FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. 15 No. 239 | BHOPAL | WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 11, 2026 | Pages 18 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 www.freepressjournal.in Sports BUMRAH FIRES AT FULL TILT, ABHISHEK UNDER CLOUD P.16 Family pension to cover unmarried, widow & divorced daughters Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Now unmarried, widowed and divorced daughters will also be eligible members for family pension in the state. In this regard, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Madhya Pradesh Civil Service (Pension) Rules 2026 and MP Civil Service (Commutation of Pension) Rules 2026. In the proposed rules, proce- CABINET DECISIONS dures and authorities have been simplified which will provide convenience to pensioners. Under Rule 44 of the MP Civil Service (Pension) Rules 2026 unmarried, widow and divorced daughters have been included among the eligible members for family pension. The cabinet also approved the MP Civil Service (National Pension System Implementation) Rules 2026 and MP Civil Service (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) rules 2026. These rules will come into effect from April 1, 2026. 4Continued on | P8 Schemes of Tribal dept to continue The Cabinet has approved the continuation of key schemes of the Tribal Affairs Department and the Women and Child Development Department till 2030-31, sanctioning a total of Rs 7,133.17 crore. Of this, Rs 2,350 crore has been earmarked for the PVTG Diet Grant Scheme under the Tribal Affairs Department, Rs 1,703.15 crore for the Integrated Hostel Scheme, and Rs 1,416.91 crore for the CM Rise School Scheme. The decision aims to ensure sustained support for tribal welfare, education infrastructure and child development initiatives across the state over the next several years. Fund for electrification Under the Dhati Aabha Tribal Village Utkarsh Campaign, the Cabinet approved Rs 366.72 crore to electrify 63,077 nonelectrified houses and 650 government offices. Of the total amount, Rs 220.03 crore will be funded by the Central government and Rs 146.69 crore by the State government. ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL MONEY Equity fund inflows ease againas investors flock to gold ETFs UJJAIN PUNE INDORE NASHIK Our Staff Reporter A branch manager of CatalyseR coaching centre under Annapurna police station limits was arrested on Monday night for allegedly seeking physical advances from a 15year-old Class 10 student attending classes at the institute. According to police, the incident occurred at the coaching centre on Narendra Tiwari Road. The accused, identified as Aadesh, allegedly behaved inappropriately with the teenager when she arrived for her evening class. In her complaint, the girl Cinema ‘Main shama maangta hoon’ P.18 ACADEMIC LEAP| State forms elite task force to script foreign campus’ entry into 3,700-acre Knowledge City; report in 3 months EDU POWER SHIFT: MP TARGETS GLOBAL GIANTS Atul Gautam INDORE In a significant move to expand the global footprint of higher education and advance the vision of the proposed Knowledge and AI City in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a high-level task force to facilitate the entry of foreign universities into the state. Formed by Department of Public Services Management in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, the panel will draft a comprehensive policy to attract reputed international institutions, strengthen academic collaborations and enhance the overall quality of higher education. The initiative is expected to give momentum to the proposed AI Knowledge City, planned across more than 3,700 acres in Bhopal. The task force will be chaired by Prof Santosh Kumar Vishvakarma of IIT Indore. NOTICE TO COACHING CLASS MGMT DCP Krishna Lalchandani said a notice has been issued to the coaching centre management to verify whether mandatory police verification of the accused had been conducted. “If any lapse is found, action will be taken against the management as well,” he said. The DCP added that police will hold meetings with coaching centre operators across the city, including Bhawarkuan, to ensure strict compliance with staff verification and student safety protocols. stated that he held her hand with ill intent and had been troubling her for several days. After the victim informed her parents, enraged family members reached the centre and allegedly assaulted the accused. On receiving information, police rushed to E-paper Edit Tokyo’s pivot & India’s calculus P.6 KEY RESPONSIBILITUES ADMIN SUPPORT Review UGC and other state policies on higher education internationalisation and draft a tailored policy for Madhya Pradesh. Recommend regulatory reforms to ease the establishment of foreign university campuses in the state. Assess state-specific academic needs and suggest curriculum enhancements. Promote joint research centres and collaborative projects with global institutions. Facilitate engagement with foreign universities, international agencies and global facilitation bodies to strengthen academic partnerships. The state government may nominate additional members to the Task Force, if required. AIGGPA has been designated as the nodal agency for coordination and progress monitoring. The institute will conduct necessary training programmes and manage logistics, including travel allowances and honorariums as per its norms. The Task Force must submit its detailed report and recommendations within three months of the order’s issuance. he State government’s decision to constitute the high-level task force to attract foreign universities aligns closely with the state’s vision for the upcoming Knowledge and AI City in Bhopal,. The AI City is expected to serve as a plug-and-play academic and research ecosystem, making it an ideal location for foreign universities seeking to establish campuses or specialised centres in India. Our focus mostly