FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. XLII No. 271 | INDORE | TUESDAY | MARCH 10, 2026 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 www.freepressjournal.in ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE UJJAIN MONEY Nation Align education with economy: PM P.7 PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit Politics over protocol in WB P.6 "Unless crude oil breach $130...," no hike in fuel prices Cinema Romantic Matches P.14 Cheetah population crosses half-century mark Jwala gives birth to 5 cubs, count rises to 53 Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL/SHEOPUR Namibian cheetah Jwala the Cheetah gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park on Monday. This is the third time that the cheetah has given birth to cubs. With arrival of new cubs, total cheetah population has reached 53, signalling progress of Project Cheetah. Officials at Kuno are elated over development, with a wave of joy among forest staff. With latest births, number of cheetah cubs born in India has risen to 33. This is the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil. CM: Proud moment for wildlife conservation Chief Minister Mohan Yadav shared joy over birth of cubs in Kuno through a post on X (Twitter). He said cheetah Jwala has given birth to five cubs, marking another milestone for Project Cheetah. With this, India’s cheetah population has crossed half-century mark, reaching 53. Calling it a proud moment for wildlife conservation, he said development reflects suc- cess of India’s cheetah reintroduction efforts. SUMMARY OF CHEETAH LITTERS 10th successful cheetah litter: Union Minister Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said birth of cubs marks a moment of pride for Project Cheetah. He said cheetah Jwala, a successful third-time mother, delivered five cubs at Kuno National Park. With this, number of Indian-born cubs has risen to 33, marking 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil — another milestone in India’s cheetah conservation journey. With arrival of cubs, total Year Cubs born Cubs thriving 2023 4 1 2024 15 9 2025 12 9 2026 14 14 Total 45 33 cheetah population in country has now reached 53. He described birth of cubs as a historic and heart-warming moment for wildlife conservation. IRAN ACTION FALLOUT | EAM says India allowed 3 Iranian ships to dock at Kochi, that serious supply chain disruptions were expected along with climate of instability EAM WARNING: SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS, INSTABILITY Ashwin Ahmad & Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar NEW DELHI Amid protests by the Opposition, Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar on Monday read out statements in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha regarding “The Situation in West Asia.” He also warned India should expect “serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability.” Jaishankar also stated that India had responded to a call by Iranian authorities and had allowed three Iranian ships to dock at its port in Kochi. He said, “Wherever there has been a partial opening of air space, we have approved and undertaken commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers. Our estimate is that as of yesterday almost 67,000 of our nationals have done so,” Jaishankar said. “I was informed of a handout of information put out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which tells us of the efforts the government is making; there were 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers, which arrived in India on the 7th. On the 8th, there were 49 flights. On the 9th there are 50 flights.” OIL SURGE: $119/barrel small price to pay, says Trump Amid surging global oil prices triggered by escalating conflict in West Asia, United States President Donald Trump said the "short-term" spike is worth the cost if it eliminates Tehran's nuclear threat. FM downplays inflation fears on crude shock Agencies NEW DELHI The impact of the global crude price rise on inflation is not estimated to be substantial at this point, as India’s inflation is near the lower bound, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said the price of both global crude oil and the Indian basket had been on a declining trajectory for the past year until geopolitical clashes commenced in West Asia on February 28. “Between the end of February and until March 2, the Crude Oil FOB Price (Indian Basket) rose from $69.01/barrel to $80.16/barrel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that oil prices would "drop rapidly" once Iran's nuclear capabilities are destroyed, adding that "only fools would think differently." Calling it a small price to pay for American and world safety and peace, 74-day oil reserves No to IEA call India currently has a total capacity for storage of crude oil and petroleum products for 74 days, which can help to tide over disruptions in case of adverse situations such as geopolitical conflicts, the Parliament was informed on Monday India will not join the International Energy Agency (IEA) initiative to release strategic oil reserves as part of an effort to cool oil prices, top government sources said. "The crisis (that led to a rise in prices) is not our creation," source said Mojtaba new Supreme Leader