AEIM plans Rs 10,000 cr investment in Raipur-based semicon material plant by 2030
AEIM plans a significant Rs 10,000 crore investment in its Raipur semiconductor materials manufacturing facility by 2030. Construction of the state-of-the-art plant, utilizing advanced technology, will begin immediately with the first phase targeted for completion by May 2026. This initiative aims to establish Raipur as a semiconductor hub, generating over 4,000 high-skilled jobs and driving regional economic growth.
Agarkar & Co. Slated To Meet In Mumbai To Select Indias Squads For White-ball Games Against SA
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: The senior mens selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to convene in Mumbai on Sunday to select Indias squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, said sources to IANS. Agarkar, along with RP Singh and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, were in Guwahati on Saturday to attend day one of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. But IANS understands that the trio left for Mumbai from Guwahati on Sunday for the selection committee meeting at the BCCI headquarters. Yes, the selection meeting is today in Mumbai, after being initially presumed that it would happen in Guwahati. It is understood that other members are also travelling to Mumbai for it, further said the sources. Following the conclusion of the two-match Test series, India will play against South Africa in three ODIs, to be played in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam and five T20Is set to take place in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The discussion in the Agarkar-led panel is expected to centre a lot on who could lead the side for the ODI series against the Proteas. Theres a leadership vacuum in the 50-over set-up as captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are unavailable due to neck and spleen injuries. With Gill also consulting Mumbai-based spinal surgeon Dr Abhay Nene for his neck injury recovery, it also puts him as a doubtful starter for the T20Is against South Africa, starting on December 9. IANS understands that theres a leadership toss-up between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, with more discussions expected to happen in the selection committees meeting. Rahul has led India previously in ODIs and was the captain when the side beat South Africa in the 50-over series in 2023. Pant, on the other hand, is captaining India in the ongoing second Test in Guwahati, but hasnt been a first-choice starter in the 50-over set-up due to Rahuls presence. In Gills absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner with Rohit Sharma at the top. IANS understands that theres a leadership toss-up between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, with more discussions expected to happen in the selection committees meeting. Rahul has led India previously in ODIs and was the captain when the side beat South Africa in the 50-over series in 2023. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For the T20I series against the Proteas, barring Gill, the majority of the squad is likely to be on the expected lines. It would be interesting to see if Hardik Pandya is included, with the seam-bowling all-rounder on rehab mode for a quad injury recovery at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS
Raipur Diary: : Chhattisgarh forest department tops All-India Forest Sports Meet for 13th year
State leads in all-India Forest Sports Meet For the 13th consecutive year, the Chhattisgarh forest department maintained its supremacy at the All India Forest Sports Meet held in Dehradun. The forest department won the overall Championship trophy. The states indomitable 253-member team led by APCCF Shalini Raina with the sterling spirit secured exceptional results with 74 gold medals and 578 Championship points to stand at Number-1 position in India. Kerala (31 Gold, 357 points) and Karnataka (25 Gold, 326 points) secured 2nd and 3rd places. Such a victory for the forest department team is far more than a sporting milestone, setting new benchmarks of excellence at the national level. Pandum Cafe: A coffee shop with a difference A unique Pandum Cafe in Bastar is not merely a coffee shop but a significant plan to rehabilitate surrendered Maoist cadres and victims of Naxal violence. Launched at the divisional headquarters in Jagdalpur, it provides to those who once picked up guns and engaged violence with sustainable livelihoods. CM Vishnu Deo Sai interacted with the hired enthusiastic team who began a new chapter of hope and reintegration after returning to the social mainstream. As a part of the state governments rehabilitation initiative, the move signifies an innovative effort reflecting a potent journey from conflict to cooperation. Youths here have had training. Aadhaar-enabled attendance from Dec 1 In an intended push towards ensuring transparency, punctuality and administrative efficiency, the state decided to roll-out mandatory Aadhaar-enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) across all departments operating from the state secretariat complex. The new practice will start from December 1. All employees can register their IN/OUT attendance on their smartphones using Aadhaar-enabled facial verification. This mobile-based system is designed to offer convenience while maintaining biometric integrity. And the wall-mounted, thumb-based biometric devices have been installed at all major entry points of the Secretariat. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Chhattisgarh Govt directs heads of schools to report on stray dogs, Teachers' body protest
RAIPUR: The Directorate of Public Instructions (DPI), Chhattisgarh government, has directed school principals, headmasters and heads of institutions to ensure timely reporting of stray dogs roaming in the premises and see to it that schools remain safe. The order, however, is being criticised by the Shaley Shikshak Sangh (School Teachers' Union). The DPI in its official circular sent to all joint directors (Education) and District Education Officers (DEO) in the state has referred to the recent directive given by the Supreme Court in one of the writ petitions. The DPI has asked them to implement the order without delay by appointing school principals or heads of education institution as the nodal officer in each school. The order bestows responsibility upon these nodal officersto follow it promptly at the school level to ensure the educational premises or surrounding areas remain safe and conducive with the safety of students. Teachers are often overloaded with various tasks besides their own responsibilities. Such an additional duty is impractical as the directive over-burdening teachers with works other than their core responsibilities. Such imposed order is not good for teachers as well for the academic progress of students. We oppose such an order and appeal to the education minister that responsibility of such a task should be given to local administrationfrom panchayat to municipal corporation, said Virendra Dubey, state president of the Shaley Shikshak Sangh (School Teachers Union). The circular was issued by the Directorate of Public Instructions (DPI). School teachers expressed aversion against the official circular, asserting that it will deviate them from educational related works and may adversely impact the academic curricula. How come principals or headmasters who attend schools only during the fixed hours of the day can remain watchful for stray dogs? And how will he or she identify if the dog is stray or has an owner? We try complying with all that is required for protection or care of students, said a teacher on condition of anonymity. However, the State School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav said the reason behind such an instruction is to keep the higher authorities promptly informed if there is an increase in the number of stray dogs in and around the schools, to ascertain the safety or well-being of students. The governments directive is keeping in line with the spirit of the recent Supreme Court order. No one should feel offended over the directive issued or take it otherwise, the minister said.
India retail shift: Tier IIIII cities powering new phase of real estate growth
India's retail boom is shifting beyond metros, with Tier II and III cities now leading organized retail expansion. Rising incomes and evolving consumer tastes for lifestyle experiences are fueling this growth. Cities like Raipur, Vizag, and Bhubaneswar are becoming key hubs, attracting brands and investors eager to tap into new, aspirational audiences.
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Nortje Returns To South Africa Squad For T20Is Against India, Hermann Included For ODIs
South Africa T20I: Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has returned to South Africas squad for the T20I series against India, to be held from December 9-19, while batter Rubin Hermann has earned a callup for the ODI leg of the tour taking place from November 30 to December 6. Nortje, 32, last turned out for South Africa in the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados in June 2024. The fast bowler returned to competitive cricket through the CSA T20 Challenge with the Dolphins, after having fully recovered from a stress reaction injury that sidelined him from the Proteas trips to Zimbabwe, Australia, and England. Of course, well miss KG (Kagiso Rabada) on this tour, but as we saw in the first Test win over India, this group has depth and that is one of our primary goals as a squad; to develop a unit filled with players who can step up at any time. Every time someone is unavailable, it opens the door for another player to stand up. We want to see more players stand up as we have been seeing so often over the past couple of years. It's also really good to welcome Anrich back into the T20I side after he missed the previous tours through injury. We know exactly what he brings, so were really looking forward to working with him, said head coach Shukri Conrad in a statement. Wicketkeeper-batter Hermann, meanwhile, made his ODI debut against Pakistan earlier this month. Temba Bavuma will lead the side in the ODI series against India to be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Aiden Markram returns to captain the T20I side for the series to be played in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad, with David Miller also back in the set-up and Ryan Rickelton finding no place. Were really looking forward to this white-ball tour for so many reasons. The T20I series in particular is an important opportunity for us to finalise our squad ahead of next years T20 World Cup, which will also be played in India. Getting clarity on combinations and roles now is crucial as we build towards that tournament. In the 50-over format, these matches will give us a clear picture of where we are as a group and what we need to keep building on as we shape the squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup, added Conrad. Were really looking forward to this white-ball tour for so many reasons. The T20I series in particular is an important opportunity for us to finalise our squad ahead of next years T20 World Cup, which will also be played in India. Getting clarity on combinations and roles now is crucial as we build towards that tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa T20I squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Tristan Stubbs. Article Source: IANS
Umar Visited Mosque In Haryana Several Times Before Delhi Blast; Maulana, Urdu Teacher Detained
Umar, the suicide bomber in the blast outside Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station which killed 13 people, visited the Raipur mosque several times.
UP STF nabs Noida man impersonating RAW, Army officer
NOIDA: A 37-year-old man has been arrested by the Noida unit of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) for allegedly posing as an officer of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Army Major and Colonel, officials said on Wednesday. The accused, Suneet Kumar, was held on Tuesday evening, and multiple fake identity documents, including a forged RAW officer and Army ID carrying his photograph, were recovered from him, they said. Additional Superintendent of Police (STF Noida) Raj Kumar Mishra told PTI that Kumar, originally from Ajoi village in Vaishali district of Bihar, was currently living in Paramount Golf Forest under the Surajpur police station area of Greater Noida. The arrested accused sometimes claims to be an Army officer and sometimes a RAW officer, and his activities are suspicious. Following the interrogation, based on sufficient evidence, the suspect, Suneet Kumar, was arrested around 8.30 pm on Tuesday, leading to the above-mentioned seizure, Mishra said. He said during interrogation, the arrested accused is 37 years old and has completed his post-graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Kalinga University, Raipur, in 2012. The accused uses various names and positions to influence individuals and coerce them into performing tasks. He also calls various people posing as a RAW officer to obtain his work. Posing as an Army Major, Colonel or a RAW officer, he rents houses in societies by creating forged documents in various names, the police officer said. Accused Kumar has also created companies like Happu Mental Health Service 2, Festum 24 Technologies Private Ltd and Lokally Technologies Private Limited, in which he and his maternal aunt's sister are directors, according to the STF. Mishra said, The primary purpose of these fake accounts was to make transactions in the Happu Mental Health Service company's accounts to increase its valuation. During interrogation, it was also revealed that transactions worth over Rs 3 crore have taken place in Happu Mental Health Service company over the past 10 months. Kumar's primary objective was to increase the company's valuation and get it listed on the stock market as a public company, so that a huge amount of money could be received as investment through IPO, the agency said. Rs 40 lakh in RBL Bank account and Rs 41 lakh in Kotak Mahindra Bank account in the fake name of Amit Kumar have been frozen. Information is being gathered regarding other criminal activities of accused Suneet Kumar, Mishra said. A case has been registered against the arrested accused at Surajpur Police Station in Gautam Budh Nagar under the sections 319(2), 318(4), 338, 336 (3), 340(2), Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 66 D IT Act. According to the STF, the seized items include two fake IDs, 20 cheque books of different banks, eight debit and credit cards, five PAN cards, 17 forged rent agreements in various names, two Aadhaar cards, three voter ID cards and several other documents. Further investigation in the case is underway, the officer added.
PM Modi highlights Bastars shift from permission-bound region to hub of sporting activity
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Bastar, once a region where even journalists allegedly needed multiple permissions to enter, has now begun drawing national attention through sport. Referring to the Bastar Olympic, he remarked, Today, the same Bastar is drawing national attention through sports, this change reflects the regions new mindset. The Bastar Olympic, which began in 2024, has now entered its second edition in an even bigger and more vibrant form. The event is being organised across all 32 development blocks of the Bastar division from 25 October this year. The PMs remarks not only underline the growing national interest the event is receiving but are also indicative of a journey towards lasting peace in the region. Participation numbers have risen sharply, from 1.65 lakh players last year to 3,91,297 registered players in 2025, including over 2.27 lakh women athletes. Players from all seven districts in the Bastar division, Jagdalpur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma and Narayanpur, will compete in 11 sports, including archery, kabaddi, football, hockey, badminton, kho-kho, volleyball, karate, athletics, weightlifting and tug-of-war. A series of competitions is being held at various levels, covering both team and individual categories. One of the most striking features of this years edition is the participation of surrendered Maoists, competing under the new identity of Yuva Baat. Bastar, officials say, is turning a page, from bullets to belief, from conflict to confidence, as individuals who once held weapons are now showcasing talent, speed and the hope of a new beginning on the sports field. Alongside them, Divyang (persons with disabilities) players affected by Naxal violence are also taking part, making the event not just a sporting festival but a symbol of harmony, social inclusion and transformative change in Bastar. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Bastar Olympic is not merely a sporting platform but a bridge connecting the youth with the mainstream. He added, The energy shown by the young people of Bastar proves that the region is moving rapidly towards peace, development and positive transformation.
