FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. XLII No. 60 | INDORE | FRIDAY | AUGUST 8, 2025 | Pages 18 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 FREE www.freepressjournal.in Sports Messi misses goal, Kerala loses Rs 13L in process P.18 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE MONEY Electronics exports jump 47% in Q1 56-INCH RESPONSE | Modi declares he was prepared to bear a significant personal cost if necessary Ready to pay heavy price for farmers’ welfare: PM GAURAV VIVEK BHATNAGAR Boeing deal put on hold NEW DELHI A day after the US President announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, PM Narendra Modi made India's stance on agriculture issues clear declaring that the welfare of the farmers remained India’s highest priority” and it will “never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen”. Significantly, the trade talks with the US seem to have got stuck over agriculture issues. Addressing the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference here, Modi said he was also “fully aware that I may have to pay a very heavy price personally, but I am prepared for it. For the farmers of my country, for the fishermen of my country, for the livestock keepers of my country, Bharat stands ready today.” Without referring to tariffs, the Prime Minister said, “We are continuously working towards increasing farmers’ incomes, reducing their agricultural expenditure, and creating new sources of income.” And on the way forward, he stressed the need to “weave together science and society, place the interests of fp Briefs MANDSAUR 3.9 earthquake hits Mandsaur A mild earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale struck Pratapgarh district of Rajasthan and Mandsaur at 10:07 am on Thursday. The epicentre was located 10 kilometres deep in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan. Despite its low intensity, the tremors caused panic among residents as many rushed out of their homes, shops and offices into open spaces. SURREY Kapil Sharma’s cafe attacked Twenty-five shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma's cafe in Canada's Surrey for the second time in less than a month. Two gangs – Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon and Lawrence Bishnoi – claimed responsibility for the attack. A threatening voice message in the attack video warned of future action in Mumbai. India has paused the procurement of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. The decision comes after nearly 50% price increase, driven in part by a 25% US tariff on Indian exports. The move comes amid a broader review of high-value defence acquisitions, as the country grapples with rising costs, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and a renewed focus on strategic autonomy. The proposed deal has not been definitively canceled but is under review in light of the altered cost dynamics and broader policy considerations. China backs India Why singling out India? China on Thursday criticised the United States for imposing steep new tariffs on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, calling it a clear case of "tariff abuse" and urging restraint. The strong response came after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order placing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, taking the total import duty to 50 per cent. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear." US President Donald Trump warned of new "secondary sanctions" for Moscow's trading partners when he was asked why India was being "singled out" for its business ties with Russia, leaving other nations that have been buying Russian energy. When a journalist asked him why he was singling India out for these additional sanctions from other countries, like China, that also buy Russian oil, Trump said, "It's only been 8 hours. So let's see what happens. You're going to see a lot more...You're going to see so many secondary sanctions." the small farmer at the heart of our efforts, and empower the women who work in the fields.” Describing eminent scientist Swaminathan as “a devoted son of Maa Bharati” who transformed science into a medium of public service and dedicated his life to ensuring the nation’s food security, Modi said he awakened a conscious- ness that will continue to shape the country’s policies and priorities for centuries to come. 4Continued on | P8 ‘Secondary curbs on China likely’ Agencies WASHINGTON US President Trump has indicated that China could face secondary sanctions or additional tariffs for buying Russian Oil. At a news conference in the White House on Wednesday the US President was asked if similar secondary sanction would apply to China given that the Chinese are the largest buyers of Russian Crude Oil. The President replied, "It may happen, I don't know, I can't tell you yet, we did it with India and we are doing it probably with a couple of others, one of them could be China." According to data by the Centre for Research on Energy EC notifies schedule for V-P election NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday notified the schedule for the Vice-Presidential Election, which has been necessitated by the resignation of former incumbent Jagdeep Dhankar, who had announced his decision to step down on July 21. As per the schedule for the election, the last date for making nominations would be August 21; the scrutiny of nominations would take place by the following day, August 22; the last date for withdrawal of candidature would be August 25 and the date of voting, if necessary, will be September 9. and Clean Air (CERA) for June 2025, China has bought 47% of Russia's crude exports, followed by India (38%), the EU (6%), and Turkiye (6%). CERA is an independent research organisation registered as a nonprofit in Finland. Turkiye, is the largest buyer of oil products and has purchased 26% of Russia's oil product exports, followed by China (13%) and Brazil (12%). The EU was the largest buyer of LNG from Russia purchasing 51% of LNG exports from the country, followed by China (21%) and Japan (18%). 