facebook

Two killed in attack by wild elephants in Chhattisgarh

Two killed in attack by wild elephants in Chhattisgarh Raipur: Two persons died in separate incidents of elephant attacks in the Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh, officials said here. The attacks happened on Monday evening in separate villages under the Ramanujganj police station. According to the police, in Chhatwa-Fulwar village, late Monday night, a couple was [] The post Two killed in attack by wild elephants in Chhattisgarh appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 1 Apr 2025 2:20 pm

Security forces kill Maoist leader Renuka in Chhattisgarh, Rs5 lakh reward on her head

Raipur: Renuka, also known as Banu, Chaitey, and Saraswati, a prominent member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, an entity of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), was killed in an encounter Monday in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Her body was recovered in the morning but was later identified by security forces. Renuka, []

orissapost 31 Mar 2025 1:28 pm

50 Reds surrender before PM Modi's Chhattisgarh visit

Fifty Maoists, including 14 with hefty bounties, surrendered in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, just before PM Modi's arrival in Raipur. This mass surrender follows the killing of 17 Maoists by security forces in Sukma, raising the year's toll to 134. The surrendered rebels cited disillusionment with Maoist ideologies and exploitation by senior cadres.

The Times of India 31 Mar 2025 3:17 am

PM Modi launches development projects in Chhattisgarh, highlights BJP's achievements

RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending compliment on silver jubilee year of Chhattisgarh expressed delight over the trust reposed by the people on the BJPs efforts leading to swiftly achieving the pledges under the Modi Ki Guarantee in the state. PM Modi laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple development projects of over Rs 33,700 crore in sectors related to road, railway, oil and natural gas, energy, education and housing at an event held at Mohbatta village of Bilaspur district on Sunday Addressing a public rally during his first official visit to the state after the BJP returned to power in Chhattisgarh in December 2023, he appreciated that Chhattisgarh is witnessing a rapid progress in all sectors under the BJP regime. - pic.twitter.com/NtHauV2s6L Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2025 Hum Ne Banaya Hai, Hum Hi Savarenge (We have created-Chhattisgarh, we only will enrich it). The laying of foundation stones, inauguration of various projects today in the state is a part of the same pledge. The separate Chhattisgarh was created because the benefit of development failed to reach the people and the state. During the Congress regime the development was missing and whatever seen happening were indulged in corruption. Congress was never concerned about common people. Its the BJP that is bringing the development schemes to every village of Chhattisgarh, Modi asserted. He said having a budget is not enough, good intentions are also essential. The tribal region remained devoid of development for decades. Despite the huge availability of coal, the power scenario was pathetic during the Congress regime. We are establishing new power houses besides a major focus on solar energy including flagship scheme PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Over 2 lakh people in Chhattisgarh have already registered for it. The gas pipeline programme will enable natural gas reach conveniently to consumers at reasonable prices, he said. Modi criticicised the Congress for policies that led to the proliferation of the Maoist menace in Chhattisgarh and other states. The Maoists flourished and sustained in those areas that lagged in development. The grand old party ruled for 60 years had declared such regions as backward and turned away from its responsibility, he asserted. He further added that under the BJP's double-engine government, Chhattisgarh is witnessing positive changes ands a new era of peace is being seen in the Maoist-affected regions. During the occasion, the Griha Pravesh of 3 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) was held. BJP government not just built houses but also enriched the lives of beneficiaries who live there, PM averred. CM Vishnu Deo Sai called PM Modi's visit as a historical day as Chhattisgarh is going to play a significant role in the prime minister's vision of making India into a developed nation in 2047.

The New Indian Express 30 Mar 2025 8:48 pm

PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of railway projects in Chhattisgarh

PM Modi also virtually flagged off the MEMU train service between Abhanpur and Raipur (via Mandir Hasaud) from the event venue at Mohbhatta, Bilaspur

Mid Day 30 Mar 2025 6:07 pm

Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates Rs 33,700 crore projects in Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh. These projects span various sectors, including the NTPC's Sipat Super Thermal Power Project valued at Rs 9,790 crore. Modi also flagged off the MEMU train service in the Abhanpur-Raipur section.

The Economic Times 30 Mar 2025 4:44 pm

Raipur Diary: PM Modi's message conveyed ahead of first visit

PMs message conveyed ahead of first visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Chhattisgarh on March 30 for his first official visit to the state after BJP formed government in December 2023. Sources said, ahead of the PMs arrival, a firm message has been conveyed to the state government to focus on result-oriented and responsible administration instead of harping on about Modi Ki Guarantee schemes. The PMs visit, coinciding with the Hindu New Year, will see inauguration & foundation-laying of various development projects worth `33,700 crore. The trip to Bilaspur, where the PM will address a public rally, is set to bring a major fillip to the states infrastructure, energy, housing and education sectors. JPL recognised for coal mining achievement The Jindal Power Limited (JPL) that produces approximately 90% of Indias total commercial coal has also achieved a notable achievement in Chhattisgarh, contributing the highest revenue for the state in commercial coal mining. JPL was recognised by the Centre on March 27 as the highest revenue contributor in commercial coal mining. The organisation has also flagged unwarranted issues raised by local authorities, bringing down production and disrupting the value chain of the business. JPL appealed to the chief secretary for resolution of long pending issues pertaining to their coal blocks to enable seamless production to meet demands. President praises high standards of Assembly President Droupadi Murmu praised the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha for establishing high standards of democratic traditions and its track record of not using force by Marshals in the 25 years of statehood. Murmu regarded the Assembly as an ideal example of House conduct, one that should be emulated by other states. The third President to address the state Assembly, Murmu recognised immense potential in Chhattisgarhs rich natural and mineral resources, but felt the onus lay on policy makers to strike a balance between nature and development. Also, the state will rid itself of Maoists, Murmu noted.

The New Indian Express 30 Mar 2025 8:13 am

CM Naidu announces APs ambitious plan to set up Quantum Valley in Amaravati

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced Andhra Pradeshs ambitious plans, including setting up Quantum Valley in Amaravati with the help of IIT Madras. Speaking at the All India Research Scholars Summit (AIRSS) 2025 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Friday, Naidu recalled his foresight in establishing Hyderabads Hitech City in 1995, and emphasised the importance of AI, urging students to develop practical use cases. Andhra Pradesh is collaborating with IIT Madras, IBM, TCS, and the Government of India to advance Deep Technology, he revealed. Exuding confidence that Indias future belongs to young scholars and entrepreneurs, Naidu acknowledged the role of IIT Madras in knowledge dissemination, and praised its contribution to startups like Agnikul Cosmos and Mindgrove Technologies, which have placed India at the forefront of space and semiconductor innovation. He reflected on Indias economic journey, recalling the pre-liberalisation mixed economy, and impact of 1992 economic reforms. He mentioned how deregulation in the telecom sector, based on his recommendation, helped drive digital transformation. He recounted his meeting with Bill Gates in the 1990s, which led to Microsofts establishment in Hyderabad, and highlighted the role of Telugu leaders like Satya Nadella in global technology. Naidu spoke about Indias digital revolution, citing Aadhaar and UPI as examples of successful innovations. By December 2024, India had achieved 1,673 crore UPI transactions with an annual value exceeding $2.4 trillion. He projected Indias rapid economic growth from the worlds fifth largest economy in 2021 to potentially reaching first or second place by 2047. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu interacting with students at the All India Research Scholars Summit (AIRSS)-2025 in IIT Madras on Friday I Express CM vows support to students in biz Discussing the global Indian presence, he highlighted how Indians dominate in Silicon Valley, NASA, and Wall Street, and predicted that by 2047, Indians will be the most influential community worldwide. He stressed the importance of AI adoption, noting that 65% of Indians use AI compared to 30% globally. He urged students to apply AI for real-time decision-making, and lead in emerging technologies like quantum computing. On infrastructure and connectivity, Naidu mentioned Googles upcoming data centre, and a sea cable from Singapore to Visakhapatnam to enhance global digital links. He highlighted Andhra Pradeshs leadership in green energy with solar power now costing Rs 2 per unit as he anticipated earlier. India aims to produce 500 GW of green energy within five years with 160 GW coming from Andhra Pradesh. AP is set to receive Rs 10 lakh crore investments in green energy, creating 7.5 lakh jobs. NTPC is setting up a green hydrogen unit, and Reliance is investing in bioenergy projects, he said. Addressing governance and policy, Naidu stressed the importance of stable policies, warning against the negative consequences of policy instability in other countries. He emphasised the need for public-private collaboration in education, and called for greater philanthropic contributions. Andhra Pradeshs IT policy has been a game-changer, proving that policymakers and technocrats must work together, he said. Naidu assured students and entrepreneurs that Andhra Pradesh is ready to support innovative businesses with proof-of-concept opportunities. He reiterated his optimism about Indias future, underscoring that the right leadership, and technological advancements will drive the country towards double-digit economic growth, and global leadership by 2047. Naidu interacts with APs Cyber Commandos at IIT Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited the 12 AP Cyber Commandos undergoing training at IIT Madras and engaged with them about their course. The Cyber Commando Training Programme, initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a prestigious initiative under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Committee (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Currently, 346 individuals are participating in this six-month training programme across nine renowned institutions: NFSU Delhi, NFSU Gujarat, NFSU Goa, RRU Gujarat, DIET Pune, IIIT Kottayam, IIIT Naya Raipur, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras. The training focuses on Digital Forensics, Incident Response, and Securing ICT Infrastructure to counter cyber threats.

The New Indian Express 29 Mar 2025 10:28 am

Jawan injured in blast as IED planted by Naxalites goes off in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: A Bastar Fighters jawan was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The incident took place around 10 am near Bedmakoti village under Kohkameta police station limits when a joint team of security forces was out on an area domination operation, a senior official said. Personnel belonging to the Indo Tibetan Border Police, and District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both state police units, were involved in the operation launched from Kutul security camp towards a newly established camp in Bedmakoti, he said. When the patrolling team was cordoning off the area, a Bastar Fighters jawan inadvertently stepped on the pressure IED, which exploded and left him injured, the senior police official said. The injured jawan was shifted to the Narayanpur district hospital. He would be referred to a higher center for medical care if required, the official added. Maoists often plant IEDs along the road and dirt tracks in the forest to target security personnel during patrolling in the interior pockets of the state's Bastar region, comprising seven districts including Narayanpur. Many civilians have fallen prey to such traps in the past in the tribal-dominated region, police said.

The New Indian Express 28 Mar 2025 1:08 pm

Congress government took action against Mahadev App but BJP giving it 'patronage': Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Baghel

RAIPUR: A day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted simultaneous raids at 60 locations in connection with the multi-crore Mahadev Online App betting scam, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of protecting the apps promoters. On my direction, the first FIR was lodged in March 2022. Later, 74 cases were registered, over 200 people were arrested, and more than 2,000 bank accounts were seized. The CBI raid is like nabbing the whistleblower, Baghel alleged. The CBI raids were carried out to get the script of Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech, which he will deliver on March 30 during his visit to Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. The promoters of the app are receiving patronage from PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Except for handing over the case to the CBI, the state BJP government has not taken any concrete action against the Mahadev App, he added. Addressing the media at Rajiv Bhawan in Raipur, the ex-CM and Patan MLA claimed he was being targeted despite his government having exposed the scam. He accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of misleading the public about the arrests of Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal. CBI raids former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence in connection with Mahadev betting app case Both were rather seen attending a devotional gathering addressed by preacher Pradip Mishra, he said, further alleging that the BJP had no intention of taking action against the Mahadev App. Since the Congress government took action, the CBI raids were carried out against us, he added. Baghel, who is also the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, questioned why no significant police action had been taken against the illegal betting app after the BJP returned to power in December 2023. This clearly indicates the state government, too, has given patronage, he alleged. Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel named in FIR in Mahadev betting app case However, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai countered the claims, asserting that the probe was now under the CBIs jurisdiction. Everyone knows how the youth of Chhattisgarh got addicted to betting, which ruined their lives. There should be action against those found guilty, and no one will be spared. Its not about anyone being close to Congress or the BJP, Sai stated. Baghel also pointed out that the ED had conducted raids two weeks ago, questioning what more the CBI could unearth. He further claimed that officers who had acted against the Mahadev betting app under his government were now being targeted. The former CM added that neither he nor his family had received any summons before the raids. The premier investigative agency on Wednesday carried out multiple raids at premises linked to politicians, bureaucrats, senior police officers, and others suspected of involvement in the case.

