facebook

Madhya Pradesh

...

Support for UCC Grows in Bhopal with New Billboards

Bhopal, July 18: Preparations for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Madhya Pradesh are underway, as billboards supporting the initiative were unveiled in Bhopal on Saturday. These billboards express gratitude towards the central government led by Prime Minister Modi and the state government. Prominently featured is a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who ... Read more Support for UCC Grows in Bhopal with New Billboards

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 11:53 pm

Patel Engineering achieves breakthrough in 12-km irrigation tunnel project in MP

Patel Engineering announced a breakthrough in Madhya Pradesh's longest irrigation tunnel project. This 12-km tunnel is part of the Sleemanabad Carrier Canal project. The project faced significant geological and hydrological challenges during excavation. Upon completion, the canal will irrigate 245,000 hectares of land. It will also supply water to Jabalpur and Katni cities daily.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 7:04 pm

Govt forms panel to probe irregularities at 4 B.Ed colleges in MP linked to Barkatullah University

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has constituted an independent fact-finding and verification committee to investigate alleged irregularities, including colleges not functioning from their declared locations and inadequate infrastructure, at four B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 6:40 pm

Madhya Pradesh High Court seeks State response on PIL alleging 1,895 schools in MP function without teachers

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice to the state government and the School Education Department on a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging a severe shortage of teachers and inadequate infrastructure in government schools across the State. A Division Bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi sought responses from the authorities [] The post Madhya Pradesh High Court seeks State response on PIL alleging 1,895 schools in MP function without teachers appeared first on India Legal .

indialegallive 18 Jul 2026 3:18 pm

Contaminated well water sickens more than 80 villagers in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam; 21 hospitalised, discharged

The State Health Department has conducted a door-to-door survey to identify other possible patients and provide timely treatment

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 3:02 pm

Thieves return with bigger vehicles to steal rare 1-ton cannon: 16th-century relic taken from Narwar Fort in MP; first attempt to lift it failed

Thieves return with bigger vehicles to steal 1-ton cannon: An armed gang of 25 to 30 men stormed Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district on the night of 15-16 July and stole a rare 16th-century cannon from its open courtyard. The theft is the second such incident at the fort in under two decades, and police say they cannot rule out the involvement of international antiquities traffickers.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 2:22 pm

Bug bounty: MP forest department pays villagers Rs 2 per pest to save sal trees

Madhya Pradesh forest department offers villagers a bounty for collecting sal borer beetles. This unique conservation drive involves children, women, and elderly villagers actively participating. Over eleven lakh sal borers have been collected so far from designated trap trees. This initiative aims to protect vast stretches of vital sal forests in Dindori.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 12:27 pm

Man held for abducting son from school in Madhya Pradesh

Morena: A man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping his four-year-old son from a school in Madhya Pradeshs Morena district, with police successfully rescuing the child after a three-day search operation, an official said on Saturday, July 18. The accused, Nilesh Rajput, abducted the boy because his estranged wife, who lives in Morena, had been preventing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 18 Jul 2026 10:37 am

Straight from Homi Bhabha Block Mumbai

The incidence of cancer is not rare anymore in India. In the past two decades, the number of cancer patients has increased quite significantly in India. Though the Union Government as well as various state governments have set up many new medical colleges and healthcare centers, there are still thousands of patients from Jammu & Kashmir and many other parts of India that come to Mumbai to get treated at Tata Memorial Hospital. There are several good reasons why they choose to go there including trust, expertise, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive care. The hospital uses modern technology along with a team of committed doctors, nurses, and other paramedical personnel. Both general as well as privately treated patients get the same amount of professional care. With the number of patients increasing day by day in Parel campus, many of the patients are referred to Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Khargar, Navi Mumbai. This center covers a huge area and provides advanced medical treatment along with residential facilities to those poor patients who cannot afford private lodging. People from all corners of the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and various states in South and West India can be seen coming here for treatment. The most challenging situation that a family can ever face is the time when cancer is diagnosed for the first time. For many, hearing about cancer means facing fear and uncertainty. They experience stress and lose their confidence. Their suffering becomes more when the doctors tell them that their kids will have to travel thousands of kilometers to get specialized treatment in Mumbai. The journey to Tata Memorial Centre usually starts from Homi Bhabha Block where patients are registered for admission in the hospital. Long queues of patients and their attendants stand patiently every morning in order to get themselves registered in the hospital. The patients are registered in general or private categories depending on their financial conditions. Financial help, subsidized drugs, and welfare assistance are available for many deserving children getting treatment in the hospital. But one thing that can never be measured in terms of medical instruments is the compassion of people inside the waiting room of Homi Bhabha Block. In case of a new patient who is shocked with so many people who are seeking treatment, he/she sits silently and feels scared inside. He/she will sit beside another patient/parent whose child has already received months of treatment without asking their religious belief, caste, language, and region. They might share some biscuits, tea or even some comforting words to the new arrivals. What type of cancer has been diagnosed in you? When did your treatment start? Dont lose hope and be courageous. Stick to the advice of the doctors. These sorts of conversations usually become the first form of psychological strength for the newly arrived people. In a matter of few minutes, the new people become a part of the companions and the fear starts fading away. The patients start preparing themselves psychologically for their chemotherapy, operation or radiotherapy. There are also various charitable organizations and NGOs that extend assistance to the patients, especially the kids. They usually give them free books, bags, writing material, ration packets, healthy food, counseling, playtime, yoga classes, and education. Parents sitting outside the paediatric oncology outpatient clinic usually show their utmost gratitude for the medical professionals treating their kids. They usually appreciate doctors for being a source of hope in one of the most trying times of their life. Doctors like Dr. Chetan Damnay, Dr. Aditya, Dr.Yaseen and Dr. Jain, among others, and their colleagues, try hard to offer specialized treatment to the children undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Progress of every treatment process is monitored and assessed through regular outpatient visits. The surgeons and other professionals in the surgery department, Dr. Sajid Qureshi and his colleagues, are equally respected for their dedication to the cause. Dedication of the nurses is not behind too. From injection to dressing, everything is done with professional excellence and efficiency. The wards maintain hygiene through out. Once a patient finishes chemotherapy, another is ready to take its place. Separate wards are reserved for children and adults, and patients from every economic and social class are treated without discrimination. Rich or poor, whether you are a government official, politician or labourer, everyone is treated with equal care. Thousands of people every year avail cancer treatment at the Parel and ACTREC hospitals, while thousands more cases register themselves each year. With cancer treatment facilities available in numerous states, most of the patients find the facilities for infrastructure, costs, and multi-disciplinary treatment the reason why they prefer coming to Mumbai. Nevertheless, visiting Mumbai for some families is not feasible due to the economic burden. Costs go far beyond hospital charges; parents need to stay with their sick kids until completion of the treatment process, making them lose paid jobs and income. In some cases, people even have to sell their property to pay for the travel, accommodation, and living costs during treatment. This situation demonstrates the importance of improving the cancer treatment facilities in the country. While new medical colleges have been opened in various states, it is also equally important to create a good regional cancer center equipped with modern technologies, skilled medical personnel, and accessible costs. For each family that enters the Homi Bhabha Block building, fighting cancer does not just involve the treatment of medicine, but it also involves courage, compassion, and hope that go along with it. In the bustling room of that building, strangers can end up becoming one anothers biggest strengththe kind of therapy that starts with humanity itself. Author is Senior Journalist/ Human Rights Activist

Greater Kashmir 18 Jul 2026 5:29 am

Islamic Law Requires Justice for Polygamy, Says Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain

Aligarh, July 18: Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain, the royal chief mufti, welcomed the recent statement by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and polygamy. He emphasized that Islam does not permit injustice, deceit, or harm to anyone. If a person cannot ensure equal justice among all their wives, they ... Read more Islamic Law Requires Justice for Polygamy, Says Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 3:42 am

Burhanpur Artisans Receive Modern Technology Training Under PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Burhanpur, July 17: A one-day awareness program was held in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, under the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme. The event aimed to connect traditional artisans and craftsmen with modern technology, digital business opportunities, and self-employment. It took place at Lalbagh Higher Secondary School and was organized jointly by the Ministry of Micro, Small and ... Read more Burhanpur Artisans Receive Modern Technology Training Under PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 2:03 am