4Continued on | P8 ‘US reasoning on China tariff not same as India’ Agencies WASHINGTON White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has said that the United States already has 50 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, similar to India, but the reasoning behind them is starkly different, according to C-SPAN. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Navarro said the US wants to impose tariffs on China without hurting its own economy. 4Continued on | P8 UJJAIN PRESS PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK Our Staff Reporter Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday announced that Madhya Pradesh is set to get its first rail and metro coach manufacturing unit in Raisen district. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lay the foundation stone on August 10. He said, “For the first time in our state, train coaches and metro coaches will be manufactured here and delivered across nation and globe.” The unit, worth around Rs 1,800 crore, will come up at Umariya village in Raisen. It is expected to create employment opportunities for around 2,000 people.Around 60 hectares of land have been allotted for the project. Coaches of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and metro trains will be manufactured at the facility. The CM said the project will also boost several auxiliary industrial units in Raisen and Bhopal districts. Bhopal Nawab deposited funds in Bank of Pak: CM Nawab of Bhopal had de- Cinema Manasi Parekh’s struggle story P.16 Ladli Behnas get Rs 1,500 for Rakshabandhan CM transfers Rs 1,859cr to their accounts Our Staff Reporter Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has transferred Rs 1,500, including additional amount of Rs 250, to the accounts of Ladli Behnas. Yadav transferred Rs 1,859 crore to the accounts of 1.26 crore women on Thursday. He has also transferred Rs 43.90 crore to the accounts of beneficiaries under the Ujjawala scheme. At a function in Narsingarh, Yadav said the Ladli Behnas would get Rs 1,500 every month after Diwali. This time, a sum of Rs 250 was deposited as a symbol Gujarat has emerged as the frontrunner among India’s large states, recording a per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) -- a proxy for average income -- of Rs 1.96 lakh. Karnataka followed closely at Rs 1.92 lakh, trailed by Haryana at Rs 1.83 lakh and Tamil Nadu at Rs 1.80 lakh. Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu each contribute between 8 and 9 per cent to the national GDP. Yet, Maharashtra's per capita income growth has lagged behind its peers over the past decade, suggesting a decoupling between aggregate output and individual prosperity. The broader economic geography of India reveals a pronounced tilt towards the West and South, with states such as Maharashtra, Guja- rat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu consistently outperforming others. Madhya Pradesh, by contrast, has demonstrated a more encouraging trajectory. Its per capita NSDP rose from Rs 38,497 in 2011–12 to Rs 67,300 in 2023–24, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 4.8 per cent. In a recent parliamentary session, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary presented statewise data on per capita income. These figures are calculated at constant 2011–12 prices -- a methodological choice that strips away inflationary distortions and Women tie Rakhi to CM Mohan Yadav in Narsingarh auspiciousness. The amount of the Ladli Behna Yojna will be increased to Rs 3,000 by 2028. The government will give financial aid of Rs 6,000 to the women working in industries and Rs 5,000 to men. Hostels are being constructed for women at their place of work, he said, adding that the financial aid of 35% is being provided under the Gopalan Yojna. The state government has already paid more than Rs 41,000 crore under the Ladli Behna Yojna. In the coming days, Rajgarh, Narsingarh, and Biaora will be part of the metropolitan city, Yadav said. He made several announcements for the development of Rajgarh and Narsingarh. Several Ladli Behnas tied Rakhis to Yadav at the function. The Rakhis presented by sisters have given strength to men to take on the powerful kingdoms for thousands of years, Yadav said. Putin to 2 more die at Kubereshwar visit India Dham, toll mounts to seven Agencies FP News Service NEW DELHI SEHORE National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, during his ongoing visit to Moscow, stated that the dates for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India are currently being worked out. Sources confirmed that no specific date or timeline has been indicated during Doval’s engagements. Contrary to some media reports suggesting a visit in late August, sources clarified that such claims are incorrect. In a video shared by Sputnik News, Doval said that India is “very excited and delighted” about the upcoming visit of President Putin. “I think that the dates are almost finalized now. The more important thing is that the summit meetings have always been a watershed point,” he remarked. Two more devotees died at Kubereshwar Dham in Sehore on Thursday, official sources said. A youth from Uttar Pradesh died of a heart attack in the morning, and another person from Delhi died at noon. Those who died were identified as 22-year-old Upendra Gupta from Gorakhpur in UP and 40-year-old Anil Sen from Delhi. With two more deaths, the number of people dying at Kubereshwar has mounted to seven since Tuesday night, when thousands of people arrived