FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. 15 No. 108 | BHOPAL | WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 1, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 FREE www.freepressjournal.in Sports KIRMANI LAMENTS POLITICS OVER SHADOWING CRICKET P.13 CHENNAI Vijay challenges TN CM Stalin Actor and TVK chief Vijay in his first public appearance and comments since 41 people died in the stampede in Tamil Nadu's Karur Saturday evening took aim at Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and hinted darkly at a conspiracy ahead of next year's election. "Chief Minister sir... if you have revenge plans, do anything to me. Don't touch my leaders. I will be at home or in office," a sombre Vijay, dressed in grey, said in his video message. EDITIONS: BHOPAL MONEY Govt pulls up e-comm cos for price hike despite GST cut UJJAIN PRESS PUNE INDORE Nine workers were killed and five others injured in a major accident at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station construction site in Ennore on Tuesday. According to preliminary reports, an arch being constructed collapsed from nearly 30 feet, trapping several migrant workers. While one worker sustained grievous injuries, more than ten were reported to be seriously hurt. The injured were rushed to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai. KARACHI Blast in Pak kills 10 At least 10 people were killed and over 30 others injured on Tuesday in a bomb attack against the paramilitary forces in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province. The blast ripped through a busy street close to the headquarters of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Quetta, capital of the province. Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed the attack. "Ten people have been killed while 32 were injured in the blast," he told the media. The injured were rushed to the city's various hospitals, where an emergency was declared. Cinema Let the music play… P.14 Tina Khatri NATIONAL RANKINGS INDORE Zero government schools from Indore. 2 from Bhopal. That’s the stark reality emerging from India’s most respected national school rankings for 2025–26. While Indore continues to ride high in private education with some of the country’s top-ranked institutions, its government schools have completely failed to secure a spot in the national list — a damning indicator of systemic neglect and widening educational disparity. In a year where Madhya Pradesh made strong private-sector gains, only two government-run schools — both from Bhopal — managed to enter the national rankings: » Army Public School, Bhopal –  India Rank 41 (Central Government Schools) » Model Higher Secondary School, TT Nagar, Bhopal – India Rank 24 (State Government Schools) These institutions may not lead the national charts, but their presence highlights Bhopal’s quiet but steady efforts to keep public education relevant and competitive — something Indore, despite its economic clout, has failed to do. Indore: A Powerhouse Failing Its Public Schools: Indore is no stranger to academic excellence. Its private institutions are among the most celebrated in India. The Emerald Heights International School topped the state and was ranked No. 1 nationally among coed day-cum-boarding schools. Several other schools like The Shishukunj International School, Delhi Public School, and New Digamber Public School also made impressive showings. But this success story is one-sided. None of Indore’s central or state government schools found a place in the top national rankings — not even in the top 100, raising uncomfortable questions: » Why is a city leading in private education unable to deliver even basic visibility for its public institutions? » Has educational development in Indore become a privilege only for those who can afford private schooling? RANK The Emerald Heights International School, Indore 1253 2 2 The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal 1218 34 3 Delhi Public School, Rau, Indore 1146 40 4 Neiil World School, Morena 1136 48 5 Shri Ram Centennial School, Indore 1122 59 6 Macro Vision Academy, Burhanpur 7 Bhandari Public School, Khandwa 1088 82 8 SYNA International School, Katni 1076 Former Union home minister P Chidambaram on Monday, September 29, revealed that the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government decided not to launch military action against Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks amid international pressure, especially from the United States. Chidambaram said that “retribution crossed my mind", but the government decided not to carry out any military action against the neighbouring country. The former union minister ZUBEEN’S DEATH Centre invokes Mutual Assistance Treaty with Singapore PTI GUWAHATI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that the Centre has formally invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore, seeking cooperation in the investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg in the southeast Asian country. The Assam government had submitted a request on Monday to the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking the invocation