India will start clinical trial for treating sickle cell disease among central India tribal
On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has transferred indigenous technology for developing a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII). India has the second-highest number of children born with SCD globally, with an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 new cases each year, particularly among tribal communities in Central India. SII will now conduct clinical trials to develop a more cost-effective treatment for this genetic disorder. At present, CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for SCD costs around USD 3 million (approximately Rs 26 crore), mainly due to high licensing fees. The newly developed indigenous technology, however, is expected to bring the cost down to around Rs 50 lakh. Meanwhile, IGIB has already begun the first phase of clinical trials in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and CSIR. We have created a pool of around 150 potential participants from cities such as Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Ranchi in Jharkhand to begin the clinical trial, said Dr Souvik Maiti, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IGIB. We will finalise three participants from this pool for our first trial after obtaining the necessary approvals, added Maiti, the lead investigator for this flagship project. Extraction of the affected gene from bone marrow will be carried out at AIIMS Delhi, while the gene editing will take place at IGIBs dedicated centre. The extraction process is expected to take 120 days. Following the transfer of technology, SII will collaborate with IGIB to conduct the second and third phases of clinical trials, involving a larger pool of participants. IGIB noted that a similar treatment was successfully administered to three African individuals in the United States. Encouraged by this progress, Indian scientists decided to replicate the process domestically using indigenous technology. It has taken nearly six years for India to develop its own CRISPR platform. Experts believe that similar indigenisation of CRISPR technology can also be achieved in the agriculture sector. Currently, ICAR has been negotiating licensing fees with foreign agencies rather than developing its own indigenous CRISPR systems.
Chhattisgarh ATS detains two juveniles linked to Pakistan-based ISIS handlers
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two juveniles in Raipur for allegedly being in contact with Pakistan-based handlers linked to an ISIS module and attempting to influence others through social media. According to officials, both minors were influenced by the handlers and operated fake social media accounts to disseminate ISIS ideology and circulate violent, provocative content aimed at drawing more youths into the network. State Home Minister Vijay Sharma said the arrests followed a lengthy investigation. This is the first such instance to emerge this year. Efforts are underway to check if similar cases exist in other parts of Chhattisgarh. The two youngsters have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and produced before court. They were working under the direction of ISIS modules active in Pakistan, he said. We will also identify those associated with ISIS and take stern action in Chhattisgarh. The strength of ATS team will be augmented in Raipur and other cities of the state, the home minister added. In its statement, the ATS said a Pakistan-based ISIS module had been running pseudonymous accounts in cyberspace to destabilise India and compromise internal security. The agency added that Instagram IDs were being used to mislead Indian youths, promoting anti-India activities, extreme violence, radicalisation and Jihadist ideology. Evidence also indicated that the adolescents were being encouraged to set up an ISIS module within Chhattisgarh, the ATS noted.
Seven Maoists killed in Andhra encounter, day after police gun down top commander
RAIPUR: Seven Maoists were killed on Wednesday in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Maredumilli area of Andhra Pradesh, police said, marking the second major blow to Maoist ranks within 24 hours. The development comes a day after six Maoists, including Madvi Hidma, who heads the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitaramaraju district. Addressing a press conference, AP Intelligence ADG Mahesh Chandra Laddha said, In continuation with Tuesday's operation, seven Maoists have died until now, according to information received from the field. Seven bodies, including those of three women, have so far been recovered from the site. The Greyhounds, the elite anti-Maoist force, are continuing combing operations in the thick forest terrain of the ASR district. Eight weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, were also recovered by the forces from the encounter site, officials said. Among those killed was Meturi (Metturu) Jog Rao, alias Shankar, identified as an AndhraOdisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) member, Central Committee member, and in charge of AndhraOdisha Border (AOB) operations. A native of Srikakulam, Shankar was considered a specialist in technical operations, arms manufacturing and communication systems, officials said. Other slain Maoists include Sita alias Jyothi, a Divisional Committee Member (AOBSZC), and five Area Committee Members (ACMs) of the AOBSZC, according to preliminary information. (This is a developing story) Most wanted Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed 12 days ahead of Amit Shah's deadline
Anti-Terrorism Squad Arrests 2 Chhattisgarh Teens For ISIS Links
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Chhattisgarh detained two boys in Raipur for their alleged links with terror outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has said.
100-plus minors, held as bonded labourers, rescued from Raipur factory
NHRC member says that the children mostly tribals from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha were exposed to formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer
Six Maoists, including top commander Madvi Hidma and his wife, killed in Andhra Pradesh
Raipur: Top Naxalite commander Madvi Hidma, who masterminded several attacks over the last two decades, was killed in an encounter in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, a breakthrough the Chhattisgarh Police described as the last nail in the coffin of insurgency. Security forces gunned down Hidma (51), his wife Madkam Raje, and four other Maoists 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 .
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurates Pandum Caf for surrendered Maoists in Bastar
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday inaugurated a unique Pandum Cafe at the divisional headquarters in Jagdalpur in the Bastar region to provide employment opportunities to former Maoists who have surrendered. After the inauguration, the Chief Minister interacted with the hired enthusiastic team who began a new chapter of hope and reintegration after returning to the social mainstream. Pandum Cafe is an inspiring symbol of the positive change underway in Bastars ongoing campaign to eliminate left-wing extremism. The caf represents hope, progress, and peace, said CM Sai said. As a part of the state government's rehabilitation initiative, the move signifies an innovative effort reflecting a potent journey from conflict to cooperation. The hands that once were engaged in violence or conflict now contribute towards fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration. Youths working here are mostly those who renounced the violent path to embrace a life of peace and the survivors of Naxal violence. With the support of the Bastar district administration and police, they have undergone extensive training in hospitality services, caf management, customer service, hygiene standards, food safety, and basic entrepreneurship. The name Pandum manifests the cultural roots and traditional ethos of Bastar. Its taglineWhere every cup tells a storysymbolises that every cup served here carries not just aroma and taste, but also the story of courage, change, and a new beginning, said Sundarraj Pattlingam, Bastar range inspector general of police. One of the surrendered Maoist women, expressing her sentiments on the initiative delightfully appreciated the opportunity given to serve society. It feels like a new life, giving us peace and self-respect, she said. The caf stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the administration, police, community, victims of Maoist violence, and rehabilitated Red cadres work together towards peace and development.
Naxalite killed in encounter with cops in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
A Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Tuesday. The exchange of fire broke out in the morning on a forested hill under Errabor police station limits when a team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation based on inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area, a police official said. So far, the body of one Naxalite has been recovered from the spot, he said. An intermittent gunfight was underway, and further details were awaited, he added. On Sunday, three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in the forested hills of Bhejji and Chintagufa police station areas of Sukma. With the latest action, 263 Naxalites have been killed in encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of them, 234 were eliminated in the Bastar division, comprising seven districts, including Sukma, while 27 others were gunned down in Gariaband district, which falls in the Raipur division. Two Naxalites were killed in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district in Durg division. (This is a developing story)
CAT 2025: IIM professor shares smart strategies to ace Quantitative Aptitude
CAT 2025 aspirants can benefit from practical QA preparation advice shared by Prof. Anand Kumar of IIM Raipur. He stresses concept-wise revision, regular formula review, and using mixed-topic mocks to build adaptive problem-solving. Prof. Kumar recommends focusing on high-weight areas like Arithmetic and Algebra, maintaining accuracy over attempts, and following a concise 3045 minute daily routine. His guidance aims to strengthen confidence, speed, and decision-making for better QA performance.
Three Naxalites killed in encounter in Chhattisgarhs Sukma
Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Sukma district on Sunday, police said. The gunfight broke out on the forested hills between the Bhejji and Chintagufa police station areas in the morning when a team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) launched an anti-Naxalite operation based on inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the region, Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan told PTI. So far, three Naxalites have been killed, and the operation is still underway, he said. With this latest encounter, 262 Naxalites have been killed in Chhattisgarh this year. Of them, 233 were eliminated in the Bastar division, which comprises seven districts, including Sukma, while 27 were killed in Gariaband district in the Raipur division. Two Naxalites were also gunned down in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district in the Durg division. (With inputs from PTI)
RAIPUR: An interactive App Saur Samadhan, intended to ensure the users' access to clean and renewable energy from installed solar plants without any hassles in Chhattisgarh, gets recognised for yielding expedient purposes. A real-time monitoring followed by resolution of complaints, the App designed by Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) leads to better accountability among the workforce, fetching appreciable results for those accessing power from solar plants. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo launched the innovative App on 18 November 2024, and so far, the complaints of over 1250 solar plants have been attended to and resolved through it. The Society of Energy Engineers and Managers has selected the CREDA App for its 10th national energy management awards to be held in Delhi on November 19-20. During the occasion, CREDA chief Rajesh Singh Rana will be awarded the best chief executive officer for facilitating the innovative App that promptly serves the needs of the consumers without any inconvenience, an official said. The key features of the CREDA App include real-time monitoring processes, resilient inspection protocols and a resolute framework for resolving public complaints. Around 2.75 lakh solar plants have been successfully set up in Chhattisgarh, with the reach of clean renewable energy expanded across the remote areas, mostly in rural-tribal belts. Saur Samadhan can instantly monitor its established solar plants on an effective digital medium.The App enables users to report operational issues with solar installations directly from their mobile phones. After the complaint on sharing information over a non-working or malfunctioning device is registered, an ID is generated for each grievance. The status and action initiated can be tracked by concerned consumers on the App. There is a straightforward and transparent information procedure established between CREDA and the consumers on quick complaint resolution at district and headquarters levels, saidRana, theCEO. The concerned officials get an instant message about the grievance via text messaging (short message service) and WhatsApp on their mobile phone, following which swift action is initiated, directing the ground staff to attend, repair and restore faulty or disrupted solar plants to optimum functioning state. The complaint resolution process has been made effective, quick and reliable. In the process, the quality of work and performance at the field level gets remarkably improved, the CEO added.
Digital tribal museum in Chhattisgarh sparks pride, connection among youth
RAIPUR: The countrys first digital tribal museum has begun evoking a deep sense of pride and historical connection among tribal youths, women, academicians and tourists. Indias first digital tribal museum, set up in New Raipur, the new capital city of Chhattisgarh, is generating excitement across communities. The recently inaugurated Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has quickly become a major attraction. The museum features life-sized sculptures and vivid representations of tribal freedom fighters and their resistance against the British Empire. It serves as an inspiring source for tribal youth and local communities who may be unaware of their rich history. Divided into 17 immersive sections, the museum employs sound, light and digital projections to transport visitors into the world of Chhattisgarhs indigenous communities. Each display, whether showcasing village life, crafts or heroic resistance, offers a visual feast filled with colour and movement that captivates both casual tourists and serious researchers. For local villagers, these exhibits evoke a deep sense of pride and connection. Our ancestors stories of resistance against British colonialism inspire us, said Mahendra Netam, a tribal youth from the Sarguja region who now works as a bike taxi driver in Raipur. He stood in front of an exhibit depicting the 1857 tribal uprisings that swept through central India, where Adivasi leaders like Gend Singh and Veer Narayan Singh bravely fought against British oppression. In addition to documenting tribal resistance history, another section of the museum highlights the daily lives of tribal people, including their cultural practices, food, household chores and last rites. In one corner, a group of women gathered around a display showcasing the transformation of tribal households, from using fuelwood and clay stoves to adopting LPG cooking. The women observed the plaque with intrigued expressions, reflecting on their own changing lifestyles. These types of cooking vessels are still used in our village, said Sinita Goud, a young mother holding her infant, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she pointed to the gleaming bronze vessels. For many, the museum represents more than just an archive; it serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It celebrates resilience, adaptation and identity. By digitally documenting tribal history, everyday life and resistance movements, the museum ensures that the stories of Chhattisgarhs indigenous people are not only preserved but also retold in their own vibrant, proud and enduring voice. The museum was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 November. So far, over one lakh visitors have visited it since then. India is home to several museums dedicated to tribal history and culture. A prominent example is the State Tribal Museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which focuses on tribal life in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Other significant sites include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi (Jharkhand), dedicated to tribal freedom fighters; the Tribal Museum in Silvassa (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), showcasing local life; and the Tribal Research & Training Institute Museum in Pune, which preserves Maharashtras tribal heritage.