The New Indian Express 27 Mar 2025 8:37 pm

Chhattisgarh secures investment proposals worth Rs 3,700 crore in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Chhattisgarh secured investment proposals worth Rs 3,700 crore at the Investors Connect Meet held in Bengaluru on Wednesday, with major tech companies from the city keen on Meet expanding their presence in the state. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who was part of the event, engaged with top industrialists and investors from Karnataka and highlighted Chhattisgarhs pro-business policies and robust infrastructure. Deo Sai said that Chhattisgarhs new industrial policy has played a key role in attracting investments. Reflecting on the new industry policy features, the CM mentioned that it offers single-window approvals for faster business clearances, 30-50% capital investment reimbursements and employment-linked incentives, special incentives for emerging sectors such as AI, Robotics, Computing, and Green Hydrogen, tax benefits and royalty exemptions for industries in Bastar and Surguja and development of a 118-acre industrial zone near Nagarnar Steel Plant to support MSMEs. The government is now leveraging this momentum to develop Naya Raipur as a major IT hub, with multiple IT firms already establishing their presence, he added. With a $1.6 billion investment, Raipur is rapidly emerging as Central Indias IT hub, while Naya Raipur offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for IT and semiconductor industries. The government is also boosting Bastars tourism sector, improving air connectivity to key attractions such as Kotumsar Caves and Asias Niagara Falls, CM Deo Sai said. Big Tech companies of Bengaluru keen to expand business in Chhattisgarh: CM Vishnu Deo Sai As part of the states push to develop its IT and semiconductor sectors, the Chhattisgarh government also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with NASSCOM, the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), and TiE Bangalore to boost IT, startups, and semiconductor industries while generating employment opportunities. Raipur, the state capital, is already home to prestigious institutions such as IIT, NIT, AIIMS, and IIIT, which are producing skilled professionals. To further boost employability, our government plans to sign skilling contracts with colleges, providing industry-relevant training to students and preparing them for high-growth sectors like IT, semiconductors, and manufacturing, Deo Sai said. Chhattisgarh has also streamlined its business policies to reduce bureaucratic delays and simplify industrial processes, Deo Sai said, noting key reforms such as digitized land allotment systems and online transactions, faster approvals, including GST registration reduced from 25 days to 3 days and electricity connections from 28 days to 7 days, simplified industrial registration, reducing required form fields from 168 to 38 and 24-hour operational approvals for businesses employing both men and women

The New Indian Express 27 Mar 2025 12:55 pm

IIM Raipur Job Vacancy 2025, Apply Online for 01 Project Assistant Posts

IIM Raipur Recruitment 2025 Apply Online: Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) has announced the recruitment of 01 Project Assistant in 2025. Candidates With B.Tech/B.E, Post Graduate, M.E/M.Tech, MBA/PGDM Can Apply Online on or before 10-04-2025.

FreeJobAlert 27 Mar 2025 12:24 pm

Migrant worker held with 9 kg ganja in Perumbavoor

KOCHI: In a major narcotics bust under Operation Clean Perumbavoor, the Ernakulam Rural police on Wednesday arrested a migrant worker with 9 kg of ganja intended for distribution among college students, residents and migrant workers. Rabeen Mandal, 24, of Raipur in Murshidabad, West Bengal, was apprehended by a team led by Perumbavoor ASP Shakthi Singh Arya. The arrest came after a college student, Rabeens customer, disclosed details about the supplier. The raid was conducted in a Bengali colony, where the cannabis was found hidden in secret compartments in a room, said an officer with the squad. Preliminary probe revealed Rabeen was a key figure in the local drug network, he said. Operating under the alias Robin Bhai, Rabeen allegedly sold ganja in small packets for Rs 500 each. Having arrived in Kerala a year ago, he worked in Thiruvananthapuram before moving to Perumbavoor, where he lived in Bhai Colony. He worked at a hotel before shifting to drug trade.

The New Indian Express 27 Mar 2025 9:57 am

Betting app: CBI searches Bhupesh Baghel houses

CBI conducted searches at multiple residences in Raipur and Bhilai in connection with the Mahadev Book app betting scam. Among those searched were former CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence and those of several top officials. The operation encompassed 60 locations across multiple states.

The Times of India 27 Mar 2025 4:35 am

CBI raids former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagels residence

Guwahati: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday, raided the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai, an official from the Bhagels office stated. The agency is tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation. Sources, however, said that the officials were conducting the raid related to Mahadevs online betting app scam. [] The post CBI raids former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagels residence appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 26 Mar 2025 4:05 pm

'Now CBI Has Come': Chhattisgarh Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghels Bhilai, Raipur Houses Raided In Mahadev Betting App Case

Mahadev app betting case: The CBI has raided 60 locations across Chhattisgarh, Bhopal, and Delhi. The agency searched the premises of Bhupesh Baghel, bureaucrats, police officials and other politicians

News18 26 Mar 2025 3:41 pm

CBI Raids Bhupesh Baghel's Residences in Raipur and Bhilai | Mahadev App Scam News | Chhattisgarh

In a shocking development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai. The raids are linked to the alleged 6,000 crore Mahadev app scam, in which Baghel has been accused of cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and forgery. The CBI teams reached Baghel's residences, the houses of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former CM. The agency has taken over the investigation from the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Chhattisgarh Police .Baghel has termed the EOW FIR politically motivated and has questioned the timing of the CBI raids, which coincided with his scheduled trip to Delhi for a meeting of the Drafting Committee for the All India Congress Committee (AICC) [2). n18oc_breaking-news News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

News18 26 Mar 2025 11:15 am

CBI Searches: Baghel Says Action Comes Ahead His Delhi Visit

RAIPUR, Mar 26: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday said the CBI conducted searches at his residence ahead of his scheduled visit to New Delhi for a Congress meeting. Teams of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday swooped down at the residences of Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai as well as the residential premises of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former CM, officials said. The agency is tight-lipped about the matter [] The post CBI Searches: Baghel Says Action Comes Ahead His Delhi Visit appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 26 Mar 2025 10:20 am

CBI raids ex-C'garh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai on Wednesday. The agency also searched the residences of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former chief minister. The CBI is tight-lipped about the matter in which the searches are taking place. Further details are awaited. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted searches at Baghel's residence in connection with an alleged liquor scam case.

Rediff 26 Mar 2025 9:29 am

CBI raids ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghels residence in Raipur, Bhilai

CBI raids ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghels residence in Raipur, Bhilai New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai on Wednesday. The CBI teams reached his places in the morning. A post on his X handle said the CBI [] The post CBI raids ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghels residence in Raipur, Bhilai appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 26 Mar 2025 9:06 am

CBI Searches Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghels Residence

Raids conducted in Raipur and Bhilai; agency remains tight-lipped on the case

Deccan Chronicle 26 Mar 2025 8:52 am

Days After ED Raids, CBI Conducts Searches At Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's House

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out searches at Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's Raipur and Bhilai residence.

News18 26 Mar 2025 8:40 am

CG PAT 2025 exam to be held on May 15, registration process begins: Check direct link and other details here

The Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board, Raipur, has begun CG PAT 2025 registrations. Candidates can apply at vyapam.cgstate.gov.in until April 21. Admit cards will be released on May 7, and the exam will be held on May 15 in a single shift (9:00 AM-12:15 PM). The paper will have 200 questions for 200 marks. Candidates can check the details here.

The Times of India 26 Mar 2025 7:59 am

Punjab govt mulls restart of traditional bullock cart races in Ludhiana's Kila Raipur

The Punjab government is considering new rules to resume traditional bullock cart races at the Kila Raipur sports event in Ludhiana. The 2019 amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act supports this initiative, with further legal consultations underway to ensure these cultural sports comply with current laws.

The Economic Times 25 Mar 2025 8:17 pm

NIT Raipur Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline

NIT Raipur Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: National Institute of Technology Raipur (NIT Raipur) has announced the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow in 2025. Candidates With B.Tech/B.E, M.Sc, M.E/M.Tech, MCA Can Apply Offline on or before 06-04-2025.

FreeJobAlert 25 Mar 2025 6:29 pm

Three Maoists killed in encounter in Chattisgarh's Dantewada

RAIPUR: Three Maoists in uniform were killed in an encounter in the strife-torn Dantewada district on Tuesday as security forces intensified operations against left-wing insurgency, the Bastar police said. According to Bastar police, a team of security forces launched an anti-Maoist operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists along the inter-district forest border area of Dantewada-Bijapur. At around 8 AM, an encounter broke out between the Maoists and the security forces that resulted in the death of three Maoists. A large cache of weapons besides explosives was also recovered from the scene. The gun battle is still on. The recovered bodies of the naxal cadres are yet to be identified. Reinforcement has been sent to the area and the search operation for Maoists further intensified in the region, which is long considered to be their safe shelter. No security personnel were injured in the operation, and further details are awaited.This year, 116 bodies of Maoists have been recovered so far in various encounters in Chhattisgarh. The recent encounters are part of a renewed strategy to eliminate Maoist influence in Chhattisgarh by March 2026. Dantewada remains one of the Maoist-affected districts in the Bastar zone and is cited as an epicentre of left-wing extremists in south Chhattisgarh.

