FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. 15 No. 151 | BHOPAL | THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | Pages 18 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 www.freepressjournal.in Sports SURVIVE THE FIRE, CONQUER THE SPIN P.16 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL UJJAIN WORLD PUNE INDORE NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit A fight for the right to breathe P.10 Top diplomats to meet Ukraine minister amid war escalation Cinema ‘She’s older, wider...’ P.15 RED FORT BLAST| PM interacts with blast survivors, assures strict action against those behind attack Women get Rs 1,500 for 1st time EXPLOSION A TERROR ATTACK, under Ladli Behna Yojana CABINET ORDERS SWIFT JUSTICE Govt reaffirms zero tolerance for terrorism, honours victims GAURAV VIVEK BHATNAGAR NEW DELHI The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday strongly condemned the car bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed and injured several people, calling it a “dastardly and cowardly act” and vowing swift action against those responsible. The Cabinet observed two minutes’ silence for the victims Scan & Watch and adopted a resolution reaffirming India’s “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the situation is being closely monitored and that the investigation must be pursued “with utmost urgency and professionalism.” “The Cabinet pays its solemn respects to the victims, conveys condolences to the bereaved families, and prays 4Continued on | P8 fp Briefs NEW DELHI Over 37 cr forms distributed The Election Commission of India (ECI) has achieved a major milestone under Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, distributing more than 37 crore Enumeration Forms (EFs) to electors across 12 States and Union Territories as of November 12, 2025, the poll panel said on Wednesday. MODI VOWS JUSTICE FOR CONSPIRATORS GAURAV VIVEK BHATNAGAR NEW DELHI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital to meet those injured in Monday’s car bomb blast near Red Fort, assuring that “those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice.” Modi, who was briefed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah late on Monday about 4Continued on | P8 PM Narendra Modi meets an injured victim undergoing treatment at LNJP hospital following a blast near the Red Fort, in New Delhi on Wednesday Turkiye link of suspects BIG CALENDAR ERROR Planned 26/11 style attack 40 RED FORT RECCES wo doctors linked to the Red Fort blast — Muzammil Shakeel and Adeel Ahmad Rather — had reportedly met Jaishe-Mohammed handlers in Turkiye, sources said. Their arrest and the seizure of 2,900 kg explosives and weapons allegedly pushed Dr Umar Nabi to carry out the suicide attack, planned through JeM-run Telegram groups D r Umar Muhammad, the doctor behind the Red Fort car blast, waited over three hours in a nearby parking lot before the explosion. Investigators believe he planned to detonate the bomb amid crowds near the monument but forgot it was closed on Mondays. Frustrated after his associates’ arrest and explosives seizure, he drove off, and the car exploded near Red Fort Metro. he Red Fort blast suspects had planned 26/11style multiple attacks across Delhi, targeting landmarks like India Gate, Constitution Club, and Gauri Shankar Temple, sources said. Linked to JeM, the module of radicalised doctors from J&K had prepared 200 IEDs to strike Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad, aiming to spark communal tension while using their “white-collar” identity as cover. D Hunt for Red car ends in Faridabad A red Ford EcoSport car suspected to be linked to the Delhi Red Fort blast case has been traced and seized in Faridabad district's Khandawali, police said. When asked if the EcoSport car has been traced, a Faridabad police spokesperson confirmed over the phone, saying, "Yes, it has been found in Khandawali village". T The NHRC has ordered an enquiry into allegations against the US-based Indian-American Muslim Council (IAMC) for allegedly promoting a distorted portrayal of Indian Muslims and influencing media coverage through questionable funding. T ata from arrested doctor Muzammil Ganaie’s phone revealed he conducted over 40 recces of Delhi’s Red Fort in January, officials said. Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, he and Dr Umar Nabi studied security and crowd patterns ahead of a planned Republic Day attack. Forensic teams have collected 40 samples from the recent blast site for analysis. ‘India ties among US’s most impt partnerships’ Trump boasts of fantastic relationship with PM Modi as Gor takes charge as US envoy AGENCIES TRUMP DEFENDS H-1B, SAYS US NEEDS GLOBAL TALENT WASHINGTON DC Calling India “one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world,” US President Donald Trump said he was entrusting newly appointed Ambassador Sergio Gor to further strengthen strategic, economic, and security ties with New Delhi. Praising India as “an amazing country” with “a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said Gor would help deepen cooperation in key sectors, including energy, NEW DELHI NHRC for probe into IAMC the investigation, had left for a two-day state visit to Bhutan on Tuesday. While addressing the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, he said