Nagpur Teen Dies By Suicide After Parents Refuse To Buy Her Mobile Phone

Earlier this month, a 16-year-old boy from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar died after jumping from a hill when his mother refused to buy him a mobile phone.

Positive changes made to history textbooks, Akbar and Tipu no longer called great': RSS leader

NAGPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Sunil Ambekar has said that many positive changes have been introduced in history textbooks, and epithet 'the great' is no longer used to describe Mughal emperor Akbar or Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan. Although the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has brought these changes, obody has been removed from these textbooks as the new generation should know their cruel deeds. Ambekar addressed a gathering at the Orange City Literature festival organised by SGR Knowledge Foundation here on Friday. India has vast and rich resources of ancient knowledge, which if we learn and understand can help us a lot in our lives. This rich knowledge can be given to the world as well, but for that we also need to focus on that knowledge, the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the RSS said. Now, history textbooks are changing and I am very happy that NCERT took a very good initiative and made changes in the books of 11 classes out of the textbooks of 15 classes. The changes in the books of Classes 9, 10 and 12 will be introduced next year, he said. I could see that many good changes have been brought in the history books, and more could be done in the future. But now, they (history textbooks) do not have 'Akbar the Great' nor do they have 'Tipu Sultan the Great'. Many changes have been brought, although nobody has been removed from these books as the new generation should know their cruel deeds and should also know because of whom we were victimised and from whom we should be free, he said. Some people say this should not be said but this cannot happen and it should be told. Ambekar also talked about Nalanda University and said that people think that only Ved Puran, Ramayana and Mahabharata were taught there. But if you go through the syllabus of Nalanda University, you will get to know what was taught there. It is a very old university, he said. Along with literature, 76 types of skill-based courses were also taught in Nalanda University, which were taught to all and these skills included farming, urban planning, make-up, secret agent, political governance, mechanisation and several others, Ambekar said. According to the RSS leader, India is prospering and we should think about what our future society should be like. People across the world kept compromising on their civilization and culture in the process of development, and surrendered to the markets and new technologies. Although it brought facilities, it came at the cost of personal and family life, our values and relations, he added. Talking about Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said some people think why RSS put all its strength for the construction of this temple. I would say it was not just about building the temple...It was built, but we should think about our relation with Lord Ram along with the temple. What is our relationship with the culture of Lord Ram, what is the meaning of the culture of Ram and what relationship does it have with the culture of our country and our future life. It was a campaign to make people understand all this and it was done very nicely and I think now the youth are keeping self respect about the dharma, he said. Ambekar praised the country's youth, saying the new generation is very able and has all the exposure. They are very patriotic and patriotism is a cool thing for them, he said.

Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks Announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to Strengthen the Coffee Value Chain from Bean to Cup

Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

In first public address after resignation, Dhankhar praises RSS with a cryptic reference to his past

BHOPAL: In his first public address since his surprise resignation as the countrys vice-president in July 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar heaped praises on the RSS and made a cryptic reference to his recent past. Addressing a gathering at an RSS event in Bhopal on Friday evening, the former vice president said, I cannot skip my duty for catching the flight and friends. My recent past is proof of it. He made the remark when a man approached him during the event and reminded him about the timing of his return flight to Delhi. Dhankhar was the chief speaker at the launch of senior RSS leader Dr Manmohan Vaidyas book Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa. Praising the RSS, Dhankar said, We live in an age where perception dictates everything, no matter how much you deny it. We are in the era of information warfare; god forbid anyone gets caught in the trap of narrative. Once one gets caught in this chakravyuh (trap), it's very difficult to get out. Im not citing my own example. While criticising RSS bashers and praising the Sangh, Dhankhar claimed, It (RSS) works for humanity and the worlds welfare. This book is an eye-opener and dismantles the long propaganda and continuously propagated myths portraying the RSS as ultra-right and anti-minority. They have even gone to the extent of linking it to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The untenability of all this now stands fully exposed, but they are still sticking to it. The book explains the concept of Rashtriya Dharm . The RSS, the most stabilising force in Bharat, works for humanity and global welfare. Dr Pranab Mukherjee, who adorned the office of President and was one of the tallest statesmen of his time, went to Nagpur on July 1, 2018...look at the level of criticism then, the extremity of criticism, crossing all bounds, calling it blasphemous. And Pranab Da, by just one sentence, put that controversy to rest when he visited the birthplace of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, he said. He (Mukherjee) wrote...I quote one sentence... Today I came here to pay my respect and homage to a great son of Mother India. Undoubtedly, what a powerful word he spoke, Dhankhar added. Earlier in the day, reacting to the absence of BJP leaders at Bhopal Airport to receive Dhankar, former chief minister and Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said, For them (BJP leaders), only those are important who are useful to them. Use and throw is BJPs hallmark. I cant say about the RSS, as he (Dhankhar) has come for the Sanghs programme only. It is unfortunate that no government minister came to receive Jagdeep Dhankhar, who fought a one-sided battle for the BJP-RSS in the Upper House of Parliament, at the Bhopal airport. In a way, this is a blatant violation of VIP protocol. Ideally, the Chief Minister should have received him, especially since Dhankhar had come to attend an RSS event. The point remains: BJP leaders have a singular approach- use and throw, even if the person is an RSS follower, Singh said in a post on X. The question is: the person whom the BJP appointed to the prestigious position of Vice-President cannot be ordinary. If Dhankhar was unworthy of that position, why was he appointed Vice-President? I had requested an appointment to meet the former vice-president to inquire about his well-being, but I have not yet received a response, Singh added.

NCERT removes Great from Akbar, Tipu Sultan in history books: RSS

Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Sunil Ambekar on Friday said many positive changes have been introduced in history textbooks, and epithet the great is no longer used to describe Mughal emperor Akbar or Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan. Although the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has brought these changes, nobody has been 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 .

Nagpur food guide 2025: 7 Must-try popular dishes you cant miss

If Hyderabad is known for its Biryani, Nagpur has its own culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. Called the Orange City of India, Nagpur isnt just about its juicy oranges, its a paradise for food lovers who enjoy bold, spicy, and homely flavours. From fiery curries to comforting snacks, Siasat.com explores the taste of Nagpurs 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 .

Godrej Properties buys 75 acres land in Nagpur for plotted township project

Company surpasses business development guidance of 20,000 for FY 26

Godrej Properties crosses FY26 land acquisition goal with Nagpur project, targets Rs 755 crore revenue

The transaction strengthens Godrej Properties presence in one of Maharashtras fastest-growing urban markets, where infrastructure expansion and industrial development have accelerated over the past decade. The site is located near the Samruddhi Mahamarg and MIHAN SEZ, with connectivity to the NagpurHyderabad highway and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.

JKCA U-23 Womens T20 team to depart for Nagpur today

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Associations (JKCA) U-23 Womens cricket team will depart for Nagpur tomorrow to participate in the upcoming T20 Tournament, scheduled to begin on November 24. The 15-member squad is led by Rudrakshi Chib as captain, with Mariya Noorain serving as vice-captain and Latika taking charge as wicketkeeper. The team also includes Bawandeep Kaur, Ananaya Sharma, Neemami Slathia, Maroof Anjum, Manya Banotra, Kajal Devi, Khushboo Aftab, Ridhima Rajput, Ronak Jahan, Shambhavi [] The post JKCA U-23 Womens T20 team to depart for Nagpur today appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Role of RSS in Nation Building 100 Years of Service to the Nation

Ram Rattan Sharma internetzonejammu@gmail.com The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) completed its 100th anniversary on 27th September, 2025.Founded on Vijaydashmi in 1925 by Dr.Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS is a Hindu Nationalist volunteer organization that has grown to become one of the worlds largest .The organization operates through a network of local branches, known as Shakhas, focusing on Physical, Intellectual, and cultural training for its makers. Role in Nation Building and Social Work;-The RSSs contribution to nation building [] The post Role of RSS in Nation Building 100 Years of Service to the Nation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Four including two Madhya Pradesh cops arrested in hawala case

BHOPAL: Four including a deputy police superintendent and a constable have been arrested in connection with the infamous Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money loot case by cops in Seoni district. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 15, including 13 Madhya Pradesh police personnel. Taking the ongoing probe into the high-profile case ahead, the special investigation team (SIT) made four arrests on Tuesday, including Pankaj Mishra who is a deputy SP posted in Hawk Force-Balaghat, Jabalpur crime branch constable Pramod Soni and two private persons, Panju Giri Goswami (Katni district) and Virendra Dixit (Jabalpur district). The arrested men were produced before a local court in Seoni later, after which the court sent them into two days police remand. While confirming the development, the inspector general of police (IG-Jabalpur Zone) Pramod Verma said, the four fresh arrests have been made in the case, based on sustained probe by the SIT. If need arises, well seek extension of remand of the arrested men. Among the four arrested on Monday, Virendra Dixit is the close relative of sub divisional officer of police (SDOP) Pooja Pandey, who was among the 11 cops arrested and suspended in the case last month, while Goswami is a Katni-based businessman. Panju Puri Goswami is a small-time businessman from Katni, who is suspected to have been involved in hawala business. The ongoing probe suggests an organised collusion between all the cops posted in Seoni, Balaghat and Jabalpur along with the private players. It was the anti-naxal Hawk Force deputy SP Pankaj Mishra only, who informed his batchmate SDOP Pooja Pandey about the car carrying the hawala money on October 8-9 night, after which the vehicle was intercepted. The collusion between the two batchmate cops doesnt end at mere information about the car carrying the hawala money, but is much more than that, a police officer forming part of the SIT probe told TNIE on Tuesday. On the intervening night of October 8-9, a team of Seoni district police had intercepted a car, carrying Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money belonging to a trader, from Katni to Maharashtra. The police team led by SDOP-Bandol circle Pooja Pandey and Bandol police station in-charge Arpit Bhairam, detained the occupant of the car, Nagpur resident Sohan Parmar. But instead of following the due procedure of seizure, the vehicle was released on October 9 morning, without the requisite action. Out of the unduly seized Rs 2.96 crore, the police team pocketed over Rs 1.5 crore .

Ranchi Diary | Desi Magur is the state fish of Jharkhand

In a move aimed at protecting local aquatic life, the Jharkhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has officially declared Desi Magur (Clarias magur) as the State Fish. The decision is in line with the recommendations from ICARNational Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICARNBFGR), which identified the Clarias magur as an emblematic species deserving of state recognition. Native to Jharkhands rivers, ponds, and wetlands, the hardy, air-breathing catfish is expected to help promote sustainable aquaculture. Man impersonates Soren to call Karnataka Dy CM The Chief Ministers Office in Jharkhand has filed an FIR after an unidentified man, who posed as Chief Minister Hemant Soren and called Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his wife on November 15, around 9.50 pm. The complaint, filed by CMs personal secretary Jai Prasad, states that the same number had previously been used to harass former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The CMO has condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the CMs image and mislead VIPs. Congress talent hunt for spokespersons in state The Jharkhand Congress is set to begin a state-wide talent hunt to recruit spokespersons at the state and regional levels. The partys National Media Talent Hunt initiative looks to find people who are committed to the partys ideals, understand the Constitution well, are politically aware, and can communicate effectively. For the exercise, the state has been divided into seven zonesPalamu, Kolhan; Deoghar-Dumka-Jamtara; Sahibganj-Godda-Pakur; Ramgarh-Chatra-Koderma-Hazaribagh; Bokaro-Dhanbad-Giridih; and South Chotanagpur. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

IndiGo, Akasa Air to commence flight operations from Navi Mumbai airport on December 25

IndiGo said it will connect the future-ready airport to ten cities across India including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, North Goa (Mopa), Jaipur, Nagpur, Cochin, and Mangalore, starting December 25

Maharashtra Government To Acquire Savarkars London Home, Turn It Into Memorial

According to Shelar, Indian residents in London had drawn the states attention to the importance of the property during his trip earlier this year to acquire the famous sword of the 18th-century Maratha general and founder of Nagpur kingdom Raghuji Bhonsle.