The New Indian Express 25 Mar 2025 11:23 am

MKCG MCH emerges countrys ragging hotspot

BHUBANESWAR : The MKCG medical college and hospital (MKCG MCH) at Berhampur tops the list of medical colleges in the country that witness the maximum number of ragging complaints. So does Berhampur University among public universities and Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) in Rourkela when it comes to technical universities. An analysis of ragging complaints registered between 2022 and 2024 at the UGCs National Anti-Ragging Helpline, published by the Society Against Violence in Education (SAVE) on Monday, revealed that educational institutions in Odisha continue to report a majority of ragging cases in the country, be it in general or technical education fields. The State of Ragging in India 2022-24 states that MKCG MCH, among the medical colleges, has become a hotspot of ragging. Among 12 MCHs across the country that saw filing of a significant number of complaints, MKCG topped the list with 25 complaints lodged in three years ending December 2024. It was followed by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College at Raipur (15 complaints), Vardhman Institute of Medical Sciences at Bihar (14), Takmeel-Ut-Tib College & Hospital at Uttar Pradesh (12) and Maulana Azad Medical College at New Delhi (11). BPUT, which is the largest technical university in the state, comes fourth in the list of top-5 technical universities with most complaints. It has reported 28 complaints with the helpline while Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology in Kolkata tops the list with 74 complaints. Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology at Burla saw eight ragging cases in this period. When it comes to technical colleges, be it engineering or polytechnic, Odishas Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology at Sarang (Dhenkanal) comes second in this list with 22 complaints. Similarly, Berhampur University is among the top universities with 31 complaints. Within this period, the state also saw three alleged ragging deaths. In over a decade, the anti-ragging helpline has logged over 8,000 complaints and among the states that reported a majority of them is Odisha with 517 complaints. While the dean of MKCG MCH could not be reached for comments, a member of the anti-ragging squad of the institution said many of these cases are a result of infighting among students. We are following all the UGC guidelines to avoid ragging on our campus including strict action against the perpetrators of the crime. In December last year, an assistant professor and three senior residents were suspended for six months and in November, five MBBS students were expelled from the hostel for ragging, he said. Anti-ragging activist and vice-president of SAVE Gaurav Singhal said the above-mentioned complaints are just the ones registered with the helpline. In reality, there are a huge number of complaints that are registered directly in colleges and police which do not reflect in the anti-ragging helpline. Concerning Scenario MKCG has reported 25 ragging complaints in 3 years ending Dec 2024 BPUT 4th in the list of top-5 tech universities with most complaints Eight ragging cases reported from VSSUT, Burla during this period The state has seen three alleged ragging deaths in this period 517 ragging complaints reported from Odisha in over a decade

The New Indian Express 25 Mar 2025 7:32 am

Chhattisgarh must eliminate Maoism, says President Murmu, praises Assembly

Bhopal: The silver jubilee of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly marked a historic moment with a strong call for eradicating Maoism, as leaders and dignitaries celebrated the states democratic journey. President Draupadi Murmu, while addressing the occasion Monday in Raipur, highlighted unity, empowerment, and development as pivotal for shaping Chhattisgarhs future. She began with Jai Johar! []

orissapost 24 Mar 2025 4:41 pm

Chhattisgarh Assembly never witnessed use of Marshal, sets high democratic traditions: President Murmu

RAIPUR: President Droupadi Murmu praised the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha for establishing virtuous standards of 'democratic traditions' in the House that has never seen the use of force by Marshals during the last 25 years. While gracing the occasion of the silver jubilee celebration of the state Legislative Assembly in Raipur, the President said, I feel delighted that Chhattisgarh has presented a distinct ideal example regarding the conduct of the House not just for the country but the entire democratic world. I can tell from my experience that its a Saubhagya (good fortune)as an MLAto deliver ones responsibility inspired and committed to serving the people, she added. The President said the task of bringing the members of the Maoists into the mainstream of society has reached the final and decisive phase. I am told that the people in the Naxal-affected region want to move ahead on the path of development. Soon the state will succeed in getting rid of Maoist menace, she averred. Expressing delight at the elected figure of 19 women MLAs in the 90-member Assembly in the state having a better sex ratio at 991, she urged the women legislators to encourage other women working in different sectors and strengthen them in their professions. When every woman empowers each other then our society will become stronger and more sensitive. There should be efforts to further increase the number of women members in the House, said the President. She acclaimed Chhattisgarh as a state rich in natural and mineral resources but felt that the onus is on the policymakers to strike a right balance between development and nature. While advancing with modern development you need to ensure the conservation of the environment. All segments of society should be incorporated in the journey of modern development and growth, she opined. Speaker Dr Raman Singh informed the House that President Murmu is the third after Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Devisingh Patil to address the Chhattisgarh Assembly. I take pride in being present on all three occasions, Singh said. President Murmu also commended the state Assembly as most of the 565 bills enacted by it were inspired by ideals of antyodya, humanism and holistic development.

The New Indian Express 24 Mar 2025 4:40 pm

Prez Murmu calls to end Maoism, praises exemplary traditions of Chhattisgarh Assembly

Prez Murmu calls to end Maoism, praises exemplary traditions of Chhattisgarh Assembly Bhopal: The silver jubilee of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly marked a historic moment with a strong call for eradicating Maoism, as leaders and dignitaries celebrated the states democratic journey. President Draupadi Murmu, while addressing the occasion on Monday in Raipur, highlighted unity, empowerment, [] The post Prez Murmu calls to end Maoism, praises exemplary traditions of Chhattisgarh Assembly appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 24 Mar 2025 4:23 pm

President Droupadi Murmu to visit Odisha Monday

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Odisha and Chhattisgarh March 24 to attend official functions, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said Sunday. Murmu will grace the silver jubilee of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur Monday, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement. Tomorrow, she will also attend the foundation day ceremony of Bharatiya Biswabasu Shabar []

orissapost 23 Mar 2025 9:13 pm

From darkness to light: Naxal-hit village in Chhattisgarh gets electricity for first time

RAIPUR: A remote village in Chhattisgarh that bore the brunt of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) for years has finally got electricity after a wait of more than seven decades, officials said on Sunday. Locals in Timenar, a far-flung village in Maoist-affected Bijapur district, have been living in the dark without basic facilities, they said. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the electrification of Timenar signalled the beginning of a new era of governance and growth in the remote regions of Bastar. All 53 households in the village, an extension of Bechapal village panchayat in the Bhairamgarh development block, have been electrified for the first time after 77 years of Independence under the Chief Minister's Manjra-Tola Electrification Scheme, a government statement said. This remarkable achievement signifies the end of Maoist terror and the dawn of development, peace, and prosperity in the region, it added. Timenar residents Mashram, Pandru Kunjam, Mangli and Pramila expressed their joy, saying they had never thought they would see the glow of electricity, but hope has replaced despair. Residents said the arrival of electricity has eliminated the atmosphere of fear and insecurity and is a significant step towards improving their quality of life. For the first time, our village has got electricity. We no longer fear the darkness of the night and are free from the threats of wild animals, snakes, and scorpions. Our children can now study easily, and we finally feel that we are on the path to development, they said. As per the release, infrastructure such as roads, healthcare, and education facilities are also being strengthened in the village. Chief Minister Sai said his government is committed to electrifying every manjra-tola (hamlets) and accelerating development in the Maoist-affected regions. Where there was once the shadow of Maoist terror, the rays of development are shining. This transformation is a true victory. The electrification of Timenar signals the beginning of a new era of governance and growth in the remote regions of Bastar. This region is now moving towards prosperity and progress, free from the fear of Maoist violence, Sai said in the statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said the Narendra Modi government is moving forward with a ruthless approach against Naxalites and is adopting a zero-tolerance policy against those Maoists who have not surrendered despite facilities being offered to them, ranging from surrender to inclusion. He declared that the country will be Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. As many as 113 Naxalites have been gunned down in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of these, 97 were eliminated in the Bastar division, comprising seven districts, including Bijapur. Chhattisgarh witnessed 47% decline in Naxal violence, 64% reduction in civilian and security forces casualties: MoS Rai in LS

The New Indian Express 23 Mar 2025 1:42 pm

How RAS Luxury Skincare Is Making Ayurveda-Backed Clean Beauty Mainstream

For Raipur-based entrepreneur Shubhika Jain, the journey into skincare wasnt just a business venture but a deeply personal mission. Growing

inc42 23 Mar 2025 9:30 am

Not 'terrorists' or 'murderers': Avoid using harsh words for elephants, Chhattisgarh forest dept tells media

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh forest department has urged the media to avoid the use of harsh words that create a negative perception about elephants. The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Prem Kumar stated that words like 'aatanki' (terrorist), 'utpaati' (oppressor), 'hatyara' (murderer), 'hinsak' (violent), 'pagal' (mad), 'bigdail' (spoiled), 'gussail' (violent), 'ziddi' (stubborn) in the media increases the fear of jumbos among the public. Chhattisgarh is believed to be the first state to have shared concerns over the use of such comments in media coverage for wild elephants whenever the majestic animals encroach human habitats or plunder agricultural fields. Human-elephant conflicts have persisted in Chhattisgarh, with 303 people having been killed in such encounters in the state from 2019-24, according to the Centre. The forest department appealed to the media to take steps towards creating positivity regarding elephants. Elephants in India are not just wildlife, but an integral part of culture, religious beliefs and traditions. Human-elephant conflict should not just be presented as a confrontation but co-existence too can be promoted in a broader context, the officer said. Elephants are mentioned as 'keystone species' and 'ecosystem engineers' as they play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of forests. The forest department said elephants have had a close relationship with humans in the history of Chhattisgarh as mentioned in the 11th century copper plates of Bastar, Mughal records and gazetteers of British rule. Akbar's court writer Abul Fazal's 'Ain-e-Akbari' and the records of the reign of the Kalchuri kings also provide evidence of the mutual relationship between elephants and humans of Chhattisgarh, the officer added. Media, particularly the Hindi language ones, are frequently seen using discourteous and undignified words for the majestic animals, said Nitin Singhvi, a Chhattisgarh-based wildlife enthusiast, who raised the issue with the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) in 2021.

The New Indian Express 22 Mar 2025 6:29 pm

Fantastic achievement to win IML three times in a row: Tendulkar

Mumbai, Mar 21: Legendary Sachin Tendulkar says the Indian teams third straight title win at the International Masters League is a reflection of proper planning and fantastic teamwork. Indian Masters beat West Indies Masters by six wickets with Ambati Rayudu (74) and Ranganath Vinay Kumar (3 wickets) doing the star turn for the hosts on March 16 in Raipur. Tendulkar scored 25 runs in the title clash. Yes, it is a fantastic achievement. And its a reflection of good teamwork, [] The post Fantastic achievement to win IML three times in a row: Tendulkar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 21 Mar 2025 5:28 pm

Chhattisgarh: BJP MLAs corner govt on religious conversions

RAIPUR: The BJP-ruled government in Chhattisgarh faced tough questions from its own legislators during the budget session of the House over cases of religious conversion allegedly taking place in the state. BJP MLAs claimed that several such incidents had been reported in the state, noting that the situation is particularly grim in Bastar division. The saffron partys MLAs claim that the prohibited practice is still prevalent in parts of the state. When the demography changes (owing to religious conversions), the situation will turn worrisome for Chhattisgarh if the strict rules to prevent religious conversions are not executed, said BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar. Another BJP leader, Sushant Shukla, expressed, The state home minister, Vijay Sharma, has no knowledge about the activities of Joshua Project (an evangelical Christian organisation) in the state. Shukla alleged that the organisation has been carrying out religious conversions with the help of missionary organisations as the authorities look the other way. Sharma responded by assuring, Action is being taken against religious conversions in accordance with the provisions of the old existing rules. Reaffirming the state governments commitment to addressing the issue, he added, Soon, we will bring in tougher anti-conversion laws and frame new regulations to check such unlawful activities. The Chhattisgarh Christian Forum expressed its dismay, stating that the community is being targeted and maligned. We are moving the Supreme Court to seek a clear definition of dharmantran (religious conversion). The apex court should issue a set of guidelines that can help determine when the need for government intervention arises in such cases, shared Arun Pannalal, president of the forum. The Congress maintains that propagating ones faith or religion is not a crime. Tougher law soon Party MLAs assert the prohibited practice is still prevalent State HM Vijay Sharma says action is being taken against religious conversions in line with existing norms Soon, the state will get tougher anti-conversion laws and new regulations to check such unlawful activities, the HM says Chhattisgarh Christian Forum moves SC seeking a clear definition of dharmantran

