Madhya Pradesh News

Madhya Pradesh: Local BJP leader abuses visually impaired woman for 'enabling religious conversions'

BHOPAL: A local BJP leader from Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur district has been caught on camera abusing a visually impaired woman over allegations of religious conversion. The video which went viral on Monday, is related to an incident which reportedly happened in the premises of a Church in Hawa Bagh area under Gorakhpur police station of Jabalpur district on Saturday. In the video, the BJP's recently appointed Jabalpur city unit vice president Anju Bhargava is seen shouting at a visually impaired woman, in the presence of a policeman. She grabbed the face of the visually impaired woman and twisted her arms, while shouting abuses at her. The BJP leader accused the woman of conducting religious conversions, doing 'dhandha' (business) and earning money. The video showed the visually impaired woman asking Bhargava to speak properly and speak to her instead of getting physical. The BJP leader, instead of stopping the misconduct with the woman, is seen telling her that she will be blind in her next birth too. The shocking video was shared on X (formerly twitter) by the Congresss national chairperson Supriya Shrinate on Monday. The woman who is physically assaulting the visually impaired woman is Anju Bhargava, the BJPs district vice president of Jabalpur. This cruelty is the easiest way to advance in the BJP. These people are stains on society. Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh had recently reported two incidents of violence by incited by Hindu right-wingers accusing Christian missionaries of engaging in religious conversions, including the incident in Gorakhpur.

HDFC Bank Parivartans HRDP boosts women farmers income in Madhya Pradesh

The project focuses on sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and women-led livelihood enhancement

From Borgaon To Being Roped In By RCB For Rs 5.20 Crore: Mangesh Yadav's Surreal Tale

MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia: When Mangesh Yadav's name flashed on the IPL 2026 auction broadcast in Abu Dhabi, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) locked horns in a fierce bidding war that would forever change the left-arm quick's life. Within seconds, his price rocketed from a base price of Rs 30 lakh to a staggering Rs 5.2 crore a staggering jump FOR pacer. Mangesh, a skiddy left-arm pacer consistently clocking 140 kmph with a sharp yorker in his repertoire, could barely process what had just unfolded. I was just thinking the first bid should happen and a team takes me in. I was very happy with the first bid from RCB. But within seconds in front of my eyes, SRH and RCB were bidding for me and it reached five crores, which was extremely astonishing. My parents back home were very happy. They were also getting calls from relatives, recalled Mangesh in an exclusive conversation with IANS. By the roadside in Noida, miles away from where his protege's life was being transformed, Phoolchand Sharma, who runs Wonders Cricket Club in Sector 34, was over the moon. I can't tell you how happy I was on seeing him get selected. Before that, a lot of my kids have played in IPL, but theres a different happiness for him. I did hope that he would be picked by any franchise in the auction. I have never met his father or mother, nor have I ever spoken to them. I have raised him like my own kid. Hes been a good boy from the start, a calm and hardworking kid. I gave him a lot of matches to play in Delhi, as well as in district leagues in Delhi and UP. Hes had a very long journey and is now seeing the fruits of being committed to that path, he told IANS. Mangeshs cricketing journey began in Borgaon village in Madhya Pradeshs Chhindwara district, not in an established academy but within the confines of his homes compound. As a six-year-old, he'd return home in tears after fighting with boys while playing. His mother Rita found a solution: she'd bowl to him in the compound and he would bat for as long as he wished for. From there, I started playing cricket regularly and it went on and on. I started bowling a little late with the left arm. But I used to see the bowling of Mitchell Johnson and RP Singh sir bowling and that served me with a lot of motivation, he said. As years went by, Mangesh's talent was remarkable. But in a family of six, including three sisters, his father Ramavadh drove trucks to make ends meet. Pursuing professional cricket seemed financially impossible till his maternal uncle convinced Ramavadh to let his son train seriously in cricket. After that, Mangesh headed to Noida to train under Sharma. The hostel fees was Rs 20,000 per month, well beyond his familys reach. What happened next would alter the trajectory of Mangesh's life. Sir saw my game and he liked it. He forgave my fees and told me to stay here and practice, so that was very helpful in my journey. My father has done so much for me. I didn't have any stress, I just wanted to play cricket, all the struggle was of my father. If it wasn't for Phoolchand sir, I wouldn't have been able to play cricket. The reality of Ramavadh's sacrifice was never lost on Mangesh. While Mangesh caught 4am trains for training and playing matches, his father was waking at the same time to begin another gruelling shift behind the wheel - navigating treacherous roads through the night with no fixed schedule. My father's struggle is unmatchable. I used to feel sad that I am going out to play, but the father is waking up daily in the morning, goes out to drive the truck in night through a lot of dangerous roads, though they are in a much better condition now. The academy evolved alongside Mangesh - from basic facilities to a comprehensive setup featuring gym, indoor nets, trainers and coaches. Apart from Shivam Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra and Hardik Pandya would drop in for net sessions at Sharmas academy when in Delhi-NCR. What immediately struck Sharma about Mangesh was the rarity of discovering a left-arm quick whose natural bowling action didn't require fundamental reconstruction. His bowling action reminded him of how Zaheer Khan bowled - smooth, repeatable, lethal. You do know that when a left-handed batter or bowler plays, there is an alag nazakat (different sheen) to it. Right from the rhythm of his run-up, he seemed like a perfect packaged bowler. We have to teach a lot of kids that you are running slow, head is falling over and rhythm is not good. But when he used to run and bowl, it was perfect action, like how Zaheer used to have. I used to like Zaheer's action and he was just like that. We worked on improvising it, he added. Small technical tweaks combined with natural athleticism gradually revealed a complete cricketer capable of consistently hitting 140kmph. The biggest thing is he had a lot of seniors to learn and get support from, like Anureet Singh, who played for IPL for many years, Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar. We caught some of his small shortcomings, or at times, other boys caught it. We developed his bowling slowly. He is a good fielder from the start. In between, when the kids used to go elsewhere, he used to hit long sixes. His hitting power has been very good, he added. Mangesh represented MP in U19 and U23 teams, but feared opportunities were slipping away without a proper platform to showcase his talent. Then came the Madhya Pradesh League - an initiative by current MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia that proved to be transformative. Playing for Gwalior Cheetahs this year, Mangesh claimed 14 wickets to become the tournament's leading wicket-taker and IPL scouts took notice. I thought I would be late in grabbing my opportunity, but Scindia ji introduced the MP League and then I got the chance to perform. When I got good performances in it this year, everything has happened well from then onwards for me. Mangeshs three mentors - Anand Rajan, Tanmay Srivastava and Ankur Tyagi also stepped in to refine his game and mindset. Srivastava, an Under-19 World Cup winner for India in 2008 and now an active umpire, provided invaluable perspective to Mangesh, so as Rajan, who played for the state and in the IPL. I talk to Ankur Tyagi after every match - he is like a big brother to me. He has always supported and guided me in the right way. Due to all three of them, I have always improved in the right way, he said. Despite a disappointing debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), MP head coach Chandrakant Pandit pushed him to showcase his batting abilities in the second match against Punjab. Mangesh grabbed the chance by hitting 28 off 12 balls, proving that he was more than just a bowler. My first match was not that good, but the captain backed me well, due to which I was amongst the wickets. Pandit sir told me 'Mangesh, you will also have to do some batting'. In the second game, he sent me up to bat and I was able to showcase my batting abilities, which felt really good. Before embarking to Pune for the tournaments Super League stage, Mangesh went through trials with RCB, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians. Though he couldn't attend SRH and PBKS trials due to hectic schedule, the formers bowling coach, ex-India pacer Varun Aaron took notice of his skillsets. But now, landing at RCB means sharing a dressing room with the talismanic Virat Kohli - a childhood dream that Mangesh admits never seemed remotely possible. I always wanted to play under Virat sir's captaincy. But he is not doing it and I feel sharing the dressing room with him is a big deal. I never imagined that I would play alongside him and this set to become a reality is a great feeling. His recent experience under Patidar's captaincy during high-pressure SMAT games also keeps Mangesh in good stead. Cricket is tough if you think in mind about it and playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a lot of pressure, as you do know the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and Ishan Kishan are tough to bowl to. But all of this was made easy by playing under Rajat bhaiya's captaincy. The role he gave me, I managed to fulfill that and it made life easy. The visualization has already begun Mangesh standing at the top of his run-up in RCB's iconic red jersey, with the new ball in hand, enough to give him goosebumps. But the ultimate dream still remains to be wearing Indias blue jersey. How exciting it will be to wear the RCB jersey and have the ball in hand at the top of my run-up mark. I hope that this paves the way for me to wear the Indian team jersey and bowl the first ball for my country. That will be an out of the world feeling. Rather than dwelling on IPL's magnitude, Mangesh plans to focus on absorbing lessons from Kohli, Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer to improve his craft. We will have a team camp, where I will prepare alongside with Virat sir, Venky and Rajat bhaiyas. I will learn from them by playing a lot of practice matches and improve along the way. I will get to be in touch with them, so it is going to be very helpful for me. What separates Mangesh from India's impressive stable of fast bowlers, Sharma argues, isn't just his left-arm pace - it's being that rare quick offering genuine all-round capabilities. The biggest thing is India has a lot of fast bowlers, but you won't get a perfect package like him. I can count them - Arshdeep, Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Shami. All of them are good bowlers. They play for India because they are good. But they won't be a batter or fielder like them. It's not that he is my child. I am talking about the language of cricket. Being a cricketer, he is a perfect package. In the future, if God keeps him healthy, you will see him play for India in a year or two. The financial windfall from the life-changing IPL deal means Mangesh can fulfill his off-field aspirations. Marrying off his three sisters with pomp and splendour tops his priority list, followed by giving his father respite from decades of grueling truck driving work and buying a house to end the familys stay in a rented home. His message to aspiring cricketers reflects hard-earned wisdom - that talent alone isn't enough, that even strong performances don't guarantee selection, and that persistence matters more than immediate results. What I have felt through my cricketing journey is without struggle, you won't get anything. You won't get anything easy and if you're playing cricket, you'll have to put in more effort, including the double of what is expected usually, as there are times when you won't get selected even if you perform well. His message to aspiring cricketers reflects hard-earned wisdom - that talent alone isn't enough, that even strong performances don't guarantee selection, and that persistence matters more than immediate results. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You just have to be true to yourself and your efforts. My seniors always tell me that I have to put my head down and play cricket. So it's important to respect everyone and keep your head down and play well when on the field, signed off Mangesh. Article Source: IANS

