FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. 15 No. 178 | BHOPAL | WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 10, 2025 | Pages 16 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 www.freepressjournal.in Sports RO-KO SHOULD BE FIRST TWO NAMES P.14 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL UJJAIN MONEY PUNE INDORE NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit Shrinking hours and debates P.6 ‘RBI steers ‘bank groups’ toward operational flexibility, stability’ Cinema Tamannaah joins Shantaram biopic P.16 MP breaks power demand record with 18,971 MW supply Now, Trump eyes tariff on Indian rice Atul Gautam Power Supply Breakdown INDORE Source Type Thermal Power Hydropower Renewable Energy Other Sources (including NTPC) Madhya Pradesh has achieved a new milestone in the power sector by successfully meeting its highest-ever electricity demand. The state recorded a peak demand of 18,971 megawatts (MW) at 10:50 am on December 9 -surpassing the previous record of 18,913 MW, set on December 20, 2024. Despite the unpreced- ented load on the grid, the entire power system -- including generation units, transmission lines and substations -- functioned smoothly, ensuring uninter- IndiGo ordered to cut flights by 10% PTI NEW DELHI/MUMBAI The Civil Aviation Minister has asked for a 10 per cent cut in planned IndiGo flights to help restore order at India's biggest airline, which cancelled thousands of flights nationwide after failing to plan for tighter safety regulations. Posting a picture of IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, sitting with folded hands in front of him, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in a post on X, said that the airline management was summoned to the ministry to provide an update. "The Ministry considers it necessary to curtail the overall Indigo routes, which will help in stabilising the airline's operations and lead to reduced cancellations. A curtailment of 10 per cent has been ordered. While abiding by it, Indigo will continue to cover all its destinations as before," he said. NEW DELHI Delhi blast: 8th accused held The NIA on Tuesday arrested another key accused in connection with last month’s Delhi bomb blast case. According to the NIA, Dr Bilal Naseer Malla of Baramulla (J&K) is the eighth accused to be arrested in the case. He was nabbed by an NIA team from Delhi. BENGALURU Aditya-L1 joins global effort India's first solar observatory Aditya-L1 played a key role in helping scientists decode why the strongest solar storm in more than two decades that struck Earth in May 2024 behaved so unusually, ISRO said on Tuesday. Aditya-L1 joined forces with six US satellites, including NASA's Wind. SC WARNS OF ANARCHY AS BLOs FACE THREATS Vote chori biggest anti-national act: Rahul The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over BLOs and other officials engaged in SIR 2.0 being "threatened" in West Bengal and other states, and asked the Election Commission to deal with the situation or "it will cause anarchy". A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi also voiced concern over the alleged lack of cooperation by state governments in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and said, "What we want to ensure is that the SIR is done on the ground without any glitches." "Bring to our notice instances of lack of cooperation, hindrances In a no-holds-barred attack, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP of indulging in the "biggest anti-national act" by committing "vote chori" in collusion with the Election Commission and destroying the idea of India. Participating in a discussion on election reforms in the Lower House, Gandhi posed three questions which he claimed make it clear that the BJP is "directing and using" the EC to damage India's democracy PTI NEW YORK/WASHINGTON US President Donald Trump has said that India should not be "dumping" rice into the United States market and he will "take care" of it, while stressing that tariffs will solve the "problem" easily. Trump held a roundtable in the White House on Monday with representatives of the farming and agriculture sector as well as key members of his cabinet, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. He announced USD 12 billion in federal aid for farmers. Meryl Kennedy, who runs her family's agribusiness Kennedy Rice Mill in Louisiana, told Trump that rice producers in the southern part of the country are "really struggling' and that other nations are "dumping" rice into the US. When asked by Trump which countries are dumping rice into America, Kennedy, sitting next to the President, replied, "India, and Thailand; even China into Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico used to be one of the largest markets for US rice. We haven't shipped rice will cause anarchy," CJI Kant told Dwivedi, terming the situation "very serious". Senior advocate V Giri, appearing for petitioner Sanatani Sangsad and others, pointed out that the petitioners have alleged violence and threats against BLOs and other officials engaged in SIR work and sought directions to the EC to protect them. Cabinet clears way for `24,240cr investment in Bundelkhand Court notice to Sonia on plea over ‘forgery’ in poll roll inclusion Our Staff Reporter PTI Min refuses to accept ganja trafficker as brother for her chair 4Continued on | P8 BHOPAL Focusing on the development of Bundelkhand region, which is lagging behind other regions of the state, the cabinet meeting in Khajuraho approved a special industrial promotion package for industrial area Maswasi Grant in Sagar district on Tuesday. This package will pave the way