Mahayuti, MVA lines blur for local body elections

Political parties are setting aside differences to win local elections. Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar's NCP are discussing an alliance for Pimpri Chinchwad polls. In Kolhapur, both NCP factions are uniting against the BJP. Shiv Sena (Shinde) wants to ally with BJP in Nagpur, threatening a broader coalition if talks fail.

Kaivalyadhama Honours Three Yoga Luminaries with Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar 2025

Kaivalyadhama, one of the world's oldest yoga and scientific research institutes, announced the recipients of the Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar 2025 at its campus in Lonavla, Maharashtra. The prestigious awards were conferred in the presence of Hon'ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, and Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Chairman of the Kaivalyadhama Centenary Committee. Standing left to right, Sh. Subodh Tiwari, Dr. Shirley Telles, Sh. Suresh Prabhu, Hon'ble Sh. Ram Nath Kovind, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Yogacharya Rambhau Khandwe Celebrating Excellence in Yoga The Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar is presented annually to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to yoga in the fields of practice, education, public leadership, and scientific research. Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India, was honoured for his exemplary promotion of yoga through personal practice and public leadership. During his tenure, he encouraged wellness and yogic well-being in the judicial community by establishing spaces and opportunities for yoga practice. Kaivalyadhama recognizes him as a jurist and mindful leader who embodies the values of yoga. Yogacharya Rambhau Khandwe, president of Janardan Swami Yogabhyasi Mandal, Nagpur, received the award for over six decades of selfless service in preserving and teaching Ashtanga Yoga in its pure form. His work has inspired thousands to adopt yoga as a disciplined and meaningful way of life at the grassroots level. Dr. Shirley Telles, MBBS, MPhil, PhD (Neurophysiology), was celebrated for her pioneering contributions to scientific research in yoga therapy and neurophysiology. With more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, she has significantly advanced global understanding of breathing practices, meditation, and their clinical applications. " The Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar stands for dedication, integrity, and excellence in Yoga. This year's awardees embody these values, inspiring society to uphold Yoga as a way of living , said Shri Subodh Tiwari, Hon. Secretary & CEO of Kaivalyadhama . About Kaivalyadhama Founded in 1924, Kaivalyadhama is dedicated to the scientific research, education, and therapeutic application of yoga. Under the visionary leadership of its founder Swami Kuvalayananda, the institution has consistently worked to bridge ancient yogic wisdom with modern scientific understanding.

Red Fort blast: Death toll reaches 10; security tightened at RSS HQs in Nagpur

New Delhi, Nov 10: Sending shockwaves through the capital, a powerful blast ripped through cars parked near Delhis Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, leaving at least 10 people dead and a dozen others injured, prompting authorities to heighten security across the country, especially neighbouring UP, commercial capital Mumbai, and prominent installations like the []

HDFC Life's 'Ready for Life' Report Highlights a Gap of 26 Points Between Perceived and Actual Financial Readiness

As per the nationwide study, Indias actual Ready for Life Index (RLI) stands at a modest 59, compared to a high perceived readiness of 85, indicating a wide gap of 26 points in financial readiness across Indias urban population Retirement planning emerges as Indias biggest gap area, with two in three individuals, expecting family support after retirement, despite planning Two out of five individuals have an emergency fund to last over four months; two out of five health insurance owners hold a health cover below INR 5 lakh The findings also highlight Indias need for long-term protection and financial literacy across income groups and cities HDFC Lif e has launched Ready for Life - its latest research-based study. This one-of-its-kind report makes an effort to quantify the Financial Readiness Gap the difference between perceived and actual financial preparedness of individuals. Vineet Arora, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life The Index shows a 26-point gap, which implies that there is a big difference in terms of actual readiness of an individual in comparison to how ready they think they are largely due the lack of action to convert financial planning from merely a plan into reality. In other words, the index reveals that individuals are not well-prepared to handle uncertainties of life across different financial aspects. About the Study The Ready for Life Index 2025 is a proprietary research initiative by HDFC Life. This research has been conducted by Ipsos India, an independent market research company. Based on 1,836 face-to-face interviews with working men and women aged between 2555 years across Metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities*, the study evaluates Indias life readiness across four key pillars Financial Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Health & Well-being, and Retirement Strategy. The index aims to highlight the gap between perception and actual preparedness, encouraging a shift from short-term savings to structured, long-term financial planning. Balancing Confidence and Preparedness Indias Retirement Reality The Ready for Life Index 2025 evaluates India's overall preparedness across life pillars of high importance and finds that though awareness and optimism are visible, preparedness is still uneven. While consumers hold clear ideal retirement goals, their financial actions and product choices suggest that these goals may be difficult to reach. Of all the pillars, retirement preparedness is the weakest with a 37-point gap between confidence and level of action. Close to half of urban Indians have yet to begin saving for retirement, and two out of every three anticipate support from family after retirement. Most respondents who have started planning for retirement, are of the opinion that a corpus of INR 50 lakhs INR 1 crore would last about 17 years, which could prove to be a gross underestimation considering inflation and lifestyle costs. These results stress on the need for India to move from family-supported financial security to independent retirement planning and also on the need for awareness on financial planning Financial Planning and Protection Traditional Strength, Modern Gaps While Indian customers are inclined towards conventional savings instruments like endowment insurance plans, fixed deposits, and gold, protection and growth-oriented products like term insurance, market linked products, and retirement products are underutilised. Term insurance, which is one of the most cost-effective protection instruments, has modest ownership owing to limited product understanding, myths around claim settlement, and belief that premiums offer no return if the policy holder outlives the policy term. While financial discipline is visible to an extent, the savings space remains dominated by traditional products and short-term goals. The real opportunity lies in encouraging systematic, long-term investing to build sustainable wealth and reduce over-reliance on low-growth instruments. On a positive note, there is increasing awareness about health and wellness. Four in five survey participants actively engage in physical activities to maintain their overall physical and mental well-being. Similarly, two out of three go for yearly health check-ups. But the gap in coverage continues to exist; 2 in 5 respondents have health insurance cover of less than INR 5 lakh. Further, in terms of emergency funds, 2 in 5 individuals possess sufficient savings to meet home expenses for more than four months. Regional and Tier-wise Insights The study reveals notable regional variations in financial readiness across India: North India shows the widest readiness gap of 30 points, mainly due to weaker emergency and retirement planning East India records the most realistic self-assessment with a gap of 20 points, and also displays a traditional and disciplined savings approach South India leads in maturity towards financial and health planning West India demonstrates a more diversified investment outlook but lower focus on long-term planning Tier 3 cities display the lowest preparedness and widest confidence gaps, highlighting the need for deeper financial literacy efforts beyond metros here for the report Vineet Arora Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life , shared his thoughts on the study, The Ready for Life Index reflects Indias growing awareness and optimism about financial planning but also reminds us that true readiness is built through consistent planning and protection. Confidence alone is not enough preparedness needs structure and action ." " The findings indicate that retirement remains Indias biggest financial blind spot. Despite higher awareness, the actual action towards long-term security is limited. Through this study, we aim to encourage meaningful conversations around preparedness and protection as essential pillars of financial wellness . * List of cities - Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Vadodara, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Patna, Muzaffarnagar, Panipat, Thanjavur, Machilipatnam, Anand, Dhule, Bardhaman, Ganjam Disclaimer HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (HDFC Life) (i) makes no express or implied representations, warranties or covenants as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the information, data, opinions, commentary, analysis and/or any direct or indirect recommendations included in the Ready for Life Index Study conducted by Ipsos India Pvt. Ltd. (Study), and (ii) disclaims any and all damages, costs and liabilities whatsoever to the recipient or reader and or its representatives (tangible or intangible, including, but not limited to loss of business opportunity, loss of profit, loss of market share or loss of goodwill) for any reliance or use made by the recipient or reader and its representatives on the Study, or any errors therein or omissions therefrom. The report is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, taxation, or professional advice by HDFC Life. The recipient or reader and its representatives should not rely solely on this content for making financial decisions, and are advised to seek qualified professional guidance tailored to their personal circumstances. Ipsos India Pvt. Ltd. and the authors disclaim any liability for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this report or its content. This report does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument or product.

Insider track | Buzz on AICC rejig after Bihar polls

The Bihar election results on November 14 are likely to shape the Congresss national standing and trigger key organisational changes. Activity at the AICC headquarters has picked up pace, with talk of a reshuffle gaining ground. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and K C Venugopal have held a series of closed-door meetings in recent weeks, fuelling speculation. While the party does not expect particularly favourable results in Bihar, a key issue is Karnatakas leadership question, with the party treading cautiously. All eyes are also on Venugopals organisational post, as he is likely to shift focus towards preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Discussions are said to be underway to explore a larger organisational role for former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, signalling the veterans possible return to the national stage. Tej Pratap looking for new shores? Lalu Prasads estranged son Tej Pratap Yadav seems to be charting a path his father wouldnt approve of. Fondly called Teju Bhaiya, he has hinted at joining any alliance truly committed to development and employment, depending on his result from Mahua. Recently spotted chatting warmly with BJP MP Ravi Kishan at Patna airport, Tej Pratap remarked, Ham dono chandan karte hain aur Bhole Nath ke bhakt hain, sparking rumours. By launching Janshakti Janata Dal and refraining from criticising Nitish Kumar or Narendra Modi, Tej Pratap is clearly distancing himself from his familys traditional rhetoric. These moves have intensified speculation of a potential shift toward the right and caught the attention of NDA leaders, who see him as a possible unexpected ally and a jolt to the Lalu family. BJP waiting for many changes There is a buzz around the saffron circles that after the Bihar election results are declared, the BJP central leadership is expected to take major organisational decisions, which would not be uninfluenced by the outcome of the election. Between November 15the day after the Bihar results are announcedand November 30, the BJP may witness significant changes in its organisational structure. More importantly, one may expect to see the final decision on the election for the national president that has been put on hold for various reason, a senior BJP leader, who camped in Bihar for an extended period, remarked. If the results comes as per our anticipation, creative decisions can be expected. If we fail to achieve the desired result, some hard corrective steps right from the Bihar unit of the party to the central organisation cannot be ruled out, quipped a source. Lull before Tharoors dynastic jibe Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, never far from headlines, is once again at the centre of controversythis time for his direct attack on the leadership over dynastic politics. The remarks have reignited debate over Tharoors uneasy equation with the partys official line. In May, he received a stern warning over his comments on the Indo-Pak conflict, which were seen as at odds with the partys position. Insiders say Tharoor stayed quiet in recent monthsat least until his reappointment as chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs in September. He was lying low till they reappointed him, quipped a senior leader, hinting that the timing of his latest remarks was deliberate. The highway man is a farmer too Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is often hailed as the highway man of India for transforming the countrys road and highway infrastructure. However, he considers himself more of an agriculturalist. During an informal discussion with media persons recently, he revealed lesser known facts about his first passion. While he served them organic daal grown in his farm in Nagpur, he disclosed that he had been conferred multiple honorary DLitt degrees not for his political work but for making significant contributions towards water conservation, organic and natural farming, and agricultural diversification.