of the treaty with Singapore in connection with the singer's death in the island country. Retribution crossed my mind but... US said not to start war P Chidambaram Former Union home minister made these remarks during an interview with ABP. Notably, Chidambaram took charge as the Union Home Minister days after the attack. He said that the entire world told New Delhi not to "start a war." After Chidamabaram's revelation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed it, “too little, too late". "UPA govt didn’t retaliate against Pakistan after 26/11 because the MEA was against it and, USA told us not to go to war." Talking about the reaction of the international community after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, which claimed 91 9 Delhi Public School, Mandla Road, Jabalpur 1066 92 10 GyanGangaOrchidsTheInternationalSchool,Bhopal 1065 95 11 Medi-Caps International School, Indore 1062 100 12 Gyan Ganga Orchids International School, Jabalpur 1056 101 13 Gyanodaya SMVM Sr Sec School, Khurai 1053 108 14 Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Bhopal 1045 1040 112 15 Delhi Public School, Chhindwara 120 16 The Royal Ecole School, Seoni 1026 122 17 International Public School, Bhopal 1020 the lives of around 160 people, Chidamabaram said that the then US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice told the UPA government at the centre, "not to react". “Condoleeza Rice, who was then US Secretary of State, flew in two or three days after I took over, to meet me and the Prime Minister. And to say, 'please don't react'. I said this is a decision that the government will take. Without disclosing any official secret, it did cross my mind that we should do some act of retribution,” Chidamabaram told ABP. 4Continued on | P8 Trump’s Gaza plan viable ‘India is new builder pathway to peace: Modi of world, we want it PTI NEW DELHI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict and said it provides a viable path to long-term peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people as well as the larger West Asian region. Modi also hoped that "all concerned" will come together behind Trump's initiative and support it to end conflict and secure peace. The plan, unveiled after talks between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Don gives Hamas 3-4 days to reply US President Donald Trump has said that Hamas has three to four days to respond to his 20point peace proposal. The plan calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages by Hamas within 72 hours, disarmament of Hamas and Israel's gradual withdrawal from Gaza Netanyahu, proposes an immediate end to the war in Gaza, release of all the hostages held by Hamas and demilitarisation of the Strip. "We welcome President Donald J. Trump's announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict," Modi said in a post on X. to build our regions’ The glittering Asia Cup 2025 triumph by India has been overshadowed by a dramatic trophy fiasco, sparking a heated showdown at the Asian Cricket Council’s AGM. The BCCI, led by vice president Rajeev Shukla and former treasurer Ashish Shelar, raised a “strong objection” over the bizarre denial of the winning trophy to Team India after the final. The controversy stems from India’s re- The trophy belongs to the winning team, not an individual” Rajeev Shukla fusal to accept the silverware from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s cricket board chief and a government minister. In a shocking turn, the Asia Cup trophy remains locked in the ACC office, leaving fans and players waiting for their rightful prize. “The trophy belongs to the winning team, not an individual,” Shukla asserted, emphasising that 7.42 crore voters in Bihar’s final poll roll PTI NEW DELHI/PATNA The total number of electors in poll-bound Bihar have come down by nearly 47 lakh to 7.42 crore in the final electoral roll published on Tuesday from 7.89 crore before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list carried out by the Election Commission. The final figure has, however, increased by 17.87 lakh from 7.24 crore electors named in the draft list issued on August 1, which had removed 65 lakh voters from the original list on various accounts, in- 231 GNS, 188 BSc nursing colleges, all pvt, get recognition 24 IAS officers transferred; Jain is BMC chief Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza will allow countries like India to carry out reconstruction activities in the region as New Delhi has been playing a positive role for peace in the Middle-East, Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar said on Tuesday. The Israeli envoy said India can contribute in terms of economic projects in Gaza and Israel would also like to have its involvement in construction activities in the country. "We are very thankful to the Indian government. India has been playing a positive role in supporting peace in our region. India has a lot to bring to the plate, when it comes to economic activities." The state government on Tuesday transferred 24 IAS officers, including the collectors of 12 districts. Among them are the collectors of Bhind and Dindori, the drama had no place in the spirit of cricket. But Naqvi, according to sources, “still hasn’t agreed” to release the silverware. The Cupquake has rattled cricket’s corridors, raising questions about sportsmanship, governance, and respect for champions. For now, India holds the title in name, but not in hand—a victory without its crown. cluding deaths, migration and duplication of voters. While 21.53 lakh new electors have been added to the draft list, 3.66 lakh names have been removed from there, resulting in a net increase of 17.87 lakh. The final figure may change marginally after supplementary lists are published during the poll process. 