Iran on Monday named Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader, succeeding his slain father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and signalling that hardliners remain firmly in control of the country’s political system. The 56-year-old Shi’ite cleric has long operated behind the scenes at the centre of Iran’s power structure, cultivating influence within the security establishment, particularly the IRGC One call from Modi to Israel, Iran can end issue: UAE envoy On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach to the UAE leadership,Hussain Hassan Mirza, the first UAE Ambassador to India, said PM Modi commands respect not just among Gulf leaders but among the region's public and business communities, and that credibility extends to both parties in the current conflict. "One phone call from Mr Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue. One phone call," Mirza said 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 KATHMANDU Oppn moves to impeach CEC RSP sweeps Nepal polls As counting of votes concluded in 163 electoral constituencies out of 165 in Nepal’s parliamentary elections by Monday, the Rastriya Swatantra Party secured nearly 76 per cent of the seats. FP News Service MUMBAI In an unprecedented move, opposition parties are preparing to submit a notice seeking the removal of Gyanesh Kumar, sources said on Monday. The draft notice has been finalised and is likely to be submitted later this week, according to sources familiar with the development. A senior parliamentarian from All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), who was involved in drafting the impeachment notice, described the exercise as a “100 per cent team effort”. “The drafting and planning have truly been a collective effort by all like-minded parties. The execution in both Houses will also be full teamwork,” the TMC leader told PTI. The leader also launched a sharp attack on the CEC, saying he had “totally degraded the great seat he occupies”. Sources in the main opposition party, Indian National Congress, confirmed that they would support the notice. Other parties in the INDIA bloc are also backing the move, with the draft having been prepared collectively. Opposition MPs will now begin collecting signatures from members of both Houses of Parliament. Under parliamentary rules, the notice requires the signatures of at least 100 MPs from the Lok Sabha and at least 50 MPs from the Rajya Sabha before it can be formally admitted. The procedure for removing the chief election commissioner is similar to that followed for the removal of a Supreme Court or high court judge. 4Continued on | P8 Trump wrote, "Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. War clouds darken mkts FP News Service MUMBAI India’s benchmark equity indices retreated sharply on Monday as investors sought shelter from the gathering West Asia storm. The BSE Sensex fell 1.71 per cent to close at 77,566.16, marking its second straight day of decline after plunging over 3 per cent during intraday trade. The NSE Nifty slipped 1.73% to settle at 24,028.05, reflecting the deepening anxiety gripping the markets. The stock of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd dropped 6.12%, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd tanked 5.05%, and Indian Oil Corporation declined 4.3% on BSE. The rupee crashed to its alltime closing low of 92.21 against the US dollar, losing 39 paise during the session. HC notice on CBI plea in Kejri case FP News Service NEW DELHI The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and 21 others on a plea filed by CBI challenging their discharge in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also indicated that the court would stay the adverse observations made by the trial court against CBI and one of its officers in the case. 4Continued on | P8 champions galore India’s heroes rule ICC Team of the Tournament IANS DUBAI After lifting the trophy, the accolades keep pouring in. Four members of India's victorious T20 World Cup squad—Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah—have been named in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, a fitting tribute to their stellar performances throughout the campaign. INDIAN CONTINGENT SANJU SAMSON – PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT Initially not part of the Indian XI, Samson forced his way in and never looked back. His 321 runs in just five innings at a strike rate of 201.73 included: Player of the Match awards against West Indies and England. A record 89 off 46 balls in the final against New Zealand—the highest individual score in a Men's T20 World Cup final. ISHAN KISHAN – THE ANCHOR The left-hander scored 317 runs, the fourth-highest in the tournament, at a breathtaking strike rate of 193.29. His contributions: A masterful 77 against Pakistan. THE STATISTICAL DOMINANCE Player Matches Runs/Wickets Impact Sanju Samson 5 321 Player of the tournament; Record 89 in final Ishan Kishan 9 317 Fourth-highest run-scorer; 3 half-centuries Hardik Pandya 8 200+/9 Jasprit 8 -/14 Moved to No 3 and delivered key performances against England and New Zealand. A half- Two half centuries; Impactful spells Player of the Match in final; 4/15 vs NZ century in the final. 