FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms VOL. 14 NO. 356 | BHOPAL | MONDAY | JUNE 9, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 FREE www.freepressjournal.in A Morning Ritual Born in MP n June 9, 1983, Free Press began its journey in Indore—Central India’s first English daily to rise from within the heart of the region. Many doubted we’d survive even 40 weeks in the Hindi heartland. Today, we mark 42 resilient years.In a world chasing virality, anniversaries spark celebration—and introspection. The real question isn’t how long we’ve lasted, but why. Has our journalism made a difference? Did we inform, inspire, hold power to account, right wrongs—or simply bring a smile? We believe we have. From day one, Free Press has stood for fearless, independent, and non-aligned journalism. That stance hasn’t always been easy or popular. But it earned something deeper—trust. Over time, we became a daily companion to thousands across Madhya Pradesh—a presence with their first cup of chai or coffee. Today, nearly 60,000 readers connect with us, in print and digitally through our PDF editions shared widely on social platforms. What keeps us going isn’t just a printing press—it’s people. Our reporters, photographers, editors—working tirelessly from tehsils to cities—carry the torch. And you, our readers, have shaped our story with your voices, your letters, and your loyalty.We’ve grown with the times. From a print-first daily to a community-engaged platform, we’ve stayed rooted in one belief: truth must flow freely. On our 42nd Foundation Day, we say thank you—for every morning shared, every idea exchanged. We promise to keep earning your trust. One edition at a time. O fp Briefs MADURAI ‘NDA govt in TN, WB in 2026’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that the NDA would form governments in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and targeted the DMK regime by firing fresh "corruption" salvos, including the Rs 4,600 crore sand mining scam. Addressing party office bearers, he hailed Madurai as a city of 'Parivartan' and said his party's Karyakarta Sammelan (Workers conference) in the temple city would lead to change; of dislodging the DMK from power. ARA Chirag evades naming seat Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday asserted that it is for the people of Bihar to decide from which seat he should contest the assembly elections due later this year. Paswan, the minister of food processing industries, made the statement at a rally in Ara in Bhojpur district where his party, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), sounded the poll bugle. "I will contest the assembly polls in Bihar. I will contest not just in Bihar but for Bihar and its people. I am the son of Ram Vilas Paswan. I will realise the dreams of my father and work for 'Bihar first, Bihari first' to change Bihar," he said. Indian engineer dies during scuba diving session in Dubai Online Report DUBAI An Indian civil engineer has died in the UAE while undergoing a scuba diving session during the Eid Al Adha holidays. The 29-year-old man, identified as Issac Paul Olakkengil, was in Dubai with his family when he took the session at Jumerah Beach on Friday. Hailing from Kerala, Olakkengil was enjoying the holidays alongside his wife, Resham and younger brother, Ivin when the tragedy struck. Olakkengil suffered a cardiac arrest after experiencing difficulty breathing underwater. According to David Pyarilos, Olakkengil's uncle, the incident took place during a training session at a designated scuba diving area. Both Reshma and Ivin were also receiving training when the situation took a turn for the worse. "It seems they were getting trained for scuba diving, and apparently, Issac couldn't breathe properly and moved away from the pack," said Pyarilos. "So, everyone panicked and was impacted underwater. I was told Reshma was rescued to the shore first, followed by the other two." While Olakkengil was rushed to the hospital, where he could not be saved, his brother, Ivin, collapsed on reaching the hospital and is currently under observation. iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL UJJAIN WORLD Sports Khaleel sizzles with 4-wkt haul... P.14 42 YEARS OF FREE VOICES ESTD-1983 PRESS PUNE INDORE NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit The latest twist in the K-drama Russia steps up assault against Ukraine, kills 5 Brand Sutra Beauty & The Bot P.12 MODI GOVT TURNS 11 | PM highlights shift in societal perspective where women are no longer limited to traditional roles ‘Women empowerment crucial to India’s growth’ Agencies BJP-led NDA govt released a book highlighting its achievements in empowering women over last 11 years NEW DELHI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised that women's empowerment is vital to India's growth, highlighting a shift in societal perspective where women are no longer limited to traditional roles. Instead, they are recognised as key drivers of progress, contributing significantly to the nation's development. The BJP-led NDA government at the centre released a book highlighting its achievements in empowering women over the last 11 years. As the NDA completes its 11 years in government, the book highlights various key schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. "Driven by a bold, inclusive, and lifecycle-based approach, the government has launched targeted interventions in health, education, housing, digital access, sanitation, and financial inclusion. 