Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal
Shimla, July 10: After three days of partial respite, Himachal Pradesh is once again under threat from renewed monsoon fury, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert today for several districts including Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Sirmaur, warning of low to moderate flash flood risks and intense rainfall over isolated [] The post Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
Cheruthana Puthen Chundan finishes first in Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
ALAPPUZHA: Cheruthana Puthen Chundan, rowed by Cheruthana New Boat Club, lifted the Raja Pramukhan Trophy in the Moolam Boat Race held in the Pampa River at Champakulam in Kuttanad on Wednesday. Chambakulam Chundan rowed by Chambakulam Boat Club finished runner-up, while Ayaparambu Valiyadivanji Chundan, rowed by members of Niranam Boat Club, finished third. Six boats participated in the snake boat category. Competition was also held in Veppu A and B grade categories. In Veppu A grade Ambalakadavan boat rowed by Kumarakom Town Boat Club won, while in Veppu B grade P G Karippuzha rowed by Kondakkal Boat Club, lifted the trophy. Prior to the race, representatives of the Travancore Devaswom Board and others visited Champakulam Madathil temple, Mappilassery family and Kalloorkad St Marys Basilica and performed rituals. District Collector Alex Varghese hoisted the boat race flag. MP Kodikunnil Suresh inaugurated the race. MLA Thomas K Thomas presided over the function. District panchayat president K G Rajeswari, Travancore Devaswom Board Ambalappuzha assistant commissioner S Vimalkumar, and Kalloorkkad St Marys Basilica rector Fr James Panakkal spoke. Kodikunnil Suresh and Thomas K Thomas distributed trophies to the winners.
Bomb hoax emails trigger evacuation of court complexes across Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: Panic gripped several district court complexes in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday after anonymous emails threatened to blow up the premises in Shimla, Nahan, Kullu, and Rampur. The threats led to the immediate evacuation of court buildings and a full-scale security response. However, no explosives were found, and court proceedings later resumed. According to sources, the email received by the district court in Shimla claimed that explosives had been planted on the premises and warned of imminent Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and suicide bomb attacks. In response, bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, and police personnel carried out a thorough search of the premises. The entire complex was evacuated as a precaution. Similar threat emails were also received at the District and Sessions Court complexes in Kullu and Nahan. These buildings were also evacuated, and extensive searches were conducted, but no suspicious materials were discovered. Staff, lawyers, and members of the public were safely escorted from all affected premises. Kullu Superintendent of Police, Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, stated that the local police are working in coordination with the cybercrime unit to trace the origin of the emails. Security has been tightened across the district, particularly at key government buildings, he said. Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed that multiple locations, including Rampur, received similar email threats. Preventative measures were immediately undertaken, and police teams, led by DSP-level officers, were dispatched to the sites, he said. The Himachal Pradesh Police are also liaising with other states that have recently experienced similar threats. The Nahan Court Complex in Sirmaur district was also evacuated after receiving a threat email in the morning. Panic spread quickly, but authorities managed the evacuation in an orderly fashion. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the emails had been sent using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), complicating efforts to identify the sender. The states cyber cell has been tasked with tracking the origin and determining the credibility of the threats. This is not the first time such hoax threats have disrupted official functioning in Himachal Pradesh. In recent months, similar email threats were sent to the Chief Secretarys Office at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, as well as to the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi, Chamba, and Hamirpur. One of the emails even threatened a suicide bombing at the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Authorities have reassured the public that the situation is under control and that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and security of public institutions.
CHANDIGARH: As heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, the local meteorological department on Tuesday issued a warning stating that there is a risk of low to moderate flash floods in the next twenty four hours in parts of seven districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. A 'yellow' alert warning of heavy rains in isolated places across the state till next Monday has also been issued. The state has received 203.2 mm of rain against the normal of 152.6 mm from June 1 to July 8. Monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 20. While Mandi district recorded 110 per cent excess rain, Shimla received 89 per cent and Una 86 per cent during this period. Many parts of the hill state have been receiving moderate to heavy rain since Monday evening. Meanwhile Gohar has recorded 85 mm of rainfall, followed by 84.5 mm in Sarahan, 60 mm in Baijnath, 54.2 mm in Nahan, 48 mm in Poanta Sahib, 46.2 mm in Naina Devi, 37 mm in Kasauli, 28 mm in Jogindernagar and 27.2 mm in Palampur. As per the data with the State Emergency Operation Centre in Mandi district, 14 people have lost their lives, four injured, 28 missing and 290 rescued, while 466 houses have been damaged and 477 people are in relief camps. A total of 225 roads, including 153 in the worst-hit Mandi district, have been closed, while 163 transformers and 174 water supply schemes have been affected in the state. 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts and 16 landslides have been recorded since the onset of monsoon on June 20. Since then, 85 deaths were recorded in the state, of which 52 were due to rain-related incidents and 28 fatalities were caused by road accidents. In Mandi district, search and rescue operations have been intensified as drones and sniffer dogs are being used to trace 28 people who went missing last week in Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions. So far, the estimated losses due to rains stand at around Rs 692 crore.
Himachal rains: Cloudbursts in Mandi, Chamba; woman swept away in Hamirpur
Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, the state has reported 78 deaths, of which 50 were linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslips.
4 killed as taxi plunges near Rohtang; flash floods ravage Himachal Pradesh
A tragic taxi accident near Rohtang Pass claimed four lives due to foggy conditions, while flash floods in Chamba and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh have caused widespread devastation, raising the monsoon death toll to 78 and resulting in significant infrastructure damage estimated at Rs 573 crore. Rescue operations are underway, and stranded tourists have been evacuated from Seraj valley.
Narmada river swells as heavy rains lash upstream districts, floods Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol
BHOPAL: Heavy rains in various parts of Madhya Pradesh have triggered rise in rivers and other water bodies in the state, particularly in Mahakoshal and Gwalior-Chambal regions. Continued rise in the river Narmada due to heavy rains in the Mandla and Dindori districts (located on the banks of the rivers upstream), have prompted the authorities to open nine gates of the Bargi Dam in Jabalpur district. Police and local administration have sounded a flood alert to people residing in the low-lying areas and ghats, including the riverside areas of Jabalpur. Continuous rain over the last 72 hours and heavy rains since Saturday night have caused flooding in many parts of Shahdol city. Three wards of the Shahdol district hospital, including the surgical ward, was inundated with rain water, forcing the hospital staff to shift patients to other wards. The tracks at the Shahdol railway station too got submerged, reportedly affecting the movement of trains for some hours. An elderly couple, living in a thatched hut instead of their neighbouring pucca PM Awas Yojana, were buried alive when a major part of the hut they were presently living in collapsed in Shahdols Burhar area due to heavy rains. Teams of State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) have been deployed in villages of Shahdol district to shift villagers to safer places. In Katni district, heavy waterlogging was reported under the main railway overbridge. In Shivpuri district of Gwalior-Chambal region water bodies, like Bhadaiya Kund and Pawa Waterfalls are replete with water and at their full might. Earlier, on Saturday, part of a culvert on the state highway connecting Narsinghpur district to Jabalpur district collapsed in Narsinghpur district following heavy rains. No human casualty or injuries, however, were reported. The weather department has sounded an orange alert of very heavy rains in districts of Mahakoshal region, including Seoni, Balaghat, Betul, Dindori, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Mandla and Pandhurna. Heavy rain alert has been sounded for 17 other districts of different regions.