will be on foreigner universities featuring among top-500 institutions in QS Rankings T Prof Rajeev Dixit, Members include Prof Aditya Billore of IIM Indore; Prof Ajay Kumar Kushwaha and Prof Jitendra Agrawal of Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal; Dr Prashant Puranik, Principal of Government De- gree College, Ujjain; and Rishi Garg, Director of AIGGPA, Bhopal, who will serve as member secretary. Representatives from the UGC, Higher Education, Technical Education, and Skill De- CatalyseR manager held over No cut in capital expenses, says CM indecent proposal to minor INDORE MUMBAI the spot and took him into custody. Annapurna police station in-charge Ajay Nair confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the BNS and the POCSO Act. He has been sent to jail. Budget will be worth Rs 4.70L cr Vice Chairman, AIGGPA-Bhopal velopment and Employment departments may join as special invitees, subject to approval by Prof Rajeev Dixit, Vice Chairman, Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis. Acid bottle found at spot; preliminary probe suggests academic pressure Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL 4Continued on | P8 A first year MBBS student of Gandhi Medical College was found dead under suspicious circumstances inside her room in a private hostel under Koh-eFiza police station limits on Tuesday morning. The body was found in the washroom with an empty acid bottle lying nearby. It is suspected that the deceased, identified as Roshni Kalesh (19), may have committed suicide due to pressure of studies. According to reports, Roshni, hailing from Bhabra in Woman dead, 6 hurt in kalash yatra stampede Bhagirathpura toll 35 as 2 more die Victim’s kin protest with body, blame poor arrangements Indore: The death toll in FP News Service GWALIOR As part of the 10-day ‘Shiv-Navratri Festival’ at Mahakaleshwar Temple, the presiding deity was adorned in 'Chhabina' form on the fifth day in Ujjain on Tuesday FP Photo MOSCOW ‘US trying to block India’s Russian oil’ Russia has accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington is using a wide range of "coercive" measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions, to fulfil its objective of global economic dominance. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also accused the US of using "unfair methods". An elderly woman was killed and at least six devotees were injured after a stampede broke out during a ‘kalash yatra’ in Dabra town of Gwalior district on Tuesday. MP Board exams: School’s laxity puts 23 students’ future in dark FP News Service BHIKANGAON Gross negligence by the management of Gayatri Vidyapeeth Higher Secondary School in Bhikangaon left 23 Class X and XII students ineligible to appear for their board exams after the school failed to submit the examination fees on time. As per reports, the school allegedly failed to submit the examination fees on time and deposited the late fees without the Board of Secondary Educa- tion’s permission. As Class 12 board exams commenced on Tuesday, students were left high and dry without admit cards. The board issued a definitive letter stating that since the school bypassed official protocols, no further admit cards would be issued. Desperate parents blocked the national highway until 1.30 am on Monday and have been visiting administrative offices since.  4Continued on | P8 The incident took place during the Navgrah Peeth Kalash Yatra, which was reportedly being organised with the support of former state home minister Narottam Mishra. As per reports, a large number of people had gathered to take part in the programme. During the procession, a sudden rush and pushing among the crowd reportedly led to the stampede. In the chaos, many people fell to the ground. Women and elderly devotees were among those injured. Ambulances reached the site soon after the incident and helped shift the injured to the hospital. 4Continued on | P8 the Bhagirathpura contaminated water tragedy has reportedly risen to 35 with two more fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours. A two-year-old girl and a 75-year-old man died during treatment, intensifying concerns among residents. Three-hour deadline for social media platforms to remove deepfake content IANS NEW DELHI Taking cognisance of the spread of AI-based deepfakes online, the IT Ministry on Tuesday issued revised guidelines for social media intermediaries like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, directing them to clearly label all AI-generated content and ensure that such synthetic material carries embedded identifiers. The government has set a three-hour deadline for social media platforms to take down AI-generated or deepfake content once it is flagged by the government or ordered by a court. The official notification also barred digital platforms from allowing the removal or suppression of AI labels or associated metadata once they have been applied. The social media companies will be required to deploy automated tools to detect and prevent the circulation of illegal, sexually exploitative or 4Continued on | P8 offgrid Wife’s WhatsApp tip-off lands drug-selling husband in jail Our Staff Reporter INDORE In a startling case that underscores both domestic turmoil and civic courage, a woman helped police arrest her own husband for allegedly selling ganja and drugs to college and hostel students in the city. On Monday, the woman sent a WhatsApp message to Commissioner of Police (CP) Santosh Singh, alerting him about her husband’s illegal activities. She also shared a video purportedly showing drugs being sold. After reviewing the footage, CP Singh ordered immediate verification and action. Acting swiftly, a team from Lasudia police station raided the accused’s betel (paan) shop in Mahalaxmi Nagar on Monday night and arrested him. Police later searched his house and seized 1.70 kg of ganja. The woman, a resident of Malharganj, alleged that her husband