at the place to take part in Kawad Yatra organised by Kathavachak Pradeep Mishra. Three persons died of sudden illness on Wednesday. Similarly, two devotees died and 12 sustained injuries in a stampede during the distribution of Rudraksha on Tuesday. Trump to meet Putin US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet in the “coming days,” according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. The announcement follows Trump’s recent statement that there was a “good chance” he could meet both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in person “very soon” to discuss ending war in Ukraine posited his money in accounts of Bank of Pakistan because he, along with rulers of four other princely states, did not want to merge with India, said Chief Minister Mohan Yadav while addressing media here on Thursday. “The Bhopal princely state reminds us of a glorious past, where the tricolour holds special significance. It was among the four princely states that initially refused to merge with India,” the CM said. 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 Govt to order magisterial probe: Revenue Minister Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma has said the government will order a magisterial probe into the circumstances which led to the deaths of seven persons at Kubereshwar Dham. NEW DELHI The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the plea filed by Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court, challenging the report of an inhouse inquiry committee and the recommendation made by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna for his removal. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih held that the petition was not maintainable and that the in-house inquiry process was legally sound. The bench held that the inhouse inquiry process had legal backing, was not extra-constitutional, and did not violate Justice Varma’s rights. The Court found no flaw in the actions of the CJI or the inquiry committee, stating they had “scrupulously fol- Kathavachak Pradeep Mishra mourned the deaths of seven devotees during the Kawad Yatra at Kubereshwar Dham. The temple committee is with the family members of those who lost their near and dear ones and ready to provide any help to them, he said. TRAFFIC BOTTLENECK ON HIGHWAY Kawad Yatra led to a traffic bottleneck on the Bhopal-Indore highway, which continued late Wednesday night. A large number of vehicles snarled up on the road, causing problems for commuters. SC throws out plea of Justice Varma FP News Service Pradeep Mishra mourns deaths lowed” the required procedures. It ruled that it was not mandatory to upload photos and videos of the incident, especially since Justice Varma had not objected to their omission at the time, as reported by Live Law and Bar and Bench The court also questioned the timing of Justice Varma’s petition, asking why he appeared before the inquiry committee if he believed the process was unconstitutional, and why he had not raised objections earlier. While dismissing the plea, the Court stated that Justice Varma could raise his contentions during any future impeachment proceedings. It also dismissed a separate petition by Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara seeking an FIR against Justice Varma, citing abuse of court process. 4Continued on | P8 10 senior IAS officer appointed to assess schemes Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL The state government on Thursday appointed 10 IAS officers, including 8 ACS, as divisional in-charge officers for monitoring, evaluating and implementing development works. The decision has been taken following the instructions of CM Mohan Yadav. The officers will help in coordinating related works with the departments in the divisions. Also, they will inform the Chief Secretary about the subject. According to the order, ACS Rajesh Rajora has been given the responsibility of Ujjain, Ashok Barnwal Gwalior, Manu Srivastava Chambal, Sanjay Dubey Jabalpur, Neeraj Mandloi Narmadapuram, Sanjay Kumar Shukla Bhopal, Anupam Rajan Indore and Rashmi Arun Shami Rewa division. 4Continued on | P8 RAHUL’S ATOM BOMB: 1,00,250 VOTES STOLEN Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar NEW DELHI MP improves as south, west dominate earnings IANS The amount will be increased to Rs 3,000 by 2028; Yadav cites Rakshabandhan and Op Sindoor BHOPAL income roadmap NEW DELHI E-paper Edit Trump’s tariff tantrum P.6 Rajnath to lay stone for state’s first coach factory on Sunday BHOPAL MUMBAI allows for a more accurate assessment of real income growth over time. This pace of expansion surpasses that of traditionally wealthier states such as Maharashtra (4.3 per cent) and Haryana (4.6 per cent). Karnataka and Tamil Nadu credited their elevated figures to effective governance and sustained policy interventions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed that “vote theft is an atom bomb that has been dropped on our democracy” and cited the example of his party’s investigation into the Bangalore Central LS election. He claimed that over one lakh fake voters were included in its Mahadevapura Assembly constituency to influence the outcome of the entire election. The BJP had won the Lok Sabha election by 32,707 votes. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi, who had last 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 ECI asks Rahul to give plaint on oath The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued a strong rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations of “vote theft” in Karnataka, asking him to give a complaint on oath or stop misleading citizens. Issuing a “Fact Check” on the allegations, the ECI also circulated a format for a declaration on oath which Gandhi could use for filing a complaint related to allegations