THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR GOYAL INVITES SWISS COS TO PARTNER IN INDIAN GROWTH JOURNEY KCR GRILLED BY KALESHWARAM COMMISSION P8 SENSEX 82,515.14 p123.42 WEATHER VERY LIGHT TO LIGHT RAIN ACCOMPANIED WITH GUSTY WIND TOWARDS EVENING. HEAT WAVE CONDITIONS AT MANY PLACES THE MAX & MIN TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 44 & 27 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 000.0 Mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 73% P10 NIFTY 25,141.40 p37.15 THUMBNAILS AGENCIES BRUSSELS, 11 JUNE T US, China agree on trade truce: Top US and Chinese officials announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a framework for getting the trade truce between the two countries back on track after two days of intense negotiations. (Page 10) P12 SILVER `1,09,000 BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 65.57 Axiom-4 mission deferred again, SpaceX cites liquid oxygen leak from launcher The same terrorism will come back to haunt you: S Jaishankar in Europe Min: 27.2 °C (-0.8) SUN SETS 19:20 hrs MOON SETS 06:42hrs Centre cuts customs duty on crude edible oils to bring down prices in local market: The Centre has reduced the basic customs duty on crude edible oils, including crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oils, from 20 per cent to 10 per cent to bring down prices in the local market, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. GOLD `99,045 EAM warns West on ignoring Pak terror Min. 31% A leopard is seen as forest department officials conduct a 24-hour waterhole wildlife census at Jhalana Doongri area in Jaipur on Wednesday. nANI FALCONS STORM INTO MUMBAI T20 LEAGUE FINAL P9 ` vs $ 85.45 TEMPERATURE Max: 43.3°C (+3.4) SUN RISES 05:23 hrs MOON RISES 20:35 hrs MUSK BACKS OFF FROM TRUMP FEUD he world needs to understand that the tensions between India and Pakistan are not merely a bilateral issue but a global concern about terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has highlighted during his ongoing trip to Europe. “Let me remind you of something ~ there was a man named Osama bin Laden. Why did he, of all people, feel safe living for years in a Pakistani military town, right next to their equivalent of West Point (Pakistan military institution)? I want the world to understand that this isn't merely an India-Pakistan issue. It's about terrorism. And that very same terrorism will eventually come back to haunt you,” Mr Jaishankar said during an interview with European media outlet Euractiv in Brussels. He warned that the terrorism targeting India right now will eventually haunt the rest of the world. Responding to another question on India not joining sanctions against Russia and having not done enough to support Ukraine, Mr Jaishankar said that India does not believe that differences can be resolved through war. “We don't believe that differences can be resolved through war ~ we don't believe a solution will come from the battlefield. It's not for us to prescribe what that solution should be. My point is, we're not being prescriptive or judgemental ~ but we are also not uninvolved,” he said. “We have a strong relationship with Ukraine as well ~ it's not only about Russia. But every country, naturally, considers its own experience, history and interests. India has the longest-standing grievance ~ our borders were violated just months after independence, when Pakistan sent in invaders to Kashmir. And, the countries that were most supportive of that? Western countries,” the EAM said. “If those same countries ~ who were evasive or reticent then ~ now say 'let's have a great conversation about international principles', I think I'm justified in asking them to reflect on their own past,” Mr Jaishankar further stated. Highlighting how India sees itself in the new global order, the EAM said that Europe has entered the era of multipolarity and now faces the need to make more decisions in its own interest -- using its own capabilities and based on the relationships it fosters globally. “I hear terms like 'strategic autonomy' being used in Europe ~ these were once part of our vocabulary. The EU is clearly a major pole in the global order ~ and increasingly an autonomous one. That is precisely why I'm here: to deepen our relationship in this multipolar world," Mr Jaishankar said. Expanding on the reason behind the postponement of the Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for 11 June to send the first Indian Gaganyatri (astronaut) to the ISS, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak was detected in the Falcon 9 rocket during a seven-second hot test. India informed Pakistan after strikes, not before: Govt sources STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 11 JUNE India informed Pakistan about the attacks on terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir only after it carried out the strikes and not in advance aswasbeingallegedbyopposition political parties, government sources said today. “Itwasnotthewaytheopposition presented it. India had informedthemafterthestrikes werecarriedoutontheintervening night of 6th and 7th May, telling the authorities there that it was limited and focused,” they said. Days afterIndiaandPakistanagreed to a ceasefire, a controversy had broken out after a video of EAM emerged wherein he talked about informing Pakistan about India’s strikes in Pakistan and PoK. “At the startoftheoperation,wehad sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorists’infrastructure.Weare not striking at the military. So the military has an option ofstandingoutandnotinterfering in this process. They chose not to take that good advice,” the Minister said. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 11 JUNE The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others, has been postponed again—this time due to a technical glitch in the launch vehicle. A new launch date is expected to be announced soon. Elon Musk’s SpaceX on Wednesday announced that a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak was detected in the Falcon 9 rocket during post-static fire inspections, prompting a delay in the launch to allow time for repairs. In a post on X, the aerospace company said: “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date.” Expanding on the reason behind the postponement of the Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for 11 June to send the first Indian Gaganyatri (astronaut) to the ISS, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan said a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak was detected in the Falcon 9 rocket during a seven-second hot test to evaluate the booster stage’s performance. “As part of launch vehicle preparation to validate the performance of booster stage of Falcon 9 launch vehicle, seven second of hot test was carried out on the launch pad. It is understood PM says 11 years of infrastructure revolution is Delhi under ‘red alert’ boosting ‘Ease of Living’, enhancing prosperity as mercury reaches 45˚C STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 11 JUNE Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of infrastructure revolution in India, highlighting the country's rapidly expanding infrastructure network that he said is boosting 'Ease of Living' and enhancing prosperity. Sharing a post on social media platform X, Mr Modi showcased India's development over the last 11 years, including railways, highways, ports, and airports. “It’s been #11YearsOfInfraRevolution, with outstanding infrastructure being added that has enhanced India’s growth trajectory. From railways to highways, ports to airports, India’s rapidly expanding infra network is boosting ‘Ease of Living’ and enhancing prosperity,” the Prime Minister said in his post on the social media platform. The Prime Minister emphasised India's outstanding strides in infrastructure -- spanning railways, highways, ports, and airports -leading to enhanced con- Only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC website from 1 July AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 11 JUNE The Ministry of Railways announced on Wednesday that with effect from 1 July, Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s official website and mobile app will be available only to users authenticated with Aadhaar. Further, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online starting 15 July. Tatkal tickets booked at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised agents will require OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of book- ing. This provision will also come into effect from 15 July. To prevent bulk bookings during the critical opening period, authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways will not be permitted to book opening-day Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. For AC classes, this restriction applies from 10 a.m. to 10.30 a.m, and for non-AC classes, from 11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. These changes are being implemented to improve transparency in Tatkal bookings and to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach genuine end users, according to the official statement. nectivity, economic expansion, improved Ease of Living, and enhanced prosperity for citizens. He reiterated that India's push for next-generation infrastructure is driven by sustainability and long-term vision, laying the foundation of a self-reliant India. During the 11 years of Mr Modi’s tenure in office, the government has embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionise the country's infrastructure landscape, aiming to bolster economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. With a focus on modernising transportation networks, upgrading urban amenities, and expanding digital infrastructure, the government has launched several transformative initiatives. From the development of highways, railways, and airports to the promotion of waterways and ropeway systems, these efforts are aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the nation. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 11 JUNE Delhi was under ‘red alert’ on Wednesday as the city grappled with an intense heatwave, with maximum temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius in several areas, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather office has issued a ‘red alert’ for Thursday and a yellow alert for Friday with no immediate respite forecasted from the scratching heat. A red alert implies a "take action" warning, urging residents to avoid heat exposure, remain hydrated and limit outdoor activity. It warns of a very high likelihood of developing heat Other stations in the city also noted temperature readings with Palam 44.5, Ridge 43.6, & Lodi Road 43.4 degrees Celsius, the IMD added. illness and heat stroke in all ages and advises extreme care for vulnerable people. According to the IMD's daily weather bulletin, "Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at many places across Delhi-NCR,” with