MP Minister Given Clean Chit On Caste Row By Scrutiny Committee

The scrutiny committee had summoned the minister to be present before it with necessary documents to establish that Bagri caste falls under the SC category, following a directive by the Madhya Pradesh high court.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Jul 2026 1:06 am

Tribals Demand Separate Bhil Pradesh at Grand Conference in Rajasthan

Jaipur, July 17: Thousands of tribals from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli gathered at the renowned Manger Dham in Banswara for a grand conference on Friday. Under the banner of the Bhil Pradesh Liberation Front, participants unanimously called for the establishment of a new state, Bhil ... Read more Tribals Demand Separate Bhil Pradesh at Grand Conference in Rajasthan

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 11:42 pm

Historic Cannon Stolen from Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, July 17: A priceless 500-year-old Ashtadhatu cannon has been stolen from the historic Narwar Fort in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. The theft was executed by a group of 25 to 30 armed criminals, raising serious concerns about the security of historical artifacts. The incident, which occurred between the nights of July 15 and 16, ... Read more Historic Cannon Stolen from Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 11:22 pm

Jabalpur Launches Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign Amidst Crackdown on Tobacco Products

Jabalpur, July 17: An anti-drug awareness campaign titled Staying Away from Drugs is Essential is currently underway in Madhya Pradesh from July 15 to July 30. On Friday, Jabalpur hosted an awareness program under this initiative. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Anu Benival convened a meeting with officials from the Municipal Corporation, Women and Child ... Read more Jabalpur Launches Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign Amidst Crackdown on Tobacco Products

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 10:53 pm

Madhya Pradesh: Armed Gang Raids MP's Narwar Fort, Steals Rare 'Astadhatu' Cannon

The antique heist took place in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday: Police

Deccan Chronicle 17 Jul 2026 9:43 pm

Centre, states chart roadmap for next phase of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and ABDM at NHA National review meeting

New Delhi [India], July 17 : The National Health Authority (NHA), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, on Friday commenced a two-day National Review Meeting (Chintan Shivir) on the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) at Madhya Pradesh Bhawan, New Delhi. According to a press release, the National Review Meeting was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav. During the inaugural session, Jadhav released the National Health Authority (NHA) Annual Report, along with the Compendium of Guidelines for the District Implementation Unit (DIU), Beneficiary Empowerment (BE) and Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM), to strengthen programme implementation, improve operational efficiency and promote greater standardisation across States and Union Territories. As per the release, the meeting has brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Health Authority, and States and Union Territories to review progress under the Government's flagship health initiatives, identify implementation priorities and chart the next phase of healthcare reforms through innovation, digital transformation and strengthened Centre-State collaboration. Addressing the meeting, Prataprao Jadhav complimented the National Health Authority (NHA) for organising the review meeting with all States and Union Territories. Expressing his pleasure at interacting with the health leadership from across the country, he said that the meeting provided an important platform to collectively review progress, share best practices and chart the future course for strengthening the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Jadhav stated that AB PM-JAY was conceived in the spirit of Antyodaya, ensuring that the last person in the queue receives priority in accessing quality healthcare and every cashless treatment provided under the scheme reaffirms this commitment. Highlighting the achievements of the scheme over the past seven years, he stated that AB PM-JAY has facilitated cashless treatment worth over Rs 1.91 lakh crore through a network of more than 37,000 empanelled hospitals across the country, making it the world's largest health assurance scheme. Highlighting the progress of digital health, Jadhav said that he Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has laid the digital foundation for a future-ready healthcare system, with over 94 crore ABHA numbers created and more than 100 crore health records linked. He emphasised that ABDM 2.0 should be measured not merely by the number of digital records created, but by the everyday difference it makes through seamless access to health records across States, easier discovery of nearby health facilities and deeper integration with AB PM-JAY, demonstrating the transformative potential of Digital India in healthcare. Calling for greater convergence between AB PM-JAY and ABDM, Jadhav urged all States and Union Territories to strengthen coordination in implementation while continuing to place the poorest and most vulnerable citizens at the centre of all healthcare interventions. Expressing confidence in the collective efforts of all States and Union Territories, he said that together they would build future-ready, citizen-centric and digitally empowered healthcare systems rooted in accessibility, accountability and compassion, contributing significantly towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. As per the release, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Authority (NHA), Sunil Kumar Barnwal highlighted the National Review Meeting and the Chintan Shivir series, being organised since October 2025, as an important platform for States and Union Territories to review progress, exchange best practices and address implementation challenges under AB PM-JAY and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Barnwal further emphasised that the vast repository of data generated under PM-JAY has the potential to emerge as a valuable national health indicator by providing valuable insights into disease patterns across different States, geographies and demographic groups, thereby enabling more targeted public health interventions and evidence-based policymaking. The meeting reviewed the progress achieved under AB PM-JAY since the previous Chintan Shivir, focusing on key implementation priorities, programme performance, beneficiary coverage, service delivery, claims management and hospital empanelment. It also assessed the status of actionable items identified during the earlier review meeting and deliberated on measures to strengthen operational efficiency, institutional mechanisms and beneficiary service delivery. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, with discussions focusing on the progress of key initiatives, adoption of digital health services, and measures to further strengthen the digital health ecosystem. The review underscored the importance of accelerating ABDM implementation through closer coordination with States and continued adoption of interoperable digital health solutions. The deliberations covered several policy and operational reforms aimed at strengthening programme implementation under AB PM-JAY. The meeting reviewed the proposed framework for planned pre-authorisation for selected procedures to reinforce clinical governance and facilitate timely decision-making. The meeting further reviewed initiatives to strengthen the technology infrastructure supporting AB PM-JAY. It also reviewed recent developments in the Auto-Adjudication Engine to improve consistency, transparency and efficiency in claims processing, alongside the work of the National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) in strengthening programme integrity through risk-based monitoring and data-driven fraud detection mechanisms. (ANI)

RisingKashmir 17 Jul 2026 9:26 pm

1.5 foot cobra comes out of a nursery school student's bag in MP: Child finds snake inside while reaching for books; reptile rescued safely

A nursery student in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar district had a frightening experience when a 1.5-foot cobra crawled out of his school bag inside the classroom. The child escaped unharmed as teachers evacuated students and rescued the snake before releasing it in a nearby forest.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 3:32 pm

We want more!: Singaporean envoy to India Simon Wong welcomes 1st shipment of J&K cherries, plums

New Delhi, July 17: Singapore High Commissioner to India Simon Wong on Friday welcomed the arrival of the first shipment of cherries and plums from Jammu and Kashmir to Singapore, hailing the expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries and expressing hope for such exports. In a post on X, Wong said, Following Litchis and mangoes, Singapore is finally getting its first taste of cherries and plums from #Jammu #Kashmir. Thank you @APEDADOC and Hon'ble @CM_JnK. We want MORE! The High Commissioner thanked the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for facilitating the export of the fruits. Earlier on July 13, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India's agricultural and processed food exports are expanding their global footprint, with products from different states entering new international markets and helping farmers secure better returns. In a social media post, Goyal highlighted a series of export achievements spanning fresh fruits, millet-based foods and processed food products, saying India's produce is increasingly finding acceptance across global markets. India's exports are on a roll. From local farms to international shelves, India's finest flavours are winning hearts worldwide, the minister said. According to Goyal, fresh Amrapali mangoes from Jharkhand made their international debut in the United Kingdom and Dubai. The mangoes were grown by an all-women farmer-producer company, helping women farmers earn 180 per cent higher returns. He shared that the botanical-infused millet functional foods from Karnataka were exported to New Zealand, adding that India's traditional millet-based products are now gaining popularity in international markets. He also highlighted that the premium Areco cherries and Centros plums from Jammu and Kashmir reached Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, enabling farmers to earn up to 120 per cent higher returns. In another first, Himalayan litchis from Uttarakhand were exported to Italy, opening a new market for the state's fruit growers. He shared that the fresh litchis from Punjab also entered the Oman market under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), while GI-tagged Tezpur litchi from Assam reached Dubai, fetching premium prices for growers. Minister also pointed out that the GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mango from Madhya Pradesh was exported to the UAE, with farmers receiving around 40 to 50 per cent higher prices than those available in local markets. According to the minister, premium Banganapalli mangoes from Andhra Pradesh were transported to Singapore by sea for the first time, demonstrating the growing acceptance of Indian fruits in overseas markets. From the farms of Assam to the orchards of Kashmir, from Varanasi's food industry to Karnataka's millet innovators, the world is embracing the taste of India, the minister noted. (ANI)

RisingKashmir 17 Jul 2026 2:46 pm

Satyagraha, Pyre On River: Tribals' Unique Protest To Save Their Homes

As the Ken-Betwa river-linking project advances, thousands in Madhya Pradesh's Chattarpur say they face displacement, lost livelihoods and inadequate rehabilitation, and are mounting Gandhian-style protests to highlight their concerns.

