FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. 14 No. 249 | BHOPAL | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 21, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 www.freepressjournal.in ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL MONEY Sports Shami shines, Hridoy grinds, but India holds the line P.15 Rekha vows to realise mission Viksit Delhi PTI fp Briefs DUBAI Chief Minister Rekha Gupta performed 'Yamuna Aarti' along with her cabinet colleagues at Vasudev Ghat on Thursday soon after formally taking charge as the ninth CM of the national capital at the Secretariat. The pollution in the Ya- HC asks state to send proposal to Centre in three months Our Staff Reporter India kickstarts CT with win BHOPAL A brilliant century by Shubman Gill and five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami were the highlights as India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in their ICC Champions Trophy campaign opener at Dubai on Thursday. Chasing 229 runs set thanks to a fighting 154-run stand by Towhid Hridoy, India got off to a fine start with a 69-run opening stand. High Court, principal bench of Jabalpur, has instructed state government to send proposal to the Central government within three months to release fund for Madarsas of the state. Justice Vishal Dhagat passed the order. Bhopal-based Qaumi Urdu Shikshak Karamchari Sangh president Afsar Khan and Secretary Kafeel Khan filed a petition in the High Court and told that the NASHIK Maha min gets 2-yr jail term Maharashtra Agriculture Minister and NCP leader Manikrao Kokate was on Thursday sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a court here in a 1995 case where he was charged with submitting fake documents to get flats under a quota. FUND FOR MADARSAS Central Government had implemented the 'Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasa' (SPQEM) scheme to provide modern formal education in madarsas. Under the scheme, 60 per cent of funds were to be given to the Central Government and 40 per cent to the State Government. Teaching work disrupted since 2017. The petitioners argued that the teaching system in madarsas is being affected due to unavailability of funds since 2017. Qaumi Urdu Shikshak Karamchari Sangh said that representations were submitted to the state government several times demanding funds, but no concrete action was taken. 4Continued on | P8 Centre advisory to OTT platforms over vulgarity on social media PTI NEW DELHI 4Continued on | P8 I am confident she will work for Delhi's development with full vigour. My best wishes to her for a fruitful tenure Narendra Modi Prime Minister Interactive tech, VR to give sneak peek into MP’s past, present, future MP Digital Experience Centre to showcase state’s history, heritage, economy, culture GIS 2025 Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL MUMBAI E-paper Cinema The Urvashi conundrum P.14 4Continued on | P8 new Cabinet will meet at 7 pm on Thursday and she, along with her ministers, will also perform an Arti at a Yamuna Ghat. Those who took oath as ministers including Parvesh Verma, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, Pankaj Singh, Ashish Sood and Ravinder Indraj were present at the Delhi Secretariat. CM, Cabinet perform Yamuna Aarti NASHIK ducting aarti ahead of the first cabinet meeting. Ram bhajans were played at the ghat, and slogans of "Jai Shree Ram" and "Yamuna Maiya Ki Jai" were raised. Newly sworn-in Delhi CM Rekha Gupta with Minister Parvesh Verma during Yamuna Aarti, at Vasudev Ghat Delhi chief minister presides over an all-male cabinet that includes giant slayer Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the elections, Hindutva poster boy Kapil Mishra and the BJP's Sikh face Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Besides, Ashish Sood, Ravinder Indraj Singh and Pankaj Singh were also administered the oath of office by Lt Governor V K Saxena muna river and cleaning it had become a major issue between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the one side and opposition parties BJP and Congress on the other during the run-up to the Delhi Assembhly elections. AAP convener and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was attacked by both the BJP and the Congress over the highly polluted Yamuna. Gupta, along with Delhi BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva and her cabinet colleagues - Parvesh Sahib Singh, Asish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra and Pankaj Kumar Singh - performed 'Maa Yamuna puja' before con- INDORE Amid a row over vulgar jokes on social media, the Centre has cracked the whip and warned OTT platforms against transmitting content that is prohibited by the law. In an advisory to over-the-top (OTT) platforms and self-regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also asked them to strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics prescribed under the IT Rules-2021 while publishing content, including stricter adherence to the agebased classification of content. It also asked self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms to take appropriate proactive action for violation of the Code of Ethics by the platforms. The ministry said it has received complaints from Members of Parliament, statutory organisations and public grievances regarding the alleged spread of obscene, pornographic and vulgar content published by certain publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and social media. "In view of the above it is advised that the OTT