had been running the illegal trade from both his shop and home, using a weighing scale to prepare ganja and drug packets. “I have two daughters. Because of my husband’s activities, their education is being badly affected,” she said, ex- Agencies NEW DELHI Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday confirmed that his memoir, "Four Stars of Destiny", has not yet been published, backing Penguin Random House India's statement. Sharing a post on X, Gen Naravane wrote, "This is the status of the book." This comes after Penguin Random House India issued a fresh statement earlier today in response to an allegation by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, clarifying that the book was announced and listed for pre-order but hasn't yet entered publication, distribution, or sale. Any circulating copies are unauthorised and constitute copyright infringement. "A book is considered published only when it is avail- Rahul cites ‘available now’ post from 2023 ongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday cited a December 2023 social media post by former Army chief M M Naravane informing people that that his book is "available now", to rebut publisher Penguin Random House India's statement that the 'memoir' has not yet been published. Gandhi said he believes the word of the former Army chief over Penguin C able for purchase across retail channels," Penguin Random House said in a statement that it posted on its social media platforms."Pre-order is a standard publishing practice. It allows readers and retailers to place advance orders. The book is not yet published or available," it said. 4Continued on | P8 st Our Staff Reporter budget worth Rs 4.021 lakh crore was presented. Yadav said the revenue expenses may have increased, but there should not be any compromise on the capital expenses. The capital expenses should be increased this year in comparison to the last year, he said. The officers of the finance department spoke about the cut in the state’s share of central taxes. Book announced and listed for pre-order, says publisher 1 -yr MBBS student found dead in pvt hostel BHOPAL Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said there should not be any cut in the capital expenses in the upcoming budget. Yadav made the remark while he was watching the budget presentation in Mantralaya on Tuesday. Budget was presented before Yadav on Tuesday. Before this, it was presented to the cabinet. According to sources, the budget may be worth Rs 4.70 lakh crore. In the previous financial year (2025-26), a Penguin denies memoir release; Naravane backs publisher’s claim plaining why she decided to approach the police. Public trust in Khaki: CP CP Santosh Singh said the woman’s complaint reflected growing public confidence in law enforcement. “She brought the illegal activity to our notice. I directed officers to verify the matter and take immediate action,” he said, 4Continued on | P8 Autopsy done A five-doctor panel conducted autopsy on Tuesday night, but police are yet to receive short postmortem report. Koh-e-Fiza police station in-charge K.G. Shukla said hostel room’s forensic examination is complete, the mobile phone is being analysed and family’s questioning is pending. Messages hint at stress GMC Dean Dr Kavita N. Singh said Roshni’s body was recovered after authorities broke open her hosAlirajpur district, had taken admission in October last year and was living in a private PG tel room door. Messages sent from her phone to family members indicated she was under academic stress and felt unable to cope with studies despite consistent hard work. Cleared NEET in 1st attempt Family members informed that Roshni was the eldest among five siblings: two brothers and three sisters. Fellow students described Roshni as studious, quiet and sincere. She had cleared NEET in her first attempt to secure admission in Gandhi Medical College. hostel in BDA Colony. 4Continued on | P8 Oppn submit notice of no-confidence against LS Speaker Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar NEW DELHI The Opposition parties on Tuesday submitted a no-confidence notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla following which, as per the norms, the Speaker decided to skip the proceedings of the House till it was disposed of. The notice was signed by nearly 120 lawmakers from various opposition parties. Announcing the move, Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogi said the notice has been moved under Article 94of the Constitution to remove the Speaker. Giving the details of the move, Gogoi said, “At 1.14 pm we submitted a motion expressing no-confidence (in and) asking for the removal of Speaker Om Birla as per 94(C). The concern has been the LoP (the Leader of the Opposition, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi) has not been allowed to speak (in Parliament) on numerous occasions. Many opposition parties share this concern.” The Opposition parties had on Monday indicated that they might move the motion as they have been peeved with the Speaker over his handling of various issues in the ongoing Budget Session. The main points of the Opposition’s anger have been the manner in which the TMC refuses to sign resolution TMC on Tuesday did not join other Opposition parties in signing the resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Talking to the media, TMC national secretary Abhishek Banerjee said that they will keep watch on the Speaker for the next two days Leader of Opposition was prevented from speaking on the India-China clashes of 2020 while citing former Army chief General MM Naravane’s memoir and an article on it. Citing Rule 349, Birla had stopped him from reading either. Thereafter, he had also not allowed Gandhi to read from an “authenticated” copy of the article and this was followed by suspension of eight Opposition MPs, who were protesting against the denial of opportunity to Gandhi to speak, for the rest of the session.