FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. 15 No. 27 | BHOPAL | FRIDAY | JULY 11, 2025 | Pages 16 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 FREE www.freepressjournal.in Sports Caster Semenya scores legal victory in Human Rights Court P.14 fp Briefs VADODARA Bridge collapse toll rises to 16 The death toll in the collapse of a bridge over the Mahisagar river in Gujarat's Vadodara district climbed to 16 on Thursday, and the search operation for three to four missing persons is currently underway, officials said. Several vehicles fell into the Mahisagar river after a portion of the four-decade-old bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, caved in near Gambhira village close to Padra town of Vadodara on Wednesday morning. BRITISH COLUMBIA Kapil Sharma’s cafe attacked At least nine shots have been fired at comedian Kapil Sharma's cafe in Canada, just days after it was inaugurated. Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi has taken responsibility for the shooting, in which no one was injured. The cafe, called Kap's Cafe, is Sharma's first foray into the restaurant industry and his wife Ginni Chatrath is also involved in the venture. The cafe, which is located in Surrey in Canada's British Columbia, saw its soft launch a few days ago. OTTAWA Student pilot killed in crash An Indian student pilot was killed in a mid-air crash in Manitoba province of Canada, according to the Consulate General of India in Toronto. The Indian pilot, identified as Sreehari Sukesh, was killed when his single-engine plane collided mid-air with another similar aircraft piloted by a Canadian youth, who was also killed in the accident on Tuesday. WASHINGTON DC ‘Af withdrawal embarrassing’ US President Donald Trump has once again strongly criticised the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, calling it "the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country," TOLO News reported. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Trump questioned the actions of US military commanders, particularly Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL WORLD Russia presses on with more Ukraine attacks UJJAIN PRESS PUNE INDORE NASHIK Edit A bridge built on false promises P.6 Cinema The legal eagle P.13 Mahima Kesharwani Rooting out ailments l Terminalia arjuna (Arjun tree) for cardiac health l Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) and Hygrophila auriculata (Hokru) for kidney support l Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha) for blood pressure management l Gauga pinnata, showing early promise in tumour suppression INDORE In the forested heartlands of Madhya Pradesh, where knowledge is often passed down through whispers and wild roots, ancient tribal medicine is now gaining scientific validation. A path-breaking collaboration between Holkar Science College and Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Researchers and tribal healers examine medicinal plants during a forest field study in the tribal region. Science (SAIMS) is transforming centuries-old tribal healing practices into clinically tested healthcare sol- utions. Led by Dr Vinod Bhandari from SAIMS and Prof Sanjay Vyas of Holkar College, the initiative spans 20 tribal- SIR ROW | Apex court asks ECI to consider including documents like Aadhaar, ration cards as ID proof SC allows ECI to continue Bihar voter revision drive Agencies SC questions timing NEW DELHI The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Election Commission to continue with its exercise of conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in pollbound Bihar. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi did not stay the SIR process but asked the ECI to consider allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards as admissible documents to prove voter identity during the SIR of electoral rolls being undertaken in Bihar. "We are of the prima facie opinion that in the interest of The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Election Commission of India on the timing of the Special Intensive Revision drive in poll-bound Bihar saying it went to the "root of democracy and power to vote" while rejecting the argument that the poll panel did not have any power to carry it out. The ECI also justified the exercise and said Aadhaar wasn't a "proof of citizenship". justice, the Election Commission will also include documents like Aadhaar, Ration Card, Voter ID card, etc.. It is for the ECI to decide whether it wants to accept the documents or not, and if it does not, then provide reasons for its decision, which shall be sufficient to satisfy the petitioners. Meanwhile, petitioners are not pressing for an interim stay," the bench stated in its order. In its order, the top court noted that the timeline for the process is very short since elections in Bihar are due in November. The apex court posted for hearing on July 28 the pleas challenging ECI's move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar and asked the poll panel to file its affidavit within one week. During the hearing, the bench opined that Aadhaar should be included within the list of documents permissible as an ID proof. "We feel since Aadhar has been taken as a solid proof for inclusion in electoral rolls... it should be included. Your enumeration list is all related to identity - matriculation certificate, etc.," observed the bench. 