THE SUNDAY Vol. 36 No. 41 | Sunday, July 6, 2025 33 Pages | `5 & for State `6 | Reg. No. MCS/048/2021-23; RNI No. 46955/1988 M.p.c.s. office Mumbai-400001 FREE PRESS JOURNAL Ashadhi adashi Ek Leader in E-paper circulation l www.freepressjournal.in ● EDITIONS: ● MUMBAI ● INDORE ● PUNE ● BHOPAL ● NASHIK ● KONKAN ● E-paper GOOD LIFE Weekend Ahead of Guru Purnima, individuals pay homage to their gurus Guru Dutt’s Centenary falls on July 9th, 2025. His propensity to gauge and introduce new talent or give them major breaks is not so well-known. FPJ talks to Waheeda Rehman for a candid discussion on the man who brought her into films and later gave her timeless classics. Sunday Read Gadkari flags rising inequality Agencies MUMBAI Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday voiced concern over the growing wealth gap in the country, warning that economic inequality is deepening as resources become concentrated in the hands of a few.Speaking at an event in Nagpur, the Road Transport and Highways Minister emphasised the need for decentralisation of wealth and economic opportunity. “Slowly, the number of poor people is increasing and wealth is getting centralised in the hands of some affluent people. This should not happen,” he said. Gadkari stressed that India’s economic growth must be employment-oriented and benefit rural areas. “We are looking at an economic model that creates jobs and drives overall growth. Decentralisation is crucial, and several positive changes are already underway,” he said. 4Contd on | Nation Briefs Kuki MLAs boycott Manipur Govt The apex Kuki body in Manipur, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), announced that no Kuki-Zo legislators will participate in forming the new state government. The decision came after a joint meeting at the KIM secretariat in Bijang, Churachandpur. Attendees included representatives from the Kuki Students' Organisation, Kuki Christian Leaders Forum, Kuki Women's Union, and other key stakeholders. KIM declared the resolution reflects the “collective political will” of the Kuki-Zo community, affirming it is binding on all community leaders. Live Smart How failure can fuel growth and success LATIN AMERICA PARTNERSHIP | Prime Minister’s landmark visit revives India’s ties with Argentina after 57 years, with focus on defence, energy, trade and culture Modi in historic Argentina visit FPJ News Service MUMBAI Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome on Saturday upon his arrival in Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. The visit, part of Modi’s five-nation tour, aims to rejuvenate India’s strategic partnership with Latin America's thirdlargest economy. Landing at the Ezeiza International Airport late Friday evening, Modi was greeted with enthusiasm by members of the Indian diaspora and Argentinian officials. The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a “new chapter” in Indo-Argentine relations. "India values its friendship with Argentina," Modi posted on X. "Looking forward to wide-ranging discussions with President Milei to deepen our partnership in key sectors." On Saturday, Modi is set to pay homage at Plaza de San Martin, named after Argentina’s independence hero, Jose de San Martin. Later, at Casa Rosada, he will hold delegation-level talks with President Javier Milei. Discussions will span defence collaboration, critical mineral mining, agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and expanding bilateral trade—currently over $5 billion. Indian Ambassador Ajaneesh Kumar called the visit "momentous," emphasising that relations between the two nations are "multifaceted and poised for expansion." He noted the presence of Indian two-wheeler brands and tractor companies in Argentina, and pitched India's pharma sector as a key area of growth, calling India the "pharmacy of the world." Argentine business leaders echoed this optimism. Gustavo Idigoras, President of CIARA, the country's edible oil association, hailed the visit as “the most significant in two decades,” projecting bilateral trade to grow to $8 billion in the next few years. YOUNG VAIBHAV DOES IT AGAIN! Haridev Pushparaj MUMBAI Vaibhav Suryavanshi is seemingly unstoppable at the moment as he created history again with a jaw dropping 52ball century for India U-19 against England U-19 in Worcester and in the process became the fastest and youngest batter to achieve the feat in Youth ODIs. At 14 years and 100 days, Vaibhav’s epic 143 off 78 balls sees him eclipse Sarfaraz Khan’s previous record of being the youngest Indian batter to score a Youth ODI hundred at the age of 15 years and 338 days against South Africa U-19 in 2013. The world record was earlier held by Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had struck a Youth ODI hundred at the age of 14 years and 241 days in 2013. 