FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. XLI No. 324 | INDORE | FRIDAY | MAY 2, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 www.freepressjournal.in iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE MONEY Sports MIgnite Jaipur ESTD-1983 P.12 Economy to grow between 6.5-6.7% in FY26: Deloitte PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK | Home Minister says fight against terrorism will continue till menace is completely wiped out WE WILL HUNT DOWN EVERY TERRORIST: SHAH Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar NEW DELHI As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a chilling warning to the perpetrators on Thursday, vowing retributive justice: “Revenge, one by one.” Speaking at an event in New Delhi honoring Bodo icon Upendranath Brahma, Shah’s voice resonated with steely resolve. “No one should think that by killing our 27 people, they have won this battle. I want to tell them—‘Ki har vyakti ko jawaab bhi milega aur jawaab liya bhi jaayega.’ Every person will get a response, and we will take that re- fp Briefs DHAKA ICT notice to Hasina The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul, a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) - the banned student wing of Awami League - in an alleged contempt of court case. NEW DELHI GST revenue hits Rs 2.37 L cr Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection rose 12.6 per cent Y-o-Y to an alltime high of about Rs 2.37 lakh crore in April, which the government said shows resilience of the Indian economy and the effectiveness of cooperative federalism. The gross GST mop-up was Rs 2.10 lakh crore in April 2024. Today in IPL MATCH NO. 51 GT Vs SRH Ahmedabad, 7.30 pm sponse as well. If someone, by carrying out a cowardly attack, thinks that this is their big victory, then understand one thing: This is the Narendra Modi government. No one will be spared.” Reaffirming the Modi government’s zero-tolerance stance, Shah declared, “We are determined to eradicate terrorism from every inch of Indian soil.” He emphasized global solidarity in India’s fight, stating, “The world stands united with us. Every nation supports the 140 crore people of India in this battle.” Shah’s defiant proclamation comes amid heightened alert across Pakistan. Intelligence reports indicate the involvement of two Pakistani nationals, including a para commando, in the Pahalgam ambush. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, stoked tensions further on Wednesday, alleging that India might launch a military reprisal within “24 to 36 hours.” 4Continued on | P8 For the seventh consecutive day on Thursday, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian positions on the Line Of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir US supports ISI chief India's right to appointed defend: Rajnath Pak NSA The US on Thursday said it supports India's right right to defend itself and its fight against terrorism as American Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dialled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over Pahalgam attack. Singh told Hegseth that Pakistan has been "exposed" as a "rogue" state fuelling global terrorism, and "destabilising" the region. Pakistan has appointed serving ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik as the new National Security Adviser (NSA) amidst raging tension with India. Lt Gen Malik, currently serving as Director General of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), will hold the additional charge of the NSA. It is for the first time that a serving ISI chief has been given this task ‘Illegal buildings must go’ UJJAIN PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit BJP yields on caste census P.6 Cinema Alia Bhatt dazzles in her special look P.14 Marco Rubio pushes buttons for de-escalation FP News Service MUMBAI In calls to b r i n g down temperatures in the region, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to both Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and the Pakistan Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif. While it was not made clear what the sequence of the calls were or how long they lasted, brief read-outs were provided. Rubio apparently reaffirmed the United States commitment to co-operation with India against terrorism. There were no other details provided. Singificantly, the US statement said he “also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia.” Again there were no details provided. After the talks, Jaishankar put out a cryptic post on X streeing the Indian bottomline saying, “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. 4Continued on | P8 ‘Dawn of Orange Economy’ PM hails wave of creativity, culture, content, stresses transformative potential Prajakta Pol MUMBAI India’s creative economy is poised to become a major force in driving the country’s economic growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. Framing content, creativity, and culture as the foundational pillars of the “Orange Econ- FP News Service Institute of creative tech set up FP News Service MUMBAI The Minister of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday announced the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.The institute, conceived as the national hub for the ani- cellence on the lines of IIT and IIM. The institute aims to transform the creative economy by nurturing talent, accelerating innovation, and promoting global standards in the AVGC-XR space."IICT will serve as a catalyst for the entertainment industry, facilitating its global expansion. 