CS reviews implementation of key developmental initiatives, flagship schemes in Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 8: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today conducted an extensive tour of Udhampur district to assess the progress of ongoing developmental projects and flagship Government initiatives across various sectors. The meeting was also attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure besides other divisional and district officers of various departments. He took this occasion to instruct the district administration to focus on upgrading road connectivity and [] The post CS reviews implementation of key developmental initiatives, flagship schemes in Udhampur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Vidarbha bring in left-arm spinner Farde for Ranji clash vs Odisha

Nagpur, Nov 6: Defending champions Vidarbha on Thursday replaced Akshay Karnewar with left-arm spinner Gaurav Farde for their fourth round Ranji Trophy clash against Odisha. Vidarbha drew their last away match against Tamil Nadu in which Yash Rathod struck 133, and they are placed second behind Jharkhand in Elite Group A points table with 13 []

Fadnavis orders probe into alleged irregular Pune land deal involving Ajit Pawar's son

PUNE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday formed an inquiry committee to probe the allegations of irregularities in a Pune land deal involving a company linked to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars son Parth Pawar. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge will head the probe panel, an official said. The state government also suspended a tehsildar and a sub-registrar in the case, after the Opposition alleged that the land worth Rs 1,800 crore was sold to Amadea Enterprises, the company linked to Parth Pawar, at Rs 300 crore. Fadnavis termed the land transaction prima facie serious, while Ajit Pawar denied any links with the deal. Parth Pawar is yet to respond to the allegations. Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said he has sought all information in the case from the relevant departments. Orders have been given to conduct a probe, he said. The chief minister should definitely probe this. It is his right, Ajit Pawar told reporters in the evening. I am not even remotely connected to this (land deal), he said. Three-four months ago, I heard that some such things were going on. I had then clearly said that I wont tolerate any such wrongdoing. I had issued clear instructions that nobody should do such wrong things. I dont know what happened after that, Ajit Pawar said. He said he has never called or instructed any officer to ensure benefits for his relatives. I wish to make clear to officers that I wont support any wrong actions by anyone citing my name to get their work done, he said. When your children grow up, they do their own business, he added. Tehsildar Suryakant Yewale from Pune has been suspended with immediate effect over the controversial deal that has prompted the Opposition to target the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawars NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Opposition alleged that Amadea Enterprises purchased 40 acre land in Punes Mundhwa area. The land was categorised as Mahar watan land, denoting hereditary landholding to Mahar (scheduled caste) community. Such land cannot be sold without prior approval from the state government. An official said the stamp duty on the transaction was waived. Being government land, it cannot be sold to a private firm, he said. Inspector General of Registration Ravindra Binwade told PTI that the high-level committee will find out how the government land was sold to a private firm and ascertain whether the exemption was given as per the norms. The documents submitted to claim the exemption will be checked. The committee will also see documents produced during registration. We have suspended a sub-registrar-rank official. If it is government land, the registration should not have taken place, he said. Sources in the revenue department claimed that on the 7/12 extract, a key property document, the land is in the name of Mumbai Sarkar. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said activist Anjali Damania had called to inform him about the alleged transaction, and that she would file a written complaint with him by November 11. The Opposition attacked the BJP-led government over the land deal. Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar demanded a judicial inquiry into the transaction, claiming it was done in violation of the law. He said the file related to the deal moved at rocket speed through government departments. Within hours, the Directorate of Industries not only approved the transfer of land to the company for an IT park and data centre but also waived stamp duty of Rs 21 crore, he claimed. Ajit Pawar, who often questions for how long farmers will get things for free, has now ensured free land and tax waivers for his sons firm, Wadettiwar said, and claimed that similar land deals in Pune could amount to a Rs 1 lakh crore scam. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve claimed that the land bought by Amadea is worth Rs 1,800 crore. He said the company passed a resolution on April 22 to set up an IT park and submitted a proposal to the government despite having a capital of Rs 1 lakh. Industries Minister Uday Samant said his department did not grant any waiver in stamp duty for the land. Samant claimed baseless reports that the company was given a stamp duty waiver and the transaction was completed for merely Rs 500. The company has not applied to the Industries Department for any stamp duty concession under the Information Technology and IT-enabled Services Policy, 2023, Samant told reporters. Issuing a Letter of Intent (LoI) does not mean that a waiver or concession has been approved. It is only a preliminary step for eligibility verification. No financial benefit is granted through it, he said. The minister added that a cabinet sub-committee takes calls on waivers and incentives.

SCCL enters into MoU with Nagpur-based JNARDDC

Local body polls soon? Maharashtra cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Maharashtra's cabinet made 21 key decisions. MAHA ARC Limited will close. Funds are approved for the Virar-Alibaug corridor. Nagpur's Laxminarayan Institute of Technology receives funding. A new polytechnic is set up. Housing projects and land allotments are cleared. Judicial infrastructure is enhanced. Fishermen get interest subvention. Events for Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji are planned. Public health schemes are revised.

Court orders builder to return Rs 3 lakh with 9% interest after buyers cancel flat booking due to delayed construction

A Nagpur consumer court ordered a real estate company to refund 3 lakh with 9% interest to a couple who cancelled their flat booking. The company also owes 30,000 for mental harassment and 10,000 for legal costs. The court found the builder's retention of the booking amount to be unjust enrichment and a deficiency in service.

Society has accepted RSS, it cannot be banned because a few politician wishes for it: Dattatreya Hosabale

BHOPAL: Society has accepted the RSS as the organisation which works for the nations unity, security, culture and development. It cannot be banned as a few leader wishes for it, RSS national general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Saturday. Reacting to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharges call to ban the RSS in the country, Hosabale said, Entire society recognises the Sangh as the organisation which works for the unity, security, culture and development of the country. Three times in the past, the RSS was banned, but everyone knows what happened later. Before making any such demand, politicians should learn lessons from past experiences. On the 150 th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, the Congress national president had reiterated that the RSS should be banned in the country, stating that even Sardar Patel had banned the participation of government employees in RSS's activities. Talking to journalists in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) on the concluding day of the three-day RSS national executive meeting on Saturday, the RSS general secretary, when questioned about the changing dynamics of RSS-BJP ties post 2014, said, Weve stated our stand on the issue of relations between the RSS and BJP, maybe 50,000 times in the past 50 years. Sanghs Swayamsevaks are in every party, but their numbers are more in the BJP, because unlike the other parties, the BJP doesnt restrict the entry of Sangh Swayamsevaks within its fold. RSS is an organisation of people, and it has kept on raising contemporary national and social issues with governments and individuals within the governments, irrespective of who is in power. Its up to the other side to decide whether to keep doors shut or open them for our Swayamsevaks. Countrys former President Pranab Mukerjee wasnt a Swayamsevak, but we had good ties with him, which is why he attended our event in Nagpur. But when the Swayamsevaks are themselves running the government, then naturally our coordination with the government is better. Dynamics havent changed after 2014, they (BJP) are ghar ke log (from the same family), so the bhaichara (brotherhood) prevails, Hosabale maintained. Raising concern over the issue of Demographic Imbalance, the RSS top functionary said, A population policy is needed to address the problem of demographic imbalance; its up to the government to swiftly formulate the policy. Infiltration, religious conversion and high rate of population growth in some communities are primarily behind the rising threat of democratic imbalance. He particularly mentioned about religious conversion of Sikhs in Punjab, which needed to be dealt with adequately. While maintaining that the situation in West Bengal wasnt part of the agenda at the three-day RSS All India executive body meeting in Jabalpur, he, however, added that a resolution was passed about Bengal in the last meeting. The situation is actually bad in Bengal, particularly after the last election. Hatred and conflicts have risen there, especially due to the political leadership and the CM there. Keeping a border state violent and unstable isnt good for the country. Our Swayamsevaks are regularly working in Bengal for national unity and social harmony there. While making it clear that no discussions happened at the three-day conclave about Bihar elections, Hosabale said, We always appeal for cent voting. We also appeal that voters should exercise their franchise based on national and social issues, rather than voting based on caste, money or promises of freebies by political parties. On the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, he said, The refining of voter lists isnt happening for the first time; it happens at regular intervals and is essential. There should be no opposition to it; those having objections to the SIR methodology should approach the ECI in the matter. While informing that the Manipur situation was discussed at the meeting chaired by the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS general secretary said, The situation in the bordering state is improving. The centre has taken steps, including the Prime Minister being there despite inclement weather. The Swayamsevaks have worked on the ground there for two years. Like the people of the state, we also want a popular government there; we sincerely hope the government will work in that direction at the appropriate time. While welcoming the surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said that the government needs to deal with the concerns of those areas in a very sensitive manner. He further informed that the three-day meeting also discussed the issue of the rising menace of drug abuse among youngsters, spanning from schools and universities to hostels, including IIMs and IITs, particularly in the bordering states. The three-day meeting, which was attended by 397 out of the 407 delegates from across the country, was the brainstorming of the second-highest decision-making body of the RSS. The three-day meeting largely focused on the Sanghs activities and events in the organisations centenary year, including its ongoing and coming initiatives to connect the RSSs Panch Parivartan to every nook and cranny of the country. Around 80,000 Hindu Sammelans will be held (45,000 in rural areas and the remaining 35,000 in urban clusters). Grih Sampark Abhiyan to connect door-to-door with families, besides Samajik Sadbhav meeting at block level, and meetings of prominent citizens and intellectuals will be held at the district level nationally. On the last day of the meeting, the RSS also released statements on the 150th year of the birth of Birsa Munda, the 350th year of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and 150 years of the composition of the national song Vande Mataram.

Nitin Gadkari sets target of 5 lakh jobs in 5 yrs in Vidarbha before industry body; says it's achievable

Union minister Nitin Gadkari has set an ambitious goal for the Vidarbha region. He aims to create five lakh jobs within the next five years. This initiative will involve skill training for thousands of youths from every assembly constituency. The Nagpur Skill Centre will offer industry-linked courses in various sectors.

Nagpure gets Additional Charge of DIG Udhampur-Reasi range

JAMMU, OCT 31: Amod Nagpure gets additional charge of DIG Udhampur-Reasi range during the two months leave period of present incumbent Sarah Rizvi.. Click here to see complete order The post Nagpure gets Additional Charge of DIG Udhampur-Reasi range appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

After Maharashtra CM Fadnavis announces timeline for farm loan waiver, farmers withdraw protest

Farmers protesting for a farm loan waiver have withdrawn their agitation in Nagpur after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a timeline for its implementation. Fadnavis, who was earlier reluctant to announce the farm loan waiver, said the state government is committed to it, adding that it will be done in the next eight months. The CM said the state government has constituted a committee led by Pravin Pardeshi, retired IAS and chief executive of think tank MITRA, with the responsibility of preparing the detailed timeline and execution for the farm loan waiver in the state. The state government constituted a committee that will decide the norms for farm loan waiver, and based on that, the scheme will be executed in the state. Once the committee submits the report, within the next three months, it will be implemented. The committee will also suggest short and long-term measures to alleviate the hardship and address the financial distress in the agriculture sector, Fadnavis said. Bacchu Kadu, a former minister who was spearheading the protest, said they are happy that the state government has given a timeline to execute the farm loan waiver. He said that earlier the state government was not giving any date and not even an assurance. Now, we've got the date. We will keep track of it and ensure that the state government executes its given promise of farm loan waiver. We have decided to give time to the state government so that they will not get any excuse later. Besides, we want this scheme to be implemented properly, benefiting as many farmers as possible, Kadu said. On the other hand, Uddhav Thackeray slammed Fadnavis for not implementing the farm loan waiver immediately. He said farmers are forced to wait for eight months for the loan waiver. Farmers are already in distress, so they need immediate financial relief. But the state government is more interested in giving date after date, like courts. This will push them to the doorstep of death, he said.

Tears, tributes and packed halls as Zubeen Gargs last film Roi Roi Binale shatters records across Assam

GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.

Bachchu Kadu's protest: Highway, blocked roads restored, Nagpur police tell Bombay High Court

Nagpur City Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal informed the High Court that normal traffic on the National Highway and other blocked roads was restored peacefully

HC orders Bachchu Kadu to vacate protest site; CM urges dialogue over disruption

Thousands of farmers continue protesting in Nagpur demanding loan waiver; Fadnavis says government open to talks, warns against road blockades.

Farmers Led By Ex-MLA block NagpurHyderabad Highway For Loan Waiver; HC Steps In

Kadu held Maha Elgar Morcha in Nagpur with thousands of farmers, who demanded that the government provide immediate, unconditional loan waivers to debt-ridden farmers in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Leader Agrees To Shift Farmers' Protest From Nagpur Highway

Former MLA Bachchu Kadu, who is leading a massive protest for farm loan waiver, on Wednesday evening said they will vacate the national highway.

Court Orders Protesters Seeking Farm Loan Waivers To Vacate Highway In Nagpur

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court directed Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachchu Kadu and his supporters to immediately vacate the National Highway on the city's outskirts where they are staging a protest seeking full farm loan waiver.

Bombay HC Orders Ex-Minister Bacchu Kadu To Vacate National Highway Amid Loan Waiver Protest

Kadu and his supporters blocked the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-44) as he led a tractor rally demanding the Maharashtra government to provide loan waivers to farmers.

