitting gesture at the protesters. He also held up a poster of Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who was briefly captured by Pakistani Army following India's air strike in 2019. HundredsofIndiancommunity members had gathered outside the Pak High Commission building in London to protest against the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam in J&K. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 26 APRIL Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced a monthly allowance for non-teaching Group C and Group D staff who lost their jobs following a recent verdict of the Supreme Court. She also vowed to file a review petition in the Supreme Court to address their reinstatement, along with those of deserving teachers. Miss Banerjee, speaking over the phone at a meeting held at Nabanna Sabhaghar for sacked Group C and D non-teaching staff, presided over by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, announced that Group C and D non-teaching staff facing termination of their jobs and the order to refund their salaries under the Supreme Court ruling would receive ₹25,000 and ₹20,000 respectively as monthly allowances under the gov- VATICAN CITY, 26 AGENCIES "Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life," he said. "The final image we have of him, which will remain etched in our memory, is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, despite his serious health problems, wanted to give us his blessing Days after India announced punitive measures against Pakistan over its involvement in a brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his willingness to participate in a "neutral and transparent" investigation into the attack, the Pakistani media reported on Saturday. Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks while addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Abbottabad. He said: “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.” The Pakistani Prime Minister's remarks came after India announced suspension of the Indus Water Treaty along with several other punitive measures against Pakistan for its role in the Pahalgam terror against. At least 26 people, including a foreign national, were killed in the targeted attack on tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. Earlier, responding to India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan had said any such move would be seen as an “act of war” and announced a series of steps, including blocking its airspace for India, and the suspension of all trade activities. Meanwhile, days after Pakistan Army chief General Syed Asim Munir called Kashmir Pakistan’s ‘Jugular Vein', he reiterated his stand on Hindus and Muslims being “two separate nations.” Addressing the same event as Mr Sharif, Gen. Munir said that the two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. “Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life – religion, customs, traditions, thinking, and aspirations," he said. Mamata announces dole for sacked non-teaching staff AGENCIES Re, joined by some 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and consecrated religious. “We are gathered with sad hearts in prayer around his mortal remains,” Cardinal Re said in his homily at the funeral Mass for Pope Francis. The cardinal recalled the final days of the Pope's life, marked by declining health. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE ernment’s social security scheme. This support will continue until the legal issues surrounding their reinstatement are resolved in court. Miss Banerjee reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting these staff and deserving teachers who lost their jobs. She said that the government would soon file a review petition seeking their reinstatement in their former positions. “A process to file a review Over two lakh people, top world leaders attend funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican The funeral mass ceremony of Pope Francis, that began Saturday afternoon, India time, in the iconic Baroque plaza before St. Peter’s Basilica, is being attended by several top world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. According to the Vatican authorities, approximately 200,000 people have gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis. Additionally, more than 100 delegations have come together to pay respects to the late leader of the Catholic Church, who was later laid to rest in a private ceremony at the St. Mary Major Basilica in the Italian capital on Saturday. The solemn and moving celebration was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Ready to participate in any ‘neutral & transparent’ investigation: Pak PM Asks all countries to cooperate in bringing attackers, backers to justice RAINFALL: 0.0 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 89% UNSC strongly condemns Pahalgam terror attack from the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica," Cardinal Re said Francis was a "Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone," Cardinal Re said. After the funeral mass, Pope Francis was buried outside the Vatican in St. Mary Major, a basilica in Rome in a private ceremonyt Francis is the first Pontiff in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican Grottoes. President Droupadi Murmu is leading the Indian delegation in Rome, accompanied by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Joshua De Souza. The Indian leaders joined more than 50 heads of state, 10 reigning monarchs, and 130 foreign delegations attending Saturday's ceremony. Among the global dignitaries in attendance are US President Donald Trump French President Emmanuel Macron. Representing the United Kingdom are Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William. While Russian President Vladimir Putin is absent, Russia has sent its Culture Minister in