4Continued on | P8 Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Out of 21 government nursing colleges in Madhya Pradesh, the Nursing Council has given recognition for 2025-26 to only four. Cumulatively, these four government-recognised nursing colleges have 515 seats.  These four colleges are: Government College of Nursing, GMC, Bhopal; Government College of Nursing, Indore; Government College of Nursing, GM, Rewa, and Government College of Nursing, Ujjain. The 17 government nursing colleges that did not make the cut this year include the ones at the Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) and Pandit Khushilal Sharma Govt Ayurveda College and Institute in Bhopal.  Besides, 231 GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) and 188 BSc nursing colleges have been given recognition. On directions from the High Court on a PIL alleging irregularities in granting recognition to nursing colleges, the CBI had inspected 308 colleges and found 66 unfit in the first round of its probe. In the second round, the number of unsuitable colleges increased. None of these unsuitable colleges figures among those that got recognition. A total of 33 new nursing colleges and 360 existing ones had applied for renewal in the 2025-26 session. Bhind and Dindori collectors shifted after face-off with MLAs NEW DELHI TROPHY TUSSLE TURNS STORMY STATUS OF TROPHY - Locked in the ACC office, not handed over to India Of 21 government nursing colleges, 4 get recognition for 2025-26 1106 73 US said don’t start war after 26/11: Chidambaram NEW DELHI Totalscore (1500) 1 BIG ADMISSION | BJP terms revelation ‘too little, too late’ FP Online Madhya Pradesh 1 Cupquake DUBAI E-paper Indore govt schools MIA, Bhopal earns 2 spots 4Continued on | P8 PTI MUMBAI Edit Kerala’s fears echo in India P.6 CHENNAI Nine dead as arch collapses NASHIK State 2025 Briefs iii QUALITY @ VALUE India 2025 fp ESTD-1983 who were shifted following disputes with local legislators. Bhind collector Sanjeev Shrivastava had a heated exchange with BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwaha recently, while Dindori collector Neha Marvya had differences with MLA Omprakash Dhurve. Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Harendra Narayan has been Old age pension stuck at Rs 600 as hike proposal pending with Finance dept Rajan Raikwar BHOPAL While the old-age pension beneficiaries struggle to make ends meet with the Rs 600 they receive per month, a 2023 proposal to increase the amount to Rs 1,500 still awaits approval from the Finance Department. Under the integrated social security pension scheme, approximately 15.75 lakh senior citizens receive Rs 600 per month. 4Continued on | P8 ‘Not enough for survival’ Ninety-yearold Sona Bai lives in the slums of Durga Nagar. She said Rs 600 is anyway too little to meet the monthly expenses. On top of that, to collect her pension, she has to take an auto for Rs 100 to reach the pension office. That leaves her with Rs 500 for her monthly expenses. She lives with her daughter, who takes care of her financial needs. ‘Can’t even buy vegetables’ Resham Bai, 60, also lives in Durga Nagar and gets Rs 600 as a widow's pension. She said the amount is too little to buy vegetables for entire month. She pointed out that young women are getting Rs 1,250 per month under Ladli Behna Scheme, while destitute and senior citizens receive a Rs 600. appointed Chhindwara collector. Seoni collector Sanskriti Jain replaced him as BMC commissioner. Neeraj Kumar Vashist, who was deputy secretary of former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and currently serving as director Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Tribe has been shifted as collector Pandurna. 4Continued on | P8 Five killed in truck-bike collision FP News Service BHIND A tragic road accident on National Highway 719, known as the 'Highway of Death,' has claimed five lives including a child. The accident occurred between Etawah and Bhind. According to police reports, Bhola Khan, a diver from Bhind, was returning from Etawah on his bike when a speeding truck hit him. The collision struck another bike carrying four people including two children. The impact was so severe that three individuals died on the spot, while two others succumbed to injuries on their way to the district hospital. Phoop Police Station incharge, Satendra said that the canter truck driver fled the scene but abandoned the vehicle after a short distance. Police are actively searching for the accused. 4Continued on | P8