The New Indian Express 20 Mar 2025 7:24 am

President Murmu set for two-day official visit to Odisha from March 24

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a two-day visit to Odisha from March 24, an official statement said. During the visit, Murmu will participate in the foundation day celebrations of the Bharatiya Bishwabasu Sabar Samaj at Kaliapalli in Nayagarh. She will arrive in Bhubaneswar March 24 from Raipur, and travel to Kantilo in Naygarh by []

orissapost 19 Mar 2025 9:29 pm

PM Modi assures full support for Bastars transformation plan

RAIPUR: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to Chhattisgarh on 30 March, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented him with the states development roadmap, particularly focusing on the transformation of Bastar, a region predominantly inhabited by tribal communities. Bastar, which has been grappling with a four-decade-long Maoist insurgency, is now set to be a part of a comprehensive Master Plan aimed at guiding and regulating its present and future development. CM Sai informed the Prime Minister that left-wing extremism in the state is on the verge of being eradicated. The Master Plan outlines a vision to turn the Maoist-affected areas into hubs of infrastructure, industry, and tourism. During discussions, PM Modi responded positively and assured full support from the Centre, CM Sai stated. With coordinated efforts from security forces and peoples participation, rapid changes are evident in the affected regions. The results are for all to seehow state police and central forces have successfully extended development to erstwhile strongholds of naxalites and attained the trust of people in government initiatives, he said. The chief minister emphasised that the states primary focus remains on developing Bastar into a new industrial and economic centre, creating employment opportunities for youths, and improving the living standards of tribal communities. During the meeting, CM Sai elaborated on Chhattisgarhs new industrial policy, which fosters an investor-friendly environment with innovative-driven proposals aimed at economic growth, job creation, and sustainable industrial development. The state government has introduced a single-window clearance system, tax incentives, and policies attracting major companies to invest in Chhattisgarh. The Prime Minister was also briefed on various initiatives aimed at making rural women in Bastar self-reliant. Through self-help groups, thousands of women are gaining economic independence and employment opportunities. The governments promotion of minor forest produce, organic farming, handloom, bamboo industries, and handicrafts is helping women secure livelihoods while strengthening the local economy. Additionally, startups and small-scale industries are linking Bastars women to production and marketing networks, ensuring their financial independence and contribution to the states economic progress. The government has prioritised womens empowerment and rural development as key areas of focus.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2025 6:02 pm

Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar murder: 1200-page chargesheet filed in court

RAIPUR: The Bijapur police in south Chhattisgarh on Tuesday filed a 1241-page chargesheet in the district court against the four accused including a contractor in the brutal killing of a 33-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar on January 1 this year. The Bastar scribe was murdered, after he went missing, reportedly owing to his investigative report on the irregularities and bad road construction works in the area by a contractor, Suresh Chandrakar, a prime accused who also happens to be a relative of Mukesh. An 11-member special investigation team (SIT) led by Bijapur additional superintendent of police Bijapur Mayank Gurjar was then constituted to probe the death of the journalist. The chargesheet presented by the SIT team had named Suresh besides Ritesh Chandrakar and Dinesh Chandrakar (both are cousins of Mukesh) and a contractors employee Mahendra Ramteke. The police produced a 1200-page plus chargesheet in the Mukesh Chandrakar murder case before the court against the four accused under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Detailed investigations taking into consideration digital and physical evidence were carried out. We will strongly contest the case to ensure stringent punishment be meted out to all the four accused, said Mayank Gurjar. Mukesh, who was earlier a freelancer for a couple of national media houses, had his own YouTube channel Bastar Junction.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2025 10:05 pm

Chhattisgarh BJP MLAs corner their government on religious conversions; Christian forum to move SC

RAIPUR: The BJP-ruled government in Chhattisgarh faced tough questions from its own legislators during the ongoing budget session of the House over alleged religious conversions happening in the state. BJP MLAs claimed several incidents of conversions have been reported in the state and the situation remains more serious in Bastar division. The BJP had often raised the issue of religious conversions during the previous Congress regime and now their MLAs asserted such prohibited practice exists and is even happening in some of their respective constituencies. The CM had earlier cited on foreign funds being misused for religious conversions. When the demography changes (owing to religious conversions), the situation will turn worrisome for Chhattisgarh if the strict rules to prevent religious conversions are not genuinely made and executed, said Ajay Chandrakar, senior BJP MLA. Another BJP leader Sushant Shukla pointed out that the state home minister has no information about the activities of Joshua project operating in the state. Shukla claimed such a project is coordinating the affair of religious conversions and change of faith in association with the missionary organisations while the administration remains non-serious on it. The state home minister Vijay Sharma said that the actions against religious conversions were being taken in accordance with the provisions of the old existing rules. The state government remains concerned and aware. Soon we will bring tougher anti-conversion laws and frame new regulations to check such unlawful activities, Sharma affirmed. In Chhattisgarh 364 organisations were earlier registered under the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act. As of today, there are 153 NGOs presently getting the foreign funds and engaged in different works in the state. The administration and other agencies are monitoring, the home minister said. Christian forum in Chhattisgarh expressing resentment stated that the community is being targeted and maligned though not a single conversion forcefully or by fraudulent means reported or proven in any court. We are soon moving our plea in the Supreme Court seeking the definition on what exactly the dharmantran (religious conversion) implies. There should be some guidelines issued by the apex court to suggest at what stage the governments interference should begin on alleged dharmantran so that administration and police get some direction on such a vexed issue. Is merely purchasing or reading a bible or attending a church enough to be implicated with religious conversions?, averred Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. The opposition Congress maintained that propagating one's faith or religion is not a crime and is guaranteed under the Constitution provided it is not influenced by any allurement, temptation or coercion.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2025 8:39 pm

ITBP constable guns down senior after spat over dress code

An ITBP constable shot and killed his senior colleague after an argument in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred at the ITBP battalion headquarters. The constable fired 20 rounds from his Insas rifle, which resulted in the death of the senior officer. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2025 4:42 am

ITBP Constable Guns Down Senior After Heated Argument Over Dress Code In Raipur

A routine morning parade turned deadly in Raipur as an ITBP constable shot his senior over a uniform-related dispute.

News18 17 Mar 2025 10:10 pm

Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best fight it out in International Masters final in Raipur: What went down

The intensity of the exchange became clear with the fact that several other players, including Brian Lara and Ambati Rayudu, had to intervene to calm the two down.

DNA India 17 Mar 2025 3:56 pm

The echo of people singing Vande Mataram in Dubai after Indias CT win was something else: Vivek Oberoi

The echo of people singing Vande Mataram in Dubai after Indias CT win was something else: Vivek Oberoi Raipur: Actor Vivek Oberoi recalled the electrifying moment from Indias Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai on March 9 and said the echo of the sound, when people sang Vande Mataram at the top of their voices, was [] The post The echo of people singing Vande Mataram in Dubai after Indias CT win was something else: Vivek Oberoi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 17 Mar 2025 2:05 pm

Raipur Diary | Energy meet gets Rs 3L cr investment proposals

With a vision to make Chhattisgarh one of the largest energy-producing states, the Energy Investors Summit 2025 in Raipur attracted investment proposals worth over Rs 3 lakh crore. Proposals were made for nuclear, thermal, solar, and pump storage power generation projects. Once operationalised, the projects will not only benefit industries but also provide people with affordable power. Private investors are set to contribute Rs 66,720 crore, with Adani Power leading the way. The NTPC plans to set up a 4,200 MW nuclear power project. Jindal Power and NTPC Green invested Rs 10,000 crore to produce 2,500 MW solar power. Baghel denies ED notice to son in liquor scam There were unconfirmed reports of former CM Bhupesh Baghels son Chaitanya being issued a notice by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week to appear before it and record his statement. However, Baghel denied that his son was summoned by the central agency after the March 10 raids at his residence in Bhilai as part of a money laundering probe linked to the alleged liquor scam case against his son. The ex-CM said the summons, if served will be complied with, though he questioned the ED for creating a media hype. He claimed the agency action is result of BJPs vendetta. New surrender, rehab policy for Maoists Besides the ongoing offensive against the Red Rebels, BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh has come out with a comprehensive rehabilitation policy to encourage Maoists to surrender. Union home minister Amit Shah has set March 2026 deadline to eliminate the Maoist menace. The Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 offers higher financial aid, employment opportunities, security, skill development training and other rehabilitation plans. The aim is to motivate Maoists to reintegrate in the mainstream. Apart from extending aid to victims of Naxal violence, the state has appealed to Maoists to give up arms. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2025 7:49 am

Pakistan-based don claims responsibility for attack on social media influencer's house in Jalandhar

CHANDIGARH: A grenade was hurled at the house of social media influencer Navdeep Sandhu in Raipur Rasoolpur village, Jalandhar, during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Pakistan-based don Shehzad Bhatti claimed responsibility for the attack and warned that five more people would be argeted. In a video, Bhatti alleged that Sandhu had made objectionable comments against the Muslim community on social media, insulting Islam, the Kaaba, and the Prophet. If he survives, we shall strike again, and he is not alone. There were five people, and they thought we forgot. I thank both brothers, Zeeshan Akhtar (an accused in the Baba Siddiqui murder case) and Happy Passia (a US-based Punjab gangster with terror links). He (Passia) also supported me, Bhatti said. Bhatti further issued a warning, saying, If they do not want bloodshed and want to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, they should be arrested. I will give their photographs and names; then I shall not do anything. But if they are not arrested, then whatever consequences I might face, I shall destroy them in a way that their seven generations would remember. He also released footage of the attack, saying, They may not break the news, so I am showing the video (of the grenade hurling) at the last. I dont need fame. The video has been made so that if anybody abuses again, we shall do worse. And if he survives, then I shall do a bigger attack. Arrest them if you dont want bloodshed. He (Rozer), his brother, and three or four more people are there. I have their names and pictures. If you abuse the Kaaba and Islam again, I shall strike again, whatever time it takes. Every time, we shall make a video of the strike. Senior Superintendent of Police of Jalandhar (Rural), Gurmeet Singh, confirmed that they had received information about the attack. When we checked, we found a suspicious object. We called the bomb disposal team, and they picked it up for examination. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Jalandhar Range), Naveen Singla, stated that the incident appeared to be a result of an old rivalry between two social media influencers. A metal object was hurled at the house, which was not a grenade. There was no blast. The object has been sent for forensic examination, he said. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Member of Parliament from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, alleged that the attack was part of Pakistans conspiracy against Punjabs crackdown on drugs. Pakistan is worried about the eradication of the drug menace in Punjab. A recent example is Shehzad Bhatti taking responsibility for the grenade attack. This reveals Pakistans conspiracy, he said. Kang also targeted the BJP, alleging that Bhatti was associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose video had recently gone viral on social media. BJP leaders must answer why their Gujarat government has treated Lawrence Bishnoi like a son-in-law in Sabarmati Jail, he said. He accused the BJP of using Bishnoi for political gains while providing him government protection and luxurious jail facilities. Everyone knows the relationship between BJP and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, he said. Kang further questioned why a gangster reated like a guest in Gujarat was linked to people attempting to disturb peace in Punjab. BJP leaders must answer this and clarify whether they are instigating such attacks in Punjab for their petty politics. He asserted that the Punjab government would not let any conspiracy derail its campaign against drugs and gangsters. Whether it is Pakistan or BJP, we will not let anyone succeed in their nefarious plans, he said.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2025 5:40 pm

Quota for contractors in Karnataka height of appeasement: Chhattisgarh CM

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said the ruling Congress decision in Karnataka to reserve four per cent of government contracts for Muslims is height of appeasement and against the basic spirit of the Indian Constitution. In a statement on Saturday night, Sai asked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi 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 .

The Siasat Daily 16 Mar 2025 10:55 am

Raipur chopper rides face rough weather

The continuation of Chhattisgarh's special scheme offering helicopter rides and financial aid to top students is uncertain under the new BJP government. While the scheme hasn't been discontinued officially, its implementation has been delayed due to recent elections, with a proposal pending for later this year.

