FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. XLI No. 255 | INDORE | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 21, 2025 | Pages 16 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 www.freepressjournal.in ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: Sports India set to transform into high-income nation by 2047 NEW INNINGS | PM attends ceremony with NDA leaders, hopes team will ensure good governance in rajdhani Delhi Durbar out for Rekha Gupta oath Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar fp Briefs DUBAI Prime Minister Narendra Modi with newly sworn-in Delhi CM Rekha Gupta during the oath ceremony E-paper Cinema The Urvashi conundrum P.14 Centre advisory to OTT platforms over vulgarity on social media Trump opens a can of worms PTI $ 21 m in fund was to get someone else elected, indicates Trump NEW DELHI Brahmin face in the cabinet, was also elected an MLA in 2015 on AAP ticket but was later removed from the party after he accused then minister Satyendar Jain of corruption. 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 Delhi chief minister presides over an all-male cabinet that includes giant slayer Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the elections, Hindutva poster boy Kapil Mishra and the BJP's Sikh face Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Besides, Ashish Sood, Ravinder Indraj Singh and Pankaj Singh were also administered the oath of office by Lt Governor V K Saxena MUMBAI Edit Modi’s pick is Delhi CM P.6 HC asks state to send proposal to Centre in three months Our Staff Reporter High Court, principal bench of Jabalpur, has instructed state government to send proposal to the Central government within three months to release fund for Madarsas of the state. Justice Vishal Dhagat passed the order. Bhopal-based Qaumi Urdu Shikshak Karamchari Sangh president Afsar Khan and Secretary Kafeel Khan filed a petition in the High Court and told that the FUND FOR MADARSAS Central Government had implemented the 'Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasa' (SPQEM) scheme to provide modern formal education in madarsas. Under the scheme, 60 per cent of funds were to be given to the Central Government and 40 per cent to the State Government. Teaching work disrupted since 2017. The petitioners argued that the teaching system in madarsas is being affected due to unavailability of funds since 2017. Qaumi Urdu Shikshak Karamchari Sangh said that representations were submitted to the state government several times demanding funds, but no concrete action was taken. 4Continued on | P8 I am confident she will work for Delhi's development with full vigour. My best wishes to her for a fruitful tenure Narendra Modi Prime Minister MP Digital Experience Centre to showcase state’s history, heritage, economy, culture GIS 2025 Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL US President Donald Trump, firing from the hips yet again, has linked the allocation of USD 21 million for boosting voter turnout in India to an underhand attempt to ‘‘get someone elected.’’ Trump has already likened it to the outrage that would follow if similar tactics were employed in the US. But this time he is being more direct and upfront, turning the spotlight on the role of foreign money in Indian national elections. Sources suggest that a probe is on and a list, accessible to both the American and Indian administrations, will serve as the basis for the investigation. According to News18, the probe is expected to gain full momentum only after a thorough examination of all related transactions. For now, the government has initiated the process by sending questionnaires to certain individuals identified as recipients of USAID funds. FP News Service DUBAI Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets during the ICC Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. Shami, who has returned to international cricket after a 14-month injury layoff during the recent home series against England, grabbed 5/53 to reach the milestone in his 104th match. With that, he has bettered former India pacer Ajit Agarkar's record of reaching the mark in 133 matches. Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali, who made 68, was his 200th wicket. B'desh border force chief calls reports of attacks on minorities ‘exaggerated’ Chief of Bangladesh's border guarding force on Thursday sought to downplay the attacks on minorities in his country that took place after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, saying such reports were "exaggerated". Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) director general Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui also said "many new is- 4Continued on | P8 tion along the international border. This was the first highlevel meeting of the two forces after the regime change in Bangladesh in August last year. The BGB DG also said they raised "objections" and "flagged a number of cases" during the bi-annual DG-level talks with regard to the fencing being done by India along the IB and has requested for a "joint inspection" before the work is done. 4Continued on | P8 offgrid Maha Kumbh to end with 7 planets visible in Indian skies Online Report With Maha Kumbh 2025 inching closer to an end, a rare astronomical phenomenon is underway in the skies above Earth. All seven planets of the solar system are visible. All seven planets of our solar system — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — will be visible in the night sky from India. This celestial alignment adds a unique layer of significance to the festival, as many believe that such cosmic events amplify spiritual energies. This planetary parade, which began in January 2025 with the visibility of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will culminate in February when Mercury joins the lineup. The event is set to reach its peak on February 28, 2025, when all seven