4Continued on | P8 ED books 29 actors in online betting linked PMLA case PTI HYDERABAD The Enforcement Directorate has filed a money laundering case to look into the role of more than two dozen celebrities, including actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, apart from some social media influencers and YouTubers in Telangana as part of a money laundering probe against certain online betting platforms, official sources said on Thursday. These outlets are alleged to have generated "illicit" funds worth crores of rupees Magnitude 4.4 earthquake hits Haryana, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR through illegal betting and gambling, the sources said. The federal probe agency has taken cognisance of as many as five state police FIRs to book its case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. About 29 celebrities, including Deverakonda, Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagalla, TV host Srimukhi apart from local social media in- Our Staff Reporter PTI An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck near Jhajjar in Haryana on Thursday morning, sending tremors across the Delhi-NCR region. The epicentre was 3 km northeast of Jhajjar and 51 km west of Delhi. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 km at 9.04 am, the National Centre for Seismology said. Besides Jhajjar, the tremors were felt in neighbouring Rohtak and Gurugram districts, Panipat, Hisar and Meerut. 4Continued on | P8 Shahdol panchayat’s 1-hr binge sparks probe BHOPAL NEW DELHI fluencers and YouTubers have been booked in the ED case. These celebrities are suspected to have "endorsed" online betting apps like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, Lotus365 etc. in lieu of getting celebrity or endorsement fee, the sources said. Some of these "well known" persons, the sources said, have earlier stated that they did not know the exact functioning of the apps and products dished out by them and claimed they did not associate themselves with these platforms for any wrongdoing or illegal activity like betting. It took just one hour for panchayat officials in Shahdol district to chew through 14 kilograms of dry fruits, gulp down tea loaded with 5 kilograms of sugar and 6 litres of milk—all at a government event meant for water conservation. The lavish spread was part of the Ganga Jal Samvardhan Abhiyan held on May 25 at Bhadwahigram panchayat. While villagers were served plain khichdi, top officials— including Collector Kedar Singh, District Panchayat CEO Narendra Singh and SDM Pragati Verma—were treated to premium snacks Paint scam: 658 workers for 24 litres Shahdol district was already in the spotlight after an education department scam surfaced recently. Records showed 443 labourers and 215 masons were allegedly hired to paint just two government schools using only 24 litres of paint—worth Rs 4,704. Yet, Rs 3.38 lakh was paid for the job. The fraud took place in Beohari, and came to light after documents detailing the inflated expenses were leaked. at taxpayers’ expense. 4Continued on | P8 11 peacocks found dead in Jhabua FP News Service JHABUA A total of 11 peacocks were found dead near Dhebar Badi reserved forest area of Thandla, officials said on Thursday. It is suspected that they had eaten grains mixed with pesticides. A detailed investigation has been launched. Villagers informed forest officials on Wednesday evening that they had found 9 female and 2 male peacocks dead at various spots. Deputy forest divisional officer Sunil Sulia said all carcasses were collected and taken to Meghnagar, where a team of veterinary doctors conducted autopsies and also collected viscera samples. Given that peacocks are Schedule-I animals under Wildlife Protection Act 1972, they were cremated at Meghnagar forest premises after obtaining court permission. The divisional forest officer has formed a probe team for a thorough investigation into the incident. However, officials suspected pesticide poisoning as the reason behind the deaths as Forest and Animal Husbandry departments found pesticides in nearby fields. offgrid A 45-year-old Afghan man has married a six-year-old girl in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. According to the US-based Afghan outlet Amu.tv, the Taliban intervened and prevented the man from taking the child home. Instead, they reportedly stated that she could only be taken to her husband’s home once she turns nine. The Taliban's decision came after images of the young girl dressed as a bride went viral on social media. Groom & child’s father arrested The groom and the girl’s father were arrested in Marjah district, where the marriage ceremony took place. However, no criminal charges have been filed. Reportedly, the girl's father had sold his daughter to the man in exchange for money. The transaction was carried out under the traditional practice of walwar — a bride's price determined by the girl’s physical appearance, education, and perceived value. Reportedly, this is the man's third marriage. For dominated districts and six major indigenous communities—Bhil, Baiga, Gond, Sahariya, Barela and Korku. With CSR funding, the team has begun documenting and testing traditional remedies long used in remote villages.  “We met healers like Barua and Patel who inherited their medicinal knowledge through generations,” said Vyas. “Their methods were undocumented until now. We’re finally giving them a platform and a future,” he said. 4Continued on | P8 Legal age for marriage in Afganistan There is currently no legally defined minimum age for marriage under Taliban rule. Instead, marriages are governed by interpretations of Islamic law. Under the Hanafi school of thought, a girl may be married once she reaches puberty, but there is no consensus on the exact age this occurs. According to a UN Women report, child marriages in Afghanistan have seen a 25% surge, while teenage pregnancies have increased by 45% — a direct result of the Taliban’s regressive policies against women and girls. 