his place. petition on the Supreme Court order is underway. The review petition will cover all teachers and non-teaching staff. We are working to resolve the legal complexities within the framework of the law. We are proceeding cautiously to avoid any errors that could exacerbate the situation. Any mistake could lead to a break in their services, which we want to prevent,” Miss Banerjee stated, adding: “In all likelihood, it may take until the first week of next month. We are consulting our lawyers for legal advice.” Miss Banerjee further noted that under the apex court verdict, many non-teaching Group C and Group D staff had lost their jobs, leading to the abrupt halt of normal functioning in those schools. Earlier, the Supreme Court had ruled to strike down the entire selection panel of 25,752 teaching and nonteaching staff from the 2016 SSC examination. Later, in a modification, the apex court provided relief to those teachers found ‘untainted’, allowing them to continue to work until 31 December this year. Miss Banerjee also announced compensation amounting to Rs 10 lakh each for three bereaved families whose members were killed by Pakistan-backed militants in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, earlier this week. Kailash Yatra to take place in June-August STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL The Ministry of External Affairs Saturday announced that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for the current year will commence between June and August. “Kailash Manasarovar Yatra organised by the Ministry of External Affairs is set to take place during June to August 2025 this year,” a Ministry of External Affairs release said. It informed that “5 batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, and 10 batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, are scheduled to travel through Uttarakhand State crossing over at Lipulekh Pass, and through Sikkim State crossing over at Nathu La Pass, respectively.” Inviting applications from the pilgrimage the ministry said: “Since the entire process is fully computerised since 2015, pilgrims can register at https://kmy.gov.in.” It said that the “selection will be through a fair, computer-generated, random and gender-balanced selection process.” Resumption of the yatra that was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been a key topic during the border agreement talks between Indian and Chinese official when the two sides discussed early resumption of cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including on trans-border rivers and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, undertaken to visit the holy Mount Kailash and the surrounding Lake Mansarovar. It's a journey of spiritual significance, often involving a trek or a vehiclebased route, and is considered a "tirth yatra" (sacred journey) of utmost importance. India, Pakistan exchange gunfire for second day SRINAGAR, 26 APRIL Amid escalating tensions, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire overnight across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, Army sources said on Saturday. They said the small arms firing was “initiated by Pakistan” and it was “effectively responded to”. The Army said during the intervening night of 25-26 April, unprovoked small-arms firing was carried out by various Pakistan Army posts all across LoC in Kashmir. “Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms,” they said, adding that no casualties was reported. This is the second consecutive night when the Pakistan Army opened small arms fire at several locations along the LoC. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, J&K Police, army and security forces have intensified their crackdown and detained 175 suspects for questioning. An official added that cordon and search operations, ambushes, and intensified patrolling have been launched, particularly in high-density forest areas, to flush out any possible terrorist presence. AGENCIES DGCA issues advisory to Indian carriers after Pakistan closes its airspace STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL In the wake of the closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian airlines on Thursday evening, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued an advisory to airlines to implement passenger handling measures to ensure continued passenger comfort, safety, and regulatory compliance. Pakistan had earlier closed its airspace for Indian airlines for over four months in 2019, following the Balakot air strike carried out by the Indian Air Force in response to the Pulwama terror attack. The move follows rising tension between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April. In a statement, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that owing to the international airspace closures and overflight restrictions, several flight routes have been significantly altered, leading to extended flight durations and the possibility of technical stops. Under the key measures, the DGCA has asked airlines to ensure transparent communication, proactively informing passengers about route changes, extended travel times, and any technical halts during their journey. This communication should occur at check-in, boarding, and via digital alerts. Further, the airlines are required to revise catering based on the actual block time, ensuring adequate food, hydration, and special meal availability throughout the flight, including any technical stopovers. The airlines have also been asked to be prepared for medical emergencies with sufficient onboard medical supplies and verification of the availability of emergency services at potential technical halt airports. The call centres and customer service teams must be ready to handle delays, missed connections, and provide assistance or compensation as required by applicable regulations.