FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. XLII No. 74 | INDORE | MONDAY | AUGUST 25, 2025 | Pages 16 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 FREE www.freepressjournal.in Sports Pujara bids adieu after repeated snub P.14 fp ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE NATION UJJAIN PRESS PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK NOIDA Dowry murder: Hubby shot As outrage mounted over the alleged killing of 26year-old woman for dowry in Greater Noida, police on Sunday arrested her mother-in-law while her husband was shot in leg as he attempted to flee custody. The family of the victim, Nikki, who was allegedly set ablaze by her husband and in-laws, claimed that she had been tortured since her marriage in 2016 by them for a dowry demand of Rs 36 lakh, even after they had fulfilled their demand for Scorpio vehicle and a motorcycle. Cinema Paparazzo zoom sparks outrage P.12 NEW DELHI Dwivedi leaves for Algeria In his first foreign trip following Operation Sindoor, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday left for Algeria on a four-day visit to explore ways to expand bilateral defence and security ties. The visit comes nearly 10 months after India inked a pact on defence cooperation with the North African nation. Gen Dwivedi will hold talks with top defence and military brass of Algeria focusing on ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, especially between the two land forces, officials said. CAIRO Israeli strikes hit Sanaa Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's capital on Sunday, just days after the Houthi rebels fired a missile toward Israel, the rebels said, the latest Israeli attack targeting the Iranian-backed group. The Houthi media office said the strikes hit multiple areas across the capital of Sanaa, including a power planet and a gas station. Residents reported hearing loud sounds of explosions in different areas, including close to the presidential palace. Rain continues to lash MP, dam overflows in Umaria Flash floods likely in Bhind, Gwalior, Morena, Shivpuri & Sheopur  RAIN METER Places Sidhi Devsar Bhitarwar Dabra Chinor Benibari Dindori Mohgaon Barhai Sarai Amarpur Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Heavy rainfall was recorded in many districts of the state on Sunday, with the Meteorological Department predicting showers for another 24 hours. In Umaria,  which saw a downpour since Saturday night, excess water was released from the Umarar Dam. The district administration has put teams on alert mode, especially in low-lying areas.  ADM Rita Deharia said to the Free Press, “The administration has released excess water from the Umarar Dam. We have deployed rescue teams to monitor the situation, especially in low-lying areas.” According to the Meteorological Department, low to moderate flash floods are likely in Bhind, Gwalior, Morena, Shivpuri, and Sheopur districts. Very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph are forecast for isolated places in Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur districts. Likewise, isolated places in Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Panna, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Maihar districts are expected to experience very Rahul: EC, BJP in partnership; SIR institutionalised theft of votes Dheeraj Kumar NEW DELHI Sambhal row hearing today The Supreme Court is slated to hear the dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid–Sri Harihar Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Monday. As per the computerised case status, a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar will resume hearing on August 25 the special leave petition (SLP) filed by the mosque committee. heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are predicted at isolated places in Vidisha, Raisen, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, and Damoh districts. 4Continued on | P8 BIHAR SIR 8 days to go, 98% file papers India will buy oil from where it gets ‘best deal’: Indian envoy to Russia PTI Ukraine drone hits Russian N-plant, no radiation scare MOSCOW Indian companies will continue buying oil from wherever they get the "best deal", India's envoy to Russia Vinay Kumar has said, asserting that New Delhi will continue taking measures which protect its "national interest". In an interview with Russia's state-run TASS news agency published Sunday, Kumar said that New Delhi's priority is ensuring energy security of the country's 1.4 billion people. His remarks come amid US criticism of India's purchase of discounted Russian crude, a criticism which India has strongly rejected. Stressing that trade takes place on a "commercial basis", Kumar said, "Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. So that's what the current situation is." "...We have clearly stated that our objective is energy security of 1.4 billion people of India and India's cooperation with Russia, as of several other countries, has helped to bring about stability in the oil market, global oil market," the report quoted him as saying. 