4Continued on | P8 NEW DELHI Reinforcing its uncompromising stance on unauthorised construction, the Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking regularisation of an illegal structure in Kolkata, declaring unequivocally that such violations must be met with demolition, not clemency reported Live Law . In a strongly worded judgment, the bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan upheld the Calcutta High Court’s directive ordering the demolition of the unlawfully constructed building. The Court made clear that once illegality is established, The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking directions for a judicial commission to probe the Pahalgam Terror Attack, which left 26 people (mostly tourists) dead. While doing so, the Court berated the petitioners for filing an "irresponsible petition" NIA to record Rana’s voice, handwriting samples there can be no second chances, and no scope for post-facto regularisation. “The law ought not to come to the rescue of those who flout its rigours,” the Court observed. “If the law were to protect those who disregard it, it would erode the very deterrent force upon which a just and orderly society rests.” FP News Service PTI A Delhi court has allowed the NIA to collect the voice and handwriting samples of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a source said. Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Judge Chander Jit Singh, who on April 28 extended Rana's custody for 12 days, passed the order on April 30 on an application moved by the agency. Rana, a close associate of 26/11 main conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen, was brought to India after the US Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review plea against his extradition to India. 4Continued on | P8 Rape case against BJP leader’s son SHIVPURI NEW DELHI Rejecting the petitioner’s counsel’s request to allow her client a single opportunity to seek regularisation, the Court was unsparing: “A person who shows no regard for the law cannot be permitted to seek its protection after constructing two unauthorised floors. A rape case was registered against Rajat Sharma, the son of BJP Municipality president Gayatri Sharma, in Shivpuri. A girl from Shiv Colony filed the complaint, leading the Kotwali police to take action on Thursday. According to the girl's complaint, she met Rajat on Facebook and their friendship developed into a romantic relationship. They began talking on the phone and met in person for the first time on August 20, 2023. During this meeting, Rajat proposed marriage and later asked her to engage in physical relations, which she consented to multiple times. The girl claims that Rajat recorded videos of their intimate despite the sensitivity of the situation, and underlined the"demoralizing" impact it could have on the security forces, Live Law reports. "Be responsible before filing such PIL. You have some duty towards the country also. of suicide" and accused the in-laws of harassment and calling him impotent when he visited them with his wife. Dismissing the case, a Supreme Court division bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih said an offence cannot be made out "merely on the basis of allegations of harassment", LiveLaw reported. The top court noted that the suicide note did not indicate direct inducement or persistent cruelty, elements that are required to SC noted that suicide note did not indicate direct inducement or persistent cruelty, elements required to prove abetment to suicide prove abetment to suicide. It also observed that there was a gap of a month between the alleged remark and the death of the husband, between which there Be responsible before filing such PIL. You have some duty towards the country also. This is the way you are trying to demoralise the forces in this hour of crisis and juncture? You are asking retired Supreme Court judge to investigate. Since when retired High Court, Supreme Court judges have become expert in investigation? – Supreme Court This is the way you are trying to demoralize the forces in this hour of crisis and juncture? You are asking retired 4Continued on | P8 4 killed as car rams into culvert Our Staff Reporter Four people were killed and three others injured when a car carrying them lost control, hit a divider and overturned in Guna. The victims were travelling to attend a wedding ceremony when the accident occurred. Among the three injured, one person with severe injuries has been transferred to a hospital in Bhopal for advanced treatment. The car, carrying them lost control and crashed into a culvert near Bhadaura village under jurisdiction of the Myana police station on Thursday. The devastating incident BHOPAL moments and that b o t h families were aware of their relationship. She informed her family about Rajat and they were supportive of the marriage. However, after her brother was diagnosed with cancer, Rajat promised to marry her once he recovered. After her brother passed away on March 10, the girl urged Rajat to fulfill his promise, but he began making excuses. The victim also alleged that local leaders pressured her to withdraw her complaint. Despite facing pressure, she remained determined to pursue the case. Amid ongoing cases of rape and blackmail involving Hindu girls, a fresh ‘love jihad’ incident has surfaced in the Gunga area of rural Bhopal. A youth from a different community allegedly lured and raped a minor Hindu girl, and is now pressuring her for marriage. The accused was arrested on Thursday and is being questioned by police. According to reports, the girl, aged 17 years and 6 months, lives in a village under Gunga police station. Sahil Khan, 22, a resident of the same area who also works in agricultural fields with his father, is accused of befriending the girl through false pretences. About a month ago, Sahil raped her when she was alone. Recently, Sahil started pressuring the minor for marriage and religious conversion, prompting her to inform her parents. 