The Economic Times 15 Mar 2025 10:58 pm

Punjab Police arrest three operatives of Khalistani militant outfit from Bihar

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has busted a narco-terror module linked to the banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with the arrest of three key operatives from Bihar while they were attempting to flee to Nepal. Director General of Police, Punjab Gaurav Yadav, said here on Saturday that those arrested have been identified as Karandeep Yadav (21), Mukesh Kumar (29) and Sajan Singh (24), all residents of Khandwala Chheharta in Amritsar. The police teams have also recovered three mobile phones and 700 Nepali currency notes from their possession. The development came following meticulous investigation after the arrest of Joban Singh alias Joban and Gurbaksh Singh alias Lala after recovering 290 grams of heroin from their possession. Yadav said that preliminary investigations had revealed that the arrested accused were working on the directions of Pakistan-based BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda. He said that the probe has revealed that the arrested accused Karandeep Yadav, had delivered the grenades and weapons that were recovered from Tarn Taran in January this year. As per the information, Tarn Taran Police had arrested four operatives identified as Robinjeet Singh alias Robin, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, Navjot Singh alias Nav and Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga. The police recovered two hand grenades and a pistol from their possession. He said that the arrested individuals, who were residing in Amritsars Khandwala and Chheharta areas, have been apprehended from the jurisdiction of Police Station Kumarkhand in Madehpur, Bihar when they were planning to flee to Nepal. The trio accused persons are being brought back to Punjab for further interrogation. Sharing operation details, Amritsar Police Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on reliable inputs, an intelligence-led operation was launched with the lead taken by officers from Chheharta Police Station, Amritsar. As a result, the accused were successfully arrested from Bihar. He said that further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages in this case, and more arrests and recoveries are expected in coming days. In this regard, a case has dated March 7 has already been registered under section 21-C of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar. Punjab police arrest three operatives of Khalistani militant outfit In another development, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, arrested three operatives of a terror module being run by Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda. Those arrested have been identified as Jagjit Singh alias Jaggi and Shubham Khelbude, both residents of Nanded in Maharashtra and Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa, a resident of Raipur in Ropar. Police teams have also recovered two weapons including one 12 bore pump-action gun with 15 cartridges and one .32 bore pistol with eight cartridges. This development follows the earlier arrests of Jagdish Singh alias Jagga, Shubhdeep Singh alias Shubh, and Sachindeep Singh alias Sachin in connection with the Nanded murder case. With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals apprehended in the case has risen to six in this case. Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that arrested accused Jagjit alias Jaggi played a critical role in facilitating logistics, safe houses, and coordination for the shooters involved in the Nanded murder case, masterminded by Rinda from across the border. Investigations have also uncovered the role of jailed gangster Dilpreet alias Baba, an old associate of Rinda, who arranged safe shelters in Punjab for the accused, he said. He said that the arrested operative Jagjeet alias Jaggi is wanted in cases related to murder, attempt to murder, threat and intimidating for extortion, while Shubham is wanted in threat and extortion related cases in Nanded, Maharashtra and came to Punjab evading their arrest. Accused Jaggi and Shubam were actively involved in coordinating various illegal activities, including the procurement of weapons, collection of extortion money, logistics support, and shelter for their other operatives in Nanded all on directions of Harvinder alias Rinda, he said. Yadav said that the third arrested individual Gurdeep alias Deepa was arrested for providing shelter and logistical support to the fugitives Jaggi and Shubam. Accused Gurdeep Deepa also played a crucial role in enabling the escape and continued activities of the accused. AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Dr Simrat Kaur said following a reliable input, a team of SSOC SAS Nagar launched an intelligence-led operation and arrested Shubham Khelbude along with Gurdeep alias Deepa from Anandpur Sahib where he was taking shelter at a sand crusher owned by the latter. Further swift action on the leads obtained from the interrogation of arrested accused paved way for the arrest of third accused Jagjeet alias Jaggi from district Tarn tarn late night on the same day. She said that during the operation the police recovered a .32-bore pistol from Shubham and a Pump Action Gun from Gurdeep, which were intended for use in furthering illegal operations in Punjab and other regions. In this regard, a case has already been registered under section 25(1) B of the Arms act and sections 249 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2025 7:23 pm

NMDC to provide training courses for 500 tribal youngsters from Chhattisgarhs Dantewad, Bastar districts

RAIPUR: National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NMDC), nation's largest iron ore public sector enterprise, has partnered with the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) to provide free skill development training courses for 500 youths from Dantewada and Bastar districts of Chhattisgarh. The training plan, under the corporate social responsibility programme, has been designed to generate employment opportunities in the region by preparing young individuals with industry-relevant skills. NMDC will be fully funding the course fees of all 500 students to ensure that students can participate in these skill development courses. The courses offered under this initiative cover multiple levels of qualification. The youngsters and students from 8th pass to graduates have enrolled into this programme early this week. After completing these courses, the students will have the opportunity to earn between Rs 15,000 Rs 25,000 per month, as CIPET guarantees 70% placement for successful candidates. This ensures financial stability and career growth for youth in the region. By providing free skill-based education, NMDC intends to ensure employment for local youth and facilitate the path towards strengthening the region's economy. It is felt that with more skilled workers entering the job market, it will lead to increased industrial growth, higher income levels, and economic self-sufficiency for families. The programme also has the potential to encourage local entrepreneurship and reduce migration in search of jobs, NMDC official supervising the schedule said. NMDC has been a key player in fostering employment opportunities in Dantewada through various skill development and education programs such as Chhoo Lo Aasman, NMDC ITI Bhansi, Shiksha Sahyog Scholarship Yojana and Balika Shiksha Yojana. Through this latest initiative with CIPET, NMDC continues to uplift local youth by providing them with career-oriented education that leads to guaranteed employment and economic stability. Besides the two iron-ore complexes in Dantewada (south Chhattisgarh), the Navratna Enterprise NMDC operates one at Donimalai in Karnataka.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2025 4:07 pm

Tendulkar vs Lara: A nostalgic showdown awaits as India Masters take on West Indies Masters in Sunday's IML 2025 title clash

Sachin Tendulkar's India Masters will face Brian Lara's West Indies Masters in the final of the International Masters League on March 16 in Raipur. Both teams have had impressive runs, with India Masters defeating Australia Masters in the semi-final, while West Indies Masters edged out Sri Lanka Masters. The match will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Colors Cineplex.

The Economic Times 15 Mar 2025 3:07 pm

NIT Raipur Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline

NIT Raipur Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: National Institute of Technology Raipur (NIT Raipur) has announced the recruitment of 01 Research Fellow in 2025. Candidates With M.E/ M.Tech, M.Phil/ Ph.D Can Apply Offline on or before 21-03-2025

FreeJobAlert 15 Mar 2025 10:25 am

Meet woman, one of India's youngest IAS officers, abstained from THIS thing for three years; know her tips

Neha was born in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur, and brought up in Chhattisgarh. She began her schooling in Jaipur and later studied at schools such as Delhi Public School (DPS) Korba and DPS Bilaspur. For higher studies, she joined the DB Girls College in Raipur.

DNA India 15 Mar 2025 7:06 am

India Masters beat Australia by 94 runs to qualify for IML final

RAIPUR, Mar 13: India Masters thrashed Australia Masters by a big margin of 94 runs in the semi-final to seal berth in the finals of the ongoing International Masters League at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium Raipur today. Earlier, riding on a superb batting display by Yuvraj Singh, India Masters scored a big total of 220 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Yuvraj Singh showed stellar grit and tenacity to notch up and explosive half-century, top scoring with 59 [] The post India Masters beat Australia by 94 runs to qualify for IML final appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 14 Mar 2025 5:59 am

IIM Raipur Non Faculty 2025 - Apply Online

IIM Raipur Recruitment 2025 Apply Online: Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) has announced the recruitment of 02 Non Faculty in 2025. Candidates With Any Post Graduate, M.Phil/ Ph.D Can Apply Online on or before 21-03-2025

FreeJobAlert 13 Mar 2025 6:23 pm

Chhattisgarh government approves new Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has approved the Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025, replacing the previous Chhattisgarh Naxalism Eradication Policy-2023. The decision was taken by the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, as part of efforts to eliminate the Maoist issue in the state. The new policy aims to encourage Maoists to surrender, reintegrate into mainstream society, and provide relief to victims of Naxal violence. A major challenge after the surrender of hardcore Maoists is ensuring they find stable livelihoods that keep them meaningfully engaged. The government plans to create opportunities to help them integrate into society successfully. Under this policy, surrendered Maoists will receive financial assistance, rehabilitation support, education, employment opportunities, and security. A government spokesperson stated, The government intends to ensure that those leaving violence behind, giving up arms, can build a stable and dignified life for themselves. CM Vishnu Deo Sai has emphasised that the state government is committed to completely eradicating Maoists, and this policy is a crucial step in that direction. -2023 / -2025 #CabinetDecision pic.twitter.com/iKbSvg0BDh Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) March 12, 2025 The cabinet also decided to introduce special schemes to help surrendered Naxalites reintegrate into society. A government official added, They will be provided with training for self-employment and skill development. Such a move will prevent them from returning to violence. Additionally, victims of violence perpetrated by left-wing extremists will receive support and rehabilitation assistance. In the past, several surrendered Maoists have successfully left violence behind and built new lives under self-employment initiatives. A few days ago, three hardcore Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarhs Gariaband district. Raipur Range IG Amresh Mishra stated, They expressed their willingness to return to the mainstream after being frustrated with the anti-development and hollow ideology of the CPI (Maoist). All three appreciated the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government and promoted by the police. The new policy is expected to bring hope for resolving the long-standing Maoist problem in Chhattisgarh. The government believes it will not only encourage Maoists to join mainstream society but also promote peace and development in the state.

The New Indian Express 13 Mar 2025 10:46 am

West Indies Masters beat South Africa Masters by 29 runs to enter IML semis

RAIPUR, March 12: West Indies Masters rode on the brilliance of centurion Lendl Simmons and Ravi Rampauls five-wicket haul to beat South Africa Masters by 29 runs and enter the semifinals of the International Masters League (IML) here. Put in to bat by South Africa Masters on Tuesday night, the Caribbeans rode on Simmons 108, []

thehillstimes 13 Mar 2025 1:25 am

Chhattisgarhs Kanger Valley National Park to be India's new UNESCO heritage claimant

RAIPUR: In a significant achievement for Chhattisgarh's tourism, the states Kanger Valley National Park is India's new UNESCO heritage claimant with its unique biodiversity. The park has been included in the tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, marking the first site in Chhattisgarh to achieve this prestigious recognition. It was an arduous journey to get the exceptional beauty and historical importance of Kanger Valley recognised to this stage. In December 2023, the Chhattisgarh government and the Archaeological Survey of India planned to facilitate global awareness of this amazing site. Experts carried out an in-depth study about its biodiversity, archaeological ancestry and unique ecosystem and later, a proposal was sent to include its name in the UNESCO tentative list. Chhattisgarh achieved the first vital step to get entry into the special list carrying names of places that can be declared as World Heritage in future. The state keeps its hopes alive that Kanger Valley will get the status of permanent World Heritage in the coming years. It is a matter of pride for the state that Kanger Valley has been included in the UNESCO Tentative List, which will open up new possibilities in tourism and employment. We will continue to work together to preserve our heritage in the future, said Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh chief minister. A government spokesperson said that Kanger Valley is not just a forest, it is an incredible realm that for many, appears like a fairy tale world. The region, with more than 15 mysterious caves such as Kotamsar, Kailash and Dandak caves, looks no less than a mystical world. The 15 limestone caves in the Valley are not only geological wonders but also narrate archaeological stories. Various rare animalsotters, mouse deer, giant squirrels, Lethis softshell turtles, and wild wolves, among others thrive in this park. More than 200 bird species wing their way above in the sky with a colorful carpet of over 900 plants on the ground. Across this bio-geography landscape, over 140 different butterflies fill the air with colour. In the surrounding villages inhabited by Dhruva and Gond tribes, the Kanger Valley forest is not just a jungle but a part of their culture and life. With the increase in tourism, new employment opportunities will also open up for the locals. A few months ago, Dhudmaras village of Bastar gained the attention of the world with its simplicity and has been included in the top 20 villages of the world by joining the UNWTO's Best Tourist Village promotion programme. Now Kanger Valley has taken the regional glory to another height.