Road Connectivity Brings Offbeat Tourist Destination Into Spotlight In J&Ks Doda
Bhaderwah, Jul 6: Bhal-Padri in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district is all set to host its first tourism festival this month after the high altitude scenic meadow was recently connected by road, bringing cheer to tourist stakeholders. Unexplored till now, the 11,000 feet high Bhal Padri is just 10 km from another tourist hot spot Padri, the highest point along Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road in this sub-district popularly known as mini-Kashmir for its scenic beauty. The district administration Doda and [] The post Road Connectivity Brings Offbeat Tourist Destination Into Spotlight In J&Ks Doda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HP: Met issues red alert for extremely heavy rains in 3 districts on Sunday, about 240 roads closed
An 'orange' warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla and Kullu districts
Red alert issued in Himachal Pradesh for Sunday
It also warned of low to moderate flash-flood risk in parts of five districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur in the next 24 hours
Beyond Guns & Gore: Chambal sanctuary sees sharpest rise in gharial count
Uttar Pradesh's National Chambal Sanctuary witnesses a remarkable surge in gharial population, reaching 2,026 in 2025, the highest since conservation efforts began in 1975. This success, attributed to dedicated conservation work, effective habitat protection, and minimal human intervention, bucks the global trend of declining gharial numbers.
Monsoon Fury leaves 69 dead, 37 missing in Himachal
SHIMLA, July 4 : Torrential rains and landslides across Himachal Pradesh have claimed 69 lives so far, with 37 people still missing, while the number of injured has risen to 110, according to official data from the State Emergency Operation Centre. The disaster has left a trail of destruction across several districts, triggering flash floods, slope failures, and infrastructure collapse. The worst-affected district, Mandi, reported 20 deaths, while Kangra recorded 13, followed by Chamba (7), Shimla (5), and Una (5). [] The post Monsoon Fury leaves 69 dead, 37 missing in Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
25 MP govt employees suspected of using fake ST certificates for jobs; racket under probe
BHOPAL: At least 25 state government employees, including teachers, cops, engineers and doctors are suspected to be working on the basis of fake scheduled tribe certificates in Madhya Pradesh the state having the highest 21%-plus tribal population in India. A case has been registered by the MP Polices special task force (MPSTF) against six state government teachers, including three females identified as Sitaram, Jawahar Singh, Sarla Manjhi, Rajesh Kumar, Kusum Manjhi and Sunita Rawat for allegedly getting government jobs on the basis of fake scheduled tribe (ST) certificates, deputy SP (MPSTF-Gwalior Unit) Sanjiv Tiwari said. But its not just these six teachers only who attained state government jobs with the help of fake ST certificates. 19 more state government employees, including lecturers, cops, doctors and assistant engineers too are suspected to have attained state government jobs and investigations are underway. The probe began with a complaint to the special director general of police (Special DG-MPSTF) Pankaj Srivastava. Consequently an 11-strong special investigation team of Gwalior unit was formed under supervision of SP-STF Rajesh Bhadauria to further the investigations. Based on subsequent investigations 25 government employees were tracked, who are suspected to have attained the jobs by using the fake ST certificates. A case was subsequently registered against six of them (all teachers), while further investigations are underway against 19 others. Based on the findings of the continuing probe, more names will be added in the FIR. Not just have these employees been working in various state government departments, including education, health, revenue, police and even law department for as long as 10-15 years, but the organized racket which helped them get the fake caste certificates, has also ensured that they were not caught during the verification of their joining documents. Were now looking for those running the organized racket, a senior MPSTF officer told TNIE. Importantly, the majority of the fake certificates have been made in the states Gwalior-Chambal region. The same region which decades back was infamous for notorious dacoits, had recently hogged headlines after emerging as the nucleus of the recently busted Aadhar-manipulation based MP Police Constable Recruitment Exam 2023 racket. So far more than 30 cases have been registered in that case and over 30 people, including alleged racket operators, Aadhar centres operators, solvers from MP and Bihar and beneficiary candidates have been arrested in those cases.
Namibian cheetahs first home Kuno records 19 per cent tourist growth in 2024-25
BHOPAL: Tourist arrivals at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP) the first home of African cheetahs in India have grown by 19% in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. Just a day before the park is closed for tourists as part of the annual July 1-September 30 monsoon closure the KNP management released figures of tourist arrivals spanning between 2019-20 and 2024-25. The figures showed that the tourist inflow at the park grew by 19%, rising from 3,221 travellers in 2023-24 to 3,833 (including 21 foreign tourists) in 2024-25. As part of re-introducing the fastest moving animal on earth into the Indian wilds again seven decades after it went extinct in the Indian forests due to rampant poaching -- 20 African cheetahs (from Namibia and South Africa) were introduced at the KNP in Sheopur district between September 2022 and February 2023. The tourist arrivals at the park which stood at 804 in 2019-20 grew by 12% to 903 in 2020-21. The numbers rose by 34% to 1,211 in 2021-22 and by 20% to 1,459 in 2022-23. The maximum surge in tourist arrivals, however, was reported in 2023-24, after the cheetahs were set free into the free ranging forests of the park located in the Gwalior-Chambal region of MP, Rajasthan. The tourist traffic grew by a massive 121% in 2023-24 to 3,221 tourists compared to the 1,459 total tourist arrivals at the park in 2022-23. The increase continued in 2024-25 also as the tourist arrivals grew by 19% to 3,833 tourists between Oct-June. Importantly, the park is open for the tourists annually from October to June and remains closed due to monsoon break between July 1 and September 30. Currently, there are 10 adult African (Namibian and South African) cheetahs and their 19 Indian born cubs at KNP. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in western Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district became the second home to the African cheetahs in India on April 20, after South African male coalition Prabhas and Pavak were moved there from the KNP.
CHANDIGARH: Four Hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of more than 1,400 MW have completely shut down in Himachal Pradesh due to high silt levels after the cloudburst on June 25. The cloudburst unleashed floods across remote Sainj valley in Kullu district of the State, crippling nearly the entire hydropower corridor. The rail services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line, a UNESCO world heritage site were suspended after boulders and trees fell on the tracks following overnight rains. Two National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects have borne the brunt of the rains and cloudburst, which unleashed floods. As per the dam status report of the state emergency operations centre, as of 3 pm today, the 520 MW Parbati Project Phase III (PHEP-III) was incapacitated as the FRL (m) was 1330, while PRL (m) was 1301 as the inflow in the dam was 118.1 cumecs and the slipway out flow as the same. It is learnt that the trash racks buried beneath meters of debris, halting over 30 million units generation of electricity per day. While the 800 MW Parbati Hydroelectric Project Phase II (PHEP-II) saw its entire powerhouse floor inundated with sludge, clogging draft tubes and disabling all four turbines. As per the dam status report of the state emergency operations centre the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) (m) was 2198, and inflow was 192.39 cumecs and the slipway out flow was 213.2 cumecs. The 100 MW Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Sainj hydel project also suffered the same problem. The FRL (m) was 1752 and Highest Flood Level (HFL) (m) was 1753, while the Present Reservoir Level (PRL) (m) was 1740, the inflow was 62.6 cumecs, and the slipway outflow was the same. The 126 MW Larji hydropower plant remains non-operational for twenty-four hours due to scheduled dam flushing. Due to pre-monsoon flushing in Larji Dam, all five spillway gates of Pandoh Dam were opened on Sunday morning, resulting in an increase in water level in the Beas River. About 44,000 cusecs of water is flowing in the Beas river, the silt level has increased to 4,000 ppm. The Baggi tunnel has been closed for the time being due to which power generation in Dehar Power House has been temporarily stopped, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) officials said. On the other hand, as per the report of the state emergency operations centre till today evening, a total of 129 roads were closed in the hill state, 57 in Sirmaur district, followed by 44 in Mandi district, 19 in Kullu, four in Una and Solan each and one is Lahaul and Spiti. Besides, 612 electricity transformers and six water supply schemes were affected. During this monsoon season, a total of 39 people have died in the State till today. Seven due to flash floods, six due to drowning, three due to falling from steep rocks, two due to electrocution and one because of snake bite. Over 19 people died in road accidents. The rail services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line were suspended after boulders and trees fell on the tracks near Solan's Koti area following overnight rains. The repair work is underway. The first train that was scheduled to arrive in the morning is halted at Koti railway station, while other trains have been halted at Gumman and Kalka. Videos of passengers, waiting for hours, expressing their anger, are also surfacing online. A landslide near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway (NH-5), connecting Shimla and Chandigarh, damaged a few stretches of the road, resulting in a two to three-km-long traffic jam for hours. An alternative route via Jangeshu road is also closed due to fallen debris, which is being cleared. Traffic from Kasauli towards Chandigarh will be diverted via Jangeshu once it gets cleared. Superintendent of Police of Solan, Gaurav Singh, said two-way traffic has been restored near Chakki mod on NH 5, which was damaged due to landslides and police teams are facilitating traffic movement. Stones, trees and debris have fallen at various places not only in Koti but also till Shimla. A bridge on the road leading to Himuda Complex near Truck Union in Barotiwala industrial area of Solan district has been washed away and the road to Himuda Complex Mandhala and Bagguwala has been closed. The Meteorological Centre at Shimla issued a red alert for downpour in 10 districts of the hill state. Of the 12 districts, a red alert for downpour has been issued for 10 districts Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu and Chamba for June 29. The Met office has warned of landslides, waterlogging, damage to vulnerable structures, traffic congestions and disruption in essential services. An orange warning has been issued for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the State on Monday and a wet spell in the state till July 5 is expected.