Chhattisgarh emerges as Indias new logistics, mineral powerhouse with record copper export to China
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has marked a major milestone by flagging off the countrys largest-ever copper concentrate export to China, a development that positions the state as a rising hub in Indias logistics and industrial landscape, government officials said. Scripting a new chapter in the countrys growth, a mega consignment of 12,000 metric tonnes of copper concentrate was dispatched from the Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Nava Raipur. The first rake, carrying 2,200 metric tonnes, left for Visakhapatnam Port on November 11, from where it will be shipped to China. Developed under the Department of Industries, the Nava Raipur MMLP is fast emerging as Central Indias gateway to global markets. Equipped with advanced cargo-handling systems, integrated rail connectivity, and cost-effective multimodal operations, the facility ensures that industries across the region can access international markets seamlessly and efficiently. Chhattisgarh simultaneously continues to play a vital role in Indias mineral economy. Alongside copper, the state holds the unique distinction of being the sole producer of tin in the entire country. In fact, 100 per cent of Indias tin output comes from Chhattisgarh, which possesses about 35.83 per cent of the nations total tin ore reserves. With an estimated 30 million tonnes of tin deposits located primarily in Dantewada and Sukma districts, the state serves as a key supplier for industries that depend on this crucial mineral. Tin is an essential component in electronics, defence equipment, solar panels, and high-tech manufacturing, making Chhattisgarhs contribution vital to modern technological advancement. Over the past 25 years, Chhattisgarhs mining sector has achieved remarkable progress. When the state was formed in November 2000, mineral revenue stood at just 429 crore. Today, it has surged to 14,592 crore representing a 34-fold increase. The government has introduced the Chhattisgarh State Logistics Policy 2025 , a roadmap aimed at transforming the state into Indias leading logistics hub by 2047. The policy focuses on developing modern multimodal infrastructure, promoting exports, encouraging private investment, and creating large-scale employment opportunities through balanced regional development. The dispatch of Chhattisgarhs largest copper export consignment is not just a commercial event, it is a powerful stride toward an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), said Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Chhattisgarh has reinforced its image as one of Indias most efficient and strategically located trade and logistics hubs, affirmed a government spokesperson.
ED seizes assets worth Rs 61 crore of ex-CM Bhupesh Baghels son in Chhattisgarh liquor scam
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths have attached assets worth 61.20 crore belonging to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghels son, Chaitanya Baghel, in connection with the alleged 2,500 crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam, the agency said on Thursday. The attached assets include immovable properties comprising 364 residential plots and agricultural lands worth 59.96 crore. The present attachment of 61.20 crore is in continuation of earlier attachments of immovable properties valued at approximately 215 crore. The agency initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Economic Offence Wing of Raipur Police in Chhattisgarh in connection with the liquor scam case. Police investigation has revealed that the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam resulted in a massive loss to the state exchequer and enriched the beneficiaries with more than 2,500 crore of proceeds of crime generated through the commission of scheduled offences. Investigation conducted under PMLA has revealed that Chaitanya Baghel, son of Bhupesh Baghel, was positioned at the apex of the liquor syndicate. His position as the Chief Ministers son made him the controller and ultimate authority of the liquor syndicate. He was responsible for maintaining the hisab (accounts) of all illicit funds collected by the syndicate. All major decisions relating to collection, channelisation, and distribution of such funds proceeds of crime were taken under his directions, the agency said in a statement. The probe further established that he was allegedly a recipient of the proceeds of crime, which he layered through his real estate business and projected as untainted assets. Chaitanya Baghel allegedly utilised the proceeds of crime generated from the liquor scam for the development of his real estate project Vitthal Green under his proprietorship concern, Baghel Developers. The agency arrested him on July 18, 2025, and he is presently in judicial custody. Earlier, in this case, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, Anwar Dhebar, Arun Pati Tripathi (ITS), and Kawasi Lakhma, MLA and then Excise Minister of Chhattisgarh, were arrested by the ED. Further investigation is under progress.
Chhattisgarh bags Rs 33,321 crore investment proposals at Ahmedabad Investor Connect
RAIPUR: The Investor Connect programme held in Ahmedabad has brought a fresh wave of optimism for Chhattisgarhs industrial landscape, with the state receiving investment proposals worth approximately 33,321 crore. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented Intent to Invest letters to leading companies across diverse sectors, including thermal power, green steel manufacturing, solar cells, pharmaceuticals, and medical food supplements. These investments are expected to generate over 14,900 new employment opportunities across the state. Since the implementation of Chhattisgarhs new Industrial Policy, the state has attracted a cumulative 7.83 lakh crore in investment proposals, a government spokesperson said. During the Ahmedabad event, CM Sai emphasised that Gujarat and Chhattisgarh together will play a pivotal role in building a Developed India. He engaged in detailed discussions with Indias top industrialists and business leaders, elucidating emerging opportunities in Chhattisgarh. It is inspiring to be in Gujarat, the land of industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Every grain of Gujarat reflects enterprise, and there is no corner of the world without the presence of our Gujarati brothers. Chhattisgarh is advancing rapidly on its own path of growth as our state has energy, minerals, skilled manpower, and an investor-friendly industrial policy a combination that is no less than a blessing for investors, the CM said, and further added that Chhattisgarh holds vast potential in thermal, hydel, solar, and forest-based industries. Over the past 22 months, the Chhattisgarh government has implemented more than 350 reforms to make the establishment of industries smoother and faster. Under the new industrial policy, special incentives and subsidies are being offered, with additional support for industries established in tribal-dominated regions such as Bastar and Surguja. The BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh plans to transform Naya Raipur into a dedicated IT and AI data centre hub, attracting interest from semiconductor and electronics companies. Tourism has also been accorded the status of an industry, opening new avenues for investment in the hospitality and wellness sectors.
Six Maoists killed in gunfight with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur
RAIPUR: At least six CPI (Maoist) cadre were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces during a search operation in the south-western region of Bijapur district, the police said on Tuesday. Jitendra Yadav, Bijapur district superintendent of police said that a search operation was launched based on information about the presence of Maoists in the National Park area of Bijapur district. A joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur and Dantewada and Special Task Force (STF) encountered the Maoists. The DSP said, several cadre were injured in the gunfire that ensued between the security forces and Maoists. So far six bodies have been recovered from the site during the search operation, the DSP stated. The forces also recovered weapons including an automatic INSAS assault rifle, Stengun, .303 rifles, explosives and materials belonging to the Maoists, he added. The Bastar range inspector general of police Sundarraj P cited the Bijapur operation as a significant advance for security forces engaged in the anti-Maoist campaign. Six notorious Red ultras were killed. The success comes at a time when the Maoist organisation is leaderless, directionless, and demoralised, confined to its few remaining hideouts, the IG said. The search and area domination are still continuing in the surrounding forested terrain. Additional teams of DRG, STF, Bastar Fighters, CRPF and Chhattisgarh Armed Force have been deployed to surrounding areas to encircle the remaining Maoist cadres fleeing the area. As the search operation is ongoing, further operational details were withheld, owing to the safety concerns of the personnel engaged on the ground. Bijapur, among the seven Maoist-affected districts in Bastar zone, is cited as an epicentre of the left-wing extremist group in south Chhattisgarh.
NMDC steel plant in Bastar foils Rs 120-crore cyber fraud attempt
RAIPUR: In what could have been one of the largest cyber frauds targeting a public sector enterprise, NMDC Steel Limited (NSL), a subsidiary of the Navratna company National Mineral Development Corporation, narrowly escaped losing Rs 120 crore to fraudsters posing as foreign vendors. The incident occurred at NSLs integrated steel plant in Nagarnar, Bastar. The plant, which sources both indigenous and imported coking coal, including from Australia, for its blast furnace operations, had been corresponding with what appeared to be a legitimate US-based supplier. According to Jagdalpur Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha, unidentified fraudsters spoofed the official email ID of the US vendor and initiated a fake correspondence, eventually sending altered banking details to NSL for payment. Acting on these communications, NSL processed a transfer of Rs 120 crore through a regional branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) to the banks overseas branch in the United States. However, the overseas SBI branch grew suspicious of the transaction and put the payment on hold. The branch immediately alerted us. Upon verification with the actual vendor, we discovered that no such correspondence or deal had taken place, said Rafique Ahmed, spokesperson for the Nagarnar plant. SP Sinha confirmed that the amount remains secure. The funds are safe and will be returned to NMDC Steel Limited. The investigation has been initiated, and preliminary findings suggest the fraud originated abroad, he said. Company officials noted that prompt action by both NSL staff and the bank prevented any financial loss. We detected discrepancies early, checked with our vendor, and stopped the transaction on time, Ahmed added. A case has been registered with the Jagdalpur Cyber Police Station, which is coordinating with national and international authorities to trace the culprits. NSLs integrated steel plant, spread across 1,980 acres and built at an estimated cost of Rs 24,000 crore, is located about 300 km south of Raipur. Last year, it achieved a key production milestone, surpassing 2 million tonnes of hot metal. The plant produces hot rolled coils, sheets, plates, and hot metal, and operates on a zero-discharge environmental model.
Raipur Diary | State explores business opportunities in Gujarat
Chhattisgarh, aiming to explore cross-state business opportunities with Gujarats investor community, is set to now host the Investor Connect event in Ahmedabad on November 11. The event will spotlight the states industrial ecosystem, progressive policies and a well-established ease-of-doing business framework that positions it as one of the countrys most promising investments designations. There will be meetings with prospective investors as the senior state officials will present sector-specific opportunities, investor incentives and the infrastructure advantages to set up and operate industries efficiently and profitably. 2nd phase of SIR: Its BJP versus Cong in the state As the second phase of SIR of electoral rolls began, the ruling BJP organised a training workshop in Raipur exhorting the party workers to turn the exercise a mass movement, reach out to grassroots level, reach every household, double-check each familys name and include them in the voter list. However, the Congress has decided to monitor the SIR procedure across the state and said the work should reflect the genuine agenda of the EC and not as a political tool of any govt. While demanding transparency be maintained, the opposition felt a one-month deadline to voters is insufficient for document submission and verification. Physiotherapist feted after womens world cup Akanksha Satyavanshi wasnt a player on the field but was responsible for the players fitness. A Chhattisgarh resident, she was a physiotherapist of the World Cup-winning Indian womens cricket team. She has been felicitated by CM Vishnu Deo Sai with an honorarium of `10 lakh in recognition for her contribution. Satyavanshi maintained the fitness, recovery, and mental strength of the team throughout the series. She stood firmly with her team. As a physiotherapist and sports science expert, she strongly felt that what matters in success is perseverance and self-belief. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
PM, Shah to meet top cops in Chhattisgarh for final Maoist blow
NEW DELHI: With a special focus on the governments target to completely eliminate Naxal menace in the country, the 60th edition of annual Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Conference will be held in Chhattisgarhs Nava Raipur from November 28 to 30. As part of the settled practice the event will bring together Indias top police brass in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the main focus of the meet this time is going to be finding ways and means to make a final assault on the Naxal operatives, who are now present only in limited areas. Besides, the high-level meet will also serve as a strategic platform to deliberate on Indias other evolving internal security challenges and chart the future of modern policing, as per the agenda for the conference. Still, complete eradication of Left-Wing-Extremism (LWE) will remain at the core of deliberations, as this remains a national priority set by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs with a targeted deadline of March 31, 2026. With barely five months remaining, the discussions will centre on assessing current progress, identifying operational gaps and recalibrating strategies for the final phase of anti-Naxal campaigns, officials said. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister are expected to personally review feedback from DGPs and heads of central forces, ensuring on-ground challenges are directly addressed and operations remain aligned with the national priority of total elimination of Naxalism, a senior MHA official said. According to the MHA officials, the meet will also address a broad spectrum of internal security and policing challenges, including innovation in modern policing. Focus on tech-driven surveillance, Ai in security There will be a focussed discussion on improving tech-driven surveillance by adopting advanced tools and data-driven intelligence systems. Another focus area would be exploring effective use of AI in security, as the latest tech is considered both a threat and an opportunity for predictive policing, cyber defense and crime analysis, the officials said.