NDTV 17 Jul 2026 2:24 pm

400-year-old cannon stolen from Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh

Preliminary investigations suggest that some individuals reached the rear of the fort in a vehicle and fled with the piece of artillery kept there

The Hindu 17 Jul 2026 12:08 pm

MP secures investment proposals worth Rs 1,592 crore at Bharat Tex 2026; over 15,700 jobs expected

Madhya Pradesh secured investment proposals totaling Rs 1,592 crore at Bharat Tex 2026. These proposals are expected to create over 15,700 new employment opportunities across various textile sectors. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted the state's comprehensive Farm to Fashion textile value chain capabilities. He also promoted the PM MITRA Park in Dhar, attracting substantial investment and jobs.

The Economic Times 16 Jul 2026 10:00 pm

Kranti's Bowling Action Is Reminiscent Of Shami: Niranjana

Bishan Singh Bedi: Former India fast bowler Niranjana Nagarajan has compared rising pacer Kranti Gauds bowling action to that of veteran mens speedster Mohammed Shami and hailed her smooth run-up, as she picked up a historic five-wicket haul in Indias unforgettable 270-run Test triumph over England at Lords. Kranti picked 537 in 17 overs as India got a crucial 115-run lead on day twos play and became the first woman to earn a place on the Lords honours boards. Before Kranti, the likes of BS Chandrasekhar, Bishan Singh Bedi and Kapil Dev registered themselves on the honours board in the away dressing room list of bowlers with fivewicket hauls. It's such a proud moment as a fast bowler for me to have Kranti Gaud writing her name on the Honours board and Yastika to get the name again as a centurion. So, these are the moments that we play and watch cricket for. I saw Kranti, a couple of years back when MP (Madhya Pradesh) won the domestic one-day trophy. I thought this girl was going to go up the ladder and definitely had the potential to represent the country, purely because of the fact that the run-up was so smooth. When you look at Kranti bowl, you will see that she is very smooth. The error percentage is very less considering her action. Definitely, she just needs to concentrate bowling only on the length areas and it happens automatically with her action because it is so smooth. It is so nice to watch her bowl, come and hit the seam. I always felt that her action is a little resembling Mohammed Shami. The way she loads, the way she releases the ball and everything - it is so nice, Niranjana told IANS in an exclusive conversation. She also credited the team managements faith in nurturing Krantis steady rise in just 13 months of her playing international cricket. She has developed as a player over the last one and a half years. Harman once said that we need a pack of pace bowlers whom we can trust and give the ball to. Definitely, she has had the backup of management backing her. Her talent couldn't be ignored. Her service to the Indian team so far has been fantastic. In this last Test match, especially the way she ran in, the way she delivered the ball in the right area. From there, the ball hit the seam. In and out, she was able to deliver both. So, I think she has a long way to go. She has gotten stronger. She is mentally a little more capable of handling pressure now. She looks lean, sharp - typically, that is how a fast bowler should be nurtured and nourished. Whenever I see somebody doing well, it makes me feel happy. I think the hunger is there in her and that is the main thing for a fast bowler. I wish her all the very best and she should continue to do this good work. It was a wholesome moment when I saw her talking to her parents back home from Lords. It was really good and may she continue to do well for the country. She is special, definitely and should be playing for India at least for the next 7-8 years, if I am right, elaborated Niranjana. Apart from Kranti, Yastika Bhatias knock of was equally significant, as her 113 also her maiden international century, made her the first woman to hit a hundred in a Test match at Lords. It also came on the back of Yastika missing India's victorious 2025 ODI World Cup campaign due to a knee injury requiring ACL surgery and having an indifferent time in this years T20 World Cup. It is never easy to come out of injuries. You will have your self-doubts. Slowly, you will start hearing what people are saying about the injuries. Every day, you will feel like, when will I go back and get to bat in the field? The process is also slow. You need to get the day to return to play. Everything is there. It is a mental battle and she has done really well to come out of that. She has kept up the trust that the management has shown on her. Honestly, this really came as a surprise package. We knew she was always capable. She was not in a great state and didnt look in a good form - let us be honest. What has differentiated her here is the mental strength that she has shown to survive through those 100 runs. Coming out of that injury, that speaks a lot about how resilient she is. That speaks a lot about her character. Sometimes, when you play Test cricket, you need character. You need to shut the noise outside and keep your head cool. You need to focus on one particular ball at a time. It is not going to be easy. Maybe for a bowler, it is 6 balls in an over. You can come back and pick up a wicket even if you are getting hit for a couple of boundaries. But for a batter in a Test game, there is only one chance. If you are out, you are just going to go back to the pavilion. She stuck to her plan and has announced herself in Test cricket. This is just a humble beginning for her and I think she has a long way to go, added Niranjana, who played two Tests, 22 ODIs and 14 T20Is for India. She also pointed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) strategic reintroduction of the domestic multi-day tournament as the deciding factor behind India's recent superlative results in Tests. England might not be in the radar of playing domestic red-ball games. But definitely, they are more experienced in terms of playing Test cricket because they have played more Test games than India in the recent past. They play the Ashes regularly and they got their experience in it and were playing in home conditions as well. But the point I would like to signify here is definitely the fact that multi-day format was introduced in the domestic structure back home - that has provided a lot of help in terms of preparation mentally, how to leave the ball or probably how to grind through the innings and it's a battle of patience. In Test cricket, you definitely need to keep bowling at probably 7-8 overs without a wicket. You have to be really patient when it comes to being a batter or bowler. So, these things when the girls have already done back home in domestic and are used to at least get the feel of it, she said. Hence, it was no surprise to Niranjana, who played a huge part in the 2014 Wormsley Test win over England, that India managed to get a thumping victory at Lords. The BCCI has taken great efforts in terms of women's cricket over the last 5-6 years, especially since the emergence of WPL. One thing that has also changed is that I have always felt that there should be a multi-day format at the inter-zonal level. When I played, there was in 2017-18, a multi-day inter-zonal format. Post that, we didn't have one for the next 2-3 years. Covid-19 came and post that, even for a couple of years, we didn't have. But in the last few years, they did introduce the longer format and it did give the girls the idea to play longer innings, and survive through the day on the field, how to construct an innings and how to get mentally stronger to grind through the phases. So definitely, BCCI has given a base for the girls to know what longer format is all about. When the domestic base is strong, Virat (Kohli) once mentioned how it is that players are so good. Recently, he was interviewed and he said we have a very strong Ranji Trophy system back home. That is where we are able to produce good Test cricketers. I think the similar thing holds here. Maybe 2-3 years ago, the girls did not have an idea about what the longer format was. Now, the girls definitely have an idea of what the longer format is. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a special camp which is introduced, especially for the longer format girls. Probably very technically sound or some bowler is just hitting the length continuously. They can be hand-picked and they can just be prepared for Test cricket. These are all measures probably that will happen in the near future. But the domestic system back home has definitely had an impact. Asked whether multi-day red-ball structures should be pushed further down to the age-group levels to sustain this supply of talent, Niranjana advocated for a cautious approach, adding that the Under-23 level is the sweet spot for specialised red-ball development. Probably very technically sound or some bowler is just hitting the length continuously. They can be hand-picked and they can just be prepared for Test cricket. These are all measures probably that will happen in the near future. But the domestic system back home has definitely had an impact. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But if it is done, probably the girls can have more opportunities. If you take any senior side, mostly 70 percent of the side is U-23 - max 25-26. So, for a separate kind of U-23, you can go for it. But U-19, let's just groom them and get them ready for the next level. For them to understand what Test cricket is, it will take some time. But for the U-23 level, we can probably try, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 16 Jul 2026 11:34 am