The New Indian Express 12 Mar 2025 4:53 pm

Gangster Killed In Encounter As Aides Attempt To Free Him From Cop Custody In Jharkhand

The shootout happened when gangster Aman Sao, convicted in several cases, was being brought to Ranchi from Raipur jail in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

NDTV 12 Mar 2025 2:34 pm

Chhattisgarhs Kanger Valley National Park on UNESCOs Tentative List; matter of pride, says CM Sai

Raipur, Mar 12: Chhattisgarhs Kanger Valley National Park has been included in the UNESCO Tentative List, making it Indias latest nomination for the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, officials said on Wednesday. Spread over 200 square kilometres in the Bastar district, the pristine Kanger Valley forest, flanked by hills and covered with sal trees, is famous for its natural beauty, biodiversity, waterfalls and caves. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the development a [] The post Chhattisgarhs Kanger Valley National Park on UNESCOs Tentative List; matter of pride, says CM Sai appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 12 Mar 2025 1:34 pm

IIM Raipur Non Teaching Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online, Eligibility, Salary, Age Limit Details

IIM Raipur Recruitment 2025 Apply Online: Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) has announced the recruitment of 17 Non Teaching in 2025. Candidates With Graduate, Post Graduate, MBA/PGDM (Relevant discipline) Can Apply Online on or before 21-03-2025.

FreeJobAlert 12 Mar 2025 11:49 am

Durg University Result 2025 Released at durguniversity.ac.in Direct Link to Download 3rd and 5th Semester Result

Durg University Result 2025: Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur has released the 2025 results for LLB, B.A, B.Sc, B.Com and LLM on 10-03-2025. Students can check their Durg University results on the official website @ durguniversity.ac.in by accessing the designated results link.

FreeJobAlert 11 Mar 2025 2:39 pm

Dreaded Gangster Amas Sao killed in police encounter in Jharkhand

RANCHI: Notorious gangster Aman Sao, also known as Aman Sahu, was killed in a police encounter while being transported to Ranchi from Chhattisgarh on a transit remand. The encounter took place at Andhari Dhoda in Jharkhands Palamu district under Chainpur Block. According to police sources, Aman Sahu attempted to escape after the vehicle transporting him met with an accident. Seizing the opportunity, some of his aides attacked the police convoy with a bomb. Amid the chaos, he managed to snatch an INSAS rifle from a police officer and started firing while trying to flee. When policemen tried to stop him, he started firing on them; the police personnel also fired in retaliation, in which Aman Sao was killed on the spot, said a senior police official, requesting anonymity. One police personnel was reportedly injured in the incident. Aman Sahu was being brought to Ranchi from Raipur for questioning in connection with the shooting of coal businessman Bipin Mishra in Bariatu on March 7 and NTPC DGM Kumar Gaurav in Hazaribagh on March 8. Earlier on Monday, Jharkhand DGP had stated, Three gangsters -- Vikas Tiwari, Aman Srivastava, and Aman Sao are running their operations from inside jails, and raids have been conducted in the jails of Simdega and Hazaribagh. Aman Sahu had become one of the biggest challenges for Jharkhand Police. His gang actively targeted coal traders, transporters, contractors, real estate businessmen, and builders, extorting money from them. Those who refused to pay were often attacked. After committing crimes, his gang would post updates on social media and inform the media through virtual numbers, taking responsibility for the incidents. He had multiple cases of extortion registered against him in Raipur and had been lodged in Raipur jail for the last three and a half months. Even from jail, he continued to run extortion operations in Jharkhand and later expanded them to Chhattisgarh. On October 14, a team of 40 policemen took Aman Sahu to Raipur on a production warrant from Jharkhand. He was the prime accused in the firing incident on businessman Prahlad Rai Agarwals car on July 13. Aman Sahu had also expressed his political ambitions and planned to contest the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections from the Barkagaon Assembly Seat. He had even bought a nomination form and filed an intervention petition in the Jharkhand High Court, seeking permission to contest the election. However, the bench of Justice SK Dwivedi rejected his petition, stating that over 120 serious criminal cases were registered against him.

The New Indian Express 11 Mar 2025 1:34 pm

ED raids in Chhattisgarh: Congress to stage statewide protest

Raipur: In response to multi-location raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in Chhattisgarh, the Congress has announced state-wide protests, including the symbolic burning of effigies of the ED and Bharatiya Janata Party. The ED conducted raids at 14 locations, including the residence of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday. The 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 .

The Siasat Daily 11 Mar 2025 10:46 am

ED found Rs 32-33 lakh cash in my house: Baghel

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the premises of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Bhilai town as part of a money laundering investigation against his son, Chaitanya Baghel, in the alleged liquor scam case. Baghel alleged that the raids were aimed at discouraging him after he was made Congress's in-charge for Punjab and that the BJP is frustrated because he was discharged of all charges by the special CBI court in Raipur in connection with an alleged 7-year-old (sex) CD case.

Rediff 10 Mar 2025 9:24 pm

ED Team Attacked Outside Bhupesh Baghels House In Raipur, Probe Agency To Register Case

Earlier today, the probe agency carried out extensive searches at the residence of Chaitanya Baghel in connection with an alleged liquor scam linked to a money laundering case in the state.

News18 10 Mar 2025 7:40 pm

Chhattisgarh energy summit: Adani Power, Jindal, NTPC to invest in thermal, nuclear power

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has attracted investments worth over Rs three lakh crore through various industrial proposals in the energy sector at the Chhattisgarh Energy Investors Summit 2025, organised in Raipur on Monday. The investment proposals came in nuclear, thermal, solar, and pumped storage power generation projects, which will not only benefit industries but also provide the common people with affordable and uninterrupted electricity. The proposed investment in the thermal power sector is Rs 107,840 crore, consisting of both private investors and public sector undertakings (PSUs). Private investors are set to contribute Rs 66,720 crore, with Adani Power leading the way with investments in several projects, including Rs 18,000 crore for the Korba 1600MW plant, Rs 15,000 crore for the Raigarh 1600MW plant, Rs 15,000 crore for the Raipur 1600MW plant, and Rs 620 crore for a Korba 1320MW plant. Jindal Power is set to invest Rs 12,800 crore in a 1600MW plant in Raigarh, while Sarda is contributing Rs 5,300 crore for a 660MW plant in Raigarh. NTPC has planned to set up a 4200MW nuclear power project at an investment of Rs 80,000 crore, marking the beginning of nuclear power generation in the state. Jindal Power and NTPC Green together will produce 2500MW of solar power by investing Rs 10,000 crore. The PSUs are proposing a total investment of Rs 41,120 crore, with NTPC committing Rs 15,530 crore for the Lara 1600MW project in Raigarh and Rs 9,790 crore for the Sipat 800MW plant in Bilaspur. Chhattisgarh State Power General Company Ltd will invest Rs 15,800 crore in the Korba 1320MW project. These collective investments demonstrate a strong push to expand and upgrade thermal power generation capacity in the region. This investment in the energy sector in Chhattisgarh will elevate the state's power generation capacity to new levels and lay the foundation for a sustainable, green future by promoting renewable energy. The goal is for the state to not only become self-sufficient in energy but also establish itself as an energy hub for the entire country, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said. Chhattisgarh is investing heavily in its energy infrastructure, with Rs 3,200 crore allocated for CREDA Solar Initiatives and Rs 6,000 crore for the PM Surya Scheme to expand solar energy. The state will also invest Rs 2,500 crore in government-building solar projects, Rs 2,600 crore in Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Rs 17,000 crore to upgrade power transmission. Rs 10,800 crore will be invested under the RDSS to improve power distribution efficiency. These efforts will strengthen the state's energy capabilities and reliability. With all these investments, Chhattisgarh is set to become one of the largest energy-producing states in the country. This will benefit industries, farmers, and the general public, while also boosting the states economy.

The New Indian Express 10 Mar 2025 2:52 pm

Chhattisgarh assembly: Congress MLAs suspended after din over ED raids at residence of former CM Baghel, son

RAIPUR: Several Congress MLAs were suspended from the Chhattisgarh assembly on Monday after they trooped into its well and shouted slogans against the ruling BJP over the ED's raids on the premises of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The Enforcement Directorate on Monday raided the premises of Baghel as part of a money laundering investigation against his son in the alleged liquor scam case, official sources said. The Congress leaders alleged that the central agencies were being misused to intimidate the Opposition. The Speaker Dr Raman Singh suspended the entire Congress MLAs, who disrupted the Question Hour, under the assembly rule that stipulates automatic suspension of members who interfere with the proceedings by entering the well of the House. Singh asked the Congress legislators to raise their issue only during the Zero Hour but the opposition members persisted with their demonstration and despite being suspended they sat in the well of the House. The Congress leaders ignored the appeal of the Speaker to allow the proceeding of Question Hour. Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Arun Sao countered the Congress and said that the ED has been pursuing the cases on various scams following the evidence they gathered during their searches as the agency's investigation is continuing for a long in the state. During the Congress regime under Baghel, there were several scams reported, Sao claimed. The name of Baghel is linked with alleged scams, including Mahadev Book Online Betting App, the coal levy extortion, and the district mineral foundation (DMF) funds that are being investigated by the federal probe agency. Earlier today, a team of ED arrived at the residence of ex-CM Baghel, who was recently appointed as AICC general secretary incharge of Punjab, to carry out searches. Including the premises of the Baghel, the ED team simultaneously conducted raids at 15 different locations. The ED estimated that Proceeds of Crime of around Rs 2,161 crore have been generated by the suspects in the alleged liquor scam and Chaitanya is among the suspected recipients. The Mahadev Online App betting scam: The Mahadev Betting App is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites to enroll users, create user IDs and engage in laundering of money through a layered web of banami bank accounts. On February 27, the ED interrogated state Congress general secretary Malkeet Singh Gaidu in Raipur over the capital used for construction of Rajiv Bhawan in south Bastars Sukma and Konta. Both places happen to be the native land of former excise minister and a six-time Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma, who was arrested by ED in connection with the alleged liquor scam in January this year.

The New Indian Express 10 Mar 2025 12:32 pm

Chhattisgarh assembly: Congress MLAs suspended after din over ED raids on Baghel's home

RAIPUR: Several Congress MLAs were suspended from the Chhattisgarh assembly on Monday after they trooped into its well and shouted slogans against the ruling BJP over the ED's raids on the premises of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. The Enforcement Directorate on Monday raided the premises of Baghel as part of a money laundering investigation against his son in the alleged liquor scam case, official sources said. The premises of Bhupesh Baghel's son-- Chaitanya Baghel-- in Bhillai (Durg district), an alleged close associate of Chaitanya Baghel, Laxmi Narayan Bansal alias Pappu Bansal, and some others were also being searched under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said. Chaitanya Baghel shares the Bhillai accommodation with his father and hence the premises were being covered. He (Chaitanya Baghel) is suspected to the ecipient of the proceeds of crime of the liquor scam, they said. About 14-15 premises are being raided in the state, they said. As the House assembled for the day's business, Congress legislators disrupted the Question Hour and raised the issue of the ED's raid. They claimed that those questioning the alleged corruption in the government were being targeted using the central agency. Congress members, including former minister Umesh Patel, started raising slogans against the ruling BJP and claimed the democracy was being murdered. Speaker Raman Singh asked members of the main opposition party to raise their issues in the Zero Hour, citing the importance of Question Hour, but the Congress legislators continued shouting slogans. The Congress MLAs trooped into the well of the House while shouting slogans, and were automatically suspended, as per the assembly rules. Bhupesh Baghel was not present in the House. The speaker announced the suspension of various Congress members and asked them to go outside the House. However, Congress members remained in the well and continued to raise slogans against the ruling party. They later left the House. The Enforcement Directorate earlier said the Chhattisgarh liquor scam resulted in massive loss to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of the beneficiaries of a liquor syndicate with more than Rs 2,100 crore of proceeds of crime. The ED had arrested former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma in this case in January, apart from Anwar Dhebar, the elder brother of Raipur Mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi and some others as part of this investigation. The alleged liquor scam in the central Indian state, as per the ED, was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 when Chhattisgarh was ruled by a Congress government led by CM Bhupesh Baghel. Assets of about Rs 205 crore of various accused have been attached by the agency as part of this investigation till now.