he was “in touch with all agencies throughout the night” and vowed that “the conspirators will not be spared.” At LNJP Hospital, Modi interacted with survivors, their families, and medical staff. Af halts drug imports from Pak IANS NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump defended the H-1B visa programme, saying America “lacks certain talents” and must bring in global expertise. While citing South Korean battery workers as an example, he acknowledged the need for skilled immigrants even as his administration continues probes and reforms to curb H-1B misuse and protect American jobs. technology, and defence. Gor, who also serves as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, expressed gratitude and optimism upon taking charge. X. During his Senate confirmation, Gor had described India as one of America’s most significant global partnerships. 4Continued on | P8 HC to continue hearing on quota in promotions on Nov 13 NEW DELHI OUR STAFF REPORTER Afghanistan has ordered its traders to stop importing medicines from Pakistan within three months, calling them “low-quality”, and urged businesses to find alternative trade routes, reports Tolo News. Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar warned that after the deadline, Kabul “will not cooperate” with traders continuing business with Pakistan. He said poorquality Pakistani medicines were harming Afghanistan’s health sector and asked importers to “immediately find alternative supply routes”. “Very much looking forward to being the new U.S. Ambassador to India. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump! I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity,” he posted on AJJAKS INTERVENES BHOPAL/ JABALPUR A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard multiple petitions related to ongoing disputes over state reservation in promotions. State government had earlier submitted quantified data in a sealed envelope. It was allowed to carry out further exercise as per Rule 5 of Promotion Rules, 2025. Officials sought additional time to produce documents and studies conducted in this connection. Advocate Anmol Shrivas- MP High Court on Wednesday rejected Anusuchit jat -Jati Adhikari Karamchari Sangh (AJJAKS) plea for adjournment into promotion policy hearing. Earlier, AJJAKS had filed an SLP in Supreme court on same matter but was directed to move HC. Appearing on behalf of SAPAKS, advocate Anmol Shrivastava continued his argument challenging the new promotion policy. In the last hearing, state government had submitted quantified data of various departments. On Wednesday, no discussion was made on it, advocate Shrivastava said, adding that SAPAKS was not opposed to quota in promotion. It wants it be undertaken as per the Constitution. tava, representing SAPAKS, continued arguments, saying SAPAKS does not oppose reservation in promotions but insists it must follow constitutional provisions. No discussion was held on quantified data submitted by state during latest hearing. The next hearing is scheduled on November 13. Cheetah India, Botswana seal pact; Prez says ‘we’ll care for them’ PTI GABORONE (BOTSWANA) In a historic wildlife diplomacy milestone, India and Botswana on Wednesday formally sealed an agreement to translocate eight cheetahs from the African nation to India under Project Cheetah. The announcement came during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana—the first-ever by an Indian President. President Murmu, expressing gratitude to her counterpart President Duma Gideon Boko and the people of Botswana, said, “We will take good care of them.” President Boko announced that Botswana would symbolically hand over the cheetahs to “Her Excellency” on Thursday. The two leaders will preside over a ceremony at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, near Gaborone, where the eight cheetahs—brought from the Kalahari’s Ghanzi region—will be released into a quarantine facility before their eventual transfer to India. “It gives me special pleasure that Botswana is reintroducing cheetahs into India under Project Cheetah—a unique wildlife conservation initiative,” Murmu said. Boko added that the move would help “regenerate” India’s cheetah population and deepen bilateral biodiversity cooperation. The partnership builds on earlier phases of Project Cheetah, under which Prime Minister Narendra Modi re- leased eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, in September 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in 2023. India currently has 27 cheetahs, including 16 born locally. Despite challenges— 19 deaths due to various causes—26 cubs have been born, giving India a net gain of seven cheetahs over the initial number imported. 