4Contd on | Nation Gill’s back- to-back tons Meanwhile, India skipper Shubman Gill scored another fine hundred in the second innings riding on the back of his first innings double hundred of 269 as the visitors set England a massive target of 608 in the second Test in Birmingham. Key round of US-Pak trade talks concludes PTI ISLAMABAD Pakistan and the United States have concluded a crucial round of trade negotiations, reaching an understanding on a deal that could shape the future of Pakistan’s major export sectors, according to a report by Dawn News. While the understanding has been reached, a formal announcement is expected only after the US wraps up similar negotiations with other trade partners. The negotiations were concluded just days ahead of the July 9 deadline. The talks, held in Washington, were led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paal, who headed the Pakistani delegation. The key aim was to finalise a longterm reciprocal tariff agreement to avoid the re-imposition of a 29 per cent tariff on Pakistani exports, mainly textiles and agricultural products. Earlier this year, the US had temporarily paused the high tariff rates. However, the relief was at risk of expiring if no agreement was made before the deadline. 4Contd on | Nation FPJ News Service The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a brazen bribery and hawala scandal that riddled India’s medical education sector during 2024–25, exposing a systemic nexus between college administrators, medical education regulators, bureaucrats, and underground cash handlers. The investigation reveals how bribes were routed through hawala channels to secure favourable inspection reports and accreditation for private medical colleges across multiple cities including Raipur, Indore, Udaipur, Bengaluru and Delhi. At the heart of the probe lies a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the CBI naming a string of high-profile offi- 4Contd on | Nation FPJ News Service On the eve of his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama, ever the picture of serenity with a sprinkle of humour, said he’s in no rush to reincarnate. Addressing a sea of saffron and smiles at the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj on Saturday, he declared—with the casual confidence of someone ordering tea—that he hoped to live another 30 to 40 years. “Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have the blessings of Avalokiteshvara. Your prayers have borne fruit so far. I’ve done my best. Let’s keep going,” he said, as over 15,000 devotees clutched prayer beads and mobile phones, hoping to catch a glimpse or a quote. The ‘Long Life Prayer’ ceremony, a sort of spiritual fuel-stop for the beloved Tibetan leader, kicked off ahead of his milestone birthday bash. The Dalai Lama Agency uncovers a deep-rooted nexus of medical college owners, NMC inspectors, and hawala agents enabling accreditation fraud. cials, including Dr. Jitu Lal Meena, Joint Director at the National Health Authority, and Dr. Manjappa CN, a member of the National Medical Commission (NMC) inspection team. The CBI FIR according to NDTV has named 35 individuals, including former UGC Chairman D.P. Singh, retired IFS officer Sanjay Shukla, 4Contd on | Nation Efforts on to add more judges to Bombay HC Nirav Modi’s brother held KOLHAPUR BENCH in the US: CBI Urvi Mahajani MUMBAI Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Saturday assured that efforts are underway to increase the strength of judges in the Bombay High Court, which is currently functioning with less than 70% of its sanctioned strength. Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Saturday extended his support for the long-pending demand to establish a bench of the Bombay High Court in Kolhapur, stating that he has been in favour of the proposal for the past five years. Bombay High Court, CJI Gavai said, “As on July 1, the High Court is functioning with 65 judges as against its sanctioned strength of 94.” He added that the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court has recom- mended 15–16 names for appointment, which are under consideration. “At no cost, the independence of the judiciary will be compromised. We are ensuring merit is maintained, while maintaining diversity,” he said, acknowledging the heavy workload on the existing judges. The CJI urged judges to be true to their oath and maintain the dignity of the institution. He expressed concern about judicial conduct, revealing, “Lately I have been receiving a lot of complaints about the rude behaviour of some of the colleagues.” 4Contd on | Nation PTI Bhandari now an economic offender Agencies KEDIA’S OFFICE IN WORLI VANDALISED lice station, with the party scarfs tied around the necks, and hurled coconuts on the glass door at the entrance even as they chanted slogans. Two security guards, one of whom was from the state government owned Maharashtra Security Corporation, tried to stop them, but in vain. The staff inside the office quickly downed the automatic shutter and prevented further damage. Kedia had received threats from MNS leaders on Friday night and had sought police protection. 