'Nari Shakti' is now a national mission, empowering every woman--urban or rural, young or elderly--to live with dignity, safety, and self-reliance," the book reads. It said that for generations, Indian women faced systemic barriers--limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and decisionmaking, especially in rural and marginalised communities. Still, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, a historic shift has taken place since 2014. Women are no longer seen as Gwalior-Chambal at heart of police recruitment scam From dacoits to job fraudsters Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Once the hotbed of interstate dacoits, Gwalior-Chambal region has now emerged as the epicentre of MP Police Constable Recruitment Examination 2023 fraud. Decades ago, the northern belt of the state echoed with the gunfire of notorious dacoit gangs led by Daku Man Singh, Pan Singh Tomar, Malkhan Singh, Phoolan Devi, Putli Bai, Mohar Singh, Seema Parihar, and Nirbhay Gurjar. With the fall of these organised gangs around a decade ago, a different kind of organised crime has taken root. In July 2013, the first major inter-state examination racket was busted by the In- P.10 Scam snapshot n Region in focus: Gwalior-Chambal leads with over half of 21 FIRs n Method: Aadhaar biometric manipulation, proxy solvers n Link to past scams: Echoes of Vyapam and 2013 MPPMT racket n Political angle: Key figure from earlier scam had contested elections dore police crime branch, exposing manipulation in the MP Pre-Medical Test (MPPMT). The alleged mastermind, Indore-based Dr Jagdish Sagar—originally from Bhind in GwaliorChambal region—was arrested. Remarkably, he contested the 2018 assembly elections from the Gohad-SC seat in Bhind on a BSP ticket, finishing a distant third. Subsequent probes by the state police and CBI unearthed the sprawling Vyapam scam, involving both admission tests and government recruitment exams conducted by the Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal (VYAPAM). The scandal left a nationwide stain on MP’s recruitment integrity, and trials continue to this day in CBI courts. Fast forward to 2023, opposition Congress raised fresh alarms over irregularities in exams conducted by the State Employees Selection Board (formerly Vyapam) for Group 2 posts, including patwari recruitment. Yet again, many of the candidates in question hailed from the Gwalior-Chambal region. 4Continued on | P8 passive beneficiaries but as empowered agents of change, central to India's growth story. Women are leading selfhelp groups, launching businesses, breaking barriers in science, defence, and sports, and shaping the nation's future. Women and children comprise nearly 67.7 per cent of India's population, the report said, adding that their empowerment is not just social reform--it's a strategic imperative. As India enters Amrit Kaal, Nari Shakti stands as the unstoppable force driving a stronger, more inclusive nation forward. 4Continued on | P8 IAF to get 3 I-STAR planes Amid the ongoing Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, the Defence Ministry is going to take up Rs 10,000 crore proposal to buy three sophisticated spy planes to help Indian Air Force get a clear airto-ground picture to carry out precision strikes. SONAM CASE Meghalaya min rules out CBI investigation Our Staff Reporter INDORE Meghalaya tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh has dismissed calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case of Sonam Raghuvanshi, who went missing in Meghalaya. Her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, was found dead in a gorge on June 2. The minister emphasised that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the state is already conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The minister stated that only if the investigation by the state police and the SIT “fail” will the next logical step be considered. “We will not defend or protect any criminal element, whether local or from outside,” he added. Lyngdoh reiterated that a CBI investigation is not relevant at this stage, as the SIT is already actively working on the case. Meanwhile, the family members of Raja and Sonam are demanding a CBI probe into the murder and Sonam's missing case. They have also written to the Prime Minister to press their demand. Simultaneously, Chief Minister PTI NEW DELHI A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sought the Election Commission's response on his article alleging rigging in Maharashtra polls, sources in the poll authority said Sunday the constitutional body would respond only if the Leader of the Opposition writes to it directly. They also pointed out that as part of its outreach, the EC had invited all six national parties for separate interactions. While the other five met the EC brass, Congress cancelled the May 15 meeting. Gandhi had on Saturday hit back at the Election Commission after sources in the poll panel rejected allegation of The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that May 2025 was the wettest since 1901, with the country receiving an average rainfall of 126.7 mm last month. The early onset of the southwest monsoon brought continuous rainfall across southern and eastern India, 4Continued on | P8 Mohan Yadav has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a CBI investigation. 4Continued on | P8 rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, saying evasion would not protect its credibility but telling the truth would. In an article, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had alleged "match-fixing" in the Maharashtra polls and claimed that it would next happen in the Bihar elections and "anywhere the BJP is losing". 