4Continued on | P8 Congmen beating chests as if they were losing dear ones: CM OUR STAFF REPORTER BHOPAL Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said when the government decided to add Rs 250 to the financial aid under the Ladli Behna Yojana, the Congressmen behaved as though they were losing their dear ones (jaise unki nani ja rahi ho). Yadav made the statement on Wednesday when he was transferring Rs 1,500 for the first time to the accounts of the beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Yojna. The Congressmen were beating their chests, saying the government’s coffers were empty as if they had peeped into the money box, Yadav said, adding that the Congress shortened the national song, Vande Mataram. The Congress was responsible for the partition of the country, called Akhand Bharat. The government is preparing to give Rs 5,000 to women through the job-orientated schemes, and the amount of the Ladli Behna Yojna will be increased, he said. Hasina links return to democracy, slams Yunus for harming India ties PTI KOLKATA Ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said her return depends on the restoration of participatory d e m o c r a c y, the lifting of the ban on the Awami League, and free, fair, and inclusive elections. In an exclusive email interview to PTI from an undisclosed location in India, Hasina accused the unelected Yunus administration of “endangering ties with India and empowering extremist forces”. She said the “broad and deep” relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi should withstand “the foolhardiness of the Yunus interlude.” Hasina thanked India for granting her refuge, saying she was “immensely grateful to the government and people of India for their kind hospitality.” “The most important condition for my return is the same one the Bangladeshi people require — a return to participatory democracy. 4Continued on | P8 Chief Minister gives cheque to beneficiary in a function held in Bhopal on Wednesday Paddy, wheat procurement hief Minister Mohan Yadav has said the government will continue to procure paddy and wheat at MSP. He made the statement on a letter written to the Centre on the procurement of crops at MSP. There will be no problem with the procurement of paddy at MSP. C The women will be provided with a 33% quota in the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, and other elections from 2029. He also interacted with the Last salaam to Lal Salaam M Mohan Yadav, has said if the Maoists do not lay down arms before January next year, they will be wiped out. The deadline for surrender has been advanced from March to January, he said. If they want to return to the mainstream, they will be welcomed, or else Lal Salam will get last Salam, he said. C beneficiaries of the scheme. They told Yadav how the financial benefits they got under the scheme were helping them. HC UPHOLDS GIRL’S RIGHT TO STUDY, REBUKES FATHER Girl leaves home to pursue IAS dream, traced by police OUR STAFF REPORTER BHOPAL In a landmark ruling, the Jabalpur High Court upheld a girl’s right to study, stressing that every child has the right to education and to shape their future. The case involved a bright student from Bhopal, originally from Bihar, who left home in January as a minor after her father objected to her talking to a classmate, the second topper in her class. Her father filed an abduction case at Bajaria Police Station, but she remained missing for several months. Police recently traced her to another city after she updated her Aadhaar details using an old SIM card. She had been living in a hostel, working and continuing her studies. She told police she left home because her parents opposed her aspiration to LANDMARK VERDICT During a habeas corpus hearing on November 6, the girl appeared in court, stating she had left home voluntarily to continue her studies due to difficulties at home. Her parents wanted to take her back, and she agreed to return for four to five days. In the next hearing on Wednesday, the court directed that she remain in Patna to continue her education, with her parents covering all educational expenses. The court also ordered appointment of a woman officer to guide her and address any complaints. become an IAS officer. She left with a few books, some clothes and Rs 300, supporting herself through a private job while pursuing her studies. STF busts fake D.Ed marksheet scam in school education FIR against eight teachers, 26 others OUR STAFF REPORTER BHOPAL The Special Task Force (STF) has uncovered a racket involving fake and fabricated D.Ed marksheets used to secure jobs in school education department, officials said on Wednesday. SP Rajesh Singh Bhadoria of the Gwalior STF unit said the investigation began after receiving information that some teachers were using fake diplomas in education to gain employment. A five-member investigation team found 34 people involved in the scam. Each marksheet sold for Rs 5L FIRs were filed against Gandharv Singh, Sahab Singh Kushwaha, Brij Roria, Mahendra Singh Rawat, Lokendra Singh, Rubi Kushwaha, Ravindra Singh Rana, and Arjun Singh Chauhan. Probe continues against 26 others, including racketeers, middlemen and government officials who facilitated the fake marksheets. Reports suggest each marksheet was sold for Rs 5 lakh, with candidates assured their documents could not be proven fake in any verification. Verification busted fraud After candidates secured jobs, education department conducted verification of qualifications by contacting MP Board of Secondary Education. The Board confirmed that candidates had not passed the exams. SP Bhadoria said racketeers then altered Board’s original report, attaching fake documents claiming the teachers had passed. Teachers working for years The teachers are currently employed in districts including Morena, Shivpuri, Gwalior and Indore. Some went underground after the FIR, while others continue to attend schools regularly.