The New Indian Express 10 Mar 2025 12:32 pm

ED raids Bhupesh Baghels son, others in Chhattisgarh liquor scam case

Raipur, Mar 10: The Enforcement Directorate on Monday raided premises of former Chhattisgarh chief minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel as part of a probe against his son in an alleged liquor scam linked to a money laundering case, official sources said. The premises of Bhupesh Baghels son Chaitanya Baghel in Bhillai and some other persons in the state are being searched under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said. Chaitanya Baghel shares [] The post ED raids Bhupesh Baghels son, others in Chhattisgarh liquor scam case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 10 Mar 2025 10:42 am

ED raids Chhattisgarh ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel's son Chaitanya Baghel, others in liquor 'scam' case

RAIPUR: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday raided the premises of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel as part of a money laundering investigation involving his son in the alleged liquor scam case, official sources reported. The ED searched the premises of Bhupesh Baghel's son, Chaitanya Baghel, in Bhilai (Durg district), along with properties linked to Laxmi Narayan Bansal, alias Pappu Bansal, an alleged close associate of Chaitanya, and other individuals connected to the case. Sources stated that the raids were being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Since Chaitanya Baghel shares his Bhilai accommodation with his father, the ED included these premises in their searches. Chaitanya is suspected to have been the ecipient of the proceeds from the alleged liquor scam, according to the sources. Around 14 to 15 premises are being raided across the state in connection with the investigation. The Enforcement Directorate had earlier stated that the Chhattisgarh liquor scam caused a massive loss to the state exchequer, with over Rs 2,100 crore in proceeds from the crime filling the pockets of the beneficiaries involved in the liquor syndicate. In January, the ED arrested former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma in connection with this case. Other arrests included Anwar Dhebar, the elder brother of Raipur Mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi, and others. The alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh took place between 2019 and 2022, when the state was governed by a Congress-led government under Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. As part of its investigation, the ED has already attached assets worth approximately Rs 205 crore from various accused individuals involved in the case.

The New Indian Express 10 Mar 2025 10:25 am

Cow carcasses dumped at riverbank in Chattisgarh; 'Gau-shala' owner summoned

RAIPUR: Foul smell spreading in some localities of Kopra nagar panchayat in Gariaband district, Chattisgarh, was traced back to cow carcasses dumped on the banks of river Pairi after a preliminary investigation on Saturday. The locals claimed that over two dozen corpses of cows were found at the riverbank. Some corpses were found in advanced stages of decomposition. The cattle reportedly belonged to a cow-shelter run by an NGO owned by Haldhar Sahu. Prima-facie it appears to be due the negligence of the organisation that was operating the gau-shala where the cows were kept. The owner has been summoned to appear for interrogation on Monday. There was no arrangement of fodder in the gau-shala and we immediately got it for the cattle, said Vishal Maharana, sub-divisional magistrate. Around 150 cattle are still left in the cow-shelter and they are being examined by a team for veterinary doctors, said Deepak Agrawal, Gariaband collector. The cow shelter at Kopra was earlier run by the villagers and later an NGO took over. The death of cows happened over a period of days. An SDM is conducting an inquiry into it. The information so far with me is that 19 cows have died. Further details are awaited. The post-mortem reports suggested the cows died owing to starvation and ageing, the collector told TNIE . The eyewitnesses stated that the condition of some of the living cows remains extremely pathetic, and if not given immediate attention, their chances of survival are slim. A regional newspaper quoting the local residents stated that whenever any cow died in the gau-shala, their corpses were quietly disposed of at the river side. With no fodder and water kept at the shelter for 150 cows, it appeared they (NGO) were waiting for the weak cattle to die, the paper stated. According to the district officials, no case has been registered as a detailed report is awaited.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2025 6:25 pm

Yuvraj Singh's fireworks on display as India Masters march into IML 2025 semis with thrilling win

India Masters clinched a thrilling seven-run victory over West Indies Masters in Raipur, securing their place in the IML 2025 semifinals. Stellar half-centuries from Ambati Rayudu and Saurabh Tiwary set a challenging total of 253/3. Stuart Binny's crucial three-wicket haul and Irfan Pathan's nerve in the final over ensured West Indies Masters fell short at 246/6.

The Economic Times 9 Mar 2025 10:21 am

Chhattisgarh leads in women's political participation but lags in top bureaucratic, judicial roles

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has a favourable sex ratio of 991 females for every 1,000 males, compared to the national average of 943, according to the 2011 census. The state shows better political participation but has never seen women assume top administrative or judiciary positions. During the past 25 years, after Chhattisgarh was carved out as a separate state from undivided Madhya Pradesh, there has been a long list of top bureaucrats and chief justices. Still, no woman has ever been seen assuming the seniormost position. For instance, of the 15 chief justices the high court has had, no women have held that position. Currently, the court has 16 judges, with Justice Rajni Dubey being the only woman judge. Similarly, the state has yet to see a woman chief secretary or director general of police (DGP). In the last 25 years, there have been 12 chief secretaries and 12 DGPs in the state. Womens political participation is often a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. Chhattisgarh sustained an increase in womens political engagement. In the country, the state Assembly currently has the highest percentage of women MLAs, 21.11% among the total lawmakers, with 19 legislators in the 90-member House. Three out of the 11 Lok Sabha members are women from the state. Though political parties often talk about greater representation of women, no woman has ever had a chance to become Speaker or LoP in the State Assembly. Interestingly, with women playing a significant role in their choice as voters in elections, the political parties believed they had a strong impact on the overall poll results. The state witnessed the conspicuous active participation of women, who outnumbered men as voters, in the electoral processes during the 2023 Assembly polls. The women voters are 1.03 crore, while men are 1.01 crore out of the 2.05 crore electorates in the tenth largest state of the country. Kiran Kaushal was the first woman from Chhattisgarh to qualify UPSC exams and become IAS in 2009, and later, Ankita Sharma was the first woman to become IPS in the year 2018. Both are from Durg district.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2025 7:25 am

International Women's Day: KanyaGyaan project empowers young women in STEM

NEW DELHI: A video showing young schoolgirls carrying chairs in their hands and on their heads, travelling long distances from their small towns and villages by cycle, bus, and even boat to reach a large hall where a professor teaches them science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), has gone viral. The digital campaign - Building Futures for Young Women in STEM - launched to celebrate International Womens Day, showcases how young Indian girls from underserved communities, who continue to face financial constraints and societal barriers, are now coming out and choosing STEM to change not only their lives but also their communities. The campaign, which features the inspirational song On the move, her dreams are on the move, scaling the walls of destiny, her dreams are on the move, travelling a great distance and miles to go, yes, miles to go, is part of the vivo KanyaGyaan project, which provides scholarships to young girls who want to pursue STEM careers but are unable to due to financial constraints. Since its launch in 2023, the pan-India programme has provided financial aid and a holistic support system that includes merit-based scholarships, mentorship, and industry exposure to equip beneficiaries with the skills and confidence needed to transition to the corporate world. Since its launch, the programme has impacted the lives of 150 beneficiaries across 18 states, with the highest representation from Maharashtra (18 per cent), Tamil Nadu (17 per cent), and Delhi (14 per cent). Over 60 per cent come from families earning less than Rs 1 lakh annually, and 15 per cent have been raised by single parents. The need to launch such a project was felt because it was seen that despite technology advancing at an unprecedented pace and an ever-growing demand for skilled professionals in STEM, the gender gap in STEM fields poses a challenge, especially for young women from underserved communities in India who lack access to opportunities and support. Recognising this urgent need, Vivo India, a technology brand, launched vivo KanyaGyaan, a nationwide initiative dedicated to empowering Indian women to pursue STEM careers in the future. Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, Vivo India, says, Empowering young women in STEM isnt just an initiative - its a necessity for real progress. Through the 'vivo KanyaGyaan' initiative, were breaking barriers by providing education, mentorship, and opportunities that help them shape their futures. Our Womens Day campaign film captures this spirit with the metaphor of 'carrying their chairs' - a symbol of determination and self-empowerment. With this, we hope to inspire a larger movement toward empowerment and action in STEM. Many of the beneficiaries are young women who are first-generation graduates, thus breaking generational cycles of limited access to education and economic opportunity. The programme aims to empower young girls and shape a more inclusive and diverse STEM workforce, driving long-term social and economic progress. One beneficiary is 21-year-old Tanushri Pahari. Hailing from Kanker village in Chhattisgarh, she is now working for an NGO where she uses the skills she gained during her scholarship period to change the lives of communities around her. Growing up, I knew where I came from. I knew the expectations placed on me - study hard, help at home, and follow the traditional path. But for me, life was always about rising above and doing more than just surviving, she said. Despite many challenges, the young girl, who studied biology and maths, dared to dream big - studying biotechnology. She was admitted to NIT, Raipur, and also won a silver medal. It was in her second year that she learned about the vivo KanyaGyaan Scholarship Programme. She applied for the 'Women in STEM' initiative and was offered financial aid. Getting the scholarship changed everything. The programme offered more than just financial aid; it provided the mentorship, support, and skills I needed to thrive. It allowed me to focus fully on my education and led me to publish two research papers. Additionally, I discovered my passion for social causes. These experiences deepened my desire to make a meaningful impact and give back to society, she said. Like her, Swaroopa Sanjay Kanade, from Niphad village in Nashik, Maharashtra, comes from a farming family. Today, she stands tall, thanks to the scholarship programme. Once shy and uncertain, Swaroopa gained confidence, refined her communication skills, and adapted to corporate culture. Today, she is a graduate engineer trainee at a leading multinational company, earning Rs 4.6 lakh per year - a tenfold increase from her family's previous income. Her journey proves that young women from underserved communities can thrive in STEM and beyond with the right support, determination, and opportunities. According to reports, India has the highest percentage of women STEM graduates in the world - about 40 per cent in 2021-22, but only 14 per cent of STEM jobs in the country are held by women.

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2025 8:08 pm

NIT Raipur Field Investigator Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online

National Institute of Technology Raipur (NIT Raipur) has recruits 01 Field Investigator Posts. Candidates With M.A Can Apply Online on or before 11-03-2025.

FreeJobAlert 8 Mar 2025 9:38 am

Chhattisgarh panchayat gets all women elected unopposed

RAIPUR: In what is seen as a decisive move towards empowering women, a village Ranai of Koriya district in Chhattisgarh, has secured an extraordinary achievement in the recently held 3-tier panchayat polls, where only the women candidates got elected to all positions right from sarpanch to panch from every 15 wards. Ranai gram panchayat is around 350 km north of Raipur. Interestingly, all the women were elected unopposed and the Ranai village appeared unanimously firm with their decision as a symbolic gesture to politically empower the women while trusting their decision-making capability and preparation of an action plan for development. Earlier, Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 specified reservation of one-third seats in panchayats for women and later Chhattisgarh got it increased to 50% for women in 2008. Ranai village, with lush green environment with very fertile soil for agriculture, has a population of around 1900 and located 15 km from the district headquarters.