4Contd on | Nation 4Contd on | Nation A Delhi special court on Saturday declared UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari a Fugitive Economic Offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) of 2018. The order came on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has been investigating Bhandari for money laundering and alleged financial crimes linked to undisclosed foreign assets. ED has alleged links between UK-based arms dealer and Robert Vadra Bhandari, who fled to the UK in 2016 after an Income Tax raid at his residence in Delhi, was declared a fugitive despite a recent UK court ruling that denied his extradition to India. The UK High Court blocked the extradition, citing concerns over his safety in Tihar jail, including potential extortion and violence. An appeal by the Indian government to the UK Supreme Court was also turned down. 4Contd on | Nation Megha Kuchik MUMBAI The Worli police on Saturday morning arrested five activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for vandalising the office of Sushil Kedia, a high-profile investor and mentor, in Worli. Soon after the attack, Kedia put out a video in which he is seen apologising with folded hands. The MNS cadres were protesting against Kedia's X post in which he said he refused to learn Marathi despite being in Mumbai for 30 years. He also Sushil Kedia apologises over Marathi remark after MNS activists hurl coconuts on glass door and are later arrested challenged MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Incensed over these remarks, a group of MNS workers descended on Kedia's office in We Work building on Annie Besant Road, not far from Worli po- Spiritual leader jokes about longevity, brushes off talk of a successor. was in high spirits, recounting fond memories and expressing confidence—some might call it divine assurance—that he’d cross the 130 mark with the grace of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist deity of compassion he’s long believed to be guided by. “Even though we’ve lost our country and live in exile, I’ve been able to serve beings,” he said, speaking warmly of his adopted home in India. “Those in Dharamshala, and beyond, I intend to continue benefiting as much as I can.” And what of the swirling speculation about his successor? Tibetan leaders waved it off with the same calm the Dalai Lama used when, decades ago, Mao Zedong famously told him, “Religion is poison.” 4Contd on | Nation NEW DELHI US authorities have arrested Nehal Modi, the younger brother of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, following extradition requests from the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI, officials said Saturday. He was taken into custody on Friday, US authorities have informed India, they said. The next date for the hearing in the matter is July 17, when Nihal may seek bail, but it will be opposed by the US prosecutors, they said. The move came on an extradition request jointly submitted by the ED and the CBI. The extradition proceedings led by the US prosecutors were taken up on two charges - one count of money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and one count of criminal conspiracy under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 201 (disappearance) of the Indian Penal Code. Nehal, 46, is an accused in an alleged Rs 13,000 crore fraud - one of the largest such - involving the Punjab National Bank, a fraud allegedly orchestrated by the two brothers and their uncle Mehul Choksi. Born and brought up in Antwerp, Belgium, and fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, Nehal Deepak Modi NEW DELHI Dalai Lama eyes 130, with a wink & a smile MUMBAI CBI finds hawala route in medical accreditation scam MUMBAI Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of Argentina Javier Milei during his ceremonial welcome at Casa Rosada, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. –PTI Stranded F-35 inspection today A 25-member team of British aviation engineers will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday to assess the F-35B fighter jet that has been grounded for over three weeks after an emergency landing on June 14. Part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, the jet was forced to land due to bad weather and low fuel. Multiple repair attempts have failed so far. The team will now decide whether to fix the aircraft in India or dismantle and transport it back to the UK. India had offered assistance through the nearest Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) facility. Play & Pause Prada’s Kolhapuri chappal controversy Shefali Jariwala’s death spotlights risks of new ‘wellness’ rituals Won’t allow Russia to lose in Ukraine: China Agencies BRUSSELS Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine during four hours of talks with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During a tense high-level meeting in Brussels, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the EU’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas that Beijing cannot allow Russia to lose in its war against Ukraine. According to several sources cited by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on 4 July, China fears that such an outcome would allow the United States to fully pivot its attention to Beijing. 4Contd on | Nation