Red alert for downpour in Himachal; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut after overnight rains
Of the 12 districts, a red alert for downpour has been issued for 10 district -- Bilapsur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu and Chamba -- for June 29.
Light to moderate rainfall likely in many parts of HP in next few hours: IMD
Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at a few places in the Districts of Kullu, Una, and Chamba, it added
Himachal flash floods: Five bodies recovered so far, search and rescue operation continues
SHIMLA: Search and rescue operation by joint teams of national and state disaster response forces, police and home guards to look for six missing people following cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh resumed on Friday morning, officials said. These people are feared to have been swept away following cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra and Kullu districts on Wednesday. So far, five bodies have been recovered from a hydro project site in the Kangra district that was hit by flash floods on Wednesday while the search for three missing people is on. The teams are also searching for three persons who went missing at Rehla Bihal in the Kullu district after a cloudburst, officials said. Lovely from the Chamba district, whom the search teams rescued from a forest near the project site, said there were 13 people in the camp, of which five ran towards the hills while the remaining were swept by the gushing waters. We saw the floods coming and screamed to alert the people below before running to safety, Daya Kishan, a labourer, said. The project work had been suspended due to rain, and the workers were resting in temporary shelters near the site when floodwaters from Manuni Khad and nearby drains diverted towards them, sweeping several away, the officials said. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Commandant Baljinder Singh maintained that they are trying to trace the people feared to have been swept away from the project site. Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Dharamshala Sudhir Sharma alleged that shelters were built near a stream, and not shifting labourers to safer areas when the weather deteriorated pointed towards negligence, which should be probed.
Himachal flash floods: Search operation to find missing people intensified, others rescued
SHIMLA: Search operations have been intensified to trace 10 people missing since the flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in Himachal's Kangra and Kullu districts, officials said on Thursday. Two persons died while about 20 were feared swept away due to heavy rains on Wednesday evening but some of the missing people have since been rescued. In Manuni Khad in Kangra district, around 15-20 workers stationed at a labour colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site were feared swept away following a surge in water level in Manuni Khad of Khaniyara. Two people died due to the flash flood at the site. Three people at Rehla Bihal in Kullu district who were washed away in the deluge while trying to take away valuables from their homes are still missing. Two teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and a team of home guards have been deployed at the spot and the National Disaster response Force (NDRF) has also been called for rescue efforts, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa after visiting the site. At the hydroelectric project site, six people are feared swept away by the floods while one person was seen fleeing to a nearby hill to save himself. His whereabouts are also not yet known, the DC said. The rest have been rescued safely, he said, adding that search and rescue is the first priority. Stranded tourist vehicles amid flash floods following cloudbursts at Manikaran valley, in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. A bereaved woman mourns after her family members were allegedly swept away near Bihari area amid flash floods due to cloudbursts, in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Some of the missing people hail from Nurpur and Chamba areas of Himachal Pradesh and others from Uttar Pradesh. A dedicated team has been sent to find the man who went into the hills during the floods. Dharamshala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma who reached the spot on Thursday said the project site was one kilometer from his village. He said he received a call on Wednesday that the water level has surged and 15-20 people had been swept away. Sharma said that building sheds for labourers near the drain, and not shifting them when the weather was unsafe areas was negligence and an investigation should be initiated. The MLA also demanded adequate compensation to the family of the deceased. According to officials, the project work had been suspended due to the rain, and the workers were resting in temporary shelters near the site when floodwaters from Manuni Khad and nearby drains diverted towards the labour colony, sweeping several of them them away. In Kullu district, a search is underway to find three people who were swept away while trying to take away their valuables from their homes in Rehla Bihal area of Sainj. Three cloudbursts incidents were reported from Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj and Shilagarh in Gadsa area of Kullu district. Flash floods were also reported from Manali and Banjar in the district, and search operations were underway.
Inter-state drug kingpin arrested from Chamba
Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, June 24: In a major crackdown on narcotics, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Udhampur District have arrested an inter-state drug kingpin from Himachal Pradesh in connection with a decade-old drug trafficking network. A police official said that the accused, Dhani Ram of Salooni, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, was arrested in FIR number 45/2025 registered under the NDPS Act at Police Station Chenani. He said technical, financial, and oral evidence linked Dhani Ram to large-scale drug trafficking activities [] The post Inter-state drug kingpin arrested from Chamba appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Police Arrests Drug Kingpin From Himachal
Jammu, Jun 23: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said an interstate drug kingpin was arrested from Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Dhani Ram, a resident of Salooni village of Chamba, was wanted in connection with a case registered under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Chenani police station in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, a police spokesperson said. He said a police party from Udhampur successfully arrested Ram, who, based on technical, [] The post J&K Police Arrests Drug Kingpin From Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BOPAL: Two suspected cases of honour killing were reported from Morena and Betul districts in Madhya Pradesh. In the Morena district, a Class XI girl was allegedly shot dead at point-blank range for being in a relationship with a youth from another caste. In a separate incident in Betul district, a man who had eloped with a married woman was beaten to death by her relatives, including her husband. Both incidents occurred on June 16. The accused in the two cases were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. In the Jaura area of the Gwalior-Chambal regions Morena district, a 19-year-old Class XI student, Malishka, was allegedly shot dead on the night of June 16. Her grandfather, Sirnam Singh, initially claimed that she had been killed by four armed men who stopped her while she was returning home with her parents from her maternal uncles village. Singh alleged that the murder was the result of a land dispute with another family in their village. However, police investigations revealed inconsistencies in his statement. The teenager had been shot three times in the head from point-blank range. Upon sustained questioning, it was revealed that Sirnam Singh himself was behind Malishkas killing. According to the police, Malishka had previously been in a relationship with a distant relative but later fell in love with a youth from another caste in the same village. This relationship was not accepted by her grandfather Sirnam Singh or the youths father, Naresh Tyagi. Both men allegedly planned and executed the honour killing on the night of June 16. They are currently in police custody. In Betul district in central Madhya Pradesh, a youth identified as Raja Ghorpade was allegedly beaten to death by members of the family of a married woman with whom he had eloped in May 2025. On May 4, Sangita Nagle, a married woman, eloped to Gujarat with her alleged lover, Raja Ghorpade, along with her five-year-old daughter. She had reportedly been facing frequent quarrels with her husband, Baldev. After the couple eloped, Sangitas family reached out to her and convinced her to return, assuring her that they would help her legally separate from Baldev. Trusting their promise, Sangita returned to Betul with Raja and her daughter. However, on June 16, while they were returning by bus, her husband and other family members intercepted the vehicle. Sangitas husband, nine other men, and her sister-in-law then assaulted Raja Ghorpade brutally, leaving him unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital by police but was declared dead by doctors. Following the incident, the Betul district police arrested all eleven accused involved in the assault. The arrested include Sangitas husband Baldev Nagle, his brother Summy Nagle, eight other men, and her sister-in-law Sonam Nagle.
