FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. 15 No. 79 | BHOPAL | TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 FREE www.freepressjournal.in PTI TIANJIN India and Russia stood "shoulder-to-shoulder" even in most difficult situations and their ties are crucial for global peace and stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, amid a major downturn in New Delhi's ties with the US. Modi and Putin met on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) with a focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and energy sectors. In his televised remarks, Modi also said that 140 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" to welcome the Russian leader in India in December. "This is a reflection of the depth and scope of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have always stood shoulder-toshoulder even in the most difficult situations," he said. "Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries, but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity," Modi said. Before the official talks, the two leaders held informal conversation as they travelled to the venue of their bilateral meeting in the same car after concluding engagements at the SCO summit. 4Continued on | P8 fp Briefs BHOPAL Shukla gets addl charge State government has given additional charge of Home Department to Additional Chief Secretary, Culture and Tourism Department, Sheo Shekhar Shukla on Monday. This charge has been given to him in the wake of retirement of J N Kansotia as ACS Home on August 31. PATNA ‘Hydrogen bomb’ of disclosures Days after accusing the BJP of stealing elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday threatened that he will soon amplify his charges by coming out with more "vote chori" disclosures that would be like a "Hydrogen bomb" and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to show his face to the country. NEW DELHI India, UAE eye $100 bn trade India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with a target of $100 billion for non-oil bilateral trade amid changing dynamics in world trade triggered by the sharp hike in US tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL UJJAIN WORLD Sports Djokovic sets new record to reach quarterfinals India-Russia pillar of global stability: PM after meeting Putin ESTD-1983 P.12 PRESS PUNE INDORE NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit Thailand loses its PM again P.6 Xi slams bullying practices in veiled snipe at Trump Cinema Sumona reveals car was mobbed... P.14 TIANJIN DECLARATION | Group says it recognised leading role of sovereign states in countering terrorist and extremist threats SCO condemns Pahalgam attack, double-standards PTI TIANJIN Putin waits 10 minutes to travel with Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday travelled in the same vehicle to the destination of their bilateral meeting after the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue in Tianjin, China. "After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful," PM Modi said in a post on X, sharing his picture with the Russian leader. Sources said President Putin wanted to travel together with PM Modi from the SCO conference venue to the bilateral meeting held at the RitzCarlton hotel. He apparently waited for about 10 minutes for PM Modi so that he could join him The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and concurred with India's position that "double standards" in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. The influential grouping listed its strong resolve to combat terrorism in a declaration that was unveiled at the end of its two-day annual summit, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and many other global leaders. The SCO said it recognised the leading role of sovereign states and their competent authorities in countering terrorist and extremist threats. The SCO member states also condemned the military strikes by Israel in Gaza, as it has led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip. The declaration said the member states noted the role of the SCO in restoring the global economy, maintaining the stability of global production and supply chains, and ensuring further sustainable development. The SCO's affirmation comes amid the Trump administration's tariff tussle. Handshake, hug, pat on back: Modi’s gestures did the talking Development India maintains opposition to BRI Bank approved India on Monday refused to endorse China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative (BRI), becoming the only country in the SCO not to support the connectivity project. A declaration unveiled at the end of the SCO summit in this Chinese port city said Russia, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their support The declaration said the member states support the further improvement and reform of the global economic governance architecture and will consistently uphold and Ye Bharat ka samay hai: CM Yadav launches Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, app, leads bike rally Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday announced that the SCO member states have decided to set up a Development Bank to increase the efficiency and social development of the region. The approval to set up the bank, a Chinese proposal, came after 10 years of deliberations among the member countries, Wang said strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive, non-discriminatory and multilateral trading system based on rules promoting the development of an open global economy. The A hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a handshake with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a pat on the back for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and not a glance at Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gestures at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit were as clear as his words in defining who's a friend and who's not. In a very public display of bonhomie amid US President Donald Trump's tariff offensive, Modi and Putin carpooled as they headed to the venue of their bilateral meeting on Monday. Sources said the Russian leader waited for about 10 minutes for PM Modi to join him on the ride from the SCO conference venue to the bilateral meeting declaration mentioned ways to enhance regional security and identified combating terrorism as a major challenge. 4Continued on | P8 Trump claims India ‘offered’ to cut tariffs, ‘but it’s getting late’ PTI NEW YORK/WASHINGTON US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that India has now "offered" to cut its tariffs to nothing, "but it's getting late", as he said that India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia and very little from the US. "What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He added that India sells to the US, its biggest "client", "massive" amounts of goods, "but we sell them very little Until now a totally one sided relationship, and it has been for many decades." 4Continued on | P8 Our Staff Reporter How it works Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday unveiled the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, installed at the newly constructed gate of CM House, Bhopal. Touted as the world’s first Vedic clock based on Indian time calculation, it follows solar movement, marking the start of a new day with sunrise, rather than midnight. At a Yuva Samvad event held at his residence, Yadav said, “Ye Bharat ka samayhai” (This is India’s time), calling the innovation a modern expression of a glorious tradition. He said the clock is a symbol of Indian pride and heritage, showcasing a balance of tradition, development, nature and science. 