Bacchu Kadu leads massive farmers protest in Nagpur; NH-44 blocked over loan waiver demands

SC exonerates late TTE in Rs 50 bribery case, ends three-decade legal fight

NEW DELHI: Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) V M Saudagar, who was dismissed from service in 1996 for allegedly accepting a Rs 50 bribe from passengers for berth allotment , could have been a relieved man today if he were alive. His legal heirs continued the case for after his death, leading to the Supreme Courts final ruling clearing his name. The Supreme Court gave him a clean chit by noting that no case had been made out against him. In its 10-page verdict, a copy accessed by TNIE , the top court observed with regret that Saudagar is no longer alive to hear the good news as he died during the pendency of the case in the High Court. All the charges have not been found to be proved conclusively against the appellant and CAT, on the basis of the material on record, had rightly interfered with the penalty of dismissal from service against the appellant. The High Court has failed to take note of the legal position that when the findings of the Enquiry Officer were perverse based on completely misleading materials produced before the Enquiry Officer, CAT was fully justified in setting aside the order of penalty, the two-judge bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra noted. Saudagars legal heirs, who fought the battle for almost 30 years, heaved a sigh of relief as the top court finally brought curtains down on the litigation, directing that all consequential monetary benefits, including pension, be released to his family. According to the prosecution, the incident dates back to May 1988, when Saudagar was on duty in the second-class sleeper coach of the DadarNagpur Express. During a surprise check, he was allegedly caught accepting Rs 50 as a bribe from passengers for allotment of berths. The vigilance department alleged that Saudagar had demanded illegal gratification from passengers Rs 25 from Hemant Kumar, an unrefunded Rs 20 from Dinesh Choudhary, and an unrefunded Rs 5 from Rajkumar Jaiswal all in connection with berth allotments. Further charges against him included being found in possession of excess cash of Rs 1,254 (excluding personal and railway cash), failure to recover Rs 18 as fare difference from a passenger (for Ticket No. 444750), and forging a duty card pass by extending its validity without authority. A departmental inquiry was subsequently initiated against him, with the Railways alleging that Saudagar had exhibited lack of integrity and devotion to duty under Rule 3(1)(i) and (ii) of the 1966 Rules. He was dismissed from service in 1996 after the inquiry. Undeterred, Saudagar challenged the dismissal before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which in 2002 directed the Railways to reinstate him. However, the government moved the Bombay High Court against the CAT order, which immediately stayed it. The case then remained pending in the High Court for 15 years, during which Saudagar passed away. In 2017, the High Court quashed the CAT order and upheld his termination. His family members, however, continued to contest the bribery charges and took the case to the Supreme Court.

Viral video shows two women officers pushing and pinching each other on stage as Nitin Gadkari looks on in Nagpur event

A routine government event in Nagpur turned dramatic when two senior women postal officers engaged in a heated on-stage argument before Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The clash, stemming from administrative confusion over official postings and a court stay, escalated to physical altercations, including pinching and spilling water, captured in a viral video.

Mid-air scare as Air India's Nagpur to Delhi flight returns due to...

The aircraft landed safely and was later grounded for maintenance checks, leading to the flight's cancellation. Air India said that all passengers were safe and were provided assistance and meals at the airport.

Delhi-bound Air India flight returns to Nagpur after bird hit

NEW DELHI: An Air India flight with over 150 passengers from Nagpur to Delhi had to return to Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport shortly after take-off on Friday due to a bird hit that damaged the engine cowling (cover), said a source. The aircraft landed safely at Nagpur, and passengers were later accommodated on an alternate aircraft. Cowling is the covering that encases an aircraft engine, protecting it while streamlining airflow and maintaining cooling. Flight AI466, an A320 Neo aircraft, took off from Nagpur at 6.38 pm and returned to the originating airport within half an hour, according to flight tracking platform Flightaware. Air India confirmed the incident in a statement. Flight AI466, operating from Nagpur to Delhi, on 24 October, experienced a bird hit shortly after take-off. The crew decided to return to Nagpur as a precautionary measure, as per standard operating procedure, for inspection of the aircraft, a spokesperson said. The aircraft landed safely in Nagpur and underwent maintenance checks which required extended time for rectification, resulting in the cancellation of the flight, the airline said. Our ground team at Nagpur provided immediate assistance to the passengers, including serving meals to them. Hotel accommodation was provided, and full refunds or complimentary rescheduling were offered as opted by them. Alternative arrangements were made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest, the statement added. A source said the aircraft was still undergoing maintenance checks at Nagpur as of Sunday evening.

Nagpur-Delhi Air India Flight Returns After Bird Hit, Passengers Safe

An Air India flight from Nagpur to Delhi returned to Nagpur shortly after take-off on October 24 following a bird-hit, an Air India spokesperson said.

Bird-hit after take-off: Air India flight returns to Nagpur; aircraft under inspection

Epack Prefab Technologies gets Rs 130 cr order in Maharashtra

NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Epack Prefab Technologies Ltd has bagged a Rs 130 crore contract from Avaada Ventures to supply a pre-engineered steel building for a glass factory in Maharashtra. In a regulatory filing on Friday, the company informed that it has received purchase orders aggregating to Rs 129.95 crore from Avaada Ventures Pvt Ltd for design, fabrication and supply of a pre-engineered steel building for a glass factory at Butibori, Nagpur, Maharashtra. Recently, the company reported a two-fold [] The post Epack Prefab Technologies gets Rs 130 cr order in Maharashtra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Fadnavis asserts firm grip on Maharashtra leadership; says CM post sealed till 2029

MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, during the Diwali Milan programme in Nagpur, said in a candid chat with the media that there is no vacancy for the Maharashtra CM post till 2029. Fadnavis refuted speculations and rumours that he may be shifted to Delhi and either given the BJPs national president post or a cabinet ministry, as reported in some sections of the media earlier. He clarified that there was no truth in such reports. I am not going anywhere, but going to stay as CM of Maharashtra till the next 2029 state assembly elections. I am very confident about it, therefore will work for the state, Fadnavis said during the Diwali Milan programme with the media fraternity in Nagpur. Fadnavis statement is a clear message to his two deputies who are aspirants for the chief ministers post. This message is mostly for former chief minister and current DCM Eknath Shinde, who still hopes that the BJP top leadership will make him chief minister once again. Therefore, Shinde met Union minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah with a plea to make him chief minister of Maharashtra once again, reminding him that he was the face of the 2024 state assembly election, said a political observer who requested anonymity. He further said that the exuberance of confidence in Fadnavis stems from the solid support and backing of the RSS top leadership. The RSS backed Mr Fadnavis when the BJP was choosing the CM for Maharashtra in 2014 and 2024 as well. And it continues to stand with him. Presently, the top leadership of the BJP cannot take the risk of dislodging Fadnavis and earning the ire of the RSS. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen the power of the RSS during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls the inactivity of the RSS cadre brought the BJPs tally down from its 400 plus target to 240 seats. Therefore, the BJP and the RSS are in good relations and backing each others decisions. So, Fadnavis statement should be read in this context, he added.

Old Video From Nagpur Falsely Shared as One of RSS Rally in Karnataka

The video dates back to May 2025 and shows a RSS rally in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Air India announces 174 weekly flights as part of Northern Winter Schedule

NEW DELHI: Air India has announced the addition of 174 weekly flights on key domestic and short-haul international routes, operated by its single-aisle aircraft, as part of the Northern Winter Schedule.The domestic additions are effective from October 26. This expansion enhances connectivity to major cities in India and Southeast Asia which are in high demand. An official release listed additions to these international routes:Delhi-Kuala Lumpur:Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from November 15) andDelhi-Denpasar (Bali):Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from December 1). These are the additions to domestic routes, all of which are effective from October 26: Flights to Rajasthan: Delhi-Jaipur (new route):three daily flights;Delhi-Jaisalmer (new route):two daily flights;Delhi-Udaipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Mumbai-Jaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Udaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Jodhpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights toMadhya Pradesh: Delhi-Indore:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Delhi-Bhopal:Increasing from two to three daily flights; andMumbai-Indore:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights to Gujarat:Mumbai-Bhuj:Increasing from one to two daily flights andDelhi to Rajkot:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Other frequency additions, effective from the same date: Delhi-Varanasi:Increasing from two to threedaily flights;Delhi-Raipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Delhi-Port Blair:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Aurangabad:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Guwahati:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Nagpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Dehradun:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Patna:Increasing from one to two daily flights andMumbai-Amritsar:Increasing from one to two daily flights.

Maharashtra farmers facing 'black' Diwali due to paltry aid by 'corrupt' govt: Opposition

MUMBAI: Opposition Congress and NCP (SP) on Friday claimed it would be a lack Diwali for farmers in Maharashtra who are facing a crisis due to rain and flood-induced crop losses, and hit out at the corrupt Mahayuti government for its meagre aid and false promises. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde said the BJP-led government has urned hopes and aspirations of farmers with false assurances and forced flood and rain-affected people to observe a 'black Diwali this year. To protest against the power drunk Mahayuti alliance and to make the rulers aware of the farmers' plight and highlight their demands, day-long hunger strikes were held by NCP (SP) workers and leaders outside collector's office in every district, a protest coming on the eve of the festival of lights beginning with Dhanteras on Saturday. Shinde, who took part in a hunger strike outside Satara district collector's office in western Maharashtra, maintained the state-wide protest was meant to denounce the Mahayuti government for its neglect of farmers. The three-party government in Maharashtra, which boasts of being the 'most progressive state,' has mocked the food providers by announcing a meagre aid for them, he said. Those who promised to make the '7/12 extract clean', clean', clean' (clear land title) did not even utter a word about loan waivers. On the contrary, farmers' earnest demand to declare a 'wet drought' was met with disdain, the former state minister opined. Feeling helpless in the face of dire circumstances, the farmer embraced death, but the cries of his family went unheard by deaf rulers intoxicated with power, the MLC remarked in a scathing attack on the ruling coalition. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar noted that though the Devendra Fadnavis-led government has announced a relief package of more than Rs 31,000 crore for farmers, the actual relief was limited to Rs 1,800 crore. This translates into just Rs 10,000 aid per hectare, the former minister claimed. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar alleged the government has betrayed farmers by offering a meagre financial assistance after promising a massive relief package. The government has announced a Rs 31,000-crore package claiming it would provide substantial help to rain-affected farmers. However, till date, government resolutions (GRs) worth barely Rs 1,800 crore have been issued. The assistance of Rs 10,000 per hectare is paltry and amounts to deceiving farmers, he stated. This year will be a black Diwali for Maharashtra's farmers, he remarked. According to Wadettiwar, 253 talukas were severely hit by heavy rains between June and September. The government had assured aid before Diwali, but the relief package strictly follows NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund) norms with no additional support. Farmers whose land was washed away will receive compensation over three years -- how will they survive till then? he asked. The Congress MLA pointed out that cotton procurement has yet to begin as the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has not granted approval for the process due to unrealistic conditions, which, he warned, could push farmers towards ruin. Soybean crops have been destroyed, and their market prices are abysmally low. The government must stop harassing farmers, he added. He criticized the government's decision to place Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) under the direct control of the state Marketing Minister. This move will enable the minister to exploit the system. APMCs handle transactions worth crores, and by removing elected boards, the government is committing a grave injustice, Wadettiwar alleged. As part of the state-wide agitation, NCP (SP) workers staged a protest in Thane to highlight the plight of farmers. Held outside the Thane district collectorate, the protest was led by NCP (SP) district president Manoj Pradhan under the guidance of the party's general secretary Jitendra Awhad. Protesters wore black clothes and ribbons, and raised slogans against the Mahayuti government, accusing it of neglect and false promises. In the name of relief packages, this government has cheated rain-hit farmers. Even the promised Diwali aid hasn't arrived. There's no word of a loan waiver, said Pradhan. The Opposition party said crops such as soybean, tur, cotton, sugarcane, moong, and urad were destroyed, while livestock was also lost in floods. Yet, panchnamas (damage surveys) remain pending and no meaningful compensation has been provided. The NCP (SP) warned of intensified agitation if the government failed to act on its promises. We will take to the streets and force the government to deliver, Pradhan asserted.