India to host 60th DGP-IGP conference in Raipur with focus on eliminating naxal threat
NEW DELHI: With a special focus on the governments goal of completely eliminating the Naxal threat, the 60th annual Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Conference will be held in Chhattisgarhs Nava Raipur from 28 to 30 November. As per established practice, the event will bring together Indias top police leadership in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This year, the main focus of the conference will be on strategies to launch a final push against Naxal operatives, now confined to limited areas. The high-level meet will also serve as a strategic platform to deliberate on other evolving internal security challenges and shape the future of modern policing, according to the conference agenda. The complete eradication of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) will remain central to discussions, as it is a national priority set by the Ministry of Home Affairs with a target deadline of 31 March 2026. With just five months remaining, discussions will focus on assessing current progress, identifying operational gaps, and recalibrating strategies for the final phase of anti-Naxal operations, officials said. The Prime Minister and Home Minister are expected to personally review feedback from DGPs and heads of central forces, ensuring on-ground challenges are directly addressed and operations remain aligned with the national priority of total elimination of Naxalism, a senior MHA official said. Hosting the event in Raipur underscores Chhattisgarhs strategic significance in Indias internal security landscape. As one of the states most affected by Naxal activity, Chhattisgarh provides a critical setting for real-time evaluation of counter-insurgency efforts and inter-agency coordination. The venue selection reflects both the symbolic and operational importance of consolidating gains achieved against left-wing extremists in recent years. Beyond the Naxal threat, the conference will address a broad range of internal security and policing challenges, including innovations in modern policing. Top leadership will review next-generation law enforcement models and best practices for proactive policing. Discussions will focus on enhancing tech-driven surveillance through advanced tools and data-driven intelligence systems. Another key area will be the effective use of Artificial Intelligence in security, considered both a potential threat and an opportunity for predictive policing, cyber defence, and crime analysis. Participants will explore ways to strengthen real-time intelligence sharing and inter-state coordination to build a unified national security grid. Senior police and intelligence officials from all states and central agencies will participate in sessions promoting an integrated approach to internal security. The exchange of ideas, best practices, and operational experience is expected to strengthen national preparedness and improve inter-agency synergy. Many key figures in Indias security architecture believe the Raipur conference will help shape the roadmap for the countrys security strategy, balancing innovation, coordination, and decisive action to ensure public safety and national security.
India Emerging As Global Innovation Powerhouse: LG Manoj Sinha
Raipur, Nov 9: India is experiencing a new revolution in research and innovation and is emerging as a nation that will power the next waves of innovation in the world, said Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Sunday. Despite tariff trade and global challenges and conflicts, India continues to be the brightest spot in the world economy, he said. Speaking at the 16th convocation of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur here at Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium [] The post India Emerging As Global Innovation Powerhouse: LG Manoj Sinha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CRPF Jawan Injured in IED Blast in Sukma
The explosion occurred during a security operation in Sukmas forested Gogunda area; injured jawan airlifted to Raipur
CRPF jawan injured in IED blast in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was injured in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Sunday when a pressure Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites detonated. The incident occurred during an area domination operation in the forested hills near Gogunda. The injured jawan sustained leg injuries and is being airlifted to Raipur for further treatment.
Seven Maoist cadres, including four women, surrender in Chhattisgarh under state rehab policy
RAIPUR: In an apparent promising outcome causing a jolt to an active regional Udanti Area Committee of banned CPI (Maoist) in the forested terrain of Gariaband district in eastern Chhattisgarh, the entire seven hardcore members associated with it have surrendered, police officials said on Saturday. Those who renounced the banned outfit belonged to the Udanti Area Committee under the Gariaband-Dhamtari-Nuapada division and were active for over a decade. They were involved in several violent incidents in the region from 2018 onwards, carrying a combined reward of Rs 37 lakh. The secretary of Udanti Area Committee had earlier expressed their readiness to shun the path of armed movement, Nikhil Rakhecha, Gariaband district police chief, told TNIE . The cadres, including four women who surrendered, have been identified as Arjita Tekam alias Suresha, Budhru alias Anita, Sule alias Jagat Singh, Vidhya Sodi alias Jamli, Kanti alias Mavali, Nandni, and Mallesh. They narrated how gradually they realised the hollow, anti-development ideology of the Maoist organisation and were yearning for a dignified life. They surrendered before the police on Friday evening. The district police are hopeful that the remaining Maoist cadres in the region will equally respond positively and have issued a mobile phone number of Maoist Cell-Gariaband for the Naxalites wishing to lay down their arms. The surrendered cadres, besides the initial financial incentive, will get an opportunity to undergo skill training or set up a small business, provided with housing and healthcare among other amenities under the new surrender rehabilitation policy of the state. Gariaband, adjoining Odisha state, is among the Maoist-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. The Udanti Area Committee covers adjoining regions along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border.
Chattisgarh: Seven Maoists with total bounty of Rs 37L surrender
Gariaband: Seven hardcore Maoists with a collective reward of Rs 37 lakh on their heads surrendered in Chhattisgarhs Gariaband district on Friday, police officials said. The seven, including four women, belong to Udanti Area Committee of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), Raipur Range Inspector General of Police Amresh Mishra said. The Udanti Area 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 .
Vice President Radhakrishnan appeals to Naxalites to lay down their arms
NAVA RAIPUR, Nov 5: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday appealed to all Naxalites to surrender, noting that Naxalism is on the wane due to the combined efforts of security forces and the government in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Nava Raipur, the Vice President hailed Chhattisgarhs extraordinary journey from being one of the youngest states in India to one of the most promising and progressing states. Chhattisgarh is proud as we are now [] The post Vice President Radhakrishnan appeals to Naxalites to lay down their arms appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Women from Maoist-freed villages in Chhattisgarh get Mahatari Vandan benefits for first time
RAIPUR: Women from 7,658 Maoist-freed villages in Bastar were among the 69 lakh beneficiaries across Chhattisgarh who received financial support as Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, on his first visit to the state on Wednesday, released the 21st installment of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana. A total of Rs 647 crore was transferred directly into beneficiaries bank accounts under the scheme. Addressing the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Rajnandgaon as the chief guest, the Vice President shared a moment of joy as thousands of women received a message confirming the Rs 1,000 credit into their accounts. Lakhpati Didis is an extraordinary step, a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards women-led development. It embodies independence, dignity, and confidence among Indias women and reflects grassroots democracy, he said. Later, Radhakrishnan attended the closing ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Nava Raipur, marking 25 years of the states formation, and presented 34 awards to eminent personalities and institutions at the Rajya Alankaran Samaroh. Under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, married women above 21 years receive Rs 1,000 monthly directly into their bank accounts. So far, women across 146 development blocks in the state have received over Rs 13,671 crore. The transformation of Bastar is closely tied to the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, which has brought roads, schools, health centres, and jobs to 327 villages freed from Maoist control. Beneficiaries now include 3,872 women from Bijapur, 428 from Dantewada, 191 from Kanker, 559 from Narayanpur, and 2,608 from Sukma, marking a powerful shift from fear to empowerment. Earlier in the day, the Vice President was accorded a Guard of Honour at Raj Bhavan in Raipur and witnessed an air show by the Indian Air Forces Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur.
Three Maoists killed in Bijapur encounter; search operation underway
Raipur: In a fresh flare-up of anti-Maoist operations, security forces in Chhattisgarh have reportedly killed three Maoist insurgents during an ongoing encounter in the dense forests of Bijapur district. The clash erupted on Wednesday in the Tarlaguda region, near the border of Telangana, where joint teams of police and paramilitary forces are conducting combing operations, 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 .
BJP worker heckles police, booked for offensive acts during Rajyotsava in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh police have registered an FIR against a local BJP leader in Kawardha for engaging in a tussle with police personnel on duty during the ongoing Rajyotsava function in the district, located about 100 km from Raipur. According to Kawardha Kotwali police station in-charge Yogesh Kumar Kashyap, he, along with other personnel, was on assigned duty at the PG College, where the Rajyotsava programme was being organised on Monday night. Kawardha happens to be the home district of state Home Minister Vijay Sharma. Kashyap stated that a person named Rakesh Sahu was repeatedly causing disturbances during the programme, creating annoyance among the spectators attending the event. Despite urging him to take a seat, he instead began arguing with policemen, created a fracas, grabbed the uniform of Sub-Inspector Rajnikant Diwan, made deeply indecent remarks against us, and threatened to strip off the uniform, Kashyap stated in his complaint. The accused is reportedly absconding at present. The FIR has been lodged under BNS Section 296 (obscene acts in a public place), Section 132 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant), and Section 221 (obstructing a public servant in performing official duties). Kawardha district police chief Dharmendra Singh could not be reached for his comments.
Value of human life has become less than coal: Bhupesh Baghel slams govt over rail mishap
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 5 (ANI): Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday termed the Bilaspur train accident very tragic, alleging that the government was more focused on transporting coal than ensuring public safety. Baghel said, The train accident that happened in Bilaspur is very tragic. The government is only busy transporting coal. Because of this, the citizens here are dying. Today, the value of a human life has become even less than coal. Meanwhile, Congress leader TS Singh Deo described the Bilaspur train accident as a result of extreme negligence, saying that the Railway Minister
Chhattisgarh showcases innovation drive with TechStart 2025; unveils major investments, partnerships
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government resolutely 'showcased its growing innovation economy' as it hosted Chhattisgarh TechStart 2025, a notable initiative designed to connect the future of Innovations and Investments with startups and technology enablers. The event, held in Nava Raipur, sought to strengthen the states profile as a preferred destination for digital industries, tech-enabled services, and innovation-driven enterprises. The occasion set the stage for Chhattisgarh to emerge as a national hub for IT, Information Technology Enabled Services, and technology investments. The state is entering a new era of growth, one driven by innovation. Through Chhattisgarh TechStart, we aim to build a bridge between ideas and investments, creating opportunities that empower our youth and accelerate economic transformation, said Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh chief minister. Highlighting the momentum of industrial progress, CM Sai revealed that Chhattisgarh has received investment proposals worth Rs 7.5 lakh crore in the last ten months, a reflection of the growing investor confidence in the state. The Industrial Development Policy 202430, he noted, is designed to be investor-friendly and pro-development, fostering both industrial expansion and entrepreneurship across emerging sectors. Over 250 investors, incubators, and innovators from across India participated, marking one of the states largest innovation networking events to date. The event brought together senior officials from Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and MeitY Startup Hub, along with leading voices from Indias technology and innovation community. Discussions centered on collaboration opportunities, digital transformation strategies, and investment partnerships in the IT and ITeS domains. Chhattisgarh is emerging as a magnet for next-generation investments, including Indias first AI Data Centre Park and the states first Semiconductor Manufacturing Unit, both coming up in Nava Raipur. The state government announced six strategic partnerships to accelerate startup and innovation growth with the MeitY Startup Hub, National Innovation Foundation, Wadhwani Foundation, NASSCOM Foundation, Startup Middle East, and Carve Startup Labs. These collaborations aim to connect Chhattisgarhs startups with mentorship, global networks, and funding access, bridging the gap between innovation and opportunity.
Five dead as passenger train collides with goods train in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: At least five passengers died and over a dozen injured when a passenger train collided with a goods train in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. According to officials, the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train was arriving at Bilaspur from Korba when it dashed into the guards compartment of the freight train on the same track at around 4 pm. So far five bodies have been recovered. The personnel from Railways and Bilaspur district administration are engaged in extensive rescue operations. Some are still trapped inside. The injured have been rushed to different hospitals, Sanjay Agrawal, Bilaspur collector said. The affected coaches of the Korba passenger train are the first two bogies including the front reserved bogie that suffered the maximum damage. The railways have issued emergency numbers and also declared immediate ex-gratia relief to victims of the train accidents. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and passengers, Rs 5 lakh for seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those injured in the railway accident. Details are awaited. Sources have not yet confirmed the cause of accident. #Chhattisgarh #trainaccident : Collision between stationary Goods & Korba Passenger train Casualties feared, over 20 injured near Jairamnagar station along Bilaspur route under SECR Zone. Details awaited @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @jayanthjacob pic.twitter.com/zrxTZwH3b6 Ejaz Kaiser (@KaiserEjaz) November 4, 2025
Five feared dead as passenger train collides with goods train in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: At least five passengers died and over a dozen injured when a passenger train collided with a goods train in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. According to officials, the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train was arriving at Bilaspur from Korba when it dashed into the guards compartment of the freight train on the same track at around 4 pm. So far five bodies have been recovered. The personnel from Railways and Bilaspur district administration are engaged in extensive rescue operations. Some are still trapped inside. The injured have been rushed to different hospitals, Sanjay Agrawal, Bilaspur collector said. The affected coaches of the Korba passenger train are the first two bogies including the front reserved bogie that suffered the maximum damage. The railways have issued emergency numbers and also declared immediate ex-gratia relief to victims of the train accidents. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and passengers, Rs 5 lakh for seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those injured in the railway accident. Details are awaited. Sources have not yet confirmed the cause of accident. #Chhattisgarh #trainaccident : Collision between stationary Goods & Korba Passenger train Casualties feared, over 20 injured near Jairamnagar station along Bilaspur route under SECR Zone. Details awaited @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @jayanthjacob pic.twitter.com/zrxTZwH3b6 Ejaz Kaiser (@KaiserEjaz) November 4, 2025
Raipur oncologist Dr. Jayesh Sharma stresses that early cancer signs are often subtle and easily overlooked. Persistent, unexplained changes like mouth sores or abnormal bleeding, especially in women with common cancers like cervical and breast, demand immediate medical attention. He urges regular screenings and self-awareness, emphasizing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
RAIPUR: Nazakat Ali, a Kashmiri woollen clothes seller, received a heros welcome in Chhattisgarhs Chirmiri town for his brave act of saving around 10 tourists from the region during the gunfire incident at Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22 this year. Ali had risked his life to guide four families from Chirmiri, those of Shivansh Jain, Arvind Agrawal, Happy Wadhawan and Kuldeep Sthapak, to safety when they were caught amid the terror attack at the scenic valley. The families had left Chirmiri on April 18 for a summer holiday and arrived at Pahalgam on April 21. As news of his arrival spread, hundreds gathered at Podi Square in Chirmiri, waiting for hours to meet and honour him. The crowd greeted him with loud cheers, chants of Nazakat Ali Zindabad, bursting crackers, and showering him with garlands and bouquets as he stepped out of his vehicle. It was the occasion when eyes of many welled up with tears as they recollected the Pahalgam incident but everyones heart also swelled with pride at Nazakat's bravery and his spirited emergency response. Deeply touched by the reception, Ali said, The people of Chirmiri are my brothers. I always feel delighted visiting this place. Happiness comes with mutual care, understanding and shared values. Those who commit wicked acts will surely get punished. Despite the adverse scary situation in Pahalgam, he did not lose courage and set an unforgettable example of Kashmiriyat and essence of Indianness by safely evacuating his Chirmiri brothers and their families, said the locals who welcomed him.