4Continued on | P8 Agencies MOSCOW As Ukraine celebrated 34 years since its independence, it launched a drone attack on Russia on Sunday, sparking a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region, Russian officials said.The Kursk nuclear power plant is just 60 km from the border with Ukraine. Several power and energy facilities were targeted in the overnight strikes, the officials said. The fire at the nuclear facility was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported, according to the plant’s press service on Telegram. While the attack damaged a transformer, radiation levels remained within normal ranges. Two other reactors are operating without power gen- eration and one is undergoing scheduled repairs. The UN’s nuclear watchdog said it was aware of media reports that a transformer at the plants had caught fire “due to military activity,” but hadn’t received independent confirmation. Its director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.” Ukraine did not immediately comment on the alleged attack. Firefighters also responded to a blaze at the port of UstLuga in Russia’s Leningrad region, home to a major fuel export terminal. The regional governor said approximately 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down, with debris igniting the fire. 4Continued on | P8 NEW DELHI Riding a motorcycle in Bihar’s Purnea district during the Voter Adhikar Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his campaign against “vote theft”, targeting BJP by contending that even children were screaming “vote chor, gaddi chhod”. Noting that a strange phenomenon is occuring on the third yatra that he has contended, Gandhi said now even children were approaching him and and whispering into his ears, “vote chor, gaddi chhod.” He claimed that now even a six- Focus on J&K, Naxals: CRPF ex-chief Singh named dy NSA Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav in Araria on Sunday year old child was aware about the vote theft happening in Bihar. “Now, the Election Commission should go and talk to these children. They will get to know,” he remarked, asserting that children have been "politically activated by the yatra”. 4Continued on | P8 India tests advanced air defence system FP New Service SRINAGAR Allegations of a paper leak ahead of a recruitment test emerged in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with political parties criticising the ruling National Conference (NC) for "wrecking the future" of the youth, prompting the cancellation of the examination. The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) announced the cancellation of the written test and said they would be held afresh. Rain (mm) 167.8 138.2 123.2 123.0 114.1 113.4 111.2 105.3 105.0 104.0 102.0 FP News Service PATNA NEW DELHI J&K SSB exams cancelled E-paper Edit Sergei Gor: His Master’s Voice P.6 School hostel gutted in fire, 1 dead, 3 hurt WEATHER ALERT | No let-up, rain activity for another 24 hrs Briefs MUMBAI Former CRPF and ITBP Director General Anish Dayal Singh has been appointed the new Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA), with a specific mandate to oversee internal security affairs, including Jammu & Kashmir, Naxal-affected regions, and insurgency in the Northeast, official sources said. Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer from the Manipur cadre, retired from active service in December 2024. He brings with him over three decades of experience in internal security, having served extensively in the Intelligence Bureau before heading two of the country’s premier Central Armed Police Forces — the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. In his new role, Singh joins a team of senior security officials under National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The EC on Sunday said documents of 98.2% of electors have been received with eight more days left for people to file claims and objections to the draft electoral roll published as part of special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar voters’ list. Only ten complaints from the recognised 12 political parties have been registered, it said. It underlined that the claims and objections period gives an opportunity to the electors to not only rectify mistakes in the draft rolls, but also submit their requisite documents which they may not have provided while submitting their enumeration forms. "As per information from the office of CEO Bihar, till date documents of 98.2% of electors have been received," it said. From June 24 to August 24, in 60 days, 98.2% persons have submitted their documents. State’s 7 homoeopathy colleges denied recognition for 2025-26 Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL A lack of proper teaching staff and poor strength in both InPatient Department and OutPatient Departments have cost seven homoeopathy colleges in the state, all private, recognition for the 2025-26 academic session. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has given conditional permission to 11 homoeopathy colleges.  