temperatures ranging between 44 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees Celsius. The weather department mentioned that the city’s primary station, Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3 degrees Celsius, 3.4 points above the normal while the highest was recorded at 45 degrees Celsius in Ayanagr station. Other stations in the city also noted readings nearing the above mentioned with Palam 44.5, Ridge 43.6, and Lodi Road 43.4 degrees Celsius, the IMD added. According to IMD guidelines, a heatwave in the plains is declared when the maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 45°C. Alternatively, if the maximum is at least 40°C and 4.5°C above the normal, it is also classified as a heatwave. These conditions must be sustained for two consecutive days across at least two stations within a meteorological subdivision. Brother says evidence points to Sonam’s role in husband’s murder STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHOPAL, 11 JUNE In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Sonam Raghuvanshi's brother, Govind, reached the house of her murdered husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, on Wednesday, and touched the feet of Raja's wailing mother and hugged her while crying his heart out. During his 20-minute stay at the house of late Raja in Indore, Govind profusely apologised to his family members for the tragic end of their son and consoled her mother. He said if Sonam is guilty, she should get death penalty. Govind told some media persons that he strongly feels that the evidence so far points to his sister’s involvement in the murder of Raja. He stated that Raja was very dear to him and that he will ensure justice to his family. Raja's inconsolable mother reiterated her demand for the death penalty for all those involved in the killing of her son. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed deep anguish over the entire incident. Calling the incident shocking, he said it has a lot of lessons to learn. Relation- ships like marriage should be undertaken with a lot of care. He said he was feeling very sad and hurt by the episode. Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam, both from Indore, got married on 11 May and reached Shillong in Meghalaya on 20 May for their honeymoon. However, both of them went missing on 23 May. Later on 2 June, Raja’s body was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in the Sohra (Cherrapunji) area. Following the recovery of the body, Meghalaya Police registered a case of murder and launched investigations in the case. In the wee hours of 9 June, Sonam was located at a dhaba at Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. She was initially detained, and subsequently arrested on suspicion of being the mastermind in the murder case. Later, four more accused, including three suspected hired killers, were arrested from Indore and Bina in Madhya Pradesh, while another suspect was nabbed from Uttar Pradesh. Meghalaya Police took all the four men on a transit remand from a Court at Indore and reached Shillong from Indore late on Tuesday night. All the accused — Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Kushwaha, Vishal Chouhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi — were produced before the district and sessions court in Shillong on Wednesday, where Meghalaya Police sought a 10-day remand. The court, however, granted custody for eight days. that LOX leakage was detected in the propulsion bay during the test. Based on the discussion on this topic by ISRO team with the experts of Axiom and SpaceX it has been decided to correct the leak and carry out necessary validation test before clearing for the launch. Hence the launch of Axiom 04 slated for 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS is postponed (sic),” ISRO said in a post. This marks the fourth delay of the mission. Initially scheduled for 29 May, the launch was first pushed to 8 June to allow additional preparation time. It was then delayed twice more— first without an official reason, and later due to unfavourable weather conditions—before the current technical issue forced another rescheduling. Vaishnaw takes stern action over deployment of ‘unsuitable train’ for BSF personnel STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 11 JUNE Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday took a serious note of the deployment of an "unsuitable and old train" for BSF personnel going for duty to Kashmir from Tripura. “In response to the lapse, four officials from the Alipurduar Division have been placed under immediate suspension with effect from today,” an official from the Ministry of Railways said. The suspended officials include a coaching depot officer of Alipurduar and three senior section engineers of Alipurduar Division. The Railway Minister made it clear that the dignity and comfort of security forces are of the utmost priority and that such negligence will not be tolerated at any level. The official from the Ministry of Railways further said a special train from Agartala is now being arranged exclusively for BSF personnel, with full attention to their convenience and honour. "The Ministry of Railways has also ordered a detailed inquiry into the entire incident. All efforts are being made to ensure that such lapses do not recur in the future," the official added. Meanwhile, there was outrage on social media, with many questioning the facilities made available to security personnel in the country.