Madhya Pradesh: Jitu Patwari Questions CM Mohan Yadav on Department Change for Lakhan Patel

Bhopal, July 16: In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reassigned Lakhan Patel from the Animal Husbandry Department to the newly created Anand Department. In response to this change, Congress state president Jitu Patwari has written to CM Yadav, questioning whether this departmental shift will lead to any systemic changes. Patwari emphasized in his ... Read more Madhya Pradesh: Jitu Patwari Questions CM Mohan Yadav on Department Change for Lakhan Patel

Morningstar 16 Jul 2026 11:14 am

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Highlights the Importance of Anganwadi Centers for Child Development

Ujjain, July 15: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that ideal Anganwadi centers serve as the first school for childrens holistic development. The government is providing all necessary facilities at these centers to support the physical and mental growth of young children. During a visit to the Swaez Farms capable Anganwadi center in Ujjain, ... Read more Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Highlights the Importance of Anganwadi Centers for Child Development

Morningstar 15 Jul 2026 8:44 pm

'If Ramchandra married once, Rahim too should marry once': MP CM Mohan Yadav's UCC pitch

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav strongly supports implementing a Uniform Civil Code. The state government plans to introduce a UCC Bill during the upcoming monsoon session. A committee submitted its report recommending UCC implementation, excluding tribal communities. The chief minister criticized the Congress party for its stance on the UCC issue. The government will also abide by the Supreme Court's decision on the Bhojshala dispute.

The Times of India 15 Jul 2026 7:54 pm

Ashoknagar Railway Station Transformed Under Amrit Bharat Scheme

Bhopal, July 15: The Ashoknagar Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh has undergone a remarkable transformation with an investment exceeding 22 crore. Developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the station has been modernized to enhance passenger amenities, accessibility, and infrastructure. Numerous development projects have been undertaken to give the station a modern, attractive, and passenger-centric ... Read more Ashoknagar Railway Station Transformed Under Amrit Bharat Scheme

Morningstar 15 Jul 2026 4:09 pm

World's oldest engraved number '0' is hidden inside this ancient temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; here's how to reach this mathematical wonder

The Chaturbhuj Temple in Gwalior Fort holds an ancient inscription with the numeral zero. This 9th-century stone carving demonstrates the decimal place-value system's early use. The zero symbol's presence revolutionized mathematics and modern civilization's development. This archaeological wonder attracts historians, mathematicians, and curious travelers worldwide. The temple is accessible by air, train, and road connections.

The Times of India 15 Jul 2026 4:07 pm

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Reclaims Animal Husbandry Department from Minister Lakhan Patel

Bhopal, July 15: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reassumed control of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department from State Minister (Independent Charge) Lakhan Patel. Patel will now solely oversee the Anand Department. According to a notification issued by the state government, Chief Minister Yadav will retain the responsibilities of the Animal Husbandry Department. ... Read more Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Reclaims Animal Husbandry Department from Minister Lakhan Patel

Morningstar 15 Jul 2026 1:04 pm

Two newly elected MPs take oath as Rajya Sabha members

Two newly elected Rajya Sabha members took their oath on Wednesday. Mansoor Ali Khan, a Congress leader, was elected from Karnataka. Rajneesh Kumar Agrawal, a BJP member, was elected from Madhya Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha Chairman administered the oath to both new members. Khan took his oath in English, while Agrawal chose Hindi.

The Economic Times 15 Jul 2026 12:48 pm

SC permits Friday namaz near Bhojshala, asks ASI to maintain status quo

The Supreme Court has directed that Muslims be provided a separate open space adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh for Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm. The court also barred the ASI from making structural changes without its approval and said it would hear the sensitive matter on a day-to-day basis.

Mid Day 15 Jul 2026 9:01 am

Supreme Court grants interim relief to Muslims in Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted limited interim relief to Muslims challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's May 15 judgment declaring the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a Hindu temple, Bar & Bench reported. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed that Muslims be allowed to offer Friday prayers between 1 pm and 3 pm at an open space adjacent to the disputed site, clarifying that the arrangement would be purely ad hoc and subject to the final outcome of the case. The Court also ordered that any alterations proposed by the Archaeological Survey of India pursuant to the High Court's verdict shall not be implemented without its permission. The matter has been directed to be listed before an appropriate Bench for further hearing.

Greater Kashmir 15 Jul 2026 7:49 am

Madhya Pradesh's UCC draft proposes registration of live-in couples

Madhya Pradesh's draft uniform civil code requires live-in relationship registration. Couples must formally cancel registrations when relationships end, facing penalties for non-compliance. Parents will be informed of their children's live-in relationship status. Inheritance laws will change, including fathers as heirs to deceased sons' property. The proposed code will initially exclude the state's tribal population.

The Times of India 15 Jul 2026 5:38 am

Give Muslims alternative site for namaz: Supreme Court to Dhar administration

The Supreme Court will hear challenges to a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling on the Bhojshala complex. It declined to stay the order which declared the site a temple. Muslim petitioners argued the ruling ignored historical evidence and existing arrangements. The court directed authorities to find an alternative space for Friday prayers. Structural changes to the complex are prohibited without court permission.

The Times of India 15 Jul 2026 4:50 am

SC orders Friday prayer space for Muslims near Bhojshala

PTI New Delhi Observing that both Hindu and Muslim sides must have patience due to the sensitive nature of the Bhojshala matter, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed site in Madhya Pradeshs Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays between 1 and 3 pm till []

The Navhind Times 15 Jul 2026 12:52 am

SC hears challenge to Bhojshala temple ruling, allows Friday namaz nearby

The Supreme Court has issued a notice on a plea challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict declaring the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and prohibiting namaz. While denying an interim order to restore the status quo, the bench granted limited relief, allowing namaz on Fridays between 1 PM and 3 PM at an adjacent open space.

The Economic Times 14 Jul 2026 11:41 pm

Madhya Pradesh: Draft UCC Bill Seeks To Keep Tribals Out Of Its Purview

The three-volume report on the UCC draft bill was submitted to the Madhya Pradesh government by the committee here on Monday: Reports

Deccan Chronicle 14 Jul 2026 9:37 pm

Bhojshala: SC Refuses To Stay Madhya Pradesh HC Order; No Namaz Allowed Within Premises

In the ongoing dispute regarding the historic Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court issued a significant interim order on Tuesday, explicitly refusing to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Courts decision. The Court stated that, for the time being, Friday prayers would not be permitted inside the Bhojshala complex itself. This decision is Continue reading Bhojshala: SC Refuses To Stay Madhya Pradesh HC Order; No Namaz Allowed Within Premises The post Bhojshala: SC Refuses To Stay Madhya Pradesh HC Order; No Namaz Allowed Within Premises appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .

Our Voice WeRIndia 14 Jul 2026 6:20 pm

Madhya Pradesh Bhojshala complex: Supreme Court suggests temporary prayer space for Muslims until case decided

Supreme Court directed that the Archaeological Survey of India would not make any structural alterations to the disputed structure without leave of the apex court

The Hindu 14 Jul 2026 2:20 pm

Sensitive Issue: Supreme Court Refuses To Restore Friday Namaz At Bhojshala

The court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to make available an open space, adjacent to the site, for Muslims to offer Namaz on Fridays

NDTV 14 Jul 2026 2:09 pm

Heartbreaking Farewell In Madhya Pradesh As Loyal Pet Dog Dies During Owner's Funeral Procession

As the funeral procession set off, Duggu reportedly walked alongside the bier for a short distance before collapsing and dying.

NDTV 14 Jul 2026 2:07 pm

Bhojshala Kamal Maula dispute: Supreme Court agrees to hear Muslim side appeals

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a batch of appeals filed by members of the Muslim community challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court judgment declaring the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya [] The post Bhojshala Kamal Maula dispute: Supreme Court agrees to hear Muslim side appeals appeared first on India Legal .

indialegallive 14 Jul 2026 2:01 pm

SC ready for hearing in Bhojshala dispute, urges patience

New Delhi: Asking both Hindu and Muslim sides to have patience as Bhojshala is a sensitive matter, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 14, said it was ready to hear the matter on a day-to-day basis and resolve the issue. The top court was hearing a batch of appeals challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 14 Jul 2026 1:47 pm

Both sides must have patience; ready to resolve Bhojshala dispute: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will hear the sensitive Bhojshala dispute on a daily basis. This sensitive matter involves appeals challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court order. The High Court had declared the Bhojshala complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The court acknowledged the need for extreme caution in its expressions and statements.