platforms adhere to the various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on their platforms, including stricter adherence to the agebased classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics," the advisory said. 6 ministers sworn in NEW DELHI PUNE Edit Modi’s pick is Delhi CM P.6 India set to transform into high-income nation by 2047 CM TAKES OATH | We will fulfil all the commitments made to the people of Delhi, says 9th CM of the National Capital BJP MLA Rekha Gupta took charge as the ninth Chief Minister of Delhi at her Secretariat office here on Thursday, asserting every commitment of the BJP will be fulfilled by her government. Earlier in the day, the firsttime MLA from Shalimar Bagh was administered oath as the chief minister by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in a grand ceremony at the Ramlila Maidan. Her Council of Ministers were also sworn in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's top brass, including Union ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Rajnath Singh, and the chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of several NDA-ruled states, attended the ceremony. Later, Gupta reached the Delhi Secretariat to take charge as the chief minister of Delhi. She was accompanied by party leaders, including state BJP in-charge Baijayant Panda and state president Virendra Sachdeva among others. After taking charge, Gupta told reporters not a single day would be wasted by her government in realising the "mission" of a "Viksit Delhi". "We will fulfil all the commitments made to the people of Delhi," she said. The chief minister said the UJJAIN Spirituality and Zone 5: The Future – Madhya Pradesh Vision 2047 It will use cutting-edge digital technology to showcase the state’s journey from its rich cultural past to a progressive, technology-driven future. It will underline the confluence of tradition, transformation and technology, in the state, reflecting its timeless essence. Through immersive digital storytelling, visitors will be able to embark on a journey through the state’s past, present and future. It will introduce visitors to the state’s rich archaeological heritage including Bhimbetka, Sanchi Stupa, Khajuraho temple complex. Trying to get somebody else elected: Trump US President questions Biden admin's decision to allocate USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout' PTI NEW YORK US President Donald Trump has once again questioned the Biden administration's decision to allocate USD 21 million to India for "voter turnout", guessing that they were trying to "get somebody else elected". Trump made these remarks while addressing the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Thursday. He had raised similar concerns earlier, questioning the necessity of such financial aid. On Wednesday, he questioned the purpose of providing USD 21 million to India for "voter turnout" as he reiterated that the US "can hardly get in there" because of high Indian tariffs. His remarks came after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk disclosed that USAID The BJP on Thursday said that US President Donald Trump's latest remarks was a "reaffirmation" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls campaign that foreign powers were trying to stop him from coming to power. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has aligned himself with global networks seeking to undermine India's strategic and geopolitical interests while "acting as a tool for foreign agencies", alleged BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya Govt extends tenure of CEA till March 2027 B'desh border force chief calls reports of attacks on minorities ‘exaggerated’ PTI NEW DELHI Chief of Bangladesh's border guarding force on Thursday sought to downplay the attacks on minorities in his country that took place after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, saying such reports were "exaggerated". Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) director general Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui also said "many new is- sues" under the common heads were discussed during his highlevel talks with an Indian delegation headed by BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary here. Siddiqui, while speaking to reporters during a joint press conference with Chawdhary, asserted that authorities of his country took steps for the protection of the minorities as he gave example of his force "personally" extending security cover to Durga Puja pandals within 8 km of their jurisdic- tion along the international border. This was the first highlevel meeting of the two forces after the regime change in Bangladesh in August last year. The BGB DG also said they raised "objections" and "flagged a number of cases" during the bi-annual DG-level talks with regard to the fencing being done by India along the IB and has requested for a "joint inspection" before the work is done. 4Continued on | P8 Maha Kumbh to end with 7 planets visible in Indian skies With Maha Kumbh 2025 inching closer to an end, a rare astronomical phenomenon is underway in the skies above Earth. All seven planets of the solar system are visible. All seven planets of our solar system — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — will be visible in the night sky from India. This celestial alignment adds a unique layer of significance to the festival, as many believe that such cosmic events amplify spiritual energies. This planetary parade, which began in January 2025 with the visibility