4Continued on | P8 ED attaches Rs 1.27crore property of retd lecturer Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL DA CASE »Based on Kaal Ganana, the traditional Indian system of timekeeping »Day divided into 30 parts (each approx. 48 minutes), from sunrise to next sunrise » Reflects a dynamic, naturealigned rhythm of time » Real-time updates include: »Nakshatra, Tithi, Yoga, Karana »Daily Muhurat » Sunrise and sunset timings »Planetary positions »Festival dates and Panchang data »Mobile app combines Panchang data with smart tech NEW YORK: In a new rant against India for its purchases of Russian oil, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has said that "Brahmins" are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people and it needs to "stop". "Look (PM Narendra) Modi is a great leader," Navarro, the Trump administration's Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, said in an interview with Fox News Sunday. The trade adviser said that he doesn't understand how the Indian leader is cooperating with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping "when he's the biggest democracy in the world." 4Continued on | P8 ‘India-US partnership a defining relationship of 21st century’ As PM Narendra Modi exchanged hugs and handshakes with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese premier Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in China's Tianjin, a key member of US President Donald Trump's team has termed New Delhi-Washington DC ties a "defining relationship of the 21st century". Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, has said the relationship between US and India continues to reach new heights. "This month, we're spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and bilateral ties, it's the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey," the US Embassy quoted Rubio as saying 800 killed in Afghanistan earthquake AP KABUL BHOPAL ‘Brahmins’ profiteering off Indians: Navarro Desperate Afghans clawed through rubble in the dead of the night in search of missing loved ones after a strong earthquake killed some 800 people and injured more than 2,500 in eastern Afghanistan, according to figures provided Monday by the Taliban government. The 6.0 magnitude quake late Sunday hit towns in the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in the neighbouring Nangahar province, causing extensive damage. The quake at 11:47 pm was centred 27 kilometres eastnortheast of the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, the US Geological Survey said. It was just 8 kilometres deep. India ready to provide aid: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep anguish at the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Afghanistan, and said India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected. Modi said on X, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected." Shallower quakes tend to cause more damage. Several aftershocks followed. Footage showed rescuers taking injured people on stretchers from collapsed buildings and into helicopters as people frantically dug through rubble with their hands. A Taliban government spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said at a press conference Monday that the death toll had risen to 800 with 2,500 injured. He said that most of the casualties were in Kunar province. Buildings in Afghanistan tend to be low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, with homes in rural and outlying areas made from mud bricks and wood. Many are of poor construction. 4Continued on | P8 Tendulkar family immerses in Tikamgarh’s secret gun factories Maheshwari textile heritage busted after 40 yrs FP News Service MAHESHWAR The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bhopal, has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 1.27 crore in a disproportionate assets case against a retired assistant lecturer of Tikamgarh, officials said on Monday.  The ED’s August 29 action followed an investigation based on an FIR registered by the Lokayukta Police, Bhopal, against Santosh Kumar Sharma.  According to the FIR, Sharma acquired assets dis- proportionate to his known and lawful sources of income during his tenure as a public servant in various capacities from July 1985 to December 31, 2022.  An ED investigation in the case, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, revealed that a significant portion of Sharma's assets, including agricultural land, 4Continued on | P8 On the second day of two-day visit to Maheshwar, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, along with his wife Dr Anjali Tendulkar and daughter Sara Tendulkar, explored the rich cultural and textile heritage of the city on Monday. The family was particularly fascinated by the heritage of the world-renowned Maheshwari sarees. The Tendulkars visited Rewa Society where they interacted with local weaver Inter-state supply ring exposed Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL women and posed for photographs. Expressing the team's excitement, CEO Sandra Kumari of the Rewa Society said, ‘Our weavers may not know cricket, but everyone knows Sachin Tendulkar. His presence filled everyone with joy.’ 4Continued on | P8 offgrid When rains came, Chandrapura fed donkey Gulab Jamuns FP News Service MANDSAUR In Chandrapura, the heavy showers after a long, punishing dry spell were welcomed not with umbrellas or hot chai — but with gulab jamuns for a donkey. The villagers believe the rains were no accident. On August 22, desperate for relief, they turned to age-old traditions to please Lord In- dradev. It was no ordinary prayer. A donkey was made to plough a field, urad and salt were sown in Muktidham, and villagers bowed before Lord Kaal Bhairav. Following ancient customs, one brave local even rode a donkey unclothed — a ritual said to strengthen the plea for rain. When clouds finally burst between August 31 and September 1, the villagers were convinced their devotion had the tale — was offered gulab jamuns, as residents clapped, prayed, and laughed together. “Tantric rituals can yield results when done with a pure heart and noble intention,” explained councillor representative Shailendra Giri Goswami, who, along with Shani Mandir Samiti president Sohan Singh Bhadauriya, led the rituals. worked. So, on Monday morning, at the Pashupati- nath Temple Gate, the humble donkey — the unlikely hero of 4Continued on | P8 In a major breakthrough, Bhopal Crime Branch has unearthed a secret arms manufacturing network that operated undetected for over four decades in Tikamgarh district. The racket, run by the Vishwakarma family for three generations, supplied countrymade firearms across state borders under the cover of agricultural equipment fabrication. Two illegal gun factories were discovered, one concealed inside a house in Chanderi village (Kudila police station area) and the other inside a warehouse in Ramgarh (Jatara police station area). On Monday, Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra told media that despite multiple arrests and jail terms, the family continued the trade uninterrupted, using modern lathe machines to make pistols and other firearms in-house. The breakthrough came after three suspects were detained and three stolen vehicles recovered. During interrogation, accused Mukhtar Khan revealed he had bought a pistol for Rs 32,000 from Surendra Vishwakarma. Acting on this lead, police raided both sites and uncovered the hidden factories. Surendra Vishwakarma (40), identified as the mastermind, learnt the trade from his father Anandi Vishwakarma, who himself had been trained by a relative in Phulera. Anandi had quietly made pistols for decades while posing as a fabricator of farm equipment. 4Continued on | P8