Bhopal Diary | CM turns fitness guru for young legislators
A resolute grappler in his younger days, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav turned yoga and fitness guru for young and first-time ministers and legislators ahead of the final day of the three-day BJP training camp for 200 odd MPs and MLAs at Pachmarhi hill station recently. Early on the final morning, the CM demonstrated the toughest Shirshasana and Mayurasana. Racalling his time as a wrestler, the CM highlighted the importance of staying fit and strong. He even challenged young MLAs to bend his arm, which they failed to do. Many youngsters could be heard murumuring later that the CM is rock solid, even at the age of 60. 2-time former MLA quits Congress Two-time former MLA Virendra Raghuvanshi has quit the Congress 19 months after he joined the grand old party having quit the BJP. Citing health reasons, Raghuvanshi quit the principal opposition party on Monday. Raghuvanshi is the former MLA from Kolaras and Shivpuri seats of Gwalior-Chambal regions Shivpuri district. He had won the Shivpuri assembly seat in a 2006 byelection as a Congress candidate. Twelve years later, he won the Kolaras seat on a BJP ticket, but left the ruling party in September 2023, two months before elections and rejoined the Congress. Raghuvanshi, however, was denied a ticket by the Congress in the 2023 assembly polls. Congress rebuilding meet turns battleground A meeting of the ambitious Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, the statewide campaign to rebuild the Congress in MP, turned into a battlefield of two rival factions on Tuesday. The meeting under the campaign in Bhopals Central assembly segment (graced by AICC observer and ex-Maharashtra minister Yashomati Thakur) saw supporters of second-time MLA Arif Masood and another leader Syed Sajid Ali clash with each other. Both sides have submitted complaints to the local police in the matter. Notably, supporters of Ali had also created ruckus for naming him the candidate from Bhopal Madhya seat in the last assembly polls. Anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com
Salmanpara-ni gitcham MLA agilsakko watanga
AMPATI: Salmanpara constituency-ni gitcham MLA Samarendro S Sangma, Robibar salo, Nogorpara songo donggipa uni noko agilsakko watangaha. Bilsi 97 onge janggi tanganggipa Samarendro S Sangma, Garo Hills-o gitchambatsranggipa dilgiparangoni saksa onge, Meghalaya adokko manna skang aro manani jamanba adokna dingtang dingtang gadangrango dangdike onangaha. Ua, 1928 bilsini December 28 tariko, West Bengal adokni Cooch Behar-o [] The post Salmanpara-ni gitcham MLA agilsakko watanga appeared first on The Shillong Times .
MP exam fraud: Kingpin Amitabh Rawat's inter-state racket exposed
BHOPAL: One of the prime kingpins of the recently busted Madhya Pradesh Police Constable Recruitment Exam 2023 Aadhaar-manipulated multiple impersonation racket wasnt new to the world of government recruitment examination frauds. Carrying a Rs 10,000 bounty on his arrest announced by northern MPs Sheopur district police, government school teacher-turned-alleged exam fraudster Amitabh Rawat has been accused in the past as well in cases about examination frauds, not just in his home state of Madhya Pradesh, but also in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Rawat, whose wife is an elected village sarpanch in the native Morena district of MPs Gwalior-Chambal region, was last arrested in February 2024 from Jhansi by the UP STF and Jhansi Police in connection with the alleged leak of the UP Police Constable Recruitment Exam 2024. But it wasnt the first time that Rawat was arrested by any state police in connection with an alleged examination-related fraud case. Back in 2017, he was arrested in his native MP in connection with the multi-layered Vyapam scam case for arranging proxy candidates or solvers to take government recruitment exams in place of actual beneficiaries. After being lodged in a jail in Gwalior district until 2020, he was granted bail by the MP High Court. According to sources investigating the recently busted MP Police Constable Recruitment Aadhaar-manipulated impersonation racket, Rawat is believed to have been involved in frauds across several recruitment examinations in Madhya Pradesh using various cheating methods, including proxy candidates, bypassing biometric tests, paper leaks and screen sharing (in online exams), the official said. According to sources part of the ongoing probe, the 48-year-old Rawat allegedly headed one of three inter-state rackets that were engaged in the fraud in the 2023 MP Police Recruitment Exams written test. The other two rackets were headed by Morena district-based Shyam Rawat and Ashok Gurjar. Just like Amitabh Rawat, his caste man Shyam Rawat is also absconding and carries a similar Rs 10,000 reward on his arrest. All three rackets arranged solvers (proxy candidates) from Bihar and MP to take the written exam, which was held in 2023 on different dates across MP, in place of the actual candidates. This was done by replacing the picture and biometric (fingerprint) data in the actual candidates Aadhaar ID with the picture and fingerprints of the solver just before the written exam. The three rackets had links with dedicated Aadhaar ID manipulation operatives, who used login IDs and passwords of Aadhaar centres in MP, Delhi and UP, and controlled them remotely using desktop applications like AnyDesk. Two of the masterminds who worked with multiple Aadhaar centres in MP and outside included Surendra Kushwah who worked as the Aadhaar ID facilitator for the Amitabh Rawat-led racket and Kanhaiya Dhakad, who performed the same role for Shyam Rawats racket. While Surendra Kushwah (who has already been arrested) used login IDs and passwords of registered and authorised Aadhaar ID centres in Chhatarpur, Narsinghpur and other districts of MP, as well as Delhi, Kanhaiya Dhakad, who worked with Shyam Rawats racket, used the login credentials of Aadhaar centres particularly in the Gwalior-Chambal region of MP, especially Shivpuri district. Dhakad, who hails from MPs Shivpuri district, along with his family members, operated an Aadhaar registration and updating kiosk in Shivpuri between 2011 and 2023, and knew every nut and bolt related to Aadhaar IDs. After 2023, he began using login IDs and passwords of other registered Aadhaar registration centres in MP to assist the recruitment exam impersonation rackets, particularly the one headed by Amitabh Rawat. Dhakad, like the racketeer Amitabh Rawat, carried a reward of Rs 10,000 on arrest. He was arrested on Monday, making him the 12th man to be arrested in three cases of the MP Police Constable 2023 Recruitment Exam fraud. Were hopeful that his questioning in the coming days will lead to big disclosures, Sheopur district police superintendent Virendra Jain told TNIE on Tuesday. As per sources connected with the ongoing investigations, Amitabh Rawats racket, by working with Dhakad and aides, might have managed to get more than 50 candidates to pass the 2023 MP Police Constable Recruitment written exam and qualify for the physical proficiency test (PPT) conducted in 2024. In return, Rawat charged sums ranging from Rs 10-15 lakh from each candidate. The solvers who appeared in the written exam in place of actual candidates received Rs 1 to Rs 4 lakh per selected candidate, while Aadhaar manipulators like Dhakad received between Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per candidate. So far, more than 20 cases have been registered in around ten districts of MP in connection with the Constable Recruitment Exam fraud, and over 25 individuals including actual beneficiary candidates, solvers, and Aadhaar centre operators have been arrested.