4Continued on | P8 At Aurobindo Hospital, over 200 patients aged 12 to 75 took part in clinical trials. One traditional wood extract, used after soaking overnight, led to measurable drops in blood sugar and reduced insulin dependency. Tests revealed that the herbal compounds stimulated pancreatic function without side effects. CM launches bicycle scheme, inaugurates new girls’ school building Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that meritorious Class 12 students from government schools will receive electric scooties next month. The initiative aims to reward academic excellence and encourage higher education among students. Addressing Guru Purnima Mahotsav at Kamala Nehru Sandipani Kanya Vidyalaya in the city on Thursday, Yadav also declared that school uniforms will distributed to kids from the next session. Besides, the government will provide free coaching for competitive exams and career guidance. The CM announced that government schools in Mhow, Dewas and Narsinghpur districts that achieve 100% results will receive Rs 5 lakh each as a reward. Meritorious students will also be eligible for financial assistance for admission into private medical colleges. EDU BOOST l Meritorious Class 12 govt students to get electric scooties next month l Govt schools in Mhow, Dewas, Narsinghpur to get Rs 5 lakh for 100% result l CM inaugurates Rs 36-cr building of girls' school in Bhopal l 4.30 lakh bicycles distributed to students under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Yadav inaugurated the new building of Kamala Nehru Sandipani Kanya Vidyalaya, built at a cost of Rs 36 crore. The campus is equipped with modern facilities such as science labs, vast library, laboratories and an auditorium. “The arrangements of the school will beat private schools,” the CM said. He also distributed free bicycles to 50 students, kicking off a two-day bicycle distribution campaign under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. On the first day alone, 4.30 lakh bicycles were distributed in various districts. The Chief Minister said that the government is focusing on establishing medical colleges in smaller cities. As a result, number of MBBS seats in the state is expected to rise to 10,000 within two years. BJP wins six seats, Congress three in civic body by-poll Govt plans steps to check inflated hospital bills due to insurers Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL The ruling BJP won six seats out of nine in the civic by-polls held in nine wards, and the Congress registered its victory on three seats. The State Election Commission declared the results of the civic by-polls on Thursday. In the Panna civic body, the BJP candidate won the election unopposed. The Congress did not field a candidate in this ward. The BJP won the Bheekangaon (Khargone) district, Seoni, Chhindwara, Berasia in Bhopal and Gautampura (Indore) seats. The Congress won in Sanwer, Bichhiya in Mandla and Khand in Shahdol. Congress won the civic by-polls in Sanwer, which is the assembly constituency of water resources minister Tulsi Silawat The Congress won the civic by-polls in Sanwer, which is the assembly constituency of the water resources minister Tulsi Silawat. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the party’s state president, Hemant Khandelwal, congratulated the party workers for the victory. The victory was the result of the party workers, they said. Online Report NEW DELHI The government plans to bring an existing health insurance claims portal under the finance ministry and insurance regulator to curb overcharging by healthcare providers, a source told Reuters. Healthcare costs in India are projected to rise by 13 per cent in 2025, exceeding the global average of 10 per cent, and up from 12 per cent recorded a year earlier, according to professional services firm Aon's Global Medical Trend Rates Report. An analysis by the government and the IRDAI found that hospitals are inflating treatment costs for patients and overcharging those with higher covers, the source said earlier this week. 4Continued on | P8 Tennis player shot dead by father in Gurugram home PTI now, the girl remains with her parents. Wood extract drops blood sugar level Govt to gift e-scooties to Class 12 toppers next month GURUGRAM Wait until she’s 9: Taliban to man married to 6-year-old FP Online E-paper Roots of Healing: Tribal medicine in MP finds scientific backing 4See also | Nation KABUL MUMBAI State-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father on Thursday at their double-storeyed home in upscale Sushant Lok here, police said. The 25-year-old, who was shot in the back while cooking, died on the spot, officials said. Her father, 49-year-old Deepak Yadav, has been arrested and his .32 bore licensed pistol recovered from his possession, they said. Why he did so is still unclear. The father allegedly fired more than five bullets. Her mother was in the ground floor and Radhika, who played tennis for Haryana, was in the kitchen on the first floor when the crime took place, officials said. A police team reached the house took the body into custody. "We are questioning the family members. A probe is underway and the picture will be clear soon," said Inspector Vinod Kumar, SHO of the Sector 56 police station. The family lives in Sushant Lok-Phase 2, Sector 57. The father, police said, is a resident of Wazirabad village.