Heavy vehicles barred on Paradhi bridge damaged by Cyclone Montha
Authorities restrict movement on key VisakhapatnamRaipur highway bridge; lorry drivers face 40-km detour as causeway on Vegavati river washed away
PM inaugurates Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Nava Raipur
PM Modi unveils Atal Bihari Vajpayees statue at new Chhattisgarh Vidhansabha building in Raipur
Price Of Protest: Raipur Civic Body To Impose Tax On Demonstrations
The civic body in Chhattisgarh's Raipur passed a resolution imposing a tax of Rs 500 for holding protests or demonstrations in public open spaces across the capital.
GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.
PM Modi to inaugurate Chhattisgarh's new Assembly building, unveil projects worth Rs 14260 crore
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav marking 25 years of formation of the State on Saturday. The PM will dedicate the states new legislative Assembly building, which is cited as a model of technological integration and foresight, designed keeping in mind both present and future needs. More than an architectural marvel, the building stands as a living emblem of Chhattisgarhs rich culture, tradition, and faith. Built at a cost of Rs 324 crore, the complex spans 51 acres and is divided into three main wings. Wing A houses the Assembly secretariat; Wing B includes the main chamber, the Central Hall, and offices for the chief minister and the Speaker; Wing C accommodates ministerial offices. Every section has been planned for efficiency, accessibility, and aesthetic coherence. The Assembly Building embodies green architecture principles throughout. Solar-power installations, dual rainwater-harvesting lakes, and a suite of environmentally friendly materials make the site a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure. Every stage of construction adhered to national standards for energy conservation and ecological balance. Among its many facilities, the new Assembly features a state-of-the-art auditorium with seating for 500 and a 100-seat Central Hall. PM Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a series of developmental projects worth over Rs 14,260 crore across key sectors such as roads, industry, healthcare, and energy. As part of the Dil Ki Baat programme, he will interact with around 2500 children successfully treated of congenital heart diseases in the Gift of life ceremony at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital at Nava Raipur. Besides inaugurating the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, the PM will also launch Shanti Shikhar of Brahma Kumaris (a modern centre for spiritual learning and meditation) and initiate 12 new Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) blocks across nine districts of Chhattisgarh. He will unveil the statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the new Vidhan Sabha and launch the Museum Portal and e-book Aadi Shourya honouring freedom fighters.
PM Modi To Launch Rs 14,260-Crore Development Projects During Chhattisgarh Visit On November 1
In Chhattisgarh, PM Modi will also unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and inaugurate the new Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly building in Nava Raipur.
South Eastern Railway has proposed new Vande Bharat Express trains from Ranchi to six destinations, including Raipur, Rourkela, Pune, New Delhi, LTT, and Varanasi. The proposal, sent to the Railway Board, aims to meet rising passenger demand as current routes see high festive-season bookings.
RAIPUR: The Odisha State Committee (CPI-Maoist), declaring to continue long-term peoples war, countered the statements of Central Committee (CC) member Chandranna alias Pilluri Prasad Rao, who surrendered in Hyderabad a couple of days ago. The committees press note contended to continue its strategic combat despite facing several challenges and cited the assertions of Chandranna (after surrender) on Comrade Devji being appointed as the general secretary of the banned outfit as untrue. The Bastar police in Chhattisgarh, verifying the authenticity of the letter, said that such messages of the Odisha Committee do not indicate strength but the growing frustration and deep internal crisis within the Maoist ranks. The recent surrender of Politburo and CC members among others, had shaken the Maoist leadership that is now resorting to falsehood, fabricated claims and hollow rhetoric about continuing the revolution. The Maoist organisation is in complete disarray, morally bankrupt, and strategically cornered across all affected states, Sundarraj Pattlingam, IGP, Bastar Range told this newspaper. The Maoist leaderships attempt to brand committed cadres who chose peace as traitors only reveals their insecurity and helplessness, he added. The letter issued in the name of Ganesh, authorised representative of Odisha State Committee (CPI-Maoist), criticised Chandranna, citing him as a betrayer masked to deceive the people. Referring to Chandrannas purported statement, the press note stated that he has no right to call himself a revolutionary to work for the people in future. There has been no meeting of the Central Committee after the death of General Secretary Comrade Basavaraju (in May this year). Under the present scenario, when the central government continues its offensive under Operation Kagar, there is no possibility of holding the CC meeting, the letter stated. The Odisha State Committee alluded to the existing challenges faced by their revolutionary movement as a temporary tough situation. Such comments, if authentic, further expose that Devji no longer enjoys authority even within the fragmented and weakened Maoist outfit. We are closely monitoring every development brewing within the Maoist camp, IG Sundarraj affirmed. The Bastar Police, under the framework of Mission 2026, reiterated that it remains fully committed to dismantling the remnants of the CPI (Maoist) network and ensuring complete restoration of peace and normalcy in the region.
51 Maoists surrender in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: 51 cadres of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), including nine women members, surrendered in an edgy district of Bijapur, about 350 km south of Raipur, on Wednesday. Twenty among them were carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 66 lakh on their heads, the police said. As many as 51 Maoist cadres decided to return to the mainstream, citing their frustration over the hollow ideology of the banned outfit and impressed by the state governments rehabilitation policy and development plans, said Jitendra Yadav, Bijapur district superintendent of police. Its yet another significant achievement under the Bastar Range police initiative Poona Margham: Rehabilitation through Reintegration in Bijapur, he added. According to the district police press release, the surrendered Red rebels included five members of the PLGA (Peoples' Liberation Guerrilla Army) battalion, seven members of area committees and platoon, three belonging to LOS (local organisation squad) group, besides one militia platoon commander, 14 militia platoon members, and 20 other lower rung members. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai cited to give up the armed struggle as the collapse of Left-wing extremism in the country. Across the Bastar region, around 450 cadres have relinquished the ideology of CPI (Maoist) in October. Since the BJP came to power in December 2023 in Chhattisgarh, over 2,250 Maoists have surrendered in the State.
Following major setbacks, Maoists replace top positions to sustain morale among cadres
RAIPUR: Amid repeated setbacks, the strength of the politburo and Central Committee (CC) members in thedecision-making body inCPI (Maoist), have dwindled from 45 to 20 during the last couple of years, and now to a single digit. However, the Red Brigade of left-wing extremists, facing a serious leadership crisis, have simultaneously undertaken damage control exercises to fill the void created by the loss of important influential leaders. And their mid-level or senior commanders were assigned the ranks as the frontline Maoist leaders, the intelligence sources told. There are barely 2-3 politburo and around half a dozen CC members remaining, taking responsibility in different regions like Abujhmad, Jharkhand, Odisha border, Amravati border and other key hideouts. Abhay for anonymity: How Maoists evade police action In a discreet move, the senior leaders are given positions as figureheads to show up numbers as a strength, ensuring that the morale of their cadres is not dented, a senior officer in the know-how of the development andbased in Bastar region further revealed. The Politburo & CC members are bestowed with key responsibilities, different organisational roles, besides steering military activities. The Maoist guerrillas, after over four decades of waging war on the state and security forces, are fast losing ground, and their influence has substantially declined in the last few years. The Maoist organisation, under the given circumstances, are not following their customary procedures regarding promotion of their senior cadres to the politburo or as CC members, the practice firmly followed earlier. For elevation to the top position, neither proposals are sought nor general body meetings or discussions that used to happen spanning over mutiple days earlier to elevate seniors through the department promotional committee are taking place now, the officer added. Another reason for such a make-do approach is that the topMaoist leaders not able to interact safely and conveniently amid existing challenges and restricted mobility. So, the procedures the Maoists executed to make up the higher positions, remain conventionally digressed, appearing rudimentary and makeshift, TNIE learnt. In 2025, more top Maoist leaders were killed than in any other year. The forces eliminated the general secretary of CPI (Maoist), Basava Raju alias Nambala Keshav Rao, and at least eight CC members cited to be the masterminds of several violent incidents where many jawans and innocent civilians were killed. India on verge of eradicating Naxal-maoist terror: PM Modi
CBI takes over Uttarakhand exam scandal probe
NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case in the alleged paper leak scandal during the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination after the state government referred the matter to the federal agency to probe the larger crime nexus. The case was initially registered at Raipur Police Station, Dehradun, on September 22, 2025, under the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023. It was alleged that large-scale corruption, collusion and organised cheating in a recruitment examination were carried out across various districts simultaneously. It is alleged that the question papers for an exam held on September 2122, 2025, were stolen in advance, copied and circulated among select candidates in lieu of hefty money. The accused were identified as Suman, wife of Naresh Chauhan, Assistant Professor, Amroda Degree College, Pratapnagar (Tehri Garhwal) a public servant, Khalid, son of Mohd. Shahzad, resident of Sultanpur Adampur in Haridwar, Sabia, daughter of Mohd. Shahzad and Hina, daughter of Mohd. Shahzad. The FIR also refers to other unknown public servants and private persons. The preliminary investigation found that insiders in the recruitment system colluded with private people to leak the question papers, which were allegedly sold to aspirants for Rs 5 Rs 10 lakh each. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, on October 24, 2025, directed the CBI to probe the case throughout Uttarakhand. Based on the order, CBI registered a case in the matter. It was also stated that between 2022 and 2023, several exams conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) and Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) were marred by leaks and bribery, prompting massive protests. It was when aspirants started protesting across the state, the government took cognisance and brought the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023, prescribing stringent jail terms and penalties for offenders. Lakhs of aspirants demanded transparency and re-examinations. Despite that, in 2025, the cheating network remains active, and to unearth the entire nexus, the state government has referred the matter to CBI.
Raipur Diary | PM to launch silver jubilee celebrations
PM Modi will inaugurate the silver jubilee year celebration of the statehood at Nava Raipur (new capital city of Chhattisgarh) on November 1. He will attend five different programmes. For each, a senior IAS officer has been deployed as a nodal officer to oversee the preparations and organising the events. Modi will unveil the new state Assembly premises, attend a programme of Sri Sathya Sai hospital, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris and launch Tribal Freedom Fighter Memorial digital museum. He will also address a public rally during the inaugural ceremony. Chhattisgarh was carved out of erstwhile Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000. IAFs Surya Kiran aerial show in Raipur The skies of Naya Raipur will turn into a spectacle of national pride on November 5 when the Indian Air Forces Surya-Kiran Aerobatic Team will enthral citizens with their breathtaking manoeuvres. The show will be the star attraction of the states silver jubilee celebrations and the aerial display will symbolise Chhattisgarhs progress, confidence, and stature. As the Surya-Kiran team performs signature formations like Bomb Burst, Heart in the Sky, and Arrowhead, spectators will witness the precision and teamwork that define Indias air warriors. Formed in 1996, the Surya-Kiran team so far has performed over 700 air displays in India and abroad. New medical colleges to expand health edu Chhattisgarh is set to get four new medical colleges that will increase the seats by 200. The move is expected to give fresh impetus to the expansion of health education and state-of-the-art treatment services reducing dependence on major cities for better medical care and cure. The total number of government medical colleges in the state will go up to 14. The four placesGeedam (Dantewada), Janjgir-Champa, Kawardha and Mahendragarhwhere the new medical colleges are to be built, are among the backward regions of the state. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Say Trees! How A Techie From Raipur Is Reviving Bengaluru's Lakes And Green Cover
The extensive work by Kapil Sharma and his NGO was spotlighted last week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme
Chhattisgarh initiative on plastic waste gets Modi praise
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday praised the initiative adopted in Ambikapur, north Chhattisgarh, to make the city free from plastic waste. PM cited the Garbage Caf operated by Ambikapur Municipal Corporation as a singular blend of cleanliness and service, where people receivefood in exchange of plastic waste. He stated that under this initiative, if a person deposits one kilogram of plastic waste, they receive a meal, while half a kilogram earns them a snack. This step serves as an inspiring example of social awareness and cooperation. This newspaper had earlier reported how any citizen can now walk in with a load of plastic and be treated with a free meal in the unique restaurant in Ambikapur.