Nagpur woman faces backlash after teaching people to eat samosa using cutlery

In the viral video, Amol can be seen standing in front of a class, patiently explaining his precise method of cutting a samosa with cutlery.

HAL's LCA Mark 1A produced at Nasik assembly line set to fly for the first time on Friday

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced the first LCA Mark 1A fighter jet, produced in Nagpur, is set to fly on Friday. This marks a significant step following the government's approval of 97 additional jets, bringing the total to 180. These advanced aircraft, with over 65% indigenous components, will replace the aging MiG-21s.

22nd HCL International Bridge Championship Wraps Up on a High Note

HCL Group, a US $14 billion global conglomerate, today announced the successful completion of the 22nd HCL International Bridge Championship. The prestigious nine-day tournament hosted at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in New Delhi attracted impressive participation from over 146 teams. The championship offered a prize purse of Rs. 2.7 Crore (USD 310,000). The tournament continues to solidify its place as one of the most prestigious bridge championships in the world, boasting the largest prize pool in India and the world. This tournament has also been included in World Bridge Tour, as a Category B event. This is the highest-rated category after world championship events organised by the World Bridge Federation. 22nd HCL International Bridge Championship Wraps Up on a High Note The tournament which was held from 6th October to 14th October brought together players from India and several other countries including the USA, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Lithuanian, Russia, Israel, UAE, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Competitions comprised of Team of Four Gold, Team of Four Silver, Open Match Point Pairs, IMP Pairs & Mixed IMP Pairs . HCL International Bridge Championship draws over 146 teams from nearly 10 countries The winners in each category are : Team of Four Gold : Team WHAM from Australia won the Naresh Tandan Trophy for the Team of Four Gold event and received a prize money of Rs. 44 Lakh Team of Four Silver : Nagpur VI won the Mohini Tandan Trophy for Team of Four Silver and received a prize money of Rs. 17 Lakh Open Pairs-Gold : Christian Bakke - Tor Eivind Grude won the Neena Bonarji Trophy for the Open Pairs- Gold event and received a prize money of Rs. 12.8 Lakh Open Pairs- Silver : Vinay Desai - Raju Tolani won the Open Pairs- Silver event and received a prize money of Rs. 2 lakhs. Mixed IMP Mixed Pairs : Keyzad Anklesaria - Vidhya Patel won the IMP Pairs and received a prize money of Rs. 2 lakhs. IMP Pairs : Tatiana Nokhaeva - Aleksandr Platkov won the IMP Pairs event Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Mrs. Kiran Nadar , Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the championship and an acclaimed international Bridge player, Commonwealth Gold medallist and Asian Games Bronze medallist said, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the participants for their exceptional performances in this years championship. Its truly encouraging to see a growing number of young players competing at this level. The future of Bridge in India depends on identifying and nurturing talent early, and hosting an international championship of this scale in the nations capital offers emerging players a valuable platform to challenge themselves against top global competitors. Events like these are vital to both individual growth and the overall development of Bridge in India . HCL International Bridge Championship is an initiative by HCL Group and was started in 2003 to provide players with a world class platform. About HCL Group Founded in 1976 as one of Indias original IT garage start-ups, HCL is a pioneer of modern computing with many firsts to its credit, including the introduction of the 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in 1978 well before its global peers. Today, the HCL enterprise has a presence across varied sectors that include technology, healthcare and talent management solutions and comprises three companies HCL Infosystems, HCLTech and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of over US$14 billion with 226,600 employees operating across 60 countries. For further information, visit www.hcl.com

'Bro just colonized the Indian snack': Nagpur English coach's video on how to eat a samosa with knife and fork goes viral

A Nagpur-based English coach's demonstration of eating samosas with a knife and fork has gone viral on X. The clip, showing the coach instructing students on using cutlery for the snack, has amused and bewildered netizens, sparking numerous jokes and a debate on traditional snack etiquette.

Cough syrup deaths: another child from Madhya Pradesh dies during treatment in Nagpur

Chhindwara Additional Collector Dhirendra Singh said the child had been admitted in Nagpur since September 14 but her condition did not improve

MP cough syrup tragedy: Child death toll rises to 24 after three year-old girl dies in Nagpur

BHOPAL: Acute kidney failure caused by poisoning from Coldrif cough syrup has claimed the life of one more child from Madhya Pradesh, taking the total death toll from the tragedy to 24. The latest death was reported from a hospital in Nagpur (Maharashtra), where Ambika Viswakarma, aged three and a half years, a native of the Chourai area of Chhindwara district, who had been under treatment since September 14, died due to acute renal failure on Wednesday. While confirming the tragic development, Chhindwaras additional district collector Dhirendra Singh told TNIE that with this latest death, as many as 21 children from various parts of Chhindwara district have died at hospitals in Chhindwara and Nagpur due to the cough syrup poisoning-induced acute kidney failure since September 3. With three more children, including one from Pandhurna district and two from Betul district, also having fallen prey due to similar health complications, the total number of children from southern MP districts who have died due to it now stands at 24. Meanwhile, a team from the Chhindwara district polices Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case and currently camping in Tamil Nadu, has arrested the woman chemical analyst of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the concerned cough syrup. The 61-year-old woman chemical analyst who has been arrested from Tamil Nadu will now be brought on transit remand to MP. This is the second arrest in the case from Tamil Nadu, after the October 11 arrest of the manufacturing firms 75-year-old owner Ranganathan Govindan, and overall, the fifth arrest in the case. Three others who have so far been arrested in the case from Chhindwara district of MP include the government doctor Dr. Pravin Soni (who prescribed the Coldrif cough syrup at his private clinic in Parasia town to most of the children who died later), the local stockist of the syrup Rajesh Soni, and Saurabh Jain, the pharmacist at Apna Medical Store. Two more arrests made in Madhya Pradesh Coldrif cough syrup deaths; four arrested so far

MP: Coldrif cough syrup fatality count rises to 24 after two more children die

Tragedy strikes Chhindwara as two more children die from adulterated cough syrup. The death toll now stands at 24. The victims, aged three years and nine months, succumbed to suspected renal failure in Nagpur. The WHO issued an alert against substandard cough syrups. Authorities have banned the formulation and arrested individuals involved. Manufacturing licenses have been revoked.

Seven cops arrested in two separate cases in last three days in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: Seven police personnel from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested in two separate criminal cases over the last three days. On Sunday, two constables from Bhopals Piplani police station, Santosh Bamania and Saurabh Arya, were arrested for brutally assaulting 22-year-old B.Tech (Cyber Security) student Udit Gayake, leading to his death on October 14. Based on the autopsy report, which revealed over a dozen injuries, including severe internal wounds such as head trauma and a ruptured pancreas sustained during the assault. A murder case was filed against the two constables on Saturday. They were arrested the following day. Around 400 km away in southern MPs Seoni district, as many as 11 cops, among them, SDOP Pooja Pandey, the sub inspector in-charge of Bandol police station, Arpit Bhairam and nine other cops (head constables and constables) who were first suspended on October 10 for allegedly 'looting' over Rs 1.45 crore alleged hawala money, have now been arrested. Taking firm action in the matter on Tuesday, the states CM Dr Mohan Yadav directed lodging case against all the 11 suspended cops, followed by the arrest of five of them -- SDOP Pooja Pandey, sub inspector Arpit Bhairam and constables Yogendra, Neeraj and Jagdish. Whoever violates the law will not be spared at any cost, particularly when those entrusted with protecting people from loot are themselves indulging in the same offence. Law is equal for everyone, none will be spared for breaking it, regardless of their position, CM Dr Mohan Yadav said in a stern statement on Tuesday. All the 11 suspended police personnel have been booked under BNS Sections 310(2), 126(2), Section 140(3), Section 61(2), which pertain to robbery, wrongful restraint, abduction and criminal conspiracy. While five of the cops have been arrested, six others who have also been booked in the case, include head constables Makhan, Rajesh Janghela, Ravindra Uike and constables Ritesh Verma, Kedar and Subhash (Kedar and Subhash are Special Armed Force-SAF). On the night of October 89, Nagpur (Maharashtra) resident Sohan Parmar, was travelling from Katni (MP) to Jalna (Maharashtra) with around Rs 2.96 crore cash, which belonged to a bullion trader. The money was actually alleged hawala money. A police search team led by SDOP Pooja Pandey and Bandol police station in-charge Arpit Bhairam, intercepted the vehicle near Sheeladevi Bypass. However, the cops reportedly shifted the cash into their own vehicles and returned to the police station without informing the departments higher officials.

Jairam Ramesh recalls BR Ambedkars formal initiation into Buddhism on anniversary of event

New Delhi, Oct 14: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday recalled that 69 years ago on this day BR Ambedkar and his wife Savita Ambedkar were formally initiated into Buddhism in Nagpur and thereafter, the prime architect of the Constitution administered 22 revolutionary oaths prepared by himself to about half a million people. In a post on X, the Congress general secretary in-charge communications also pointed out that India celebrated the 2500th anniversary of the Buddhas birth in 1956. It [] The post Jairam Ramesh recalls BR Ambedkars formal initiation into Buddhism on anniversary of event appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

RSS takes out route march to mark centenary

Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Nagpur in 1925

200 Artists Showcase the Cultural Harmony of Northeast India at Octave Mahotsav in Nagpur

Udaipur/Nagpur, October 11 (Udaipur Kiran) Around 200 artists from the northeastern states of India mesmerized audiences in Nagpur with a grand fusion performance, celebrating the regions rich and diverse cultural traditions. The event was part of the Octave Mahotsav, jointly organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, and the South Central Zone ... Read more 200 Artists Showcase the Cultural Harmony of Northeast India at Octave Mahotsav in Nagpur

CRPF head constable martyred in Jharkhand IED blast, two colleagues critically injured

RANCHI: CRPF Head Constable Mahendra Laskar, who got injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Jharkhand's Chaibasa late in the evening on Friday, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Notably, three CRPF personnel, including the Head Constable, were injured in the Maoist attack. CRPF Battalion Inspector Kaushal Kumar Mishra and Sub-Inspector Ramchandra Gogi were also critically injured in the blast and are undergoing treatment at the hospital in Rourkela. Head Constable Mahendra Laskar, who got martyred in the incident, was a resident of Nagaon in Assam. His body is being brought to Ranchi, where a final salute will be given to him at the CRPF camp after the post-mortem. Notably, the CPI (Maoists) have declared the observance of a Resistance Week from October 8 to 14 to mobilize support and register opposition to the ongoing campaign by the security forces in the five states. They have also announced a Band on October 15 against the alleged suppression by the security forces in Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Chhattisgarh. As per the information provided by Jharkhand Police Headquarters, three personnel of CRPF 60 Battalion, including an Inspector, were injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in the Saranda Jungles under Manoharpur Block of Chaibasa late in the evening on Friday. Head Constable Mahendra Laskar was martyred while undergoing treatment hours after the incident, they said. Chaibasa SP Amit Renu informed that two IED blasts took place during an anti-Maoist operation conducted by security forces in Saranda. Three CRPF personnel, including an Inspector, were injured and admitted to Rourkela Hospital in Odisha for treatment. IG Operations and Jharkhand Police spokesperson Dr. Michael Raj confirmed that CRPF Head Constable Mahendra Laskar, who was injured in the IED blast triggered by Maoists, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Notably, three security personnel have been martyred and nine others seriously injured in IED blasts triggered by Maoists since March this year. Sunil Kumar Singh, a CRPF battalion sub-inspector, was martyred in a blast in Chota Nagpur, Saranda, on March 22, while Sunil Dhan, a Jharkhand Jaguar jawan, was martyred in a blast on April 12. Mahendra Laskar of the CRPF was martyred on Friday, October 11.