of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will culminate in February when Mercury joins the lineup. The event is set to reach its peak on February 28, 2025, when all seven planets will align on one side of the Sun. The term "planetary align- ment" is often used colloquially to describe such events, even though it lacks a strict scientific definition. It generally refers to the visibility of multiple planets simultaneously in the night sky. These celestial bodies will appear along the ecliptic— the path traced by the Sun across the sky—due to their orbits being roughly in the same plane. During this planetary The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Lokpal order on entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges saying it was "something very, very disturbing" and concerned the independence of the judiciary. A bench of Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant and Abhay S Oka issued notice and sought responses from the Centre, the Lokpal registrar and the person who filed complaints against a sitting high court judge. "Issue notice to the Union of India, Registrar, Lokpal of India and the complainant, returnable on March 18 at 10.30 am," the bench said. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said a high court judge would never fall within the ambit of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Dealing with Lokpal's order on two specific complaints against the sitting high court judge, the bench, issued an injunction to prevent the complainant from disclosing the name of the judge and directed him to keep the complaint confidential. The apex court was dealing with a suo motu case initiated after the Lokpal passed the order on January 27. 4Continued on | P8 Madhya Pradesh Culture Department scripted Guinness World Records in the longest Indian classical dance marathon at 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival on Thursday. A total of 139 artistes presented Indian classical dance for 24 hours 9 minutes and 26 seconds at Adivart Museum Complex. It was choreographed and directed by actor and disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj, Prachi Shah from Mumbai. Kaushik Basu from Mumbai composed its music. The certificate was handed over to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. offgrid Online Report PTI NEW DELHI Dancing their way to Guinness World Record economy, industry, wildlife, culture and other aspects of the state. The centre will have multiple thematic zones including Zone 1: Introduction to Madhya Pradesh, Zone 2: Nature, Wildlife, Heritage, Zone 3: Industrial and Smart Renaissance – Economy, Innovation, Achievements, State Highlights, Zone 4: The Roots – Civilisation, Culture and New Delhi: The government on Thursday extended the tenure of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran for two years till March 2027. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the tenure of Nageswaran on a contract basis up to March 31, 2027. With the approval of ACC, the tenure of V Anantha Nageswaran as Chief Economic Adviser on contract basis is extended up to March 31, 2027, or until further order. 4Continued on | P8 RaGa acting as tool for foreign agencies: BJP A high-tech Madhya Pradesh Digital Experience Centre will be set up at Global Investors’ Summit (GIS) venue on Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) campus to introduce delegates from India and abroad to the state. Using digital display, interactive technology and virtual reality, the centre will acquaint visitors with the history, heritage, 4Continued on | P8 contributed USD 21 million to the Election Commission to boost voter turnout in India. At the FII summit, Trump cited some examples to the audience about where their money was going before he became president. "These are random examples," he said. "...And USD 21 million for voter turnout in India. Why do we need to spend USD 21 million for voter turnout in India? Wow, I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government," he said. Very disturbing: SC stays Lokpal order on plaints against sitting HC judges parade, observers can expect to see five planets without any optical aid: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or telescopes for viewing due to their faintness. The best times for observation will be during twilight hours after sunset or before sunrise when the planets are positioned higher in the sky. Surrender looted arms within 7 days: Manipur Governor’s ultimatum PTI IMPHAL Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged the people of the strife-torn state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those giving up arms during this period. However, Bhalla asserted that "strict action" would be taken after the expiry of the seven days. "People of Manipur, both in the valley and hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony," he said in an appeal issued on Thursday. He said all communities in the state must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in the society so that people can return to their nor- mal day-to-day activities. "It is in this regard that I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the valley and hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station/outpost/security forces camp within next seven days, effective from today," he said. The governor said this single act of returning weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace. "I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons," he said. 4Continued on | P8