Bengaluru engineer finds mention in PM Modis Mann ki baat for lake rejuvenation
Sharma, who moved to Bengaluru from Raipur in 2001 to pursue engineering, says he fell in love with the citys tree-lined streets
PMs Mann Ki Baat appreciates Ambikapurs unique garbage cafe
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 127th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday praised the innovative initiative adopted in Ambikapur, north Chhattisgarh, to make the city free from plastic waste. The PM cited the Garbage Caf operated by Ambikapur Municipal Corporation as a singular blend of cleanliness and service, where people receive a meal or snacks in exchange for plastic waste. A unique example of cleanliness and social initiative has emerged in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. In the Garbage Caf run by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation, people can exchange their plastic waste for a full meal or snack, the PM stated. He stated that under this initiative, if a person deposits one kilogram of plastic waste, they receive lunch or dinner, while half a kilogram of waste earns them a snack. This step not only helps keep the city clean but also serves as an inspiring example of social awareness and cooperation. TNIE had, in its earlier special coverage, reported how any citizen can now walk in with a load of plastic and be treated with a free meal in the unique restaurant in Ambikapur, a notable innovation to make people cheerfully join the campaign aimed to free the city of plastic menace. Sustainable and productive waste management model earned Ambikapur a tag of being among the cleanest cities in the country and was earlier bestowed with the Swachh Sarvekshan award.
Abhay for anonymity: How Maoists evade police action
RAIPUR: English playwright William Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet, Whats in a name? For the outlawed CPI (Maoist), the answer is everything. Names, often assumed or symbolic, are a tool of survival, strategy, and connection with the communities in which they operate. In the CPI (Maoist) movement, their key leaders mostly operated underground. Since maintaining anonymity remains a key part of their modus operandi, they continue their illegitimate pursuits under different pen names or aliases. Such names that are neither modern nor customary facilitate them to gel with the local population, said Sundarraj P, who spent over nine years as inspector general of police in Bastar. One example is the name Abhay, used as the spokesperson for the Central Committee. The name continues to represent the group publicly, regardless of which leader issues the statement. Last week, two press releases bore the name previously used by Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Sonu, who had surrendered in Gadchiroli. The practice goes far beyond just official statements. Senior Maoist figures, who operate underground often for decades, have nicknames that help them blend with local populations. Sundarraj explained: For instance, Sujatha, a senior-most Maoist woman who remained underground for nearly four decades, was popular among the locals as Mynakka. Sujatha surrendered to the Telangana police last month. Aliases also allow leaders from one region to operate safely across others, evading law enforcement while continuing their mission. Among tribal communities, names like Bhima, Aiytu, Ramanna, Rajman, Nirmala, and Sarita carry informal weight, sometimes challenging social hierarchies and connecting more naturally with villagers than urban or progressive titles do. Safety is another prime concern. Police intelligence notes that pseudonyms shield leaders from police records and active cases registered across various stations, keeping them one step ahead of security forces. For Maoists, a name is more than identityit is a lifeline, a bridge to local populations, and a cloak against the state. In a world where anonymity is survival, a simple alias like Abhay or Mynakka carries decades of history, strategy, and underground life.
Senior IPS Officer facing sexual harassment probe in Chhattisgarh, PHQ orders probe
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters (PHQ) has ordered an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against senior IPS officer Ratanlal Dangi, following a complaint filed by the wife of a police sub-inspector who accused him of harassment spanning seven years. A two-member committee comprising IPS officer Anand Chhabra (2001 batch) and DIG Milna Kurre has been constituted to probe the charges. According to the complaint, the woman has submitted digital evidence claiming that Dangi, who has served as the police chief of Korba district and as inspector general in Sarguja and Bilaspur divisions, repeatedly harassed her and called her to his residence in the absence of his wife. She alleged that her interactions with Dangi began in 2017 through social media, continued via video calls in which she gave him yoga lessons, and persisted even as he was transferred between postings. In his response, Dangi wrote to the state police chief denying the allegations. He claimed that the woman, in collusion with others, had blackmailed and mentally tortured him while threatening self-harm to exert pressure. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said strict action would be taken if the allegations were proven, regardless of the accuseds rank or position. The PHQ confirmed receiving complaints from both sides and stated that further steps will be taken based on the committees findings in accordance with established procedures. The investigation remains ongoing.
Chhattisgarh pays homage to personnel for supreme sacrifice in the line of duty
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai acclaimed the police personnel who selflessly and courageously countered the challenges with bravery and laid down their lives in the line of duty. The state on Tuesday observed Police Commemoration Day with a solemn parade, and tributes were paid to martyrs at the 4th Battalion premises of Chhattisgarh Armed Force, Mana in Raipur. The invincible bravery and supreme sacrifice of the police will forever be remembered and adored by the nation, said the Governor, who also conveyed his deeply felt condolences to the families of martyrs and saluted all police officers and personnel. CM Sai lauded the state security forces for setting forth an unbeaten spirit and valour in the fight against Maoists, following which the regions that were earlier affected by the presence of left-wing extremists are now swiftly witnessing fast development. Under the leadership of PM Narendera Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the campaign to eliminate Maoists has gained a strong impetus. The Chhattisgarh government remains committed to achieving the target to wipe out the Maoist menace by March 2026, the CM added. He emphasised that various schemes like Niyad Nellanar,Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan,PM Janman Mission, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya have been changing the lives of people for good in remote tribal areas. In Bastar, south Chhattisgarh, the Police Commemoration Day Parade was organised at Amar Vatika, Jagdalpur, to pay homage to the brave police personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Bastar Range Inspector General of police Sundarraj P read out the names of 191 brave personnel from the state police and Central Armed Forces who attained martyrdom between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025, and offered heartfelt tributes to their supreme sacrifice. Among the 191, as many as 130 personnel belonged to different state police forces and 61 to the Central Armed Police Forces. The Bastar Police, inspired by the sacrifices of these brave martyrs, will continue to uphold its commitment to peace, safety, and development in the region with courage, devotion, and resolve, the IG said. Observed every year on 21 October, Police Commemoration Day stands as a symbol of the nations gratitude to the valiant police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice for Indias unity, integrity, and security.
RAIPUR: Tribal youths who once lived under the shadow of terror in the Maoist-affected district of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki have achieved a remarkable milestone, with ten of them, including two females, successfully clearing both the physical and written competitive examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the Chhattisgarh Police. They will soon join the police force as constables, marking the first such success in this edgy region. The breakthrough is seen as a powerful symbol of change, signifying a critical shift in the mindset of a region that borders Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and Kanker district in the Bastar division. With the security scenario having significantly improved across the district, once cited as a hotbed of left-wing extremism, the region now undeniably yearns for peace and development. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), besides engaging in anti-Maoist operations in the western region of Chhattisgarh, also took up the noble cause of supporting local youths in shaping their future careers. For several youths, adversity in life tested their capability, courage and character. The Aundhi Company Operating Base (COB), about 205 km west of Raipur in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, organised a crucial two-year career guidance and physical training programme for tribal youths, who were also offered financial support for their course materials. The successful outcome is underpinned by the ITBPs persistent and precise anti-Naxal operations that have dismantled the local leadership of the left-wing extremists. ITBPs programme exclusively for youths in the region began in 2023. We created awareness among the local youths, groomed them physically, counselled on how to face the competitive examinations and offered them other essential support. First time, five got selected as constables through SSC and other five in Chhattisgarh police. More such success to follow, Commandant Vivek Kumar Pandey told this newspaper. Commandant Pandey and district police chief Y P Singh felicitated the ten youths, motivating them to become ambassadors of peace and development for their community. The presence of the ITBP in the erstwhile Rajnandgaon region (Chhattisgarhs western region) dates back to December 2009, when it established key bases at various locations such as Aundhi, Sitagaon, Madanwada and Kohka. In August 2025, a joint operation by the 27th Battalion ITBP and the Chhattisgarh Police eliminated top commanders of the DKSZC Vijay Reddy and DVSC Lokesh Salame, allegedly knocking down the senior command structure of the Rajnandgaon-Kanker border division.
Air India announces 174 weekly flights as part of Northern Winter Schedule
NEW DELHI: Air India has announced the addition of 174 weekly flights on key domestic and short-haul international routes, operated by its single-aisle aircraft, as part of the Northern Winter Schedule.The domestic additions are effective from October 26. This expansion enhances connectivity to major cities in India and Southeast Asia which are in high demand. An official release listed additions to these international routes:Delhi-Kuala Lumpur:Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from November 15) andDelhi-Denpasar (Bali):Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from December 1). These are the additions to domestic routes, all of which are effective from October 26: Flights to Rajasthan: Delhi-Jaipur (new route):three daily flights;Delhi-Jaisalmer (new route):two daily flights;Delhi-Udaipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Mumbai-Jaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Udaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Jodhpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights toMadhya Pradesh: Delhi-Indore:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Delhi-Bhopal:Increasing from two to three daily flights; andMumbai-Indore:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights to Gujarat:Mumbai-Bhuj:Increasing from one to two daily flights andDelhi to Rajkot:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Other frequency additions, effective from the same date: Delhi-Varanasi:Increasing from two to threedaily flights;Delhi-Raipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Delhi-Port Blair:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Aurangabad:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Guwahati:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Nagpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Dehradun:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Patna:Increasing from one to two daily flights andMumbai-Amritsar:Increasing from one to two daily flights.
Amid wave of mass surrenders, another Maoist leader urges cadres to lay down arms in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: The recent mass surrenders of Maoists at Gadchiroli (Maharashtra) and Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh) have led a senior leader of Udanti Area Committee, active along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, to appeal to cadres active in the region to lay down their arms and rejoin the mainstream. A one-page letter in Hindi issued in the name of Maoist leader Sunil, has cited the surrender with weapons led by Sonu Dada in Maharashtra and Rupesh Dada in Chhattisgarh hinting the pressure of the security forces and inability to operate the mission of CPI (Maoist) in the present context asked the comrades to halt the armed struggle but will continue to resolve the problems of the people. So, our Udanti Area in the Gariaband region decided to stop the armed movement. I appealed to all unitsGobra, Sinapali, SDK (Sonabeda-Dharambandha-Kholibatar area), Sitanadi, to decide at the earliest, as we have already lost several key senior leaders. We support the decision taken by Sonu Dada and Rupesh Dada. Join with your arms (to surrender), stated the letter that also carried the mobile phone number of Sunil for the members of the region. Gariaband district police chief Nikhil Rakhecha welcomed the move of Maoists to renounce the path of violence and return to society. We are hopeful that the remaining Maoist cases will respond positively to the letter apparently shared with the media. We are also trying to reach out to them for their surrender with weapons, Rakhecha told the TNIE . Gariaband, adjoining Odisha state, is among the Maoist-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. The Udanti Area Committee covers adjoining regions along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. In a major development, 210 Naxal cadres, including 111 women, surrendered to police and paramilitary forces in Jagdalpur, Bastar district, on Friday. Earlier, senior Maoist politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi , along with 60 other hardcore militants, had surrendered in Gadchiroli. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said India is likely to be free of Maoist influence by March 2026.
Raipur Diary | Balco plan for Indias aluminium self-reliance
Korba-based Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (Balco), part of Vedanta Aluminium, has produced the first metal from Indias largest 525 kilo Ampere (kA) smelter under its ongoing one million tonne per annum expansion. This performance surpasses the previous national record of 378 kA and takes the companys total production capacity to 1 million tonnes per annum. It now enters the global Million Ton Club. The upgrade is expected to increase domestic supplies of high-grade aluminium for key sectors, including defence, aerospace, automotive, and construction. The company says the expansion aligns with the Make in India mission. Cgarh tops PM-JAY performance chart Just seven months ago, Chhattisgarh was flagged for a relatively high number of suspicious claims under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and was counted among weak performers. In a sharp turnaround, the state has now been awarded best performing state at the National Health Authority conclave. The improvement followed an aggressive clean-up drivefield audits, surprise hospital inspections, and close scrutiny of claim patterns. The state also worked towards near-zero pendency on insurance claims and grievance responses. Dr Priyanka Shukla, CEO of the state nodal agency, received the award. Results, not paperwork, matter, collectors told CM Vishnu Deo Sai has told district collectors that their performance will now be judged by results on the ground rather than paperwork. He said governance at the district level must be defined by transparency, accountability and timely delivery. He warned that the government will not accept slow execution or token compliance. Collectors have been instructed to make sure welfare schemes reach people without delay. Monitoring will be tightened, with emphasis on measurable outcomes. The message signals a shift from routine procedures to visible results and public confidence. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Major Breakthrough: 208 Naxals Surrender With 153 Weapons in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, Oct 17: In a major boost to Indias campaign against Left-Wing Extremism, 208 Naxalites, including 110 women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh on Friday, handing over 153 weapons as part of the states surrender and rehabilitation drive. Officials said the surrendered cache included 19 AK-47 rifles, 17 SLRs, and 36 .303 rifles, among other firearms. The [] The post Major Breakthrough: 208 Naxals Surrender With 153 Weapons in Chhattisgarh appeared first on Northlines .