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2025 8:02 am

IAF fighter jet crashes in Haryana, pilot ejects safely: Police

CHANDIGARH, Mar 7: A fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in Haryanas Panchkula district on Friday with the pilot ejecting safely, said a police official. He said the pilot maneuvered the aircraft away from any habitation on the ground and there was no loss of life or injury reported to anyone on the ground. The IAF aircraft crashed in the hilly terrain of Panchkula district. The pilot ejected safely, SHO, Raipurrani in Panchkula district told PTI over the [] The post IAF fighter jet crashes in Haryana, pilot ejects safely: Police appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 7 Mar 2025 5:42 pm

One labourer killed, another hurt as IED planted by Maoists explodes at mine in Chhattisgarh

The blast occurred around 10.45 am in the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine under the Chhote Dongar police station limits, around 350 km from the capital, Raipur

The Hindu 7 Mar 2025 1:30 pm

One labourer killed, another injured as IED planted by Naxalites explodes at iron ore mine in Chhattisgarh

NARAYANPUR: injured One labourer was killed and another one was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off at an iron ore mine in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The blast occurred around 10.45 am in the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine under the Chhote Dongar police station limits, around 350 km from the capital, Raipur, an official said. He said that two labourers inadvertently came in contact with the IED, triggering the explosion. The official said the injured men, Dilip Kumar Baghel and Harendra Nag, were taken to a hospital in Chhote Dongar and later shifted to the district hospital, where one of them died. A search operation has been launched in the area, he said. Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been allotted the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati, and Naxalites have been opposing the project for a long time. On February 5 this year, a labourer was injured in a similar blast at Aamdai Ghati mine, while two were killed in an explosion in November 2023.

The New Indian Express 7 Mar 2025 12:41 pm

Two labourers injured as IED planted by Naxalites explodes at iron ore mine in Chhattisgarh

NARAYANPUR: Two labourers were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off at an iron ore mine in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The blast occurred around 10.45 am in the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine under the Chhote Dongar police station limits, around 350 km from the capital, Raipur, an official said. He said that two labourers inadvertently came in contact with the IED, triggering the explosion. The official said the injured men, Dilip Kumar Baghel and Harendra Nag, were taken to a hospital in Chhote Dongar and later shifted to the district hospital, where their condition is said to be out of danger. A search operation has been launched in the area, he said. Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been allotted the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati, and Naxalites have been opposing the project for a long time. On February 5 this year, a labourer was injured in a similar blast at Aamdai Ghati mine, while two were killed in an explosion in November 2023.

The New Indian Express 7 Mar 2025 12:41 pm

Nine dead, 16 injured in two accidents in Raipur, Narayanpur districts in Chhattisgarh

Nine individuals were killed and 16 injured in two separate road accidents in Raipur and Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, within the last 24 hours. In Raipur, a collision between a car and a truck claimed five lives, while in Narayanpur, a tractor-trolley accident resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries.

The Economic Times 6 Mar 2025 8:02 pm

Sex CD case: Special CBI court dismisses all charges against ex-Chhattisgarh CM Baghel

RAIPUR: In a major relief for former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, a special CBI court in Raipur on Tuesday dismissed all charges against him in connection with a sex CD tape that purportedly featured former BJP minister Rajesh Munat. The court heard the plea from the ex-CM seeking to absolve him in the row. The lawyer defending Baghel, Manish Dutt, told the court that he had been framed. The former CM was not involved in any crime, neither in making of the CD nor in its alleged distribution, he pleaded before the court. When the CD surfaced in 2017, the ruling BJP, citing it as fake, had lodged an FIR against senior journalist Vinod Verma (who later became a political advisor to Baghel after he became CM) and the then state Congress chief Baghel at Raipur civil lines thana. Verma was arrested from Delhi. Baghel was also arrested in September 2018 and later was granted bail. After the hearing, the court observed there is no material seen on record to show the involvement of the former CM in the given case. So, no case stands against Bhupesh Baghel and he was cleared of all charges, said Sushil Anand Shukla, chairman, Congress Media Cell. Baghel immediately took to X after the court order and posted, Satyamev Jayate. Baghel was accused under IPC Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy), Section 469 (forgery for harming reputation), Section 471 (genuine a forged document) and Section 67A of IT Act that stipulates punishment for publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act The then Raman Singh government alleged that the sex CD case was a political conspiracy and decided to hand over the case to the CBI.

The New Indian Express 4 Mar 2025 10:51 pm

In a digital era, Chhattisgarhs finance minister makes historic mark with 100-page handwritten budget

RAIPUR: In an era dominated by digital tools, research indicates that writing by hand can enhance creativity, improve retention, and boost memory more effectively than typing on a keyboard. In line with this, O.P. Choudhary, the finance minister of BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh and a former bureaucrat, recently presented the state budget in an unconventional yet significant mannerby hand. For the first time in Chhattisgarhs history, a 100-page budget was handwritten by the finance minister himself, marking a significant departure from the usual practice of computer-typed documents. This gesture symbolised a return to tradition and was seen as a conscious effort to promote originality and authenticity in governance. Chhattisgarh finance minister O.P. Choudhary It is a return to tradition and a step to promote originality. Presenting a handwritten budget in the digital age carries a distinct identity and historical significance. It promotes authenticity and transparency, Choudhary told The New Indian Express after completing this remarkable endeavor. Choudharys dedication to the task was evident as he spent countless hours working on it, living up to the idiom burning the midnight oil. If any word or line was incorrect, he would rewrite it for clarity, as the final document was to become an official government record. A close associate of the finance minister shared that Choudhary worked uninterrupted for three nights to complete the 100 pages. A 2005-batch IAS officer, Choudhary had resigned as Raipur Collector in 2019 to join the BJP. His strong command of Hindi, a subject he had studied during his UPSC preparation, helped him write the budget in his preferred style. He explained that his approach was guided by the principle of GYAN ke liye GATI, reflecting a commitment to rapid progress toward the states 2030 goals. This years Chhattisgarh budget continues the theme of prosperity from the previous year, focusing on GYAN (Knowledge) for the welfare of four key groups: Gareeb (the poor), Yuva (youth), Annadata (farmers), and Naari (women). The budget also emphasizes GATI (Speed) in driving the states growth, with a focus on Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth.

The New Indian Express 4 Mar 2025 10:16 am

AIIMS Raipur Senior Resident Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 111 Posts

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur (AIIMS Raipur) has recruits 111 Senior Resident Posts. Candidates With Diploma, DNB, MS/MD Can Apply Online from 01-03-2025 to 17-03-2025.

FreeJobAlert 4 Mar 2025 9:26 am

Raipur Diary | Keshkal Tunnel to link state with South India

Strife-torn Bastar in southern Chhattisgarh is set to get a lifeline with construction of Keshkal Tunnel, a major infrastructure project that will directly connect the state with South India. The tunnel is expected to revolutionise travel in the region, making it faster, safer, and more accessible. For years, travellers have struggled with the treacherous, winding roads of Bastar, built back in 1910. The existing route, with its sharp turns and rough mountain terrain, will now be replaced by a wide and secure tunnel, ensuring efficient transportation. The tunnel will be a boon for tourism in Bastar, for its natural beauty & heritage. Economic Survey pegs growth at 7.5% According to the Economic Survey 2024-25 presented by the state government, Chhattisgarhs economic growth is estimated to be 7.51% this year. The states economy stands on three major pillars agriculture, industry, and services all of which are expected to perform better. Last year, the states GSDP was Rs 3,06,712 crore, projected to reach Rs 3,29,752 crore this year. The total economic output measured by Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is expected to see significant growth. Per capita income in 2023-24 was Rs 1,48,922 crore is expected to reach Rs 1,62,870 in 2024-25. Foreign liquor becomes more affordable In Chhattisgarh, liquor often emerges as the political battleground while also keeping the state coffers brimming. However, in a major decision taken by Vishnu Deo Sai cabinet, the additional excise duty of 9.5% on foreign liquor has been abolished. The prices consequently of medium and high-range foreign liquor will decrease by Rs 40-3,000 per bottle. Besides reducing the financial burden on consumers and making foreign liquor affordable, it will also help curb smuggling of liquor from other states. This move will benefit the states revenue and help maintain market stability. Once liquor prices are uniform, there will be no incentive for illegal imports. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com

The New Indian Express 4 Mar 2025 7:45 am

Chhattisgarh budget aims to add GATI in economy

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government on Monday presented a Rs 1,65,000 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, aimed to build on the progress made in previous year growth with GATI. Finance minister O P Choudhary, in the second budget of the Vishnu Deo Sai government, focused on driving growth in Chhattisgarh under the theme of GYAN ke liye GATI to propel the journey with a rapid progress towards achieving the goals for 2030. While stressing on prosperity for previous year theme GYAN gareeb (poor), yuva (youths), annadata (farmers) and naari (women), this year budget is intended to induce progress and continue with the journey aspiring high growth trajectory with GATI (G-Good Governance, A-accelerating infrastructure, T for technology, I for industrial growth). This years budget is the next step to strengthen the foundation built in our mission of GYAN based on inclusive development. The emphasis is to accelerate economic growth and make the state more digital, secure and developed while introducing new initiatives in every sector, said Vishnu Deo Sai, chief minister. The Gross State Domestic Product at current prices is projected to increase from Rs 5,67,880 crore (2024-25) to Rs 6,35,918 crore in 2025-26, with 12% growth. The budget introduced a new pension fund for government employees. To address the lack of mobile network connectivity in villages located in forested and hilly terrain, the government will ensure the accessibility through Mukhyamantri Mobile Tower Yojana. A Special Operation Group (SOG) will be formed, similar to National Security Guards, to tackle high-risk criminals.

The New Indian Express 4 Mar 2025 7:35 am

Two Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

RAIPUR: Two Maoists, including a woman cadre in uniform, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Sukma district, about 450 km south of Raipur, on Saturday. Based on specific inputs about the presence of Maoists in the forested terrain of Gundrajgudem within the Kistaram police station limits of Sukma, a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the elite unit of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) personnel launched a search operation on Friday late evening, said Sunderraj P, Bastar Range Inspector General of Police. On Saturday, at around 9 am, an encounter ensued and continued intermittently between the forces and the Maoists, he added. During the search operation in and around the encounter site, two bodies of Maoists, including one of a female, were recovered, Sunderraj stated. The recovered bodies of the Maoists are yet to be identified. The forces also recovered weapons from the scene of the gun battle. There has been no report of any security personnel sustaining injuries in the gun battle, and further details were awaited. There were bloodstains at the encounter site and apparent signs of bodies being dragged, suggesting a possibility that more Maoists might have been killed and injured in the gunfight. The forces are carrying out search operations in the region, said Kiran Chauhan, Sukma district police chief. This year, 83 bodies of Maoists have been recovered so far in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh. Sukma remains one of the worst Maoist-affected districts in Bastar and being cited as an epicentre of left-wing extremists in south Chhattisgarh.

The New Indian Express 1 Mar 2025 8:49 pm

This Indian village has over 1000 content creators, boasts around 40 active YouTube channels, it is...

With a population of around 4,000, Tulsi, located near Raipur, is home to numerous residents passionate about making videos, showcasing the democratization of content creation.

DNA India 1 Mar 2025 6:05 am