Cough syrup deaths: TN-based pharma firm owner under 10-day remand

BHOPAL: Ranganathan Govindan, the owner of Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceutical unit that manufactured contaminated Coldrif cough syrup linked to the death of 23 children in Madhya Pradesh, was reportedly remanded on Friday. Arrested from Chennai on Wednesday-Thursday night , Ranganathan was brought on transit remand from Chennai by the special investigation team (SIT) of MPs Chhindwara district police to Nagpur by flight on Friday morning. He was subsequently taken in heavy police custody from Nagpur to Parasia police station in MPs Chhindwara district, where he was kept for some hours, before being taken for production before the court of judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) Shailendra Uike, under heavy police presence. Amid shouts of Faansi Do, Faansi Do (hang him to death), as Ranganathan was taken out of the police vehicle, some angry persons reportedly tried to attack him, but the alert police foiled their bid. The sudden incident led to Ranganathans spectacle falling on the ground. He was subsequently produced before the court, which remanded him into ten days custody of the 12-member strong SIT of Chhindwara police, which is probing the case. In a related development, the head of Parasia Advocates body Shyam Kumar Sahu said that the entire advocate fraternity of Parasia block has resolved not to defend Ranganathan in the court and neither allow any advocate from outside to contest his case. Ranganathans Wednesday-Thursday night arrest from Chennai is the second arrest within six days in the case registered at the Parasia police station on the complaint of local block medical officer (BMO) on October 4. Earlier on October 4 night, government doctor Dr Pravin Soni, who had prescribed the Coldrif cough syrup at his private clinic, to most of the kids who died later, was arrested by the SITa development which has enraged the doctor fraternity across the country. Then the Chhindwara district police in MP had lodged an FIR against the cough syrup manufacturer company, Chhindwara-based government doctor Dr Pravin Soni and others u/s BNS Sections 105 and 276 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder and adulteration of drugs), besides Section 27A of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, which deals with manufacturing, stocking, selling and offering for sale spurious and adulterated medicines. The sections under which the FIR was lodged at the Parasia police station on the complaint of a health department official, carry a punishment ranging between ten years in jail and life imprisonment. Meanwhile, according to the official bulletin released by the Chhindwara chief medical and health officer (CMHO) office on Friday, so far 20 kids from Chhindwara district have died at hospitals in Nagpur, Chhindwara and other places. As many as six kids remain critical, out of which two are admitted at hospitals in Nagpur (Maharashtra). With 20 kids from Chhindwara, two from Betul and one from Pandhurna districts having died due to acute kidney failure induced by Coldrif cough syrup poisoning since September 2, the total toll stands at 23 currently. Cough syrup deaths: SC rejects PIL seeking CBI probe, nationwide drug safety review

Madhya Pradesh: Cops pocket Rs 1.5 crore from seized hawala cash, suspended

BHOPAL:Ten police personnel, including a woman Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), have been suspended for allegedly misappropriating Rs 1.5 crore out of a total of Rs 2.96 crore in suspected hawala money in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. Nine police personnel including Arpit Bhairam, the Sub-Inspector and in-charge of Bandol Police Station, two head constables, and six constables were suspended on Thursday following an order by Inspector General (IG) of Jabalpur Range, Pramod Verma. Subsequently, on Friday, Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana ordered the suspension of SDOP Pooja Pandey. According to a complaint filed by Sohan Parmar, a resident of Nagpur, Maharashtra, he was traveling from Katni (MP) to Jalna (Maharashtra) with Rs 2.96 crore in cash, allegedly belonging to a bullion trader. The amount is suspected to be hawala money. On the night of October 89, a police search team led by SDOP Pooja Pandey and Bandol Police Station in-charge Arpit Bhairam intercepted the vehicle near Sheeladevi Bypass under the jurisdiction of Lakhanwada Police Station. Parmar was detained, and the cash was taken to Bandol Police Station, where he was held overnight. However, instead of following the due legal procedure for cash seizure, the police reportedly released the vehicle and Parmar the following morning without proper documentation or action. When the bullion trader from Maharashtra learned of the incident, he traveled to Seoni district and was shocked to discover that the official police report only acknowledged the seizure of Rs 1.45 crore with the remaining Rs 1.5 crore allegedly misappropriated by the involved officers. Surprisingly, senior police officials, including Seoni Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunil Mehta and IG Jabalpur Zone Pramod Verma, were not informed of the operation by the involved team. It was Additional SP (ASP) Deepak Mishra who alerted the SP and the IG, prompting an official inquiry. This led to the suspension of the nine personnel, including the police station in-charge. Based on the findings of the SP and IG, DGP Makwana subsequently ordered the suspension of SDOP Pooja Pandey, bringing the total number of suspended officers to ten. Additional SP (Jabalpur) Ayush Gupta has been appointed to lead the investigation. He arrived in Seoni late Thursday night and has already begun the probe. Commenting on the incident, Seoni SP Sunil Mehta said, Action has been taken against the police personnel for failing to properly seize and report approximately Rs 1.45 crore on the night of October 89.

MP CM Mohan Yadav accuses TN govt of inadequate support over cough syrup poisoning deaths of 23 kids

BHOPAL: As the death toll of children from cough syrup poisoning continued to rise in Madhya Pradesh, the states chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav has accused the Tamil Nadu government of not providing adequate support on the issue. According to official sources, the death toll of children at hospitals in Nagpur and Chhindwara stands presently at 23, including 20 from Chhindwara, one from Pandhurna and two from Betul district. In an associated development, Ranganathan, the 75-year-old owner of the Tamil Nadu based pharmaceutical unit, which made the cough syrup, was arrested by the MP Polices SIT team from Chennai on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday and will be brought to Chhindwara soon. The deaths have happened due to manufacturing defects of the concerned cough syrup, which was being made at the factory in TN. So, the timely action and sampling should first have been initiated there. The Congress leaders who are questioning us should better go to Tamil Nadu and question their alliance partners government in that state, as to how the licence of the factory was renewed. How was it operating in a small place, Yadav said after taking stock of the medical treatment of the affected kids in Nagpur in Maharashtra. Amid the possibility of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi going to Chhindwara on October 12 to meet the families who have lost their children, the MP CM dared the former AICC president to go to Tamil Nadu and question his partys alliance partner DMK's government on the issue. How was the drug licence issued to the unit, how come it was renewed, how was it allowed to function from a small place? Rahul Gandhi should go to TN and ask these questions to the state government there. Weve been affected by the defective cough syrup which was made in TN, why dont the Congress and Rahul Gandhi raise the issue with the Tamil Nadu government, Yadav said. Centre slams TNFDA for delaying Sresan Pharma licence cancellation after Coldrif cough syrup kills 20 children Yadav visited the hospitals in Nagpur where kids from Chhindwara, Betul and Pandhurna districts are under life-saving treatment following acute renal failure caused by poisoning of the Coldrif cough syrup manufactured at Sresan Pharmaceuticals in TNs Kancheepuram district. Weve already acted against our drug controller and inspectors for failing to perform random sampling of the syrups samples. Action has also been initiated against the doctor who particularly prescribed Coldrif cough syrup, which was sold through the medicine store run in his wifes name. Our police have arrested the owner of the drug manufacturing company in TN, were not going to spare anyone in the matter, the MP CM said. Meanwhile, in a briefing about the arrest of Ranganathan from Chennai, the Chhindwara district police superintendent Ajay Pandey said he was running the pharmaceutical unit as a proprietorship entity along with chemical analysts and other team members. As he is a blood pressure and sugar patient, were getting his thorough medical check-up done in TN, after which he will be produced before a local court there for bringing him on transit remand to Chhindwara. Pandey said, As the investigations progress, more accused will be added. They may be doctors who prescribed the same syrup (and it caused damage to childrens health) or vendors and retailers through whose distribution channels the syrup went to the kids. He said, Our 12-member SIT is probing the case and six members of the team are in Chennai currently to bring Ranganathan to Chhindwara. We are still in the initial stages of the probe. Based on the questioning of the pharmaceutical firm owner, it will be established from whom the hazardous chemical was sourced and more accused will be added. There was a strong possibility of Ranganathan fleeing from the country as his cellphones were switched off, but our team finally managed to nab him. The SP-Chhindwara said the autopsy of three kids has already been conducted, but the post mortem reports cannot be made public. We are working on getting more information with the help of the forensic science lab and experts, he added. Meanwhile, sources privy to the ongoing probe revealed that the TN based pharma making unit, which was first registered as a private limited firm in 1990, was later struck off from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs register, yet continued operating under a proprietary structure, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight. Cough syrup deaths linked to lapses at Sresan Pharma; TN begins inspection of 300 drug units

House Price Index up 3.6% annually in Q1: RBI

House prices across India saw a 3.6 percent rise year-on-year in the first quarter of the current fiscal. This growth is lower than the previous year's 7.6 percent. Nagpur, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Kochi recorded the highest increases quarter-on-quarter. The Reserve Bank of India released this data with a new base year of 2022-23, including eight new cities.

MP CM alleges TN govt not cooperating with cough syrup probe

Nagpur/Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday alleged that the Tamil Nadu government was not cooperating in connection with the probe linked to the death of 22 children from his state due to consumption of a cough syrup manufactured in the southern state. He said his government will not spare anyone playing with 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 .

Cough syrup case: Death toll rises to 22 as two more children die in MP

The death toll in the toxic cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh rose to 22 after two more children from Chhindwara district died due to suspected kidney failure linked to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup. Officials confirmed that Vishal (5) and Mayank Suryavanshi (4), both from Parasia town, died during treatment at a Nagpur hospital on Wednesday. Several other children from the district remain hospitalized. Authorities believe the deaths were caused by kidney damage resulting from toxic contamination in the Coldrif syrup , manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested Ranganathan Govindan , the owner of Sresan Pharma, from Chennai. The companys manufacturing unit has been sealed, and Govindan will be brought to Madhya Pradesh after securing a transit remand from a Chennai court.

Centre slams TNFDA for delaying Sresan Pharma licence cancellation after Coldrif cough syrup kills 20 children

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI/BHOPAL: The Centre has pointed fingers at the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (TNFDA) for not yet cancelling the licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, linked to the deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh. According to sources in the Union health ministry, the TNFDA was directed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to cancel the licence of the pharma company based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, on October 4. The TNFDA is yet to cancel the license of the company despite CDSCO recommendations, sources told TNIE . However, Tamil Nadu State Drug Control Department on Wednesday initiated criminal proceedings against G Ranganathan, proprietor cum manufacturing chemist of Sresan Pharmaceuticals. A special investigation team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh arrived in Chennai and held discussions with the Tamil Nadu State Drug Controller. Ranganathan, who has been in the pharma manufacturing field for over 40 years, is absconding. The SIT lodged a police complaint against Ranganathan, sources said. Since Sresan is already shut, the departments show cause notice was pasted on the doors of the unit in Kanchipuram and on Ranganathans residence in Chennai. The notice gives Ranganathan time till October 12 to submit his response. Possibly on October 13, formal orders to cancel Sresans licence would be issued. Its current licence is valid till December this year, officials said. Company owner absconding with wife: MP police Convictions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 stipulate a minimum jail term of 10 years, which may extend up to life imprisonment and with a fine of not less than Rs 10 lakh, said S Gurubharathi, Deputy Director of Drugs Control and Licensing cum Controlling Authority, TN. Officials said the show cause blames the manufacturer of misbranding. For, the label of the container ought to have carried a warning that fixed dose combination shall not be used in children below four years of age. This is mandatory as per gazette notification dated 15 April 2025 of the Union health ministry and circular dated 18 December 2023 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Failure to do so violates Section 18(a)(i) read with Section 17 (b) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to travel to Chhindwara district on October 11 or 12, where he will meet the bereaved families. Till now 20 children from Chhindwara, Pandhurna and Betul have died due to the unfortunate and painful incident. Five children are being treated in government and private hospitals in Nagpur and all efforts are underway to save their lives, MP deputy CM and health minister Rajendra Shukla said. Our SIT in coordination with the local police in TN, has conducted investigations and raids at multiple locations, but the companys owner has gone into hiding along with his wife. Were also investigating the role of the companys directors and other officials, who might be directly or indirectly associated with the adulteration of the syrup, a senior Chhindwara police officer told this newspaper. Cough syrup unit was to be shut after December Ranganathan, 75, has been running the Kanchi unit at its rented location (pic) since 2013. The owner of the building said Ranganathan had not paid rent for the last six months. Ranganathan was planning to stop the production of cough syrups after December because of advanced age, sources said Cough syrup deaths linked to lapses at Sresan Pharma; TN begins inspection of 300 drug units

Coldrif row: Madhya Pradesh took 2 weeks to raise red flag on cough syrup deaths; accused doctor's bail rejected

Children's deaths in MP due to renal failure were initially reported in September, with authorities taking action after Nagpur hospitals alerted them. Biopsy reports confirmed acute tubular injury, leading to the identification of substandard cough syrups, including Coldrif, containing toxic diethylene glycol, prompting a state-wide ban.