The state has 27 homoeopathy colleges, including a government one. The seven colleges denied recognition are: Swami Pranavanand Homoeopathic Medical College National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has given conditional permission to 11 homoeopathy colleges and Hospital, Chhatarpur; Aarihant Homoeopathic Medical College at Sendhwa, Barwani district,   Sagar Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital Research Centre, Sagar; Sheetla Sahai Homoeopathy Medical College & Research Institute Cancer Hospital, Gwalior; Shri Ramnath Singh Siksha Prasar Samiti Homoeopathic Medical College, Gormi, Bhind; Sophia Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL FP News Service NEW DELHI India has successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of its indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the country's defence capabilities amid an evolving regional security landscape. The IADWS is a sophisticated, multi-layered air defence system that integrates indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system. According to the Ministry of Defence, the system is designed to neutralise a wide range of aerial threats, ensuring robust area defence for critical infrastructure and military assets. The flight tests were conducted at 12:30 PM on Saturday at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. 4Continued on | P8 Drug smugglers linked to the international hydroponic weed trafficking racket posed as influential or well-off persons while travelling, deliberately using air-conditioned train coaches and avoiding suspicious behaviour, to stay under the radar of security agencies, officials said. The revelation came in the wake of a major pan-India crackdown by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), code-named Operation ‘WeedOut’, which led to the busting of a hydroponic weed OP WEEDOUT Smugglers received parcels outside rly station just before train departure. Parcels were discreetly hidden in luggage smuggling syndicate on August 20. In a coordinated late-evening operation, DRI officers intercepted suspects at KrantiveeraSangolli Rayanna railway station, Bengaluru, and Bhopal Junction, and seized hydroponic weed worth Rs 72 crore. Sources said the smugglers received parcels outside the railway station just before train departure. The parcels were discreetly hidden in their luggage. The smugglers claimed they were unaware of how the drug made its way to Bengaluru. The entire travel and accommodation, whether in Bengaluru or Delhi, was arranged by a kingpin based in Delhi. After arrival in Delhi, the delivery was picked up immediately as the carriers stepped out of railway station. 4Continued on | P8 CISF’s all-women commando team soon PTI The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has decided to create an all-women commando team for conducting specialised counterterrorist operations, officials said on Sunday. A group of 100 female personnel deployed across the country as part of the aviation security group (ASG) guarding civilian airports are the first to be trained for the task. 4Continued on | P8 Hydroponic weed smugglers posed as VIPs to dodge cops nari shakti NEW DELHI Homoeopathic Medical College (Swastik Educational & Social Welfare Society’s), Gwalior; and Shivang Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Nayapura, Kolar Road. The 11 colleges that got a conditional permission are: Anushree Homoeopathic Medical College, Jabalpur; R.K.D.F. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Research Centre, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal; District Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Ratlam; Hahnemann Homoeopathic Medical College, Bhopal; Ram Krishna College of Homoeopathy & The about 1.70 lakhstrength CISF is primarily tasked to guard 69 civil airports, the Delhi Metro and a number of other vital installations in the government and private domain. "The training for the first batch of the women personnel in commando skills has been started at a training centre located in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. "This eight-week advanced commando course will prepare women person- Training of women commandos at the CISF Regional Training Centre in Barwaha nel for quick reaction team (QRT) and special task force (STF) duties at high-security establishments and plants," a CISF official said. The personnel will be trained in physical fitness and weapons training, livefire drills under stress, endurance-building exercises like running, obstacle courses, rappelling, survival training in forests, and a 48hour confidence-building exercise designed to test decision-making and teamwork under adverse con- ditions, he said. The central armed police force, which functions under the Union home ministry, has 12,491 women (8 per cent of its strength) in its ranks at present. In 2026, 2,400 more women staff will be recruited and in the coming years, recruitment will be structured in such a way that women consistently make up at least 10 per cent of the force as per the directions of the home ministry, the official said. ISRO completes first integrated air drop test for Gaganyaan Agencies NEW DELHI The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01), marking a key milestone in the preparation for India's ambitious Gaganyaan Mission. According to ISRO, the successful trial was a collaborative effort involving multiple defence and research organisations, including the Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. In a post on X, ISRO wrote, "ISRO successfully accomplishes first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for endto-end demonstration of parachute-based deceleration system for Gaganyaan missions.”