The Economic Times 14 Jul 2026 1:46 pm

MP Tech Growth Conclave spurs 40,000 crore investments, 34,000 jobs: CM Yadav

Yadav further said that foreign investment in Madhya Pradesh is no longer limited to MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding), but is becoming a reality on the ground

The Hindu Businessline 14 Jul 2026 12:39 pm

17 migrant workers injured as Bolero overturns near Shivamogga

Shivamogga: Seventeen migrant workers, including children, were injured after a Bolero vehicle carrying them overturned near Mandagadde in Shivamogga district on Monday, July 13. The accident occurred while the workers were travelling to coffee plantations in Kalasa, police said. According to officials, the vehicle was carrying 29 people, all migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 14 Jul 2026 12:35 pm

MPESB ADDET answer key 2026 released at esb.mp.gov.in: Direct link to download here

The Madhya Pradesh Staff Selection Board (MPESB) has released the provisional answer key for the ADDET 2026 entrance examination conducted on July 10. Candidates can access it through the official website using their login credentials, estimate their scores, and submit online objections until July 16, 2026, before the board issues the final answer key and results.

The Times of India 14 Jul 2026 9:42 am

MP UCC panel files report, recommends tribal exemption

Bhopal: A committee constituted to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for Madhya Pradesh has recommended exclusion of tribals from its scope in its report submitted to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, officials said. The report of the government-appointed multi-member panel, headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was submitted to CM Yadav on Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 14 Jul 2026 8:56 am

SIT probe ordered into murder of Congress leader's driver in Madhya Pradesh

The Supreme Court ordered a new investigation into a driver's murder. This driver worked for a Congress assembly election candidate in Madhya Pradesh. The deceased's wife alleged political influence compromised the initial police probe. A three-member SIT will now conduct this fresh and impartial investigation. The Madhya Pradesh DGP must constitute this SIT within two days.

The Economic Times 14 Jul 2026 12:59 am

From Soil to Sensors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Indian Agriculture

Imagine walking through a coconut orchard in Tamil Nadu where every tree is monitored by solar-powered sensors, irrigation happens automatically when the soil dries out, and a farmer can track water usage, fertiliser needs and crop healthall from a mobile phone. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality of Indian agriculture, and it's happening right now. Meet Rajaratnam Kanakarajan, a coconut farmer from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Two years ago, he was struggling with unpredictable yields and rising input costs. Today, after adopting an AI-powered precision farming system developed by the agritech startup Farm Again, his coconut yield has doubledfrom 80 to 160 nuts per tree per year. His annual income jumped from 12.16 lakh to 33.82 lakh. And he's not alone. According to a report by NITI Aayog (2025), over 3,500 farmers across 4,000 acres in Tamil Nadu are now benefiting from this technology, collectively saving more than 400,000 cubic metres of water and 175,000 kWh of energy annually, while avoiding approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO emissions. The locally developed technology also reduced the implementation cost from 25 lakh per acre for imported systems to just 2.5 lakh per acre, making precision agriculture more affordable for Indian farmers (NITI Aayog, 2025). This is the story of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming traditional agriculture into something smarter, more sustainable and far more profitable. The Perfect Storm: Why Agriculture Needs AI Now Here's the challenge we're facing: the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2023), agriculture will need to produce nearly 50 percent more food than current levels. At the same time, India's agricultural land has been shrinkingfrom a peak of 184.8 million hectares in 1975 to approximately 179.9 million hectares today (Land Use Statistics at a Glance, 2023)while the country's population has ballooned to 1.45 billion (Worldometer, 2025). Nearly 735 million people worldwide currently suffer from undernourishment, highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity (FAO, 2023). Meanwhile, farmers are disappearing from fields. According to the World Bank Employment in Agriculture Database and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the share of India's workforce engaged in agriculture has dropped from 59.1% in 1991 to 40.6% in 2020, and it's projected to fall to about 32% by 2030 (World Bank, 2024). Labour shortages during critical operations like sowing, harvesting and weeding are becoming a crisis. Traditional farmingrelying on guesswork, uniform application of water and chemicals and labour-intensive methodssimply cannot meet these challenges. As Wolfert and colleagues (2017) observed in their comprehensive review published in Agricultural Systems, the integration of Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence enhances farm decision-making, improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The scope of Big Data applications in smart farming, they noted, goes beyond primary productionit is influencing the entire food supply chain (Wolfert et al., 2017). What Exactly Is AI Doing in Agriculture? Think of AI as a super-smart farming assistant that never sleeps. It analyses data from sensors in the soil, cameras on drones, satellites in space and weather stations in the field. Then it tells farmers exactly what to do: when to water, how much fertiliser to apply, where pests are hiding and even when to harvest. Liakos and colleagues (2018) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in agricultural production systems and categorised them into four major areas: crop management, livestock management, water management and soil management. Their findings, published in the journal Sensors, demonstrated that by applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real-time AI-enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action (Liakos et al., 2018). The numbers speak for themselves. Subeesh and Mehta (2021), writing in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, documented that AI-driven precision agriculture can increase crop yields from 3.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare while reducing water consumption from 6,650 to 4,000 cubic metres per hectare, fertiliser use from 305 to 180 kg per hectare and pesticide use from 18.5 to 7 litres per hectare. Net returns nearly doublefrom 940 to 1,860 per hectarewhile carbon emissions decrease from 3,650 to 2,100 kg COe per hectare (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021). These findings highlight that AI-based precision agriculture enables higher yields with fewer inputs, greater profitability and improved sustainability compared to conventional farming. Real Farmers, Real Results Across India, agritech startups are proving that AI isn't just for Silicon Valleyit's for the villages of Maharashtra, the paddy fields of Punjab and the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu. Take Fasal, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2017. Their device, Fasal Kranti, equipped with over 12 sensors, monitors climatic and soil parameters and provides farmers with precise recommendations on irrigation, pest management and crop planning. Deployed across 10,000 acres in states like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the results have been remarkable: farmers have reported up to a 60% reduction in pesticide costs and a 40% increase in yield. The technology has saved over 52 billion litres of water. Then there's Cultyvate, another Bengaluru-based startup that tackles one of Indian agriculture's most urgent problems: inefficient water use in paddy cultivation. Paddy fields consume over 50% of India's irrigation water. Cultyvate's remote-sensing irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors, flow meters, weather data and AI algorithms to monitor real-time field conditions. Farmers receive mobile alertsvia voice calls in regional languages, so even those who can't read can understandtelling them exactly when and how much to irrigate. The result? Water use reduced by up to 50%, yields improved by 2030% and over 3,080 crore litres of water saved. In Andhra Pradesh, a pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. The Sowing App, developed using Microsoft's Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning and Power BI, sent sowing advisories to farmers on the optimal date to sow based on weather conditions, soil and other indicators (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The results, announced in January 2017, showed a remarkable 30% higher average yield per hectare for groundnut crops. Farmers who followed the advisories and sowed in the recommended period achieved significantly better yields, while those who sowed earlier suffered losses due to a long dry spell (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The Robots Are ComingAnd That's a Good Thing Remember when the idea of robots on farms sounded like something from a sci-fi movie? That future is already here. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2024), the global agricultural robot market has grown exponentially, from approximately US$956 million in 2013 to nearly US$19.1 billion in 2020, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems in modern agriculture. Drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters and AI-powered weeders are becoming increasingly common. The most rapid expansion occurred after 2016, when advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors and autonomous navigation systems accelerated the commercialisation of agricultural robots (IFR, 2024). In India, engineering student Rahul Arepaka has developed 'Rakshak,' an AI-powered laser-weeding robot that removes the need for chemical herbicides and manual labour. The tractor-mounted device autonomously targets weeds using deep learning algorithms and blue laser technology. These technologies aren't replacing farmersthey're empowering them. By automating labour-intensive tasks, AI frees up farmers to focus on higher-value activities like crop planning and marketing. Samuel and Irtwange (2025), writing in the Journal of Agricultural Informatics, concluded that machine learning applications contribute substantially to yield improvement, resource optimisation, and cost reduction in agricultural systems, emphasising the growing importance of predictive analytics in agricultural decision-making (Samuel & Irtwange, 2025). From Water to Wealth: The Economics of AI Farming Let's talk money. Because ultimately, farmers adopt new technologies when they make economic sense. The economic benefits of precision agriculture are well-documented. According to a joint study by Microsoft and ICRISAT (2017), precision agriculture improves farm profitability by 1525% while reducing production costs by 1030% through efficient use of inputs. It promotes resource conservation, achieving 2050% water savings and 1530% fertilizer savings, while reducing pesticide application by 2080% and nutrient losses by 1540% (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through a 1020% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Technologically, precision agriculture enables real-time crop monitoring with 9097% disease detection accuracy, reduces labour requirements by 2040% through automation and supports predictive farm management with 8595% yield prediction accuracy (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). In Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by IndiaAI (2019), machine learning-based farming increased gross revenue from 1,25,000 per hectare to 2,87,500 per hectare. Net income rose from 70,000 to 2,00,000 per hectare (IndiaAI, 2019). The report further noted that the adoption of machine learning technologies in agriculture is creating new skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, including positions for data collection technicians, precision irrigation specialists, digital extension workers, sensor installation workers, drone operators, software support staff and AI data analysts (IndiaAI, 2019). These aren't marginal improvements. They're transformative. The Government Steps In Recognising the potential of AI, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate its adoption. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with an outlay of 2,817 crore, aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture. Under AgriStack, over 70 million Farmer IDs have already been generated across 17 states (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Krishi Decision Support System integrates satellite, weather and soil data to map crops and cultivated areas (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). In February 2026, the government launched Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform that provides farmers with personalised recommendations on crop planning, input management and risk mitigation. Farmers can access the platform by dialling 155261 from any phone and interacting with an AI assistant named 'Bharati' (Ministry of Finance, 2026). Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered voice-enabled chatbot launched in 2023, provides farmers with information on government schemes like PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Available in 11 regional languages, the platform handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily and had responded to more than 93 lakh farmer queries by December 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The World Economic Forum (2025) highlighted the role of AI in strengthening climate resilience, improving resource efficiency and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, suggesting that AI-driven agricultural solutions can support sustainable rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods (World Economic Forum, 2025). The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the transition to AI-powered agriculture isn't without challenges. High initial investment costs, limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, data privacy concerns and digital literacy gaps remain significant barriers (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). But the momentum is undeniable. Precision agriculture adoption in India is projected to increase from just 1% in 2008 to approximately 95% by 2036. The agricultural sector is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The vision is ambitious but achievable: AI-enabled agriculture that ensures every acre becomes more productive, every drop of water more valuable and every farmer more prosperous. As the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2026) documented, AI-enabled advisory services, pest surveillance systems and digital agriculture initiatives across India have demonstrated the potential of AI and IoT technologies in improving agricultural productivity and farm management (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Bottom Line Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech buzzword. It's a practical, proven solution to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu to the paddy fields of Punjab, AI is helping farmers produce more with lessless water, less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less labour. The farmer of tomorrow won't just be someone with a plough and a pair of hands. They'll be someone with a smartphone, a network of sensors and an AI assistant that helps them make smarter decisions every single day. And that's not just good for farmers. It's good for all of us who depend on the food they grow. (The authors are associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu)