'Jhund' Actor Stabbed, Tied With Wire, Left To Die By Friend In Nagpur

An actor who played a small but impactful role in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Jhund' was stabbed, hit with a stone, tied with a wire, and left to die by a friend in Nagpur on Wednesday.

Telangana: Woman kills sick mother-in-law in Wanaparthy

A woman allegedly killed her elderly aunt over repeated requests for money in Revalli mandal, Wanaparthy district of Telangana. The deceased has been identified asDoddi Yellamma a resident of Nagpur village. She lived with her sisters son, Mallaiah and daughter-in-law Doddi Boguramma. Due to her ill health, she was under medical care. Also Read22-year-old falls 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 .

MP: 20 children died so far due to contaminated cough syrup

Nagpur: Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Tuesday said a total of 20 children from the state have died so far while undergoing treatment for kidney failure after drinking a contaminated cough syrup. He said five children are currently being treated in Nagpur two each in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), 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 .

Cough syrup poisoning: Death toll of MP kids rises to 20

NAGPUR: Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Tuesday said a total of 20 children from the state have died so far while undergoing treatment for kidney failure after drinking a contaminated cough syrup. He said five children are currently being treated in Nagpur - two each in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and one in a private hospital. Earlier, the state government had confirmed the deaths of 16 children from Chhindwara who had allegedly consumed cough syrup Coldrif, samples of which were found to have toxic contents. Talking to reporters here after visiting the children undergoing treatment, Shukla said, So far, 20 children from Madhya Pradesh have died while undergoing treatment... Two of them died in the past 24 hours. Describing the fatalities as extremely tragic, he said the MP government will extend all possible help to the affected families. The syrup responsible for the deaths was manufactured by a company based in Tamil Nadu, Shukla said, adding that action had been taken for negligence against the company owner, the doctor who gave the prescription and and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials involved. Around 600 cough syrup bottles have been found in Chhindwara, of which 443 bottles have already been recovered. Cough syrup poisoning: Death toll of MP kids rises to 17, police team reaches TN to probe drug firm Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and anganwadi workers have been directed to go door-to-door to collect any remaining bottles to ensure none of them remain in use, he said. The government is conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident, according to him. Two-and-a-half-year-old Dhani Deharia, a resident of Bhariyadhana village in Tamia block, had died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Nagpur Medical College hospital. Her family members claimed that her health deteriorated after consuming the cold syrup prescribed by the doctor, and her kidneys failed. On Monday, the state government suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of theFDA and transferred the state's drug controller amid an investigation. Chhindwara-based Dr Praveen Soni was arrested for alleged negligence, while a case has been filed against the company that manufactured the Coldrif cough syrup. The Madhya Pradesh Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and filed a case against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of Coldrif.

Cough syrup deaths: Two more children die in MP's Chhindwara, death toll rises to 16

CHHINDWARA: Two more children undergoing treatment for kidney failure after consuming contaminated cough syrup have died in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara, raising the districts death toll to 16, officials said. Today, the death of another girl was reported. So far, 16 children have died in the district, said Chhindwara Additional Collector Dhirendra Singh. Earlier, the state government had confirmed the deaths of 14 children from Chhindwara who had allegedly consumed the cough syrup Coldrif, samples of which were found to have toxic contents. Jayusha Yaduvanshi (2), a resident of Junnardeo in the district, died on Tuesday at a government hospital in Nagpur. Another six children from Chhindwara are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Nagpur, and the condition of five of them remains critical, the additional collector said. Two-and-half-year-old Dhani Deharia, a resident of Bhariyadhana village in Tamia block, had died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Nagpur Medical College hospital. Her family members claimed that her health deteriorated after consuming the cold syrup prescribed by the doctor, and her kidneys failed. PIL in Supreme Court seeks CBI probe, national drug safety review over cough syrup deaths A state government official in Bhopal had earlier stated that nine children from Madhya Pradesh were undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Nagpur, seven of them from Chhindwara and two from Betul. Before the deaths of Jayusha Yaduvanshi and Dhani Daharia, the state government had confirmed the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara. On Monday, the state government suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and transferred the state's drug controller amid an investigation. Chhindwara-based Dr Praveen Soni was arrested for alleged negligence, while a case has been filed against the company that manufactured the Coldrif cough syrup . The Madhya Pradesh Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and filed a case against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of Coldrif. (With inputs from PTI) Cough syrup deaths: Punjab and HP governments ban Coldrif

Indias healthcare set to top $1.5 trillion by 2030, but gaps in access and rising disease burden persist

NEW DELHI: Indias healthcare sector is poised for a major transformation, with its total market value expected to surpass USD 1.5 trillion by 2030, according to Rubix Industry Insights: Healthcare September 2025, a report by Rubix Data Sciences. Currently valued at USD 638 billion, the industry is growing at a brisk 19% annually, driven by rising incomes, wider insurance penetration, robust private investment, and digital innovation. But while the sector is expanding rapidly, the report flags persistent structural challenges. Rural areas -- where nearly two-thirds of Indias population lives -- have access to just 30% of the countrys hospital beds. Bed density remains at 1.6 per 1,000 people, below the World Health Organizations recommended minimum of 2. Nurse density is also lagging, at 1.9 per 1,000 compared to the WHO benchmark of 3. India will need to add 650,000 nurses and 160,000 doctors by 2030 to meet demand. At the same time, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension are surging. Diabetes currently affects nearly 90 million people, projected to rise to 156.7 million by 2050, while hypertension affects nearly one-third of adults. Despite these headwinds, India's cost advantage remains its most compelling strength. Surgical procedures are priced far below Western standards, making the country a major draw for medical tourism for people from many parts of the world. A heart bypass in India costs between USD 4,0006,000, compared to USD 80,000120,000 in the U.S., USD 25,00040,000 in the UK, and USD 30,00045,000 in Australia. Hip and knee replacements, and even complex surgeries like spinal fusion, cost one-tenth to one-fifteenth of what they do in developed markets. This unmatched affordability, combined with NABH-accredited hospitals, shorter wait times, and English-speaking medical staff, has fueled a surge in foreign patient inflows from 6.1 million in 2023 to 7.3 million in 2024. The countrys medical tourism market, valued at USD 7.7 billion in 2024, is projected to double to USD 16 billion by 2030. Private sector investment has been another major growth driver. Capital inflows into hospitals surged from USD 0.73 billion in 2022 to nearly USD 6 billion in 2024, while FDI in healthcare rose 2.3 times to reach USD 1.56 billion in FY2025. Private healthcare operators are set to add 34,000 new beds by FY2029, backed by INR 400 billion in planned investments. Notably, 40% of this expansion is being directed toward Tier-II and Tier-III cities, including Patna, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar a sign of the sectors decentralization and growing regional focus. At the same time, digital health is fast emerging as a cornerstone of the sectors future. The digital health market, worth USD 8.8 billion in 2024, is expected to grow more than fivefold to USD 47.8 billion by 2033. Flagship government platforms like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and e-Sanjeevani have created a strong digital infrastructure for teleconsultation, e-records, and remote diagnostics. AI is increasingly being used in hospitals for imaging, robotic surgery, and neonatal care. Examples include AIIMS Nagpurs tele-neonatal unit, which halved infant mortality, and IMS-BHUs AI-based imaging system, which saved INR 20 million annually. On the insurance front, premiums hit INR 1.18 trillion in FY2025, though growth slowed to 9%. The proposed removal of GST on health insurance is expected to ease costs and expand coverage, especially among middle- and lower-income groups. While Indias healthcare story is still unfolding, the sectors combination of affordability, innovation, and private capital is turning it into a global hub for patients, investors, and technology alike. With targeted reforms and capacity-building, India is positioning itself not just to meet domestic demand but to emerge as a world leader in accessible, technology-driven healthcare. Indicative Cost of Surgeries body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 20px; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 20px; } caption { caption-side: top; font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; text-align: center; } th { background-color: #f4f4f4; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #fafafa; } Indicative Cost of Surgeries (USD) Procedure India USA UK Australia Heart Bypass 4,0006,000 80,000120,000 25,00040,000 30,00045,000 Hip Replacement 4,0005,000 30,00050,000 12,00018,000 20,00030,000 Knee Replacement 3,5004,000 40,00060,000 15,00025,000 25,00040,000 Spinal Fusion 12,00014,000 100,000150,000 25,00050,000 40,00060,000 Facelift 2,5003,000 12,00020,000 8,00015,000 10,00018,000 Dental Implant (per implant) 300800 2,0005,000 1,5003,000 2,0004,000

Maharashtra Minister heads anti-bribery inspection, finds hidden cash

Although the registration process has been fully digitised, residents in Nagpur had complained that certain officials demanded illegal payments

Cough syrup-children death link probe: MP govt transfers state drug controller, suspends three others

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government on Monday suspended two drug inspectors and a Deputy Director of the food and drug administration amid the probe into the death of 14 children from Chhindwara due to suspected renal failure, linked to the consumption of a toxic cough syrup. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also transferred the state's Drug Controller, Dinesh Maurya, after chairing a high-level meeting at his residence. The suspended drug inspectors are identified as Gaurav Sharma and Sharad Kumar Jain, who are posted in Chhindwara and Jabalpur, respectively. The suspended Deputy Director is identified as Shobhit Costa, an official said. Yadav visited Parasia later in the day to meet the kin of the deceased children. The chief minister said strict action will be taken against those responsible for the tragic deaths of children, and no negligence will be tolerated. Police have formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the death of 14 children, officials said on Sunday. Dr Praveen Soni from Chhindwara has been arrested for alleged negligence, while a case has been registered against the Coldrif cough syrup manufacturing company. The government has banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu), with officials saying the drug samples have been found to contain a highly toxic substance. Of the children who died, 11 were from Parasia sub-division, two from Chhindwara city, and one from Chaurai tehsil. Eight children are being treated in Nagpur -- four in a government hospital, one at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and three in private facilities, according to officials. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, on Monday slammed Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla over the deaths of children in Chhindwara after allegedly consuming a contaminated cough syrup. He demanded an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the victims and a job for their families, and questioned CM Mohan Yadav for not taking action against the Drug Controller. Singhar criticised the Madhya Pradesh government over the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara linked to an allegedly toxic cough syrup. He said, The company has been banned, but why is the doctor being targeted? The Drug Controller, responsible for overseeing manufacturers, should be held accountable. He urged the Chief Minister to act immediately, summon the Health Minister, conduct a judicial inquiry, provide compensation to each victim, and offer jobs to their family members. Earlier, former CM Kamal Nath demanded a Supreme Court-monitored SIT probe, standardized testing of all suspected cough syrups, and strict action against those responsible. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

Coldrif row: 14 MP kids given banned cough syrup fighting for life in Maharashtra hospitals

Fourteen children from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district are critically ill in Nagpur hospitals after consuming the banned Coldrif cough syrup, which caused renal failure. Six earlier deaths at GMCH-Nagpur were confirmed due to diethylene glycol (DEG) toxicity from the contaminated syrup. Maharashtra has banned Coldrif, and Nagpur authorities are advising against prescribing cough syrups to young children.