of investment of Rs 24,240 crore and provide jobs to more than 29,000 people. The annual land lease and land allotment have been fixed at Rs 1 per square metre. The facility to pay development fee in 20 equal installment will also be provided. To encourage investors, 100% reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fees has been approved. Industrial he cabinet also approved the proposal of the Minority Welfare Department to send 600 youths of Other Backward Classes (OBC) to Japan and Germany for employment over a period of two years by using the social impact bond financial instrument. T PTI NEW DELHI Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest USD 17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the USD 17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh he cabinet sanctioned the action plan of Rs 397.54 crore for expansion of fire services and their modernisation. The central and state share will be 75% and 25%. Along with this, cabinet nod was given for upgradation of 12 health services in 11 districts and for creation of 348 posts. T units will not be eligible for this special package, which will remain in force for the next five years. 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 T he cabinet gave in principle approval to develop Veerangana Durgawati Tiger Reserve, Nauradehi as the third cheetah habitat. Kuno National Park is the first cheetah habitat followed by Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur, which is the second cheetah habitat. Eight cheetahs are expected to arrive from Botswana in January. units will be exempted from electricity duty for five years from the date of commencement of commercial production. Cement manufacturing crore) investment builds on the USD 3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026. "To support the country's ambitions, Microsoft is committing USD 17.5B-our largest investment ever in Asia-to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India's AI-first future," Nadella said on X. See Money NEW DELHI A Delhi court on Tuesday sought response from senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and the police on a plea challenging a magistrate's order refusing a probe on the allegation that she was included in the electoral rolls three years before acquiring Indian citizenship in 1983. Special Judge Vishal Gogne was hearing a revision plea against the magisterial court's order of September 11, which had dismissed the plea, saying the complaint was "fashioned with the object of clothing the court with jurisdiction through allegations which are legally untenable, deficient in substance, and beyond the scope of this forum's authority". Nauradehi to be developed as third cheetah habitat Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion in India India, Kenya discuss ties to work of BLOs and we will pass appropriate orders," the bench told senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission (EC). Dwivedi submitted, "The state governments are supposed to cooperate with us and give us protection. If the state government refuses to do so, then we have no option other than taking the local police under deputation. If the Says India should not be ‘dumping’ rice into US situation still does not improve, then we will have to call central forces." Justice Bagchi said the poll panel cannot take the police under its jurisdiction until the commencement of the election process. Dwivedi said the EC has all constitutional powers to deal with instances of BLOs and other officials engaged in SIR work being threatened. "Deal with the situation or it NAIROBI Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Adarsh Swaika called on Kenya's Cabinet Secretary of Health, Aden Duale, on Tuesday, and discussed further strengthening between the two nations in healthcare, including pharmaceuticals, pharma manufacturing, equipment, medical devices, and capacity building. 5,925 MW was supplied in the Central Region, 5,057 MW in the Eastern Region, 7,560 MW in the Western Region and 429 MW under other categories including Railways and SEZs. Officials noted that continuous improvements in grid infrastructure, increased renewable energy integration and efficient system management have enabled the state to confidently tackle rising demand. SIR 2.0 | Top court asks EC to deal with situation PTI No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause hardship to passengers through planning failures and non-compliance with regulations, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Tuesday asserting that IndiGo was being accountable for the mass disruptions in its flight schedules Briefs Energy minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar praised the coordinated efforts behind the achievement. He said the record demand management reflects the NEW DELHI No airline will be permitted to cause hardship to pax: Naidu fp rupted and safe electricity supply across the state. Officials confirmed that no major disruptions were reported during the peak period. Power Supplied 3,872 MW 387 MW 1,792 MW 12,920 MW dedication and technical expertise of the state’s power sector workforce. “This achievement is strong proof of the robustness of the state’s power system, better planning and a capable infrastructure,” Tomar said while congratulating all employees of the power companies. Providing region-wise details of power distribution, MP Transco chief engineer Pradeep Sachan stated that 4Continued on | P8 Bagri also gives clarifications to CM Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Minister of State Pratima Bagri has swung into action to save her chair since her brother and brother-in-law were found involved in ganja trafficking. In an interaction with media persons in Khajuraho on Tuesday, Bagri said the media always tried to find relations on their own. They should first confirm and then say something on the basis of evidence, she said. According to her, the entire Vidhan Sabha is her family, and she ties Rakhi to many people. Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Three hotel employees died of alleged food poisoning and two are still on ventilators after having meals at a hotel in Khajuraho. In all, 11 people were hospitalised following food poisoning, according to health department officials. Others are undergirding treatment in Jayarogya Hospital attached to Gwalior Medical College. Khajuraho sat for lunch The Chhatarpur district administration, in a statement, confirmed the deaths of three persons and announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to the families of the deceased. The incident was reported on Monday afternoon, when all 11 employees of Gautam Resort in Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district sat for lunch. Soon after the meal, they felt dizzy, had nausea, stomach ache and anxiety. All of them were rushed to the district hospital. Owing to their critical condition, they were referred to Gwalior's Jayarogya Hospital, where three of them including a woman died during treatment. 4Continued on | P8 FIR over apple theft in Pak judge’s chamber PTI Pakistan's Punjab province police registered an FIR over the theft of "two apples and a hand wash bottle" from the chamber of a sessions court judge in Lahore city, police said on Tuesday. The FIR has been lodged at Lahore's Islampura Police Station on the complaint of the judge's reader. The reader said he filed the complaint on the judge's instructions. According to the FIR, two apples and one handwash bottle were stolen from the chamber of Additional Sessions Judge Noor Mu- MORE ON PAGE 3 4Continued on | P8 Indian rice exporters on Tuesday said the US threat of imposing additional tariffs on Indian rice is "not a major concern", asserting that demand remains steady and the export volumes to America are too small to significantly impact the sector. India Rice Exporter Federation President Prem Garg said that allegations by US officials of India "dumping" rice are "completely wrong", noting that the US imports only about 2.7 lakh tonne of Indian rice annually, a small volume compared to India's global footprint into Puerto Rico in years." Kennedy said that this has been happening for years and did not start during the Trump administration. "But unfortunately, we're seeing it in a much bigger way now," she said. 4Continued on | P8 CBI books Anil Ambani’s son in bank fraud case PTI NEW DELHI The CBI registered two FIRs against Anil Dhirubhai Ambani (ADA) group companies -- Reliance Home Finance Ltd. (RHFL) and Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd -- in separate bank fraud cases, naming Jai Anmol Anil Ambani in one of them and bringing alleged loan defaults worth Rs 14,852 crore under scanner, officials said Tuesday. Following the registration of the FIR against Jai Anmol Anil Ambani, the son of industrialist Anil Ambani, the CBI teams carried out a search at his residence on the seventh floor of the Sea Wind building, Anil Ambani's home in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. 4Continued on | P8 3 hotel staff die of ‘food poisoning’ 7 suspected poachers 11 hospitalised Incident reported detained in Mhow, on Monday, when all 11 employees of weapons recovered Gautam Resort in court heist LAHORE Those who commit crime should face the music according to the laws of the land, she said. According to sources, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also took feedback from Bagri on the issue. She also informed Yadav about her brother and brother-in-law. Exporters reject charge Two apples and one handwash bottle stolen from chamber of Addl Sessions Judge Noor Muhammad Basmal hammad Basmal on December 5. "The total value of the stolen items has been stated as PKR1,000," it said. Lahore Police have registered the case under Section 380 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to theft. Under this section, a convicted offender may face up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both. A rights activist has termed this case the "biggest theft case in Pakistan's history. FP News Service MHOW/INDORE Forest department officials caught seven people with illegal weapons during a night operation in Mhow’s Malendi area on Monday. The team found the group sitting around a bonfire deep inside the forest. Officials from the Indore forest division confirmed on Tuesday that a night patrol in the Mhow forest range led to the detention of several suspected poachers and the recovery of weapons, The intensified patrolling follows a recent leopard poaching incident that has put the division on heightened alert. According to forest officials, the operation began at around 8:30 PM on December 8 after an informer tipped off about suspicious activity near Nandiwar village in the Malendi Material recovered strongly indicated the possibility of hunting activity Pradeep Mishra DFO area. A patrol team reached the area, cordoned it off and apprehended seven people. One of the suspects allegedly attempted to dispose of certain items in the forest, prompting a detailed search. The team recovered a sword (talwar), a country-made firearm (desi katta) and five live cartridges. The suspects were identified as Devkaran, Vikas, Mohit, Shekhar, Vishal and Ravi. Another man Lokesh was detained for further questioning. 4Continued on | P8