4Continued on | P8 FP News Service/Agencies GUNA 4Continued on | P8 was no contact between him and his in-laws. The Supreme Court's order came days after the Madras High Court refused to quash the case against the man's in-laws. The court laid out instigation, engagement in any conspiracy and intentional aiding as requirements for a case being qualified as abetment to suicide. Citing a previous case, the Supreme Court held that merely because the remark was insulting, it wouldn’t by itself Supreme Court judge to investigate. Youth arrested in ‘love jihad’ case involving minor girl constitute abetment of suicide. "There should be evidence suggesting that the accused intended by such act to instigate the deceased to commit suicide," LiveLaw quoted the bench as saying. Section 107 of the IPC defines 'abetment of a thing', that is, the different ways a person can be deemed to have encouraged or aided someone else in committing a crime. This includes instigation, conspiracy and intentional aid. occurred at around 2.30 a.m., police said. After hearing the loud bang, the owner of a nearby Dhaba (eatery) reached the spot and called the police and ambulance. Gopal Choube, the investigating officer and police station in-charge, said, "It is possible that the driver, who US gets access to Ukraine’s minerals was among the victims, dozed off, leading to the incident." He further said, "The victims were returning home from a wedding celebration when the accident occurred. Among the injured, one is in critical condition and has been referred to Bhopal for advanced medical attention. However, it remains uncertain who was at the wheel, as only one of the survivors can communicate, albeit not coherently." The deceased have been identified as Govind Raghuvanshi (28), Sonu Raghuvanshi (35), Veeru Kushwaha (24), and Hitesh Bairagi (24), all of whom hailed from Rijoda village. 4Continued on | P8 US clears supply of critical military hardware to India PTI NEW DELHI US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko sign the minerals deal in Washington – AFP WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an abetment to suicide case against a couple, filed after their sonin-law's suicide note accused them of calling him "impotent". The court noted that merely making an insulting remark did not amount to abetment to suicide. A case under Section 306, based on the man's suicide note, had alleged "abetment mation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR) sector, has already commenced work and has aligned with a few tech and media giants for collaborative efforts towards IICT, he said. The IICT is being established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in strategic collaboration with FICCI and CII, as a National Centre of Ex- FP News Service MUMBAI ‘Insulting remarks not abetment to suicide’ NEW DELHI 4Continued on | P8 SC throws out plea for probe into Pahalgam offgrid Online Report omy,” Modi emphasized the transformative potential of India’s media and entertainment industry on the global stage. Orange is a colour identified with creativity. Addressing a packed audience that included leading film personalities and content creators from across the country, the Prime Minister spoke at length about the growing influence of Indian content and the power of its creators to fuel an economic boom. He underlined that sectors such as film production, digital content, animation, gaming, fashion, and music are rapidly positioning India as a global hub for creative industries. PM Narendra Modi also pointed to the booming global animation market currently valued at over $430 billion and projected to double in the next decade as a major opportunity for Indian talent. He announced that new initiatives, including the introduction of WAVES Awards, will soon be launched to recognize and encourage excellence in the creative sector. The summit was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, The U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an agreement granting America access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, finalizing a deal months in the making that could enable continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that President Donald Trump might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The two sides offered only the barest details about the structure of the deal, which they called the United States- Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, reports Associated Press. The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 4Continued on | P8 The United States has cleared a proposal to supply critical military hardware and logistic support assets worth USD 131 million to India, in line with the strategic ties between the two countries. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) that operates under the Pentagon has delivered the required certification for the military supplies and notified the United States Congress of the possible sale, according to an American readout. The approval for the supplies came amid the Donald Trump administration pushing New Delhi to increase its military procurement from the US. The proposed supplies through the "foreign military sale" route are linked to the India-US cooperation under the framework of the IndoPacific Maritime Domain Awareness programme.