SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR PRASHANT KISHOR TO START BIHAR BADLAAV YATRA TN: STATE-RUN VARSITIES’ VCS SKIP GUV RN RAVI’S MEET P4 SENSEX 79,212.53 q588.90 P5 NIFTY 24,039.35 q207.35 ` vs $ 85.37 P9 RAINFALL: 0.0 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY India has officially communicated to Pakistan about the suspension of the 1960 Water Treaty Partly cloudy sky. Hot and humid weather likely to prevail. Max. 86% Min. 65% Ensure Pak nationals return within time: HM to CMs TEMPERATURE Max: 35.6˚C (-0.3) Min: 28.8˚C (+2.6) SUN RISES 05:09 hrs MOON RISES 03:08 hrs SUN SETS 18:01 hrs MOON SETS 15:29 hrs STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 APRIL New Moon on 28 April THUMBNAILS STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 APRIL A A waddle of Humboldt penguins seen within their enclosure with a caretaker as World Penguin Day is being observed, at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai on Friday. nANI Air India, IndiGo issue travel advisories after closure of Pak airspace: Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have issued travel advisories for passengers about possible service disruptions after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines. Air India said due to the newly-imposed restrictions on Pakistani airspace for all Indian carriers, several of its flights to and from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East may need to take longer, alternative routes. IndiGo also issued a travel advisory to its passengers saying a few international flight schedules may be impacted. high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday resolved to cut off Indus water supply to Pakistan while putting the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan on hold, a source said. The meeting, attended by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, also decided to increase the storage and operational capacity of dams on the rivers covered under the treaty. The decision to suspend the treaty was taken by the government at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday, after the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 27 people and left several injured. The Indian government has officially communicated to Pakistan about the suspension of the 1960 Water Treaty. Secretary Jal Shakti, Debashree Mukherjee had conveyed the decision in an official letter to her Pakistan counterpart Syed Ali Murtaza about the changes initiated under the circumstances that have taken place while linking the decision to national security concerns and the cross border terrorism that happens from Pakistan's soil. "The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained crossborder terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the letter clarified. Asserting that millions of people were dependent on the river water, Pakistan, in response to India's decision, had called it an "act of war. " The Indus Waters treaty governs the distribution of six rivers in the Indus basin. Under the agreement, the three eastern rivers - Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, were allocated to India, while Pakistan received rights over the western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked chief ministers of all states to make sure no Pakistani national stays in the country beyond the time provided for them to leave, sources said on Friday. This follows India's decision of revoking visas that had been issued to the Pakistani nationals after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed lives of several tourists in the Kashmir valley. Sources say that the HM has asked all the CMs to identify Pakistan nationals in their respective states and take necessary steps to ensure that they return to their nation. It was in continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the union government on Thursday had decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. According to an official statement of the Ministry of External Affairs, all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025, while the medical visas issued to the Pakistan nationals will be valid only till April 29, 2025. The government has clearly SC admonishes Rahul for his Savarkar comments PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 25 APRIL Admonishing the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his controversial remarks against “freedom fighter” Vinayak Damodar Savarkar being a British collaborator who received pension from the colonial rulers, and warning him to be ready to face consequences for any repeat of such derogatory comments, the Supreme Court, however, on Friday stayed the summons issued to him in the matter by a court in Uttar Pradesh. Terming as “irresponsible” statements against the freedom fighter, a bench Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan said that the Court will initiate suo motu action if he makes similar statements. Having pulled up the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his comments critical of Savarkar, the bench in its order staying the summons said, “You have a good point on law and you will get a stay. But any further statement by him will be taken up suo motu. No words on our freedom fighters. They gave us freedom and we treat them like this? Issue notice. Stay on impugned order.” While taking exception to Rahul Gandhi’s statement Waqf Act doesn’t infringe upon religious practices: Centre tells Apex court STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL The Central government on Friday told the Supreme Court that the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, limits itself to secular dimensions of the Waqf - like record management, procedural reforms, and administrative structure - and does not infringe upon the religious freedoms ritual, prayer, or