How Aadhaar fudging aided Madhya Pradesh cop recruitment scam
BHOPAL: Paliganj town 50 km from the Bihar capital is in news nearly a thousand km away in Madhya Pradesh, thanks to one of its government school teachers, who has emerged as the key solver of an inter-state Aadhaar ID manipulation-enabled examination racket, which helped candidates from the Gwalior-Chambal region crack the 2023 MP Police Constable Recruitment Exam. Ranjan Kumar Gupta, a school teacher from Paliganj appeared in place of ten candidates, including one of the merit holders of the exam who secured 87 out of 100 marks. Besides Gupta, who is now in police custody in MPs Sheopur district, at least five more solvers from the same eastern state also appeared through the same modus operandi for dozens of other candidates in MP, in return for Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh subject to passing of the candidate. Another solver from Bihars Gaya district, Amrendra Singh Bahubali appeared for eight candidates, for Rs 1 lakh each. He is now in police custody in Alirajpur district, following the arrest of Ramrup Gurjar, the candidate from MPs Gwalior-Chambal region who managed to clear the written test by making Amrendra appear in his place and subsequently cracked the 2024 physical proficiency test on his own, to finally be selected for the constables job. The solvers from Bihar travelled between Patna and MP by air on tickets booked by the examinations main rackets mastermind Amitabh Rawat and aides in Gwalior-Chambal region. They were comforted in big hotels and travelled to examination centres across MP in snazzy cars. The racket mastermind and aides also took special care of the fun and frolic demanded by the solvers from Bihar during their stay in MP , a police officer forming a key part of the ongoing probe told this newspaper. Eyeing to earn big (around `40 lakh after appearing for ten candidates) Ranjan now feels cheated by the mastermind of the racket Morena district-based Amitabh Rawat who is also a school teacher, and a village sarpanchs husband. Carrying a Rs 10,000 reward on his arrest, Rawat, who is now on the run, made Ranjan appear for ten candidates, but paid him just Rs 4 lakh. Ranjan, however, is confident that he wouldnt have failed in getting less than 6-7 candidates pass the 2023 written test to qualify for the 2024 physical proficiency test. The candidates for whom he appeared, included at least three close relatives of the rackets mastermind Amitabh Rawat. Just like us, Ranjan too is keenly awaiting Rawats arrest, but for different reasons, the police officer confided. While Rawat , who is a Meena caste strongman in Morena, ran the biggest racket, smaller rackets run by some other caste strongmen (including Thakurs and Gurjars) were also active in other districts of the same northern MP region.
SC to hear MP journalists plea over police assault for reporting on illegal sand mining
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday, June 9, a plea filed by two Madhya Pradesh (MP) journalists who were allegedly assaulted and abused at the instance of Bhinds Superintendent of Police over their reporting on illegal sand mining in the Chambal river. As per the causelist published on the website Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
BHOPAL: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has drawn flak for his lame horses remark made at the Madhya Pradesh Congress convention in Bhopal on Tuesday. In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, international para swimmer and Padma Shri awardee Satendra Singh Lohiya voiced his strong objection to the remark by Gandhi, saying it was not only 'insensitive' but also 'legally objectionable'. Hinting at minimising the role of inactive and jaded leaders and promoting active and committed ones in the state, Gandhi had said, We must identify and segregate race horses, wedding horses and lame horses. The race horses will be promoted, the wedding horses will be set aside for 'weddings', while the time has come for the lame horses to retire. In response, Lohiya wrote, Im an international level para swimmer and a Divyang (specially-abled) and also a responsible citizen of the country. In a recent public statement in Bhopal, he (Gandhi) used the word langda, which hurt me a lot. The word is not only insensitive, but according to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, this terminology has been abolished and is legally considered objectionable. This Act was passed by the Parliament with the purpose of giving Divyangjan a place of respect and dignity in the society. We were given a positive word like Divyang by the PM Narendra Modi, which reflects our capabilities, not our challenges. In such a situation when the country hears such an insensitive word from a national leader, it hurts the sentiments of not just one person, but the entire Divyang community, Lohiya posted. I dont know in which context he (Gandhi) used the word, but I request him to clarify on this matter and avoid using such language in future, keeping in mind the sentiments of specially-abled people. He is requested to take this matter seriously and give an appropriate response, respecting the sentiments of Divyang people of the country, he added in the post. 'Lame horses need to retire': Rahul Gandhi launches campaign to revive Congress in BJP-ruled MP Later in the day, Lohiya also confirmed that he was requested by some of his contacts (local Congress leaders) to remove the post, but said he wont do it till Rahul Gandhi issues a clarification about the remark. Im not a politician, Im an international para swimmer, who has dedicated two decades of life to swimming and the cause of the Divyang people. Not just Rahul Gandhi, I too have taken out a yatra for the cause of Divyangs from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. I cant take any insults against Divyangs, Lohiya told journalists on Thursday. The Indore-based Lohiya, who hails from Bhind district of Gwalior-Chambal region, became the first para swimmer in 2018 to successfully cross the English Channel. Having participated in seven national and three international para swimming meets, Lohiya has won 20 medals, including five golds. He was honoured with the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2020 and four years later awarded the Padmashri. Lohiyas social media post expressing displeasure with the Rae Bareli MPs remark came a day after the Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh, a Jaipur-based advocacy group, formally registered a protest over Gandhis remark and wrote to the chief commissioner for persons with disabilities, government of India and the chief election commissioner. In a related development, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, during a visit to his home city Gwalior on Thursday, slammed Gandhi for using a term allegedly demeaning to people with disabilities (PwDs) and reminded him of how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had coined the word 'divyangjan' for them.
In Rajasthan's Chambal, wives of ex-dacoits lead revival of water sources and hope
In Rajasthan's Karauli, women, facing drought-driven despair and men turning to dacoity, spearheaded a water conservation movement. Partnering with Tarun Bharat Sangh, they revived ponds and built new water bodies, transforming the parched landscape. This community-led effort brought stability, increased agricultural yields, and reduced crime, showcasing the power of collective action in combating climate change impacts.
Bhind set to be new industrial hub in Gwalior-Chambal region, says MP CM Mohan Yadav
Madhya Pradesh government plans to develop Bhind as a major industrial center in the Gwalior-Chambal area. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced this at a rally, highlighting the region's history of military service. He also mentioned irrigation projects like the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Project. These projects aim to boost irrigation, drinking water access, and industrial resources.
Selsella Block-o kam kagiparangna quarter-rangko onchina NGO-rang dabia
TURA: Selsella C&RD Block-o kam kaenggiparangna dongchakani quarter-rangko onchina gita didie, Selsella jolo donggipa dingtang dingtang dolrang, chongmotan GSU, FKJGP, ADE, ASWA, NGCO, ANYO, GSMC aro ACHIK dolrangni nangrime bikotgipa All Selsella NGOs Alliance (ASNA), C&RD department-ni Director-na sedoataha. ASNA-ni parakatani gitade, ia Selsella Block-ara adoko gitchambatsranggipa block-rangoni damsa ongengoba daonan ia Block-o kam kagiparangna [] The post Selsella Block-o kam kagiparangna quarter-rangko onchina NGO-rang dabia appeared first on The Shillong Times .
BHOPAL: Two first-time women village sarpanches both tribals have been removed from their posts in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh, after it was found that they had handed over their rights and powers as sarpanch to others, including a loaner -- as repayment for loans taken from private lenders to contest the panchayat elections in 2022. The first matter pertained to Karond panchayat (the post of sarpanch is reserved for woman), where the sarpanch Laxmi Bai Gond handed over her rights as sarpanch to one of panchayat members Ranveer Singh Kushwah in return for Kushwahs guarantee to repay a Rs 20 lakh loan taken by Laxmi Bai from private money lender Hemraj Singh Dhakad. The entire unholy and notarised agreement of handing over rights and powers as sarpanch to the panchayat member Ranveer Singh Kushwah, in return for the guarantee of Kushwah repaying the Rs 20 lakh loan to Hemraj Dhakad was formalised on a Rs 100 revenue stamp paper in 2022. Another similar matter pertained to Ramnagar village panchayat of Chachoura area of the same Guna district, where the tribal woman Munni Bai Sahariya contested the 2022 gram panchayat elections after borrowing money from the villages strongman Ramsevak Meena. After winning the election in 2022 and becoming sarpanch, she reportedly entered into an agreement with Meena and handed over rights and power of sarpanch to him. In return for getting the powers and rights of the sarpanch, Ramsevak Meena agreed to pay Munni Bai Rs one lakh annually. Confirming both the cases, the Guna district collector Kishor Kanyal said, We had received complaints about both those village panchayats, after which a probe was ordered. The probe led to documented facts, after which both the concerned women sarpanches have been removed from their posts. Action is also being initiated against the secretaries of the two village panchayats. Also, FIRs have been registered against those with whom the agreements were made. This will ensure that such incidents dont recur in our district in future. These two developments in Guna district of Gwalior-Chambal region, happened three months after a first-time woman sarpanch lost her post in Neemuch district for handing over her rights, duties and powers of sarpanch to a man of the same village. The action was initiated in February by the authorities in Neemuch district of western MP against Kailashi Devi Kachchawa, the first-time woman sarpanch of Daata village of Manasa area of western MPs Neemuch district for handing over her rights, powers and duties as sarpanch to a man from the same village Suresh Garasiya. The agreement between the village sarpanch Kailashi Bai and Suresh Garasiya happened on a Rs 500 stamp paper on January 24. The agreement was signed by both parties as well as two eyewitnesses.
