FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. XLII No. 231 | INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 26, 2026 | Pages 18 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 FREE www.freepressjournal.in Sports No NOCs, no series: ICC’s ultimatum to Pakistan over T20 WC threat P.14 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE UJJAIN WORLD PRESS PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit Judicial freedom need of the hour P.8 Protesters demand federal agents to leave Minneapolis Brand Sutra SCALE IS DEAD P.16 Four from MP feted with Padma Shri Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Four personalities from Madhya Pradesh have been feted with Padma Shri Awards 2026, announced by the Government of India on Sunday evening. They include author and journalist Kailash Chandra Pant from Bhopal, archaeologist Narayan Vyas from Bhopal, martial arts trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Sagar and social activist Mohan Nagar from Betul. Kailash Chandra Pant Born in Mhow, the 89-year- Free Press painting competition HOLIDAY NOTICE NEW CHAPTER | Ursula underlines importance of openness and dialogue in int’l relations ‘India, EU show another way in fractured world’ Agencies NEW DELHI European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday pitched India and the European Union as partners offering an alternative model of global cooperation amid conflict, protectionism and political uncertainty. In her message, Ursula underlined the importance of openness and dialogue in in- ternational relations. “I’m so glad to be in India today. India and Europe have made a clear choice. The choice of strategic partnership, dialogue and openness. Leveraging our complementary strengths. And building mutual resilience. We are showing a fractured world that another way is possible,” she posted on X. 4Continued on | P10 FTA to be sealed tomorrow India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and the finalisation of a free trade agreement aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said Mohan Nagar Narayan Vyas Bhagwandas old Pant is a Hindi writer, journalist and prominent advocate of Hindi language. 4Continued on | P10 CM performs bhoomi pujan of 15 3 killed, 2 hurt devpt works worth Rs 760.78 cr in Singrauli Colours, confidence and creativity shine as young participants lift their finished paintings, showcasing the energetic spirit of the 14th annual Free Press painting competition in Ujjain on Sunday (See pg 4 & 13) Pic by Pintu Namdev Offices of Free Press will remain closed on Monday on account of Republic Day. Therefore, there will be no edition on Tuesday. Readers can stay in touch with news online through www.freepressjournal.in Kailash Chandra landslide, kin get Rs 2L aid FP News Service UJJAIN r Rajesh Kumar Patidar, national athlete-educator, is helping rural children earn medals and recognition through sports, scouting and learning. Turn to Indore page to find out how. SEE P2 D President’s Medal for Indore CP ommissioner of Police Santosh Kumar Singh will be honoured with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Republic Day. He has been recognised for his years of outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to public safety. C Chief Minister Mohan Yadav performed bhoomi pujan of 15 development projects worth Rs 760.78 crore in Harifatak Bridge area on Sunday under Simhastha Mahaparv2028 preparations. This includes foundation stone of Ujjain Harifatak six-lane Railway Over Bridge costing Rs 371.11 cr. Once completed, it will provide devotees with a direct, smooth and convenient route from Indore to Mahakal Temple complex. Addressing the gathering, the CM said that development works were being undertaken in Ujjain. One development gift after another was being bestowed upon the city. All projects were being under- Panchayat secy suspended FP News Service SINGRAULI taken keeping in view of upcoming Simhastha with emphasis on quality. Along with reconstruction of ghats, arrangements were made to ensure that devotees take a holy dip in Kshipra at places other than the main ghats. Ujjain is receiving a large influx of pilgrims by air, road and rail, and accordingly four-lane roads were being planned around the city. A tragic landslide claimed three lives and left two women injured in Parsahar village of Singrauli district on Sunday morning after a section of soil collapsed during excavation, police said. The incident occurred around 9:30 am when five women had gone to collect red and yellow soil (murrum) near the Gram Panchayat building for plastering their houses. Suddenly, a large portion of soil caved in, burying all five under the debris. 4Continued on | P10 4Continued on | P10