fundamental Islamic obligations- guaranteed under Article 25 and 26 of the constitution of India. Asserting that the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, does not interfere with the essential religious practices of the Muslims, the Central gov- ernment has said, “It is submitted that therefore the Act, by confining itself to non-essential practices, steers well clear of infringing the religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.” On the Waqf by users and the presence of nonMuslims on the Waqf Council and the Waqf Board, the Centre has said that for the last 100 years waqf by user is recognised only upon registration and there will be maximum of 3 to 4 nonMuslims among 22 members in the Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, a measure that is representative of inclusiveness and not intrusive of the administration of Waqfs. on Savarkar, the bench referred to his grandmother and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had written to Savarkar praising him. “Does he know that even Mahatma Gandhi used the words 'your faithful servant'. Does he know his grandmother also sent a letter to the freedom fighter praising him? Let him not make irresponsible statements about freedom fighters. You cannot make such statements without knowing the history or geography of freedom fighters," the bench told the senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi who appeared for Rahul Gandhi. Observing that Savarkar is revered in some parts of Maharashtra, Justice Dutta said, “He (Rahul Gandhi) is a person of stature. He is a political leader of a political party. Why should you foment trouble like this? You go to Akola and make this statement, in Maharashtra where he (Savarkar) is worshipped? Don't do this. Why do you make this statement?” Justice Datta further said that even the Judges of the Calcutta High Court used to address the Chief Justice as “Your Servant” during the British times. “Someone does not become a servant like this. Next time, somebody will say Mahatma Gandhi was the servant of the British. You are encouraging these kinds of statements,” Justice Datta said. The top court’s observation relating to Savarkar came in the course of the hearing of an appeal by Rahul Gandhi against Allahabad High Court order refusing to quash the summons issued to him by a Lucknow Magistrate court for making comments against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. P12 SILVER `1,00,900 GOLD `98,655 Shah chairs meeting on Indus Treaty suspension WEATHER KKR TAKE ON PUNJAB KINGS AT HOME TRUMP ZELENSKYY , CONVERGING ON ROME FOR FUNERAL OF POPE FRANCIS said that all Pakistani nationals who are currently in India must leave the country before the expiry of visas, as now amended. The MEA has strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan, and those Indians who are currently in Pakistan, have been advised to return to the country the earliest. Tensions have escalated between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives on Tuesday. Notably, revocation of visas is not for the long-term visas already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which "remain valid". In an official statement, the MEA stated, “With reference to the Government of India’s decision dated 24 April to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals, it is clarified that the revocation of visas mentioned in the said decision does not apply to Long Term Visas (LTVs) already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals. These LTVs remain valid.” During the all-party meeting held on Thursday, leaders across party lines called for a decisive action against terrorism and terror camps, assuring the government of their full support. Lankan Prez, UK, Dutch PMs call Modi to condemn terror attack STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 APRIL Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received calls from several world leaders who condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof were among the leaders who spoke to Mr Modi. ''PM @Keir_Starmer of UK called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his sincere condolences on the innocent lives lost in the heinous terror attack on Indian soil. He strongly condemned the barbaric terror attack and expressed that UK stands with the people of India in this hour of tragedy,'' Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'. In another post, the spokesperson said, ''PM Dick Schoof of Netherlands@MinPres called PM@narendramodi and conveyed condolences on the tragic and inhuman cross border terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He strongly condemned the cowardly act and rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.'' Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wrote on 'X' this evening, "Deeply shocked by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam Pak defence min admits Islamabad funding, backing terror groups STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 APRIL Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has admitted that his country has been funding and backing terrorist groups. In a viral video clip which shows the Pakistani minister in conversation with Sky News, Asif said, "We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades and the West, including Britain." "That was a mistake, and we suffered for that, and that is why you are saying this to me. If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistan's track record was unimpeachable," he added. He also did not rule out the possibility of an "all-out war" with India. Asif's statement lays bare the fact that Pakistan, for many years, has been harbouring the terror groups. India has already spoken about the cross-border linkages of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 tourists were killed on