4Continued on | P8 Trump warns Musk of ‘serious consequences’ Agencies WASHINGTON Manipur tense after Meitei leaders’ arrest PTI IMPHAL Protests over the arrests of Meitei outfit leaders continued in Manipur on Sunday even as the administration imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in five Imphal valley districts, officials said. Protesters burnt tyres on roads at Uripok and Koirengei in Imphal West district and Khurai in Imphal East, defying the prohibitory orders, they said. At Koirengei, demonstrators dug up the road and made heaps of soil on the thoroughfares to prevent the movement of security forces. Similar agitations were also staged in Jiribam district, neighbouring Assam. Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, while internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, 4Continued on | P8 US President Donald Trump has warned Tesla CEO Elon Musk of "serious consequences" if he gives funding to Democratic candidates to run against Republicans who vote in support of the GOP's sweeping budget bill. Speaking to NBC News in a phone interview on Saturday, Trump said, "If he does, he'll have to pay the consequences for that." However, he refused to mention the consequences. He further said, "He'll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that." Trump said he does not wish to repair his ties with Musk after the two had a public fallout. Musk and Trump have criticised each other on social media platforms X and Truth Social earlier this week. When asked whether he wished to do so, Trump responded, "No." When asked whether his ties with Elon Musk were over, Trump re- Maha, K’taka account for 51% of FDI PTI NEW DELHI Maharashtra and Karnataka accounted for 51 per cent of the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country during the last financial year 2024-25, according to the latest data of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Maharashtra attracted maximum foreign inflows at USD 19.6 billion and accounted for 31 per cent of the country's total FDI during April-March 2024-25. Karnataka received USD 6.62 billion overseas investments during the last fiscal year, the data showed. The two states were followed by Delhi (USD 6 billion), Gujarat (USD 5.71 billion), Tamil Nadu (USD 3.68 billion), Haryana (USD 3.14 billion), and Telangana (USD 3 billion). According to experts, the main reason for the maximum inflows in Maharashtra and Karnataka is substantial improvement in infrastructure. Infrastructure has improved considerably and that is making them attractive destinations for FDI in India, an economist said. Total FDI, which includes equity inflows, reinvested earnings and other capital, grew 14 per cent to USD 81.04 billion during the last financial year. India sees wettest May since 1901 with 126.7 mm rainfall Agencies The National Commission for Women (NCW) has directed the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, to submit a detailed report within 72 hours regarding the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi and the disappearance of his wife Sonam. Amid growing suspicions of Sonam being trafficked to Bangladesh, as reported by several media outlets, the NCW took suomotu cognisance. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has formally urged the DGP to intensify search operations using advanced methods, including drone surveillance, search dogs and specialised investigative teams. Will respond to rigging claims if Rahul writes formally: EC sources offgrid NEW DELHI NCW directs DGP to submit detailed report within 72 hours contributing to this record. In a social media post on X, the IMD wrote, "The average monthly rainfall for May 2025 over All-India (126.7 mm) and Central India (100.9 mm) was highest since 1901." https://x.com/Indiametdept/status/19315462638180 64021 As per the Met Department, rainfall over the country in the month of May 2025 was 126.7 mm, which is 106 per cent more than its Long Period Average (LPA) of 61.4 mm. An official press release from the IMD reads, "Rainfall over the country as a whole for the month of May 2025 was 126.7 mm, which is 106% more than its Long Period Average (LPA) of 61.4 mm..." "The average monthly rainfall for May 2025 over All-India (126.7 mm) and Central India (100.9 mm) was the highest since 1901. While the monthly rainfall over South Peninsular India reached 199.7 mm, marking the second highest total since 1901, it was surpassed only by 201.4 mm recorded in 1990. Similarly, the monthly average rainfall over Northwest India (48.1 mm) was the 13th highest since 1901 and the 4th highest since 2001. The monthly rainfall over East & Northeast India region was 242.8 mm, which is the 29th highest since 1901 and the 4th highest since 2001," it added. 4Continued on | P8 sponded, "I would assume so, yeah." Donald Trump said he has no plans to speak with Musk anytime soon. He stated, "I'm too busy doing other things," adding, "I have no intention of speaking to him," NBC News reported. He accused Musk of being "disrespectful to the office of the President." 4Continued on | P8 72% Indian firms hit by AI-powered cyberattacks IANS BENGALURU Nearly 72 per cent of organisations in India have been targeted by Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered cyberattacks in the past year, a new report said on Sunday. The report released by cybersecurity firm Fortinet and global research agency IDC warns that AI has become a new weapon in the hands of cybercriminals, enabling them to launch faster, more sophisticated, and stealthier attacks than ever before. The findings reveal that these AI-driven threats are not only growing in volume but also becoming increasingly difficult to detect.Many of them exploit vulnerabilities in human behaviour, misconfigured systems, and identity management frameworks -- areas where traditional cybersecurity tools often fall short.