RisingKashmir 14 Jul 2026 12:28 am

Madhya Pradesh: Organized Encroachments In MP Forests Cause Massive Deforestations, Ethnic Conflicts

The menace was spread to forests in the districts of Jhabua, Khargone, Barwani, Burhanpur, and Khandwa over the past several years: Reports

Deccan Chronicle 13 Jul 2026 10:01 pm

Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute: Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging MP High Court verdict

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a batch of appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Courts judgment declaring the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The matter came up before the Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi [] The post Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute: Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging MP High Court verdict appeared first on India Legal .

indialegallive 13 Jul 2026 9:20 pm

A Truck, A Rice Mill And A Rs 1,160 Crore Question In Madhya Pradesh

The suspicion is that the government rice was diverted to private rice mills and later found its way back into government warehouses as custom milled rice.

NDTV 13 Jul 2026 5:41 pm

MP horror: 2 Dalit men given electric shocks on suspicion of theft

Madhya Pradesh: In an inhuman act from Madhya Pradesh, two young Dalits were tied to a pole and subjected to electric shocks on suspicion of stealing a water pump motor. The incident occurred in Karmodiya village, Raisen district, on June 14, but came to light through social media platforms on Saturday, July 12, nearly a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 13 Jul 2026 4:01 pm

Spain's Submer Group to invest $2 billion in semiconductor industry in Madhya Pradesh

Spain's Submer Group announced a significant USD 2 billion investment in Madhya Pradesh. This substantial investment will foster growth within the region's semiconductor industry. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 5,000 direct employment opportunities for local residents. Land for a data center project was swiftly allotted within six days.

The Economic Times 13 Jul 2026 1:38 pm

How a missing veena helped solve a 900-year-old mystery

A 12th-century sculpture, long misidentified as Saraswati, is now recognized as goddess Gayatri. Advanced digital documentation revealed iconographic details previously unnoticed for centuries. The red sandstone idol, found in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, depicts Gayatri with specific attributes. Its rediscovery restores a forgotten aspect of India's artistic and religious heritage. This rare depiction will now aid Madhya Pradesh's digital heritage initiative.

The Economic Times 13 Jul 2026 12:42 pm

SC to hear pleas against MP HC verdict holding Bhojshala complex as Goddess Saraswati temple

The Supreme Court will hear appeals challenging a High Court order on the Bhojshala complex. This order declared the disputed site a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It also cancelled the Muslim community's Friday prayer rights at the monument. The Madhya Pradesh High Court left administration decisions to the Centre and ASI. Both Hindu and Muslim communities claim ownership of the protected 11th-century monument.

The Economic Times 13 Jul 2026 11:47 am

Oil tanker explosion during welding kills one, injures two in MP

Khargone: A crude oil tanker exploded during welding work in Madhya Pradeshs Khargone district on Sunday, July 12, killing a passerby, who was struck by flying metal pieces, and seriously injuring two others, police said. The blast occurred at a welding workshop in Magarkhedi village near Kasrawad area when repair work was underway on the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 13 Jul 2026 8:09 am

Shree Diagnostic PET-CT Centre Inaugurated in Lake City

UDAIPUR, July 13, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) :Shree Diagnostic PET-CT Centre has been inaugurated in Udaipur, marking a significant step in the field of advanced diagnostic services. The centre will provide advanced diagnostic facilities at a single location for patients from South Rajasthan and nearby areas of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, helping save time and resources ... Read more Shree Diagnostic PET-CT Centre Inaugurated in Lake City

Udaipur Kiran 13 Jul 2026 6:43 am

Twisha Sharma case: AIIMS Delhi submits crucial final report; skin tissue matches gym belt

An AIIMS medical board has submitted its forensic opinion to the CBI. This report addresses a key dispute over the ligature material used in Twisha Sharma's death. Laboratory tests confirmed the ligature matched the injury pattern on the victim's neck. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had ordered this second postmortem examination. The AIIMS opinion is now a crucial piece of evidence for the ongoing investigation.