NMDC Steel product bags BIS certification
The certification was presented during the World Standards Day 2025 celebration organised by BIS, Raipur
HC orders Rs 2 lakh payout after govt hospital reveals womans HIV status
Bilaspur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the state government to pay a Rs 2 lakh compensation to the parents of a newborn after staff at a public hospital in Raipur disclosed the mothers HIV-positive status in violation of confidentiality protocols. The HC, during a previous hearing, cited a news report which said a poster 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 .
Chhattisgarh wins best performing state award for transparent PM-JAY implementation
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh was bestowed with an award as best performing state for its effective execution, transparency and almost zero pendency on health care insurance claims and related issues under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The award was received by Dr Priyanka Shukla, chief executive officer (CEO) of the state nodal agency at the National Health Authority (NHA) Conclave held in Bhopal on Wednesday. At the NHA review meeting in January 2025, Chhattisgarh was found to have a relatively high number of suspicious claims. To improve this situation, the state nodal agency developed and implemented a swift action plan to strengthen accountability and transparency in health services. The nodal agency has taken steady, resolute steps in recent months, including conducting extensive field audits to identify suspicious claims, significantly reducing the turnaround time (TAT) for claims processing, orientation and sensitivity training for all stakeholders, strengthening the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU) team, and establishing regular communication and coordination mechanisms with empanelled healthcare providers (EHCPs). Besides intensive reviews at district and state level by the health secretary and CEO (state nodal officer), the health department team conducted surprise inspections of many hospitals across the state. Penalty action was taken against 45 hospitals (the highest ever) for non-compliance with the scheme's standards. Additionally, field audits were conducted in over 32,000 cases, preventing fraudulent claims and making the claim settlement process more transparent. Regular meetings are being held with representatives of the Indian Medical Association and private hospitals to address issues faced by empanelled hospitals. According to data from the National Health Authority, 97 percent of hospitals (the highest) registered under PM-JAY in Chhattisgarh are active, a testament to hospitals' confidence in the scheme. In contrast, this rate in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh is 62 %, and the national average is only 52 percent. (PM-JAY) (Zero Pendency) NHA CEO pic.twitter.com/dgxrj6KzRB ShyamBihari Jaiswal (@ShyamBihariBjp) October 15, 2025 Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal congratulating the department officials, said, The state government's goal remains to provide quality and respectable healthcare to all eligible families. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme was included as an agenda for the first time in the recently held Collectors' Conference, chaired by CMVishnu Deo Sai in Raipur. CM Sai has directed all collectors to conduct regular reviews of the scheme in their respective districts.
78 Maoists lay down arms in Chhattisgarh's Bastar
RAIPUR: In a major blow to the banned outfit CPI (Maoist), as many as 78 cadres, including 43 women, have surrendered in the districts of Sukma, Kanker, and Kondagaon in Chhattisgarhs Bastar division on Wednesday. The mass surrender in Chhattisgarh follows Tuesdays significant development when a senior Maoist politburo member, Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi, along with 60 other hardcore ultras , laid down their arms in the Gadchiroli district of neighboring Maharashtra. In Chhattisgarh, the Red rebels who surrendered separately before authorities in the edgy Bastar region also deposited over three dozen weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai cited the move to give up the armed struggle as the collapsing of Left-wing extremism in the country. Our brave security forces are fighting this battle with indomitable courage and are achieving success, the CM said. In Sukma district, 27 Maoists, including ten women, gave up their arms. Among them, as many as 16 were carrying a collective bounty of $50 lakh, officials said. In Kanker district, 50 Maoists, including two members of the DKSZC and 32 female cadres, turned themselves in at a Border Security Force (BSF) camp. A woman cadre, carrying a bounty of $5 lakh, surrendered in Kondagaon district. The Dandakaranya region comprises the Bastar region and the border areas of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Kanker shares its border with Maharashtras Gadchiroli. Maoists in a group led by Rajman Mandavi and Raju Salam, both members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), reached the BSFs Kamtera camp of the 40th battalion at Koylaibeda in Kanker and surrendered. They also surrendered 39 weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, two Self-Loading Rifles, four INSAS rifles, an INSAS LMG (light machine gun), and a Sten gun, a senior police officer said. The surrendered cadres include five members of the divisional committee, Tadami, Heeralal Komra, Jugnu Kowachi, Narsingh Netam, and Nande (wife of Rajman Mandavi). The others included 21 area committee members and 21 party members, he revealed. Those who surrendered in Sukma before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force officials cited disillusionment with the hollow Maoist ideology, atrocities committed by the banned outfit on innocent tribals, and the growing influence of security forces as reasons for shunning the path of armed movement, said Kiran Chavan, Sukma district police chief. The surrendered Maoists were also impressed by the 'Niyad Nellanar' (your good village) scheme of the state government, aimed at facilitating development works in remote villages, and the lucrative new surrender and rehabilitation policy, the officer added. Since the BJP came to power in December 2023 in Chhattisgarh, around 2,000 Maoists have surrendered in the state.
Raipur becomes Indias first city to implement Virtual Net Metering under PM Suryaghar Yojana
RAIPUR: In a remarkable first for the country, Raipur in Chhattisgarh has successfully implemented Virtual Net Metering (VNM) in a residential society under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, Muft Bijli Yojana, swiftly positioning the state among the early adopters of this clean energy initiative. Under the solar project, VNM has emerged as a major support and a ray of hope for apartment dwellers, housing societies, and government establishments with limited rooftop spaceenabling them to share the benefits of a single solar plant, slash their electricity bills, and champion a greener future. Raipur becomes the first in India to successfully execute VNM in a residential society and the state government will now expand the model across other parts of the state, said Bimbisar, the PM Suryaghar schemes state nodal officer. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the success of the VNM project underlined Chhattisgarhs proactive efforts in advancing renewable energy and set a benchmark for other states to emulate. Its a heartening feat as many aspiring to gain from Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision can now contribute to promoting solar energy for a clean and green India, the Chief Minister added. The states first VNM system has been installed at Raipurs Parthivi Pacifica residential society where multiple apartments are now collectively benefiting from a single solar installation, overcoming space constraints and significantly cutting down electricity bills. Around twenty families came together for the solar project under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) model, investing their own funds to install a solar plant that they fully own from day one. The total cost of the solar project was around 24 lakh, with each resident receiving a subsidy of 78,000 from the Central government on their individual investment of 1.20 lakh. Recently, the Chhattisgarh government further boosted the initiative by offering an additional subsidy of 30,000, making the investment even more attractive for residents. After the installation of the solar energy system, residents celebrated significant savings, receiving credits for nearly 300 units of power, which substantially reduced their electricity bills. VNM is a game-changer for urban consumers, enabling shared solar benefits, reducing bills, and accelerating the adoption of clean energy across Chhattisgarh, said Rohit Yadav, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Power Companies and Secretary (Energy). How it works: Suppose an apartment complex installs a 100 kW solar plant on its rooftop. Instead of each flat setting up its own solar panels, the entire system is connected to a common export meter through which the solar power generated by the plant is fed to the distribution grid. The total electricity generated flows into the grid, and the benefits are shared among all flats based on their solar shares according to their installed capacity.
Nava Raipur: Chhattisgarhs green capital bets on tech, tourism and semiconductors
Nava Raipur, India's first debt-free planned capital, is rapidly transforming into a technological and tourism hub. With wide roads, underground utilities, and a focus on sustainability, the city is attracting significant investment, including a major semiconductor plant and a Film City. Prestigious educational institutions are also bolstering its profile, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2035.
Chhattisgarh Youth Murdered for Not Sharing Beedi
Police arrest three friends who attacked victim with sharp weapons near Raipur
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday defined new benchmarks of good governance, transparency and public welfare for district magistrates during the collectors conference held in the state capital. In a clear and explicit message to all collectors, the Chief Minister stated that their performance would not be measured merely through paperwork but assessed on how effectively their actions deliver tangible results. The ultimate goal of governance is to ensure that every policy and scheme reaches the people in a time-bound and transparent manner. Any slackness at any level will not be tolerated. Results must be visible on the ground, not just on papers, CM Sai asserted. Announcing that paddy procurement in the state would commence on 15 November, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all necessary preparations were completed in time. If any irregularities are found in the process, the collector will be held responsible. There should be strict vigilance in inter-state border districts to prevent illegal inflow of paddy from neighbouring states, he said. To strengthen monitoring, CM Sai said the Integrated Command and Control Centre would now be utilised for real-time surveillance of procurement activities. During a review of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Chief Minister emphasised that all eligible farmers must receive the benefit within the stipulated timeframe. He instructed divisional commissioners to closely monitor progress, particularly in Bastar and Surguja divisions. CM Sai directed that the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana be expanded to cover the maximum number of beneficiaries and instructed district administrations to ensure that bank finance is easily available in rural areas. On healthcare, he reiterated that providing quality healthcare remains the state governments top priority. NRC Centres (Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres) must operate regularly and effectively, and special attention should be paid to maternal and child nutrition. Officials should identify hotspot areas and launch intensive campaigns on malaria eradication to ensure Chhattisgarh achieves the goal of becoming a malaria-free state at the earliest, he averred. Reviewing the Education Department, CM Sai said the twin goals of achieving a zero dropout rate and a 100 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) must be accomplished at any cost. He further announced that the state would soon launch a Chief Ministers Education Quality Mission to socially audit schools and introduce a grading system. He directed district collectors to prepare concrete strategies for improving examination results.
PM Modi to inaugurate Chhattisgarhs new Assembly building in Nava Raipur on states silver jubilee
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Chhattisgarhs new Assembly building in the capital city of Nava Raipur on 1 November, coinciding with the states silver jubilee foundation day celebrations. The newly constructed Vidhan Sabha is hailed as a masterpiece of architectural design, incorporating modern infrastructure, enhanced capacity, advanced technology, safety features, and sustainable building practices. The construction of the new building, which began with the foundation stone being laid in 2020, is nearing completion. The Central Hall, capable of accommodating all sitting legislators, is currently in its final stages. The project has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 324 crore and spans 5 lakh square feet. The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly currently comprises 90 members. The new complex has been designed with enhanced capacity, offering space for up to 200 members. Legislators will be seated in pairs, with each having their own individual desk. This future-ready design anticipates expansion following any potential delimitation exercises. The complex also includes 24 ministerial chambers, despite the current cabinet comprising 14 ministers. Decisions regarding the use of the remaining chambers will be taken by the Speaker of the House. Assembly Speaker Raman Singh had extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Modi during a meeting in Delhi last month. He also invited Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to preside over the inauguration. Its going to be a moment of pride and an unforgettable memory for the people and Assembly members, said Singh. State Public Works Department Minister Arun Sao noted that the entire construction has been designed to last over 100 years. In addition to individual offices for each minister, the Assembly complex also features a museum beneath the main building, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and two eight-bedded hospitals, one Ayurvedic and one Allopathic. A dedicated parking facility with a capacity for over 700 vehicles is also part of the campus. The structural design of the building strategically maximises natural sunlight and comfort, employing energy-efficient and green construction techniques to ensure long-term sustainability.
Autonomy debate rages after IIM director quits
RAIPUR: The resignation of IIM Raipur Director, Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, highlights the inconsistencies between the IIM Act and the institutes HR policies, which some academics acknowledge have persisted for years and are seen as a key reason behind his decision to step down. Prof. Kakani said the contradiction between the institutes HR policies and the spirit of the IIM Act of 2017 was limiting his professional scope, thereby hindering his work and decision-making. He resigned abruptly on July 22, well before his tenure was scheduled to end in March 2027. For more than two months, Prof. Sanjeev Parashar has served as Director in charge. He could not be reached for comment. Prof. Kakani is the third director of a premier IIM in the past five years to resign, reportedly due to differences with the Board of Governors. Two former directors of IIM KolkataAnju Seth (2021) and Uttam Kumar Sarkar (2023)resigned over disputes with their boards. A respected academic, Prof. Kakani has previously taught at IIM Kozhikode, XLRI Jamshedpur, and LLBSNAA Mussoorie. He is now the vice-chancellor of RV University, Bengaluru. Faculty and senior students at IIM Raipur said disputes over administrative authority between directors and board chairpersons have increased since the IIM Act, 2017. They said these differences affected the institutes administrative autonomy and functioning. Prof. Kanai had reportedly raised these concerns during his tenure. A source explained the probable circumstance behind Prof. Kakanis resignation. A grave academic integrity issue involving the institutes faculty member allegedly implicated in a forgery acted as a primary catalyst for the sudden exit of Kakani. The fraud specifically related to a doctoral students signature to reorder the co-authorship of a research article accepted in an A-star journal, the source said. 3rd head in five yrs to quit over rift with board Prof Ram Kumar Kakani resigned abruptly as the IIM Raipur Director on July 22 this year, well before his tenure was scheduled to end in March 2027. Prof. Kakani is the third director of a premier IIM in the past five years to resign, reportedly due to differences with the Board of Governors.