Backdated Degrees, Broken Labs: Inside Madhya Pradesh's Paramedical Mess

NDTV's investigation reveals that the paramedical education system in Madhya Pradesh has remained in a state of chaos since 2020.

Rajasthan airlifts tigress from MP to Bundi in first-of-its-kind interstate translocation

JAIPUR: Rajasthan has taken a historic step towards strengthening tiger conservation by airlifting a tigress from Madhya Pradeshs Pench Tiger Reserve to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi district, to improve the genetic diversity of its tiger population. Wildlife experts said this is the first instance in the country of an interstate transfer of a tigress by air. The operation was conducted under strict scientific protocols, tight security, and multi-level coordination between agencies. The three-year-old tigress, identified as PN-224, arrived at Jaipur Airport on Sunday night around 10:30 pm aboard an Indian Army MI-17 helicopter. She was subsequently transported by road to Bundi and released into a special enclosure at around 6:30 am on Monday. The operation began on Sunday morning in the Pench Tiger Reserve, where the tigress was located hiding under trees in a dense forest. A team of veterinary doctors successfully tranquilised her, following which a detailed medical examination was conducted. Officials said her body temperature, heartbeat and respiration rate were found to be completely normal. After about an hour of medical and technical procedures, the tigress was airlifted at 4:55 pm. Owing to security considerations, she was flown directly to Jaipur instead of Bundi. Following a two-and-a-half-hour flight, she reached Jaipur and was moved in a specially designed cage vehicle to Ramgarh Vishdhari. The Tigress has been placed in the Bajaliya enclosure of the reserve, where she will remain under constant observation. Preparations for the translocation had been underway for several weeks. Chief Conservator of Forests Suganaram Jat and senior veterinary expert Dr Tejendra Riyad from Kota reached Pench on November 25. On December 5, the tigress was tranquilised and fitted with a radio collar. Wildlife experts said the translocation is crucial to prevent inbreeding, which often occurs when tiger populations remain confined to a limited area for long periods. She was initially scheduled to be brought to Ramgarh Vishdhari on December 10. However, the radio collar broke on December 6, creating difficulties in tracking her and stalling the operation. The original plan was to fly the tigress directly from Pench to Ramgarh Vishdhari. A helipad was constructed at Ramgarh, and helicopter trial runs were conducted over two days. However, permission from the Air Force was denied on security grounds. Sources said that the security personnel present during the trials differed from those deployed in Pench, and a different helicopter model was used. Considering the risks, authorities revised the plan and routed the transfer through Jaipur. Wildlife experts said the translocation is crucial to prevent inbreeding, which often occurs when tiger populations remain confined to a limited area for long periods. Inbreeding can lead to congenital diseases, reduced immunity, lower fertility, and physical deformities in future generations. The introduction of a new tigress will strengthen the gene pool and help ensure a healthier and more resilient tiger population in Ramgarh Vishdhari in the long term, an expert said. The tigress has been released into a specially developed one-hectare enclosure in the Bajaliya area of the reserve. She has been fitted with a radio collar, and her movements will be continuously monitored using AI-based camera traps and sensor systems. A Forest Department team camped in the Pench Tiger Reserve for nearly two weeks to track the tigress, conduct health checks, and complete the necessary procedures. At one stage, after the radio collar was removed, the tigress retreated deep into the forest, further delaying the mission. Eventually, with the help of trained elephants, officials managed to tranquilise her again. Despite posing significant challenges to forest teams from both states, the operation concluded successfully, marking a major milestone in Rajasthans tiger conservation efforts.

Communal clashes erupt in MP's Jabalpur after Hindu activists allege conversion by Christian missionaries

BHOPAL: Police are on heightened alert in Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur city, after protests by Hindu right-wingers alleging religious conversion by Christian missionaries triggered violent scuffles between the two religious groups at two separate places in two successive days. The first incident happened in Gorakhpur police station area on Saturday, while the second incident happened in the Madhotal police station area on Sunday. The first incident happened behind the premises of a Church near the Hawabagh College under