4Continued on | P8 JUDA puts off strike till Mar 16 after Dy CM’s assurance Our Staff Reporter Cong MLA Malhotra’s election nullified, Rawat to be legislator BHOPAL Verdict over hiding criminal cases Junior Doctors Association (JUDA) on Monday put off its strike till next Monday after a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla. According to JUDA, a delegation met Deputy CM and health commissioner regarding fulfilment of demands. After assurance that demands would be considered within next 6–7 days, JUDA suspended the strike on Monday evening. Earlier, JUDA had gone on strike protesting government’s failure to implement annual CPI-based stipend hike due in April 2025. The protest affected OPD services across state, with doctors demanding revision to address inflation, which had been promised after a 2021 strike. Resident doctors, senior residents and interns led by JUDA had boycotted outpatient (OPD) services over pending CPI-based stipend revision. The impact was seen in medical college hospitals across state. However, emergency services continued and only critical patients were treated in operating theatres. Malhotra has a fortnight to move higher court 4Continued on | P8 Our Staff Reporter GWALIOR/BHOPAL The decision of the Gwalior High Court has set off a political storm in the state. The court has nullified the election of the Congress legislator, Mukesh Malhotra, from the Vijaypur assembly constituency. A bench of the high court comprising Justice G A Ahluwalia gave the verdict on a petition filed by BJP candidate and former minister Ramniwas Rawat. Rawat, who won the assembly election in 2023, switched over to the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha election and became a minister in the new government. A by-election was held in 2024 because the Vijaypur seat fell vacant after Rawat’s defection to the BJP. Mukesh Malhotra Ramniwas Rawat CONGRESS TO MOVE SC A n RS member and senior lawyer, Vivek Tankha, has said the party will appeal to the Supreme Court against the high court order. He said there may have been some mistakes in giving information, but it did not mean that any irregularity was committed in the election. MPCC president Jitu Patwari also said the party would appeal to the SC against the HC order. In the by-election, the Congress fielded Malhotra against Rawat, who, despite being a minister, lost the election. 4Continued on | P8 BJP welcomes the verdict: The BJP’s state unit president, Hemant Khandelwal, said the party welcomed the high court verdict, which would be followed. RUNWAY MELTDOWN: Heat disrupts flight ops at Indore Two flights diverted Our Staff Reporter INDORE Rising temperatures in early March disrupted flight operations at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport on Monday afternoon after a portion of the runway’s bitumen layer melted and loosened. The incident forced Air Traffic Control (ATC) to divert two passenger flights to Bhopal. Airport authorities immedi- ately pressed the construction team to carry out emergency repairs. Ramswarup Yadav, PRO of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, said runway recarpeting work is currently being carried out between 11 pm and 5 am. “The heat in the city has suddenly increased. During a Chaos as petitioner brings foetus inside courtroom FP News Service JABALPUR Chaos erupted at the Madhya Pradesh High Court here on Monday when a man appeared before the single bench of Justice Himanshu Joshi carrying a three-monthold foetus in a polythene bag. Security personnel immediately intervened and seized the bag, prompting heightened security measures within the court premises. CSP Sonu Kurmi said the man named Dayashankar Pandey, who was carrying a three-month-old fetus in a bag was detained by the High Court’ security. Pandey was handed over to the Civil Lines Police Station, he said. After recording statements of Pandey and his wife, the Security personnel intervened, seized bag, prompting heightened security measures routine inspection, it was found that due to the high temperature, the bitumen layer laid on a portion of the runway had melted and become looser than the prescribed standards,” Yadav said. He said a team of civil engineers completed the necessary repairs within 20 minutes. During the repairs, two IndiGo flights on the Delhi-Indore and Raipur-Indore routes were diverted to Bhopal and landed at the airport in the state capital. 4Continued on | P8 DELHI RIOTS CASE Sharjeel Imam gets 10-day interim bail PTI NEW DELHI fetus was buried at Kariya Pathar crematorium amid their presence, he said. Pandey told the police that his wife had a miscarriage in a road accident on March 1 in Rewa, the police said. He is a resident of Nadna village in Baikunthpur area of Rewa district. On why he had come to Jabalpur, Pandey told police that he had filed a petition in the High Court related to a grievance and his hearing was slated for today. A Delhi court on Monday granted 10day interim bail on several conditions to activist Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, to attend a family event. Imam has been asked not to meet anyone except his friends, relatives or family members, or visit places except those mentioned in his plea. He has also been prohibited from using social media. 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8