The Economic Times 12 Jul 2026 10:19 am

BJP Intensifies Preparations for Datia By-Election with Key Meetings

Bhopal, July 12: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ramped up its preparations for the upcoming Datia Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh. Senior party leader Narottam Mishra met with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP state president and MLA Hemant Khandelwal, and regional organization secretary Ajay Jamwal at the Chief Ministers residence to discuss strategies. During ... Read more BJP Intensifies Preparations for Datia By-Election with Key Meetings

Morningstar 12 Jul 2026 12:06 am

Congress Nominates Ghanshyam Singh for Datia By-Election, Kharge Approves

Bhopal, July 12: The Congress party has officially announced its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Datia constituency of Madhya Pradesh. According to a press release from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), party president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the candidacy of former MLA Ghanshyam Singh for the Datia assembly seat. With this decision, ... Read more Congress Nominates Ghanshyam Singh for Datia By-Election, Kharge Approves

Morningstar 12 Jul 2026 12:02 am

Tribal Widow Gang-Raped During Robbery Attempt in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, July 11: In a shocking incident in Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh, a tribal widow was gang-raped by three attackers during a robbery attempt at her home. According to police reports, the incident occurred late Friday night in the Bori area. The woman alleged that armed intruders broke into her house demanding silver jewelry. When ... Read more Tribal Widow Gang-Raped During Robbery Attempt in Madhya Pradesh

Morningstar 11 Jul 2026 10:20 pm

Madhya Pradesh Government Committed to Fulfilling Youth Dreams, Says CM Mohan Yadav

Bhopal, July 11: The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, announced that the state government is dedicated to realizing the dreams of the youth. Speaking at the inaugural session of the My Youth-My Pride Conclave held at the Brilliant Convention Center in Indore, he emphasized the governments commitment to support the aspirations of the ... Read more Madhya Pradesh Government Committed to Fulfilling Youth Dreams, Says CM Mohan Yadav

Morningstar 11 Jul 2026 9:45 pm

Kharge calls Madhya Pradesh epicentre of corruption, cites alleged 1,200-crore rice scamt

Congress alleges nearly five lakh metric tonnes of rice had been siphoned off in a game of profit and claims diversion took place with the connivance of government machinery.

The Hindu 11 Jul 2026 8:27 pm

Madhya Pradesh: BJP Workers Go On Rampage In Datia After Former Home Minister Narottam Mishra Dropped For By-Polls

The protesters who were demanding renomination of Mr. Mishra by the party to contest the by-elections also staged road blockade: Reports

Deccan Chronicle 11 Jul 2026 8:19 pm

Controversy Erupts Over Ticket Denial for Narottam Mishra in Datia By-Election

Datia, July 11: The political atmosphere in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, has intensified with the announcement of the by-election for the assembly seat. Supporters of BJP leader Narottam Mishra are expressing significant discontent over the denial of his ticket. They assert, We are Narottam Mishras workers before we are BJP members. The supporters have protested against ... Read more Controversy Erupts Over Ticket Denial for Narottam Mishra in Datia By-Election

Morningstar 11 Jul 2026 5:50 pm

Madhya Pradesh Achieves Zero Drop-Out Rate in Primary Education, Says CM Mohan Yadav

Indore, July 11: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a significant achievement in Madhya Pradeshs primary education sector, stating that the drop-out rate has reached zero. Speaking at the Hindu Rakshak Punyoday Project event in Indore, he emphasized that education is the most powerful means of societal change. Our government is committed to providing world-class education ... Read more Madhya Pradesh Achieves Zero Drop-Out Rate in Primary Education, Says CM Mohan Yadav

Morningstar 11 Jul 2026 5:26 pm

Grand Welcome for Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj in Neemuch

Neemuch, July 11: A grand welcome was held for Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, who arrived in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday to participate in a saint conference. Thousands of devotees gathered along the route to seek his blessings. With the arrival of Swami Kailashanand Giri, Neemuch became a hub of religious activities, ... Read more Grand Welcome for Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj in Neemuch

Morningstar 11 Jul 2026 4:01 pm

M.P. High Court seeks report on States tiger reserves amid canine distemper virus deaths

It is expected that respondents shall rise to the occasion and will keep vigilance over all Tiger Reserves and whenever and wherever vaccination is required, said the Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Hindu 11 Jul 2026 11:40 am

Protests over Ken-Betwa river link project resume in Madhya Pradesh

Several protestors, most of them women, have launched a symbolic protest by placing hanging noose around their necks which has now reached its fifth day on the banks of the Barana River near Kupi village.

The Hindu 11 Jul 2026 7:05 am

Pony Ambulance wins hearts on Amarnath route with medicines, first-aid on four hooves

Srinagar, Jul 10: As thousands of devotees make their way towards the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, an unusual sight along the Chandanwari-Cave route in Pahalgam has emerged as a symbol of compassion and preparedness a pony not carrying pilgrims or luggage, but a mobile stock of medicines and first-aid supplies. The initiative, popularly referred to by pilgrims as the PonyAmbulance,has become an instant attraction and a source of comfort for yatris undertaking the arduous journey through steep climbs and unpredictable weather conditions. At the centre of this unique service is Farooq Ahmad, a pony owner associated with the Yatra arrangements, who moves along the track with his horse carrying essential medicines and emergency supplies for pilgrims in distress. Strapped carefully to theback of the animal are boxes containing painkillers, ointments for muscle strains, antiseptics, bandages, inhalers, injections, medicines for nausea and altitude sickness, and even emergency medicines related tocardiac complications and blood pressure issues. Many pilgrims develop fatigue, body pain, breathing difficulties or dizziness during the climb. Reaching a medical camp may sometimes take time. This pony ambulance provides immediate relief until professional medical assistance arrives, Farooq said while attending to exhausted pilgrims near a resting point on the route. Hesaidthe arrangement solely belongs tothe administration and the health department. The servicehas been introduced with the support of the administrationto strengthen emergency response mechanisms along the difficult mountain track where thousands of pilgrims pass every day. Pilgrims say the presence of the moving first-aid unit offers not just medical help but also psychological reassurance. I was surprised to see medicines being carried on a horse. My wife complained of severe muscle pain, and the team immediately provided an ointment and basic medication. It was a thoughtful initiative, said Rajesh Sharma, a pilgrim from Jaipur. Sunita Devi from Madhya Pradesh said the sight of the pony ambulance reflected the spirit of service associated with the pilgrimage.The route is challenging, especially for elderly devotees. Knowing that help is moving alongside us gives immense confidence. The administration and local people deserve appreciation, she said. Another pilgrim, Aman Verma from Delhi, recalled how an elderly yatri experiencing breathlessnesswas providedimmediate assistance before being shifted to a nearby medical camp. The response was quick and efficient. In the mountains, even a few minutes matter, and this service can make a real difference, he said. Officials associatedwith theYatra management said the initiative complements the extensive healthcare infrastructure established along the pilgrimage routes, including medical camps, oxygen booths, emergency rescue teams and helicopter evacuation facilities. However, it is the image of Farooq Ahmad quietly walking alongside his medicine-carrying horse through the Himalayan terrain that has captured theimagination of pilgrims. In a journey defined by faith and endurance, the pony ambulance has become more than just a mobile medical unit it has become a moving symbol of Kashmir's hospitality and humanity, where help often arrives not on wheels, but on four hooves.

RisingKashmir 11 Jul 2026 7:04 am

Udhampur accident : LG directs best care for injured Yatris

Srinagar, Jul 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has taken immediate cognisance of a road accident near Toldi Nallah in Udhampur in which six Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, sustained injuries, and directed senior administrative and medical officials to ensure all necessary and best possible treatment for their swift recovery. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said: Received the report of a road accident near Toldi Nallah in Udhampur involving 6 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. The devotees were traveling to Pahalgam base camp for holy cave darshan when their vehicle skidded off the road. One pilgrim is seriously injured, while the other five are in stable condition and currently receiving care at GMC Udhampur. The critically injured pilgrim has been shifted to GMC Jammu. I have directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, and medical officials at GMC Jammu and Udhampur to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. I pray to Lord Shiva for their swift recovery, the Lieutenant Governor added.