GH-o opposition dolrang bilgriani gimin NPP-na maming rabiani dongja: Marcuise
SHILLONG: Garo Hills-o Opposition dolrang, chongmotan Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC) aro Voice of the Peoples Party (VPP) dolrang bilakna mankujaengani gimin National Peoples Party (NPP)-na maming rabianirang dongja ine NPP-ni working president aro adokni Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak akangataha. Asongo Congress dolan gitchambatsranggipa party onga indiba daode Garo Hills-o bilgriaha. Uamangni bangbata dilgiparangan NPP-o [] The post GH-o opposition dolrang bilgriani gimin NPP-na maming rabiani dongja: Marcuise appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Earthquake of magnitude 3.3 jolts Himachal Pradesh's Chamba
Chamba, Himachal Pradesh experienced an earthquake on Monday morning. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.3.
Athlete fights off crocodile attack, escapes with severe injuries in Agra
LUCKNOW: Defying the deadly jaws of death, an 18-year-old national-level athlete had a providential escape when he was attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the Chambal River in Agra. Athlete Karan Kumar, a resident of Agra, fought back bravely and broke free from the jaws of the animal, which tore off pieces of flesh from his hand and leg. Karan is currently recovering in a hospital in Agra, and his condition is stated to be stable. According to family sources, Karan had gone to bathe at Kainjra Ghat along the Chambal River around 9 am on 13 May. While taking a dip in the river, a crocodile suddenly attacked him from behind, biting his leg and causing severe pain and bleeding. As the crocodiles sharp teeth dug deep into his leg, a petrified Karan screamed for help. Those on the shore began shouting, but no one could muster the courage to approach the victim. The crocodile then bit his hand, tearing away a chunk of flesh. The family further shared that despite the pain, Karan turned towards the crocodile and began kicking and punching it with all his strength. He kept hitting the crocodile's mouth with his right hand for 23 minutes, following which the grip of the animal loosened slightly. This allowed Karan to pull his hand out of the crocodiles jaws and swim back to the riverbank quickly. Local villagers present at the ghat rushed him to a nearby medical shop for an injection, after which his father and brother brought him to Agra for treatment. Karan suffered injuries to his hand, leg, and head. The crocodile had bitten into his flesh, and he lost a considerable amount of blood during the attack, said father Dara Singh, adding that the doctors had said his condition was stable. According to the family, Karan is a national-level runner. In 2023, he won two gold medals in 400-metre races held at Eklavya Sports Stadium in Agra. Due to his recent injuries, doctors have advised him to rest before resuming practice. Karans father, Dara Singh, is a farmer. The family survives on farming. His elder brother, Kamlesh, is an Agniveer aspirant, and his younger brother, Arjun, is a student. According to forest authorities in Agra, there are 742 crocodiles in the Chambal River, which is 80 km from Agra. Some of these crocodiles are as long as 17 feet.
MP, Maharashtra sign MoU for implementing worlds largest ground recharge project
BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly implement the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project, described by officials as the worlds largest groundwater recharge scheme. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis attended the 28th meeting of the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra Inter State Control Board here, where both the BJP-ruled state governments inked the MoU. The Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project is the third major inter-state river project featuring MP in the last five months, after the Ken-Betwa Link Project, which features MP and UP, and Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link project, which has participation of MP and Rajasthan. Through the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project, three streams of the Tapti river, which originates from Multai in MP, will be developed in collaboration with the Maharashtra government to ensure optimal use of every drop of river water for irrigation in across both the states. The interests of Madhya Pradeshs water needs have been carefully considered in this project. The total water usage in the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project will be 31.13 TMC , with 11.76 TMC allocated to MP and 19.36 TMC to Maharashtra. The project will utilise 3,362 hectares of land in Madhya Pradesh, with no displacement of villages and no need for rehabilitation. The project will provide permanent irrigation facilities to 1,23,082 hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2,34,706 hectares in Maharashtra. Initially, a traditional reservoir project of 66 TMC capacity was proposed, which would have affected over 17,000 hectares of land, including forest areas and tiger reserves, and displaced around 14,000 people across 73 villages. The earlier model has now been replaced with a groundwater recharge-based approach, avoiding displacement and environmental impact. Today is a historic day as both states have agreed to implement the project conceptualised a long time back. Even the Inter-State Control Board meeting happened after 25 years, Fadnavis said. Both states will benefit from the implementation of the project, with Maharashtras three districts Budhana, Akola and Amravati, which have long been facing the problem of salty water, will be the major beneficiaries. This will help agriculture, drinking water and boost the overall economy of the two neighbouring states, he said. CM Yadav said, The implementation of the project will boost the entire economy of the Nimar (southwestern MP) region.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Closed After Mudslide In J&Ks Ramban
JAMMU, May 8: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, was closed on Thursday morning due to a mudslide triggered by rainy weather. Officials said that vehicular traffic on the highway (NH-44) has been temporarily suspended following a mudslide at Chamba Seri in Ramban district. The road has been blocked in both directions after debris fell on the stretch, halting movement. Clearance operations are underway. Commuters are advised to [] The post Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Closed After Mudslide In J&Ks Ramban appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chambal model to uproot Maoists in MP soon
BHOPAL: More than two decades after special anti-dacoit informers played a key role in elimination of inter-state dacoits from the ravines of Chambal, Madhya Pradesh is set to replicate the same strategy to end the menace of left-wing extremism (LWE) in three districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The state cabinet on Tuesday approved 850 posts for a special auxiliary force for Maoist-affected Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts for one year. The 850 volunteers will get a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000 each for one year, which will cost Rs 25 crore to the state government. Following the aggressive anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, there are inputs of movement of the outlaws in the three districts of MP. The 850 recruits, who will be local residents, will serve as a key information base to forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations, cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said. A similar army of 1000 informers had played important role in elimination of dreaded dacoit gangs from the ravines of Chambal. Those 1000 posts were lying defunct since dacoits were eliminated. As many as 150 of such informers were recruited in 2022 in the Maoist-hit areas of the state, who, police say, played a key role in elimination of Maoists in the last two years, including six women Maoist cadres in February-March. This latest decision to recruit 850 youngsters will give a decisive edge to the forces engaged in anti-Maoists operations in the dense forests. It will not just give employment for a year to the youth, but the best and most skilled among them might well be absorbed in the police force in the same region, special DG (anti-Naxal operations) Pankaj Srivastava told this newspaper. According to sources, 60-75 armed Maoists, including women cadres, are moving in the jungles of Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts. 850 posts for a special auxiliary force okayed The state cabinet Tuesday approved 850 posts for a special auxiliary force for Maoist-affected Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts for one year. The 850 volunteers will get a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000 each for one year, which will cost the state Rs 25 crore.
Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply
SHIMLA, May 4: Himachal Pradesh witnessed a sharp shift from the ongoing heatwave as widespread thundershowers, hailstorms, and strong winds lashed several parts of the state, disrupting normal life and bringing down temperatures significantly. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hailstorms and thundershowers affected districts like Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, and Kullu, reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to residents and tourists alike. The State Disaster Management Authority also issued an advisory as gusty winds touched speeds of 50 kmph in [] The post Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Asia's most endangered turtle species returns to Ganga in landmark conservation effort
LUCKNOW: The 'batagur kachhua' (red-crowned roofed turtle), a freshwater species once considered one of Asias most endangered, is on the path to revival and is set to return to Uttar Pradesh. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government, in coordination with the Namami Gange programme and in collaboration with the Indian Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP), has reintroduced the species into the river Gangamarking a major milestone in efforts to revive critically endangered aquatic life. As part of this initiative, 10 male and 10 female turtles, aged between two and three years, were released at two ecologically crucial sites: upstream in the Haiderpur Wetland and downstream in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. According to Rajesh Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Meerut Range, the turtles were carefully selected based on health, sex, and morphometric characteristics. It has been a scientifically significant attemptthe first of its kind in India for this species, said Kumar, calling the move a landmark achievement. To monitor the animals, each turtle has been fitted with a sonic transmitter attached to its shell, enabling conservationists to track their movements and behaviour in real time. The data collected will help researchers understand the turtles behavioural patterns, adaptation to the new environment, and the challenges they may encounter. This will also help conservationists chart out the future course and make subsequent reintroductions more effective, said a senior official involved in the project. Once widespread across the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, the red-crowned roofed turtle now survives in the wild only in the Chambal River, where fewer than 300 individuals are believed to remain. The species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is also recognised among the Top 50 Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Asia. Officials confirmed that globally accepted translocation protocols were strictly followed. The turtles were released in the Ganga during the early hours of April 26, 2025. The conservation teams ensured the animals were well-hydrated, stress-free, and transported at night to avoid daytime heat exposure. Importantly, the reintroduction event was designed to be more than just a scientific operationit was also a celebration of community-led conservation. Local villagers, school students, and religious leaders (sadhus) gathered along the riverbank to witness the turtles return to the Ganga. Officials believe that this reintroduction efforthailed as a model for similar conservation projects across Indiawill not only support the revival of the red-crowned roofed turtle but also contribute vital data toward the conservation of other endangered freshwater species.
Heavy Rain Triggers Mudslides In J&Ks Ramban, Jammu-Srinagar NH Closed
Ramban/Jammu, May 2: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed after cloudburst-induced heavy rain triggered mudslides in Jammu and Kashmirs Ramban district on Friday, a traffic police officer said. The heavy rain triggered flash floods in the Chenab river, prompting the authorities in Reasi and Akhnoor sectors to issue warnings about avoiding the riverbank. Vehicular movement has stopped from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to mudslides at Chamba Seri in Ramban following flash floods caused by a cloudburst, [] The post Heavy Rain Triggers Mudslides In J&Ks Ramban, Jammu-Srinagar NH Closed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajasthan to join Indias first cheetah conservation corridor with Madhya Pradesh
JAIPUR: Rajasthan is all set to become a part of Indias first cheetah reintroduction project, currently operational in Madhya Pradesh. A wildlife corridor spanning 17,000 square kilometers will be developed across both states, allowing cheetahs to roam freely in a protected and connected habitat. The corridor will link Palpur Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh with the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. As part of the plan, seven districts in Rajasthan Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, and Chittorgarh will be integrated into the project. Speaking in Jaipur on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasised the success of the cheetah project, describing it as a unique initiative in Asia. It is a matter of pride that cheetahs are thriving here. This is among the most successful wildlife conservation efforts globally, he said. Yadav also stated that the project would now move forward in collaboration with Rajasthan. Highlighting past joint efforts, the MP Chief Minister recalled the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We are confident that both states will progress together on this project under the leadership of the Prime Minister, he added. According to the action plan released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has designated the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape as a suitable cheetah habitat. Of the total corridor area, 10,500 square kilometers fall within Madhya Pradesh, while 6,500 square kilometers are in Rajasthan. The corridor will enable cheetahs to move from Kuno National Park through the Mukundara Hills Reserve in Rajasthan to Gandhi Sagar. Discussions are also underway to include parts of Uttar Pradesh, specifically the forest areas of Jhansi and Lalitpur, within the extended landscape. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is in the pipeline. The proposal has reached the Chief Ministers of both states and is awaiting final approval. During his visit to Jaipur, CM Mohan Yadav met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. Sources suggest that discussions on the cheetah corridor were held, and the signing of the MoU is expected soon.
20 injured after pick-up truck overturns in Himachal's Chamba
SHIMLA: At least 20 people sustained injuries on Tuesday after a pick-up truck they were travelling in overturned on the Chamba-Langera link road in Chamba district, police said. The accident took place near Shirvas village when the driver of the pick-up truck lost control of the vehicle, they said. Police rescued the injured persons with the help of the locals and shifted them to the civil hospital in Killar, from where some with serious injuries were referred to the Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba, officials said.
Hamirpur, Chamba DC offices get bomb threat; police search premises
Authorities in Hamirpur and Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, evacuated district commissioner offices following bomb threats received via email. Chamba DC Mukesh Repaswal reported the threat, prompting police to cordon off the area and initiate search operations. A similar evacuation occurred in Hamirpur, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's home district, with dog squads and fire brigades deployed.
Thunderstorm, hailstorm batter parts of Himachal Pradesh causing widespread damage
CHANDIGARH: A squall accompanied by heavy rain and hailstorms lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday night, causing widespread damage and power outages were across the state. Shimla remained without electricity for several hours. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of the state on April 18 and 19. Meanwhile, heavy rains also lashed Punjab and Chandigarh. The squall struck Shimla around 11:15 PM plunging the town into darkness, the power supply was restored 10 hours later. The thunderstorm uprooted trees causing damage to vehicles, and blew off the roofs of makeshift houses. In the upper Shimla region, high-velocity winds caused significant damage to apple and stone fruit trees like plum and apricot. In many areas, fruit was knocked off the trees. Apple growers in Jubbal and Rampur reported major losses. The weather office has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts on April 18 and 19. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti districts during this period. On April 20 light to moderate rains are likely at many places and at few places on April 21 and 22 due to fresh Western Disturbance, as a cyclonic circulation lies over the region. There was an appreciable fall in the minimum temperatures. Lahaul and Spitis Keylong was coldest at night with a low of 0.5 degree Celsius. As per MeT, Seobagh in Kullu district recorded the highest rainfall of 28.8 mm, followed by Lahaul-Spitis Kukumseri 23.8 mm, Narkanda 18 mm, Mandi 17.6 mm, Dharamshala 17 mm, Chamba 16 mm, Kalpa 15.6, Kufri 15 mm while the tourist resorts of Kasauli received 14.4 mm rain, Dalhousie 10 mm, Shimla 9.6 mm and Manali 6.8 mm. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, lashed many parts of Punjab and Chandigarh late yesterday night and in the early today morning. As per the MeT Department Chandigarh received 8.3 mm of rain, however, the sky became clear in the morning and residents woke up to sunny weather. While Amritsar received (4.5 mm), Pathankot (3.2 mm), Gurdaspur (18.8 mm) and Rupnagar (6 mm) and in neighboring Haryana, Ambala received a light shower.
Trees Uprooted, Roads Blocked In Shimla As Storm Hits Himachal Pradesh, IMD Issues Orange Alert
Himachal Weather: Yellow and orange alert have been in place for several districts across state including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Lahaul-Spiti.
Akhilesh accused CM Adityanath govt of indulging in large-scale mining in Chambal ravines
Akhilesh Yadav questioned whether the small and large hills near the historic Sumer Singh Fort had been ransferred to regions like Basti and Gorakhpur in collusion with lower and higher-ranking officials
Akhilesh Yadav accuses Adityanath government of indulging in large-scale mining in Chambal ravines
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the Uttar Pradesh government of enabling illegal mining and environmental destruction in Etawahs Chambal ravines, claiming entire hills near Sumer Singh Fort have vanished due to official collusion. Sharing a video of the altered landscape, Yadav slammed the BJP for environmental damage and corruption, questioning how the lost hills could ever return.
Himachal Day 2025: Date, venue, significance, messges to share with loved ones and more
Himachal Day, celebrated annually on April 15th, commemorates Himachal Pradesh's formation as an Indian province, highlighting its cultural heritage and progress. In 2025, the state-level celebration will be held in Pangi Valley, Chamba district, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive development in remote areas.
Ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti, Madhya Pradesh names newest wildlife sanctuary after Dr B R Ambedkar
BHOPAL: Ahead of Dr. B.R. Ambedkars 134th birth anniversary, the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government has named its 25th wildlife sanctuary in his honour, dedicating it to the Father of the Indian Constitution. The state forest department issued on Friday, a notification declaring 258.64 square km of protected forest area in the North Sagar forest division of the Bundelkhand region as Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected forest area of two development blocks of Sagar district, including Banda and Shahgarh, will form part of the new sanctuary. Following Friday's two-page notification, the new sanctuary will be the first wildlife sanctuary, national park or wildlife sanctuary in MP to be named after Dr BR Ambedkar -- who was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow town of MPs present Indore district. While it would be the first wildlife sanctuary in MP to be named after Dr BR Ambedkar, the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, already has Dr BR Ambedkar Bird Sanctuary in the Kunda area of the Pratapgarh district. The new sanctuary, declared through a notification on Friday, assumes particular significance, as it will serve as the protected and secured wild corridor between Panna Tiger Reserve in Bundelkhand region and the recently declared Madhav Tiger Reserve in the Gwalior-Chambal region. A tiger-cheetah corridor is the ambitious idea of central and state governments in the Gwalior-Chambal region of MP and adjoining Rajasthan, spanning from Madhav National Park-Tiger Reserve in Shivpuri district to the Ranthambore National Park-Tiger Reserve in Rajasthans Sawai Madhopur district, via the first of home African cheetahs in India the Kuno National Park in MPs Sheopur district. Once Madhav Tiger Reserve and Panna Tiger Reserve get connected with the new wild corridor the Dr BR Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary it will lead to the emergence of perhaps the longest and largest tiger corridor of North-Central India. According to sources in the state forest department, the MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav is likely to publicly unveil the new wildlife sanctuary on the Ambedkar Jayanti on Monday. This newest development of declaring a new wildlife sanctuary in the tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf-gharial and vulture state, is the third major development in wildlife and forest conservation in the central Indian state, after declaring of two new tiger reserves Ratapani Tiger Reserve in central MP and the Madhav Tiger Reserve in the Gwalior-Chambal region. Not just that, but the state is likely to get two more wildlife sanctuaries by the end of this month in form of the Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (a project which has been pending since decades) between Dewas and Khandwa districts of western and southwestern MP and the Jahangarh Wildlife Sanctuary which will neighbor the Kuno National Park in Sheopur district. While Omkareshwar Sanctuary which is proposed to come up in 614.07 square kms will serve as the western limit of tiger movement in MP, the Jahangarh Sanctuary is planned to come up in 6.32 square kms.
Bhopal Diary | Whats in a name? A lot, CM Yadav suggests
It is not uncommon for political leaders in India to go on a renaming spree, rechristening roads, railway stations and villages. But in Madhya Pradesh, the government is going a step further by rebranding schools. CM Mohan Yadav raised eyebrows on Tuesday as he announced at a state-level event in Bhopal the decision to rename the CM Rise Schools after Lord Krishna and Balrams Vedic guru, Acharya Sandipani. Launched by the past Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, these schools will now be known as Sandipani schools. Yadav said the move will prompt the students to reflect on Lord Krishnas days at Ujjains Sandipani Ashram. RSS worker accuses Mishra of harassment Former state Home Minister Narottam Mishra may have suffered a shock defeat in the 2023 Vidhan Sabha polls, but it seems that he still calls the shots in the Datia district of the Gwalior-Chambal region. An elderly RSS worker, Raghuvar Dayal Bhargava, has accused the local administration of targeting his property at the behest of Mishra. Bhargava broke down in tears during a recent interaction with Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former state CM Digvijaya Singh in Datia as he shared his plight. Singh has demanded that a panel be set up to probe the matter. Congress to hand over more powers to dist chiefs? Keen to rebuild the party organisation at the grassroots level, the Congress is considering handing more powers to its district unit presidents in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh. The Opposition party may let its district party chiefs have more say in the party matters, such as organisational appointments and deciding which candidates to field in what elections. Efforts are on to improve communication between the district party presidents and the state and national party leadership. The Congress is expected to hold a meeting in this regard in Delhi that will be graced by the partys national president, Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior party leaders in the state. Anuraag Singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com
LG visits families of JKP personnel martyred in Kathua
*Assures all assistance, support Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the families of J&K Police Martyrs SgCT Balvinder Singh Chib, SgCT Jaswant Singh, HC Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed, at their native villages in Kana Chak, Londi, Mattu Khour and Chamba Katra. The Lieutenant Governor offered his condolences to the bereaved family members and paid homage to the valiant martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the nation while fighting the terrorists in Kathua. [] The post LG visits families of JKP personnel martyred in Kathua appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu, Mar 29: The last rites of four police personnel, martyred in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district, were performed with full honours at their native places with participating officers vowing to eliminate terrorism from the region. Head constable Jagbir Singh of Mattu-Khour in Jammus Akhnoor and selection grade constables Tariq Ahmad of Chamba-Panthal in Reasi, Balwinder Singh Chib of Kana Chak, and Jaswant Singh of Londi Morh in Kathua were martyred in the two-day [] The post Four Slain Cops In Kathua Encounter Given Tearful Adieu As Officers Vowed To Root Out Terrorism From J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Grief engulfs Kathua, Jammu, Reasi as families mourn martyred policemen
Will kill 100 Pakistani terrorists to avenge my brothers killing Bivek Mathur JAMMU, Mar 28: Grief engulfed the homes of four brave police personnel who attained martyrdom while fighting Pakistani terrorists in Jakhole village of Kathua district on Friday. Their families, though grief-stricken, expressed immense pride in their sacrifice for the nation and demanded a strong response against Pakistan, similar to the one after the Pulwama attack. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In Chamba village of Block Panthal [] The post Grief engulfs Kathua, Jammu, Reasi as families mourn martyred policemen appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Seven devotees, including four children, missing after boat capsizes in MP's Matatila Dam
BHOPAL: Multiple rescue teams are searching in moonlight (with the help of big torch-lights and tractors lights) for seven devotees, including four children, who have been missing in the deep waters of the Matatila Dam on Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh, after a boat capsized on Tuesday evening. The incident happened around 8 pm when 15 devotees from the Lodhi caste in Rajawan village, under the Khaniyadhana area of MPs Shivpuri district, embarked on a small boat. They were traveling to the Siddh Baba temple on an island in the deep waters of the Matatila Dam, built on the Betwa River. The boat had travelled just a short distance when it capsized in the deep waters. While eight of those onboard either swam to safety or were rescued by fishermen, seven others went missing. All seven of them continue to be untraceable, deputy inspector general (DIG-Gwalior Range) Amit Sanghi told TNIE. Sanghi and other senior MP police officials of the region are camping at the spot to supervise the search and rescue operations by multiple teams, including the state Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) team. The seven devotees who have been lost in the dams waters, included three women Sharda Lodhi (55), Lila Lodhi (40), Ram Devi Lodhi (35) - and four children - Kumkum Lodhi (15), Cheena Lodhi (14), Kanha Lodhi (7) and Shiva Lodhi (8). All the missing as well as the rescued devotees belonged to an extended Lodhi caste family of Rajawan village of MPs Shivpuri district. Right now, our priority is to search for the seven missing devotees and rescue them. After that, we will inquire into the reasons for the mishap. Preliminary findings suggest that the small boat was not just overcrowded, but also had some hole, which caused water to fill and the boat to overturn, a senior MP police official present at the spot added. Devotees in some parts of Shivpuri district in MPs Gwalior-Chambal region, have long been following the tradition of going to the Siddh Baba Temple on an island in the Dam, on the eve of the festival of Rang Panchami, which will be celebrated on Wednesday.
Starring Seema Biswas, Bandit Queen revolved around the life of Phoolan Devi, the dreaded Chambal dacoit-turned-Member of Parliament.