April 22. New Delhi has pointed out that Pakistan could not digest the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory's steady progress toward economic growth and development. Former ISRO chief Dr Kasturirangan passes away STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BENGALURU, 25 APRIL Dr K Kasturirangan, the former ISRO chief who oversaw many space missions, passed away at his residence in Garden City here on Friday. He was 84. India lost a celebrated space scientist, Padma Vibhushan awardee, and a towering educationist who scripted the latest National Education Policy. According to an ISRO spokesperson, Dr Kasturirangan passed away on Friday morning at his residence in the Garden city. His body will be kept in Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, for paying last respects on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Kasturirangan, a celebrated scientist who overcame many challenges to lead many a space mission in the country, was tasked with his most challenging task: preparing the National Education Policy (NEP) by the Modi government. For the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a man who held many key posts in his lengthy career, Kasturirangan also wore the hat of a parliamentarian with a stint in the Rajya Sabha and also was a member of the Planning Commission as it existed then. It took Dr Kasturirangan three years of toil, endless conversations with teachers, industry bodies, scientists, and people from rural India to come up with an education policy that would serve every section of the society, and prepare the nation for allround development of the nation. The NEP was released in 2020, with salient features like a 4-year graduate programme, attention to skill-based learning in schools and colleges, and bringing textbook-based learning and vocational learning closer. The much-celebrated scientist and academician was honoured with Padma Vibhushan. He had headed a panel that went into the school syllabus for carrying out necessary modifications. Known as a strict, objective academician, he was thought to be the most apt person to head the education panel. Those who worked with him during that phase reportedly praise his non-controversial education policy he delivered. Barring criticism on the language issue, the policy has been largely appreciated. Dr Kasturirangan was associated with ISRO for some 35 years and headed the organisation from 1994 to 2003, and after retiring from office, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha for six years in the year 2003. Along with Rajya Sabha stint, he was also the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Dr. Kasturirangan was responsible for directing the Indian Space programme for over 9 years, as Chairman of ISRO and the Space Commission and as Secretary to the BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 66.31 Government of India in the Department of Space, before laying down office on 27 August 2003. He was earlier the Director of ISRO Satellite Centre, overseeing the development of new generation spacecraft, the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS1A and 1B) as well as scientific satellites. The UPA government regime had made him a member of the Planning Commission in 2009, and he was in the planning body till 2014. His services were availed by the Karnataka government, which made him the head of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission in 2008. He was associated with the leading educational institutions, including the JNU in some or the other capacity. Meanwhile, EAM S Jaishankar met Ambassador of Israel Reuven Azar & appreciated IsraelÊs steadfast support in combating cross-border terrorism. that claimed 26 innocent lives. Just spoke with PM Narendra Modi to convey Sri Lanka's solidarity & our shared commitment against terrorism. Our hearts go out to the victims' families. We stand with India in these difficult times." Last night, French President Emmanuel Macron had called the PM and later wrote on 'X' that he had expressed his country's solidarity with India in the wake of the terror attack. ''France, along with its allies, will continue its fight against terror wherever necessary,'' he said. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Ambassador of Israel Reuven Azar and appreciated Israel’s steadfast support in combating cross-border terrorism. Mr Jaishankar also had a meeting with Nepal Ambassador Shankar P Sharma and conveyed his condolences on the death of a Nepali national during the Pahalgam terror attack. The foreign minister also met Argentine ambassador Mariano Caucino, who strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack. Rozgar Mela: PM to distribute over 51,000 appointment letters STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 25 APRIL Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters, through video conferencing, to newly-appointed employees in various government departments and organisations under the Rozgar Mela on Saturday. He will also address the gathering on the occasion, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “In line with the prime minister's commitment to accord highest priority to employment generation, the 15th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. It will provide meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and effectively contributing to national development,” it said. The new recruits, selected from across the country will be joining the Central government’s various Ministries/Departments including the Department of Revenue, the Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances and Pensions, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Posts, the Department of Higher Education, the Ministry of Railways, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment among others, it added.