RSS@100 : The Journey of Discipline, Service, Nation-Building

Raman Suri ramansuribjp@gmail.com When Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a Nagpur-based physician, founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925, he envisioned an organization that would strengthen the moral, cultural, and physical fibre of Indian society. At a time when India was struggling for freedom, Hedgewar felt the nation needed not just political independence but also character-driven citizens bound by discipline, unity, and a sense of nationalism. From its modest beginnings with a handful of Swayamsevaks, the RSS today has grown [] The post RSS@100 : The Journey of Discipline, Service, Nation-Building appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

MP reports two more likely child deaths from Coldrif syrup after 11 earlier fatalities

BETUL: Two children from Amla block in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district have died allegedly after taking Coldrif cough syrup, which has been banned now as tests showed presence of a toxic chemical called diethylene glycol, health officials said on Sunday. Amla Block Medical Officer Dr Ashok Narware identified the two children as Kabir (4) son of Kamlesh of Kalmeshwar village, and two-and-a-half-year-old Garmit, son of Nikhlesh of Jamun Bichhua village. They were taken to Parasia in neighbouring Chhindwara district for fever treatment where their condition worsened. It is yet to be confirmed whether the deaths were caused by the syrup. I have been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report, Dr Narware said. Both children developed symptoms such as kidney issues and abdominal swelling and were referred from Betul to Bhopal for advanced care. No post-mortem was conducted but reports of severe kidney complications were sent to the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CM&HO), Dr Narware said. Incidentally, Amla is about 150 kilometres from Parasia sub division of Chhindwara where 11 kids have died after allegedly consuming toxic cough syrup. Family members alleged Kabir's death followed the consumption of the syrup prescribed by Parasia-based physician Dr Praveen Soni, who was arrested late Saturday night and suspended from service. As per Parasia police, Soni, despite being a government doctor, was practising at a private clinic and prescribed the syrup. Centre makes U-turn on cough syrup; Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, TN ban it As per Kabir's kin, he was first taken to Dr Soni on August 24 after he complained of fever, and then two doctors in Parasia were consulted when his condition did not improve and the duo indicated kidney complications. The boy was later taken to Nagpur and then to Bhopal, where he died on September 8, they added. Garmit died on October 1 in his village while under treatment, Dr Narware said, adding his family had also consulted Dr Soni earlier. Amla Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shailendra Badonia said the administration is gathering detailed information, while Betul Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Manoj Hurmade said he has sought a detailed report from the BMO. I can conclusively pinpoint the exact cause of the deaths only after I get the report from the BMO. An advisory has been issued directing all private medical stores and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras to dispense medicines or syrups only against a registered doctor's prescription, Hurmade said. Sale of medicines without a doctor's advice has been prohibited and drug inspectors have been told to intensify checks and stop the sale of suspicious or unverified drugs, he added. The Tamil Nadu drug control authorities, in their report dated October 2, declared the Coldrif syrup sample (Batch No SR-13; Mfg: May 2025; Exp: April 2027) manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Kancheepuram, as adulterated because it contained diethylene glycol (48.6% w/v), a poisonous substance which may render the contents injurious to health. The Tamil Nadu government on Friday banned Coldrif. Following the TN report, the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration issued instructions to stop further sale and distribution of Coldrif and immediately seize any available stock for investigation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. It also ordered that other products manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals be removed from sale pending testing. Tests samples of Coldrif cough syrup found to be 'adulterated': TN food safety dept

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Madhya Pradesh doctor arrested after 11 children die consuming cough syrup

Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have arrested a doctor in Chhindwara district following the deaths of 11 children who reportedly consumed contaminated cough syrup. The doctor, identified as Praveen Soni, is accused of prescribing Coldrif syrupto several young patients, most of whom had been treated at his clinic in Parasia. Police have also filed a case against the Tamil Nadubased pharmaceutical company responsible for manufacturing the allegedly contaminated syrup. An FIR was registered early Sunday at the Parasia police station in Chhindwara district against Sresan Pharmaceuticals and a local paediatrician in connection with the suspected contamination. According to distraught families, the children first complained of a cold and mild fever in early September. They were then prescribed routine medication, including cough syrups, after which they seemed to recover. But within days, the symptoms returned, followed by a sudden and alarming decrease in urine output. Their condition then worsened into kidney infections, and they later died. Kidney biopsies then revealed the presence of diethylene glycol contamination. After this , Tamil Nadu government banned Coldrif syrup. S Gurubharathi, Deputy Director of Drugs Control cum Controlling and Licensing Authority, told the TNIE that all drug inspectors across the state have been asked to prevent the sale of Coldrif by pharmacies and freeze the stock wherever available until further orders. On Saturday, the Madhya Pradesh government banned Coldrif syrup, following reports of nine child deaths due to suspected renal failure since September 7. Currently, 13 children, including eight from Chhindwara and Nagpur, are undergoing treatment. Kerala has also suspended the sale of Coldrif syrup following concerns raised by other states, though preliminary inquiry revealed the flagged batch was not sold in the state, Kerala Health Minister Veena George clarified. CDSCO launches inspections of drug manufacturing units in six states after cough syrup deaths

CDSCO launches inspections of drug manufacturing units in six states after cough syrup deaths

NEW DELHI: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has initiated risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units in six states following the collection of 19 samples, including cough syrups, antipyretics, and antibiotics, in the wake of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups. The inspections cover manufacturing units in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where the 19 drug samples were produced, sources in the health ministry said. The aim of the inspections, which began on Friday, is to identify gaps that may have led to drug quality failures and to suggest process improvements to prevent such incidents in the future, the ministry added. A multidisciplinary team comprising experts from the National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CDSCO, and AIIMS-Nagpur continues to analyse the samples to assess the causes of deaths in and around Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. So far, six samples tested by CDSCO and three by the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration (MPFDA) were found free of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG), chemicals known to cause severe kidney injury. However, these tested samples were not from the two suspected cough syrups, including Coldrif, which remain under investigation. At the request of the Madhya Pradesh government, the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration tested Coldrif syrup samples from the Sresan Pharma facility in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The results showed DEG levels beyond permissible limits, leading the Tamil Nadu government to ban the sale and order removal of the syrup from the market. Inspections were also conducted at Sresan Pharmas manufacturing facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kanchipuram district, with samples collected for analysis. The Madhya Pradesh government has also requested Himachal Pradesh authorities to test the other suspected cough syrup. On Saturday, the Madhya Pradesh government banned Coldrif syrup, following reports of nine child deaths due to suspected renal failure since September 7. Currently, 13 children, including eight from Chhindwara and Nagpur, are undergoing treatment. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the sale of Coldrif and other products from the manufacturer has been banned, a state-level investigation team has been formed, and strict action will be taken against the guilty. Kerala has also suspended the sale of Coldrif syrup following concerns raised by other states, though preliminary inquiry revealed the flagged batch was not sold in the state, Kerala Health Minister Veena George clarified. Separately, tests on cough syrups from a Chennai-based company found adulteration, prompting authorities to halt production and demand explanations. In Rajasthan, the state has suspended the drug controller and halted distribution of all 19 medicines from Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma, following the deaths of 11 children (nine in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan) allegedly linked to contaminated syrups. Distribution of all other cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan has also been suspended. An expert committee is being constituted to investigate the issue. The Drug Controller General of India advised that cough syrups should only be given to children above five years, and never to those under two years. Drugs potentially harmful to children and pregnant women will now carry clear warning labels. In Uttarakhand, joint teams from the health department and Food Safety and Drug Administration are conducting raids at medical stores, wholesale drug vendors, and hospital pharmacies across all districts. According to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd (RMSCL), over 10,000 Kaysons Pharma drug samples have been tested since 2012, with 42 failing quality standards. As a precaution, the supply of all 19 medicines from the company has been suspended. The Union Health Ministrys DGHS issued an advisory stating that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed for children below two years. For children above five, usage should follow careful clinical evaluation, strict dosing, minimal duration, and avoidance of multi-drug combinations.

Centenary of the RSS: A Hundred Years of Service and Ideology From Character-Building to Nation-Building

By Prof. (Dr.) Parshant Bakshi The year 2025 marks a historic milestone for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), one of Indias most influential social and cultural organisations. Founded in Nagpur on Vijayadashami, 1925, by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS has now completed a century of dedicated service to the nation. Over the [] The post Centenary of the RSS: A Hundred Years of Service and Ideology From Character-Building to Nation-Building appeared first on Northlines .

Nagpur Hotelier, Wife Die in Italy Road Accident

Couple killed on last day of vacation; children injured, one critically

MP bans Coldrif cough syrup after nine children die of suspected kidney failure within a month

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday banned the sale of Coldrif syrup following the deaths of nine children due to suspected kidney infections in Chhindwara district since 7 September. The deaths of children in Chhindwara due to Coldrif syrup are extremely tragic. The sale of this syrup has been banned across Madhya Pradesh. A ban is also being imposed on other products manufactured by the same company, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated on X. The syrup was produced at a factory in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Following the incident, the Madhya Pradesh government requested the Tamil Nadu government to conduct an inquiry. The investigation report was received this morning, and strict action has been taken, Yadav said. In response to the tragedy, action has also been initiated at the local level. A team has been constituted at the state level to further investigate the matter. The Chief Minister added that those found guilty would not be spared. According to officials, nine children have died since 7 September due to suspected renal failure. At present, 13 children including eight from Chhindwara and Nagpur are undergoing treatment. Tamil Nadu bans Coldrif cough syrup after death of eight children in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan

Nagpur Couple Killed In Italy Road Accident During Family Holiday; Kids Hospitalised

The Indian Embassy in Italy confirmed the incident and said it is closely coordinating with the family and local authorities to provide assistance.

Nagpur Hotelier, Wife Killed In Road Accident In Italy, Daughter Critical

An Indian family's European getaway turned tragic on Thursday, with a businessman and his wife losing their lives in a road accident in Italy.

Nagpur hotelier, wife die in Italy accident

Nagpur hotelier Javed Akhtar and his wife Nadira tragically died in a road accident in Italy's Tuscany region on Thursday. Their three children, Arzoo, Zezel, and Shifa, sustained life-threatening injuries in the horrific mini-bus collision. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is coordinating with the Indian embassy for repatriation and the children's care, as the family's European tour ended in disaster.

Centre warns against cough syrups for children under 2 years after deaths in two states

The Centre has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, directing that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed to children under the age of two years. The advisory, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), comes amid reports of child deaths allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan . Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry noted none of the tested syrup samples in Madhya Pradesh contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG) -- contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury . The DGHS, which comes under the health ministry, said in the advisory that cough syrups are generally not recommended for children below five years. For those older, their use should be based on careful clinical evaluation, close supervision, strict adherence to appropriate dosing, the shortest effective duration, and avoiding multiple drug combinations, it said. Further, people may also be sensitised regarding adherence to prescriptions by doctors, the advisory issued by Dr Sunita Sharma of the DGHS said. It reiterated judicious and rational prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children. Most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention. Non-pharmacological measures, including adequate hydration, rest, and supportive measures, should be the first-line approach, it said. Acute renal failure caused deaths of nine kids after suspected cough syrup poisoning in MP The advisory asked all healthcare facilities and clinical establishments to ensure the procurement and dispensing of products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients. Sensitisation of prescribers and dispensers across public and private sectors is essential to uphold these standards of care. It is requested that all state/UT Health Departments, District Health Authorities, and all Clinical Establishments/healthcare facilities under your jurisdiction should implement and disseminate this advisory across government dispensaries, PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, and medical institutions, the advisory said. Earlier in the day, the health ministry said a joint team comprising representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), among others, visited the site in Madhya Pradesh to collect samples of various cough syrups amid reports linking the recent deaths of children to the consumption of cough syrups. According to the test results, none of the samples contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury, the ministry said. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG/EG, it added. Further, blood/CSF samples were tested by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for common pathogens. One case was found positive for Leptospirosis, the ministry said. Samples of water, entomological vectors, and respiratory specimens are under further investigation by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), NIV Pune, and other laboratories, it said. A multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), NIV, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS-Nagpur, and state health authorities is investigating all possible causes behind the reported cases. On reports of two child deaths in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, the ministry clarified that the product in question does not contain Propylene Glycol -- a possible source of DEG/EG contamination, it said. Additionally, the product under reference is a Dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for paediatric use, it said. Tamil Nadu bans Coldrif cough syrup after death of eight children in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan

2 Indians Killed In Accident Near Italy's Grosseto

Two Indian nationals from Nagpur have died in an accident near Grosseto in Italy, the Indian Embassy in Italy said on Friday.