RisingKashmir 11 Jul 2026 6:40 am

Madhya Pradesh High Court Seeks Status Report On Tiger Reserves Following Big Cat Mortalities

The benchs directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Mumbai-based lawyer Subrat Chaktraborty: Reports

Deccan Chronicle 10 Jul 2026 11:16 pm

Madhya Pradesh: Congress Chief's Brother Detained In Indore Drug Probe; Sparks Political Row

The Rajendra Nagar police arrested Irfan Khan alias Golu Chanderi and Sanjay Kaushal alias Ronnie Bhai following seizure of 10.8 grams of brown sugar from them: Indore Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Narendra Rawat

Deccan Chronicle 10 Jul 2026 8:40 pm

Eight Tiger Deaths: Madhya Pradesh HC Seeks Report On MP Reserves

Madhya Pradesh govt steps to curb canine distemper virus 'outbreak'

Deccan Chronicle 10 Jul 2026 5:11 pm

Six Amarnath Pilgrims Injured in Udhampur Road Accident; LG Sinha Orders Best Medical Care

Srinagar, July 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said six pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra were injured in a road accident near Toldi Nallah in Udhampur district after their vehicle skidded off the road while en route to the Pahalgam base camp. In a post on X, LG Sinha wrote, Received the report of a road accident near Toldi Nallah in Udhampur involving 6 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. The devotees were traveling to Pahalgam base camp for holy cave darshan when their vehicle skidded off the road. One pilgrim is seriously injured, while the other five are in stable condition and currently receiving care at GMC Udhampur. The critically injured pilgrim has been shifted to GMC Jammu. I have directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur and medical officials at GMC Jammu and Udhampur to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. I pray to Lord Shiva for their swift recovery, the post reads.

RisingKashmir 10 Jul 2026 1:05 pm

MP Congress chiefs brother questioned in drug case; 2 held

Indore: Police in Indore on Thursday, July 9, arrested two men and seized about 11 grams of brown sugar besides detaining two others including Nana Patwari, the younger brother of Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari, in connection with the case. The Congress leader claimed that it was a false case and accused of the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 10 Jul 2026 8:09 am

After son dies of cancer, father-in-law performs widowed daughter-in-law's Kanyadaan, giving her a new beginning

A Madhya Pradesh family supported their widowed daughter-in-law after her husband's death. Her father-in-law, Dinesh Vairagi, performed her Kanyadaan at the wedding ceremony. The family considered it their responsibility to help her start a new life. Guests praised the compassionate and progressive gesture towards widowed women. The bride's father expressed gratitude for the love and dignity shown.

The Times of India 10 Jul 2026 1:05 am

Madhya Pradesh Congress chiefs brother detained in drug case in Indore; Congress slams BJP govt

According to the police, Kulbhushan and Manav Gangwani were detained for questioning after their names surfaced during the interrogation of two men who were arrested with 10.8 grams of narcotic substance on Thursday

The Hindu 9 Jul 2026 10:27 pm

Supreme Court stays criminal proceedings against Hindu man in Madhya Pradesh forced conversion case

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed further criminal proceedings against a man accused of forcing a family in Madhya Pradesh to convert to Islam while issuing notice on his appeal challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Courts refusal to quash the criminal case. The Bench of Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Shree Chandrashekhar passed the interim [] The post Supreme Court stays criminal proceedings against Hindu man in Madhya Pradesh forced conversion case appeared first on India Legal .

indialegallive 9 Jul 2026 9:23 pm

Congress alleges forged gram sabha consent for Singrauli mining in Madhya Pradesh

The party claims consent obtained through forged resolutions carrying thumb impressions of deceased persons and demands a CBI probe

The Hindu 9 Jul 2026 8:14 pm

NDA-ruled States, universities object to centralisation provisions in Shiksha Adhishthan Bill

Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya raise concerns about Centres powers; universities seek safeguards, parliamentary oversight; BHU warns that Bill could turn an independent regulator into an arm of the Central government

The Hindu 9 Jul 2026 7:49 pm

4 Of Family Killed After Car Crashes Into Parked Truck In Madhya Pradesh

The accident took place around 3.30 am near Bharula village within the jurisdiction of Civil Lines police station.

NDTV 9 Jul 2026 5:01 pm

Soybean sowing gains pace, acreage seen surpassing last year

Soybean sowing has accelerated across key Indian states after a monsoon delay. Nearly ninety percent of targeted areas in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are covered. Maharashtra has completed eighty to ninety percent of its soybean planting. The Soybean Processors Association of India expects total acreage to exceed last year. Favorable rainfall will determine the final soybean production outcome this season.

The Economic Times 9 Jul 2026 4:01 pm

13 blackbucks found dead in well in Shajapur

Thirteen blackbucks died after falling into a well while trying to escape a stray dog in Madhya Pradesh's Shajapur district, forest officials said.

Mid Day 9 Jul 2026 8:23 am

Donation racket alleged at Madhya Pradesh temple, probe ordered

Managed by a government committee, its alleged that a parallel, unauthorised committee was operating in the temple premises, accepting cash and valuable ornaments, and issuing fake receipts; Congress slams the BJP

The Hindu 8 Jul 2026 11:07 pm

Madhya Pradesh/ After Ayodhya, Badrinath, Donation Row Hits MPs Famous Shakti Temple, Probe Ordered

This is the third famous place of worship of Hindus after the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand, found to be embroiled in the donation theft row.

Deccan Chronicle 8 Jul 2026 8:01 pm

ISRO successfully tests Gaganyaan crew module's main parachute

ISRO successfully tested Gaganyaan's main parachutes in Madhya Pradesh. This critical test qualified the parachute for expected load conditions. A simulated assembly was dropped from an aircraft at 2.5 km. Drogue and main parachutes deployed to reduce payload velocity safely. This successful test provides confidence for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.

The Economic Times 8 Jul 2026 7:30 pm

Government, corporates and global foundations join hands on PRAGATI to empower 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently launched PRAGATI, a nationwide initiative to build 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs and directly benefit 20 lakh smallholder farmers through climate-resilient, regenerative agriculture.    Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan launching the PRAGATI initiative   The programme is backed by a coalition of institutions including the PepsiCo Foundation, State Bank of India Foundation, Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation's International Association (SAFIA), Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), and Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF).   Building on an existing network of 26,000-plus agri-entrepreneurs that already supports 2.6 million farmers, PRAGATI aims to add 20,000 more entrepreneurs and reach over 2 million additional smallholders across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The initiative targets a 30% rise in farmer incomes and a 15-20% yield boost in paddy, maize and potato, with regenerative practices adopted by at least a fifth of participating farmers. Entrepreneurs will run 20,000 village-level kiosks offering agronomy advisory, soil health services, mechanization, credit linkages and market access, alongside a push for financial and digital inclusion.   Speaking at the launch, Chouhan said "the vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved without a developed agricultural sector and prosperous villages," adding that the government's focus extends beyond output to cutting cultivation costs, raising incomes, and promoting value addition and agri-entrepreneurship. He cited horticulture, livestock, fisheries and beekeeping, along with drones and digital advisory tools, as key levers for the sector's future, stressing that traditional farming alone will not be enough for small and marginal farmers.   Industry and philanthropic partners echoed that sense of urgency. Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact at PepsiCo and President of the PepsiCo Foundation, said farmers are "at the heart" of the company's business and that supporting their livelihoods is "essential to building a more resilient food system." Jagrut Kotecha, CEO of PepsiCo India and South Asia, called PRAGATI "a much needed intervention" bringing together partners with shared intent, reflecting the company's "Partnership of Progress" philosophy.   For SBI Foundation, the initiative marks a shift in banking's role in rural India. Its MD & CEO, Swapan Dhan, said PRAGATI is "not just about creating agri-entrepreneurs" but about building "a nationwide movement of local changemakers who will drive farmer prosperity, climate resilience, and financial inclusion".   International partners framed PRAGATI as a scalable model for the Global South. Alan Johnson of the Global AE Academy and IFC (World Bank Group) said the programme scales "a proven agri-entrepreneurship model" that turns rural youth and women into "catalysts of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable agricultural transformation." Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor-India at EDF, said it places "farmers and local entrepreneurs at the center of climate-smart, efficient solutions," combining data-driven insights with last-mile delivery. Dr. Simon Winter of SAFIA called it "a bold step towards enabling a new generation of rural changemakers to accelerate the transition to regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture."   Rina Soni, Executive Director of Passing Gifts Pvt. Ltd., a Heifer International subsidiary, said the platform treats farmers "not as passive beneficiaries" but as "entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers," with the potential to make farming "a profitable, sustainable, and aspirational choice for the next generation."   With its scale and multi-stakeholder design, PRAGATI is set to become India's largest privately led agri-entrepreneurship programme, positioning local entrepreneurs as central agents in building a more inclusive and climate-resilient rural economy.

News Voir 8 Jul 2026 5:53 pm