Chhattisgarh Police arrest IIIT student for creating obscene images of 36 female students
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh police on Thursday arrested a student of the International Institute of Information Technology in Nava Raipur, accused of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create morphed obscene photos of around 36 girl students of the institute. A police team was sent to the IIIT on Wednesday after some inputs about the shocking incident were received, but were told by the institute management that an internal inquiry was being conducted by a three-member women's staff committee. We later received a written complaint from the IIIT management and registered an FIR. The accused Syed Rahim Adnan Ali, 20, has been arrested, and a formal investigation has begun, Vivek Shukla, additional SP (Nava Raipur) told TNIE . A case has been registered under Section 66 B of India's Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 352 (intentionally insults to provoke breach of peace). The accused male student is in his second year of electronic and communication engineering degree. He had used photos posted on social media platforms to AI-generate pornographic images of the 36 female students. He kept all these obscene photos in his laptop and mobile phone which were seized by the police, the ASP added.
Student Used AI To Create Pornographic Images Of Classmates, Arrested
A 20-year-old student from the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Naya Raipur was arrested Wednesday for allegedly creating obscene images of female classmates using AI tools, said the police.
Raipur Diary | Centre rules out peace talks with Maoists
In the absence of clarity in the demands put forth by Maoists to facilitate peace talks with temporary ceasefire, the Centre has ruled out possibility of any peace talk for the time being. According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, nothing remains to talk about (with Maoists) when the Centre and state government are seen committed to ensuring development and peace in the disturbed areas. So far, the banned outfit has released six letters, laying down conditional peace talk proposals. The ongoing decisive offensive against the Red ultras indicates there are no strong reasons to hold conditional dialogues with CPI (Maoist). 1st National Highway tunnel in the state Chhattisgarh gets its first National Highway2.79 km long completed in just 12 months by National Highways Authority of India. The tunnel is a part of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic corridor. The twin-tube tunnel will substantially reduce the travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam. The accomplishment is expected to augment the regional trade and industry, opening up new scope for tourism and socio-economic integration. Vishnu Deo Sai government citing the tunnel as a historic step is optimistic that it will build a prosperous and empowered Chhattisgarh. Raipur tops in water conservation efforts The Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) has secured the No.1 spot across India under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 1.0 programme, completing 33,082 structures. RMC cited the award as a recognition of peoples power through the collective efforts intended to conserve water. Hyderabad (14,363) and Gorakhpur (14,331) followed in second and third place. At the state level, Chhattisgarh finished second with 4,05,563 structures, behind Telangana (5,20,362). RMC will receive `2 crore for surpassing the 10,000-structure milestone. A total of 67 districts nationwide have been recognised under three categories `2 crore, `1 crore and `25 lakh. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Amit Shah sets March 2026 deadline to wipe out Bastar Maoists
RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ruled out any possibility of dialogue with Maoists and said they will have to lay down weapons and accept the governments lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy. Addressing the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav and Swadeshi Mela in Jagdalpur, the headquarter of Chhattisgarhs Bastar district, he asserted that March 31, 2026, has been set as the deadline to bid farewell to the menace of Naxalism. I want to tell all my tribal brothers and sisters to persuade the youth of their villages to lay down their arms. They should shun violence, join the mainstream and become part of the development of Bastar, he said. Some people have called for talks (with Naxals). Let me make it clear again that both the Chhattisgarh and Central governments are committed to development across Bastar and all Naxal-affected areas. What is there to talk about? A lucrative surrender-and-rehabilitation policy has been put in place. Come forward and lay down your weapons, Shah said. He lauded Chhattisgarhs surrender and rehabilitation policy, which he described as the best in the country. The Chhattisgarh government has made the best surrender policy in the country. More than 500 people have surrendered in a single month. Everyone should surrender. As soon as a village becomes Naxalite-free, the state government will give it Rs 1 crore for development. Naxalism will not benefit anyone, he said. Security forces, including the CRPF and Chhattisgarh police, will give a befitting reply if ultras disrupt peace in Bastar, Shah warned. Some people in Delhi used to spread misinformation for years that the birth of Naxalism was for the fight for development. But I have come to tell my tribal brothers that the entire Bastar has been deprived of development. The root cause of this is Naxalism, he added. Notably, anti-Naxalite operations intensified in Chhattisgarh after the BJP came to power in 2023. Security forces have gunned down over 450 Naxalites in a string of encounters, mostly centred in the Bastar region, since January last year. Shah also attended the Muria Darbar celebrations, part of the renowned Bastar Dussehra festival, where tribal leaders discussed their issues with him. He praised the event for reflecting tribal culture, democratic values and community participation. On the same occasion, Shah launched the Chief Minister Rural Bus Service Scheme, aimed at improving connectivity in the tribal areas of Bastar and Sarguja. Additionally, he transferred the 20th monthly instalment of Rs 1,000 to the bank accounts of women beneficiaries under the governments Mahtari Vandan scheme.
103 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarhs Bastar days after Amit Shah rejects ceasefire offer
RAIPUR: A total of 103 cadres of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), including 49 carrying rewards worth 1.06 crore, surrendered in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Thursday. The move came days after Home Minister Amit Shah rejected a ceasefire offer from the Naxals , saying they were welcome to surrender and that security forces would not fire a single bullet at those who lay down arms. The Bastar police issued a list highlighting the details of the surrendered cadres, which included senior functionaries and lower-rank militia cadres. According to the list released, the surrendered red rebels aged 18 to 40 renounced the banned outfit and decided to return to the mainstream of society. Several Revolutionary Peoples Committee members, Area Committee leaders, militia commanders and cadres of the CPI (Maoist) were among the 103 who surrendered. The surrendered Maoists will get the initial financial incentive of Rs 50,000 each. The misled youths of the banned outfit were also impressed with the benefits of the states surrender and rehabilitation policy, said Jitendra Yadav, Bijapur district police chief. Under the states new Surrender and Rehabilitation measures, surrendered cadres will be provided free housing, healthcare, farmland, and other amenities, along with additional financial support if they choose to undergo skill training or start a small business. MHA redeploys CAPF troops from J&K to intensify final offensive against naxals
NIA chargesheets four more for funding Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a supplementary chargesheet against four more accused for alleged promotion of activities of the banned outfit CPI (Maoist) in Chhattisgarh. The NIA in its statement stated that the four accused against whom the supplementary chargesheet was produced, the three identified as Sunita Potam, Shankar Muchaki and Dashrath alias Dasru Modiyam, were office bearers of Moolwasi Bachao Manch (MBM), a frontal organisation of the CPI (Maoist), and arrested in the past. Mallesh Kunjam, the fourth accused named in the chargesheet, was an armed Maoist cadre and is still absconding, the agency said. Till now, seven accused have been charge-sheeted in the case. In October 2024, the MBM was banned by the state government under provisions of the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005. The NIA stated that all four accused named in the chargesheet were involved in activities like collection, storage and disbursal of funds for left-wing extremist groups. The outlawed CPI (Maoist) used these funds for staging protests against the democratically elected government and the development activities that are being carried out in the state. These illicit funds were being channelised through the frontal organisation like MBM, it added. The NIA, continuing with its probe into the case, is pursuing an action carried out by the Bijapur police in May 2023, when Gajendra Madvi and Laxman Kunjam, both workers of MBM, were arrested and seized Rs 6 lakh cash in junked Rs 2000 notes belonging to Naxalites.
India's first smart registration office unveiled in Chhattisgarh's Nava Raipur
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has inaugurated the countrys first state-of-the-art Smart Registration Office in the new capital city of Nava Raipur, marking a major step towards modernising citizen services. Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the new facility is designed to deliver faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly services, in line with global standards. Registering a house, shop, or land will no longer mean standing in long queues at crowded government offices. The entire process can now be completed in just 12 to 15 minutes, in a setting comparable to passport or airport service centres, a government spokesperson told TNIE. The facility was inaugurated on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, in the presence of Finance Minister O P Choudhary. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the initiative as a milestone in citizen-centric governance. This initiative strengthens Chhattisgarhs identity as a welfare-oriented state. Citizen convenience remains the foundation of good governance, he stated. Encouraged by the model's potential, the central government is reportedly exploring similar upgrades nationwide. This modern facility, built on the PPP model, ensures speed, transparency, and convenience, enhancing the overall citizen experience, added an official. In the first phase, 10 registration offices are being upgraded, with the Nava Raipur unit now fully operational. The state government has set a target to modernise all 117 registration offices across Chhattisgarh within the next year. The smart office features a queue management system and digital display boards that eliminate long waits and provide real-time updates on documentation and fees. A trained helpdesk staff is also on hand to assist citizens at every stage of the process.
Chhattisgarh To Host First-Ever DGP-IGP Meet, PM Modi Likely To Attend
The three-day event is scheduled from 28 to 30 November at the newly developed Marine Drive complex in Nava Raipur.
Top Maoist leaders remain prime targets for forces in Chhattisgarh; nine leaders eliminated in 2025
RAIPUR: The ongoing anti-Maoist operation after the monsoon has been intensified with a renewed warning conveyed to the top Maoist leaders, asking them to give up arms and surrender, or else be prepared to be eliminated. The Chhattisgarh police and the Central forces affirmed that the sustained offensive against the left-wing extremists inflicted massive setback to the banned outfit, owing to which the Maoist leaders evidently remain fully aware that there is no safe place for them anywhere in the affected Bastar region. Bastar Inspector General of police, Sundarraj P, claimed that they consistently get solid information about the locations of top Maoist leaders, and they can be eliminated anytime by security forces. They can either surrender and join the mainstream or get killed in the ongoing decisive operations by the troops, the IG told TNIE . Despite adverse weather and tough geographical conditions besides other challenges, the forces are vigorously engaged in strategically planned anti-Maoist campaigns, keeping in mind the March 31, 2026, deadline set by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Most of the Central Committee (CC) members, who are only next to the Politburo of CPI (Maoist) in hierarchy, remained active in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee during the last three decades, during which they waged a war against the state and the forces. Many of these CC members were cited to be the masterminds of numerous violent incidents, even leading to casualties of several jawans and the killing of innocent civilians. 71 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada in a single day following 'Lon Varratu' campaign appeal Police believe the remaining top 10 Maoist leaders are active in Bastar and adjoining border states. The CC members carry huge bounty on their heads in various states of the country.In the year 2025, the forces eliminated the general secretary of CPI Maoist Basava Raju alias Nambala Keshav Rao and eight CC members. The Bastar police also shared the names of the remaining top 10 Maoist leaders who the police believe are active in Bastar and adjoining border states. They includefour Polit Bureau membersGanpathi alias Mupalla Laxman Rao alias Ramanna, Malojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi, Devji alias Devanna alias Sudarshan, and Mishir Besra alias Bhaskar. Additionally, six CC members are Ganesh Uike, Anal Da alias Marandi, Malla Raji Reddy alias Murli, Ramder alias Majjidev, Madvi Hidma alias Deva alias Sainath, and Pullari Prasad Rao alias Malkapuram alias Bhaskar. The inhospitable rugged terrain of Abujhmad, spread over 4000 sq km in the district of Narayanpur and touching Bijapur, Dantewada, and Kanker was once the common address for most of the top Maoist leaders for decades. The dense forests earlier provided safe havens and hideouts for armed Maoist cadres and their top leadership. During the last three years, the Maoists' strongholds have been significantly weakened due to the establishment of several security camps and ongoing anti-Maoist operations, besides the development initiatives by the government in the region. The forces are swiftly acting on intelligence inputs about the movement of Maoist cadres, even in the dense forested terrain. The polit bureau CC members are bestowed with key responsibilities, different organisational roles, besides military activities in the banned outfit.
Raipur Horror: Pregnant Teen, 16, Slits Boyfriends Throat With Knife He Threatened Her With
The brutal murder has sent shockwaves through Raipur and Bilaspur.