planets will align on one side of the Sun. The term "planetary align- ment" is often used colloquially to describe such events, even though it lacks a strict scientific definition. It generally refers to the visibility of multiple planets simultaneously in the night sky. These celestial bodies will appear along the ecliptic— the path traced by the Sun across the sky—due to their orbits being roughly in the same plane. During this planetary The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Lokpal order on entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges saying it was "something very, very disturbing" and concerned the independence of the judiciary. A bench of Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant and Abhay S Oka issued notice and sought responses from the Centre, the Lokpal registrar and the person who filed complaints against a sitting high court judge. "Issue notice to the Union of India, Registrar, Lokpal of India and the complainant, returnable on March 18 at 10.30 am," the bench said. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said a high court judge would never fall within the ambit of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Dealing with Lokpal's order on two specific complaints against the sitting high court judge, the bench, issued an injunction to prevent the complainant from disclosing the name of the judge and directed him to keep the complaint confidential. The apex court was dealing with a suo motu case initiated after the Lokpal passed the order on January 27. 4Continued on | P8 Shami fastest Indian to bag 200 ODI wkts Spirituality and Zone 5: The Future – Madhya Pradesh Vision 2047 It will use cutting-edge digital technology to showcase the state’s journey from its rich cultural past to a progressive, technology-driven future. It will underline the confluence of tradition, transformation and technology, in the state, reflecting its timeless essence. Through immersive digital storytelling, visitors will be able to embark on a journey through the state’s past, present and future. It will introduce visitors to the state’s rich archaeological heritage including Bhimbetka, Sanchi Stupa, Khajuraho temple complex. sues" under the common heads were discussed during his highlevel talks with an Indian delegation headed by BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary here. Siddiqui, while speaking to reporters during a joint press conference with Chawdhary, asserted that authorities of his country took steps for the protection of the minorities as he gave example of his force "personally" extending security cover to Durga Puja pandals within 8 km of their jurisdic- 4Continued on | P8 The BJP on Thursday said that US President Donald Trump's latest remarks was a "reaffirmation" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls campaign that foreign powers were trying to stop him from coming to power. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has aligned himself with global networks seeking to undermine India's strategic and geopolitical interests while "acting as a tool for foreign agencies", alleged BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya Govt extends tenure of CEA till March 2027 PTI In addition to financial details, authorities are also seeking information on foreign travel linked to these individuals. Sources indicate that some "unnatural" transactions have already been flagged, raising further suspicions. These irregularities, along with other findings, are set to be investigated extensively as part of the probe. BJP leader Amit Malviya has further stoked the controversy by alleging that billionaire investor George Soros, known for his critical stance toward the Modi government, may be indirectly connected to these transactions. RaGa acting as tool for foreign agencies: BJP economy, industry, wildlife, culture and other aspects of the state. The centre will have multiple thematic zones including Zone 1: Introduction to Madhya Pradesh, Zone 2: Nature, Wildlife, Heritage, Zone 3: Industrial and Smart Renaissance – Economy, Innovation, Achievements, State Highlights, Zone 4: The Roots – Civilisation, Culture and NEW DELHI NEW DELHI MUMBAI A high-tech Madhya Pradesh Digital Experience Centre will be set up at Global Investors’ Summit (GIS) venue on Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) campus to introduce delegates from India and abroad to the state. Using digital display, interactive technology and virtual reality, the centre will acquaint visitors with the history, heritage, New Delhi: The government on Thursday extended the tenure of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran for two years till March 2027. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the tenure of Nageswaran on a contract basis up to March 31, 2027. With the approval of ACC, the tenure of V Anantha Nageswaran as Chief Economic Adviser on contract basis is extended up to March 31, 2027, or until further order. Very disturbing: SC stays Lokpal order on plaints against sitting HC judges PTI FP News Service Interactive tech, VR to give sneak peek into MP’s past, present, future A brilliant century by Shubman Gill and five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami were the highlights as India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in their ICC Champions Trophy campaign opener at Dubai on Thursday. Chasing 229 runs set thanks to a fighting 154-run stand by Towhid Hridoy, India got off to a fine start with a 69-run opening stand. Maharashtra Agriculture Minister and NCP leader Manikrao Kokate was on Thursday sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a court here in a 1995 case where he was charged with submitting fake documents to get flats under a quota. NASHIK killer” in the Delhi assembly election as he defeated AAP national convener and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi seat. Son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, Parvesh is the tallest Jat leader of the party in Delhi. The other BJP MLAs who took oath were Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra and Pankaj Kumar Singh. Sood, who represents Janak Puri, has vast experience in Delhi BJP and had earlier served as party co-in-charge for Goa and Jammu and Kashmir. Kapil Mishra is the son of former Delhi BJP Mayor Annapurna Mishra but had begun his political career with AAP. The Karawal Nagar MLA, a BHOPAL Maha min gets 2-yr jail term BHOPAL Congress had ruled for three terms and last October Aam Aadmi Party handed over the reins to Atishi after its leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned from the post. In 50-year-old Gupta, Delhi also got its first CM with a student union background. She was a Delhi University Students Union leader and represented ABVP, the student wing of the RSS. Thereafter she had thrice served as councillor and as BJP national executive member and general secretary of Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha. A surprise at the event was former MP Parvesh Verma taking oath as cabinet minister despite there being buzz on Wednesday of him being picked for the deputy CM post. He had proved to be the “giant India kickstarts CT with win NASHIK PUNE Amid a row over vulgar jokes on social media, the Centre has cracked the whip and warned OTT platforms against transmitting content that is prohibited by the law. In an advisory to over-the-top (OTT) platforms and self-regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also asked them to strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics prescribed under the IT Rules-2021 while publishing content, including stricter adherence to the agebased classification of content. It also asked self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms to take appropriate proactive action for violation of the Code of Ethics by the platforms. The ministry said it has received complaints from Members of Parliament, statutory organisations and public grievances regarding the alleged spread of obscene, pornographic and vulgar content published by certain publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and social media. "In view of the above it is advised that the OTT platforms adhere to the various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on their platforms, including stricter adherence to the agebased classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics," the advisory said. 6 ministers sworn in NEW DELHI Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rekha Gupta was on Thursday administered oath as the 9th chief minister of Delhi by lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at a grand swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. Six party MLAs were also sworn in as cabinet ministers. The event was attended among others by prime minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president JP Nadda, and other central ministers and party leaders. In a show of strength for the National Democratic Alliance, chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis was present along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar; and from Andhra, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu attended the event along with his deputy Pawan Kalyan. Though Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was not present, the Janata Dal (United) was represented by union minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh. Several CMs and deputy CMs from BJP-ruled states also attended the event. With a lady chief minister in Gupta at the helm, the BJP has in a way continued from where it left off in 1998 when Sushma Swaraj was the CM. Subsequently Sheila Dikshit of the UJJAIN MONEY Gill’s grit, Shami’s magic power India to flying start P.15 INDORE parade, observers can expect to see five planets without any optical aid: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or telescopes for viewing due to their faintness. The best times for observation will be during twilight hours after sunset or before sunrise when the planets are positioned higher in the sky. The 34-year-old fast bowler is the second quickest to clinch 200 ODI wickets in world cricket, behind Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who needed 102 games. One of India’s finest seamers, Shami averages less than 25 in the ODI format and has taken six fifers and 10 four-wicket hauls. Shami is the eighth Indian to complete 200 wickets in ODI cricket. The pacer had suffered an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in November, which required surgery. His recovery was further complicated by swelling in his left knee, as he was sidelined from international cricket for 14 months. 4Continued on | P8 Surrender looted arms within 7 days: Manipur Governor’s ultimatum PTI IMPHAL Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged the people of the strife-torn state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those giving up arms during this period. However, Bhalla asserted that "strict action" would be taken after the expiry of the seven days. "People of Manipur, both in the valley and hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony," he said in an appeal issued on Thursday. He said all communities in the state must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in the society so that people can return to their nor- mal day-to-day activities. "It is in this regard that I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the valley and hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station/outpost/security forces camp within next seven days, effective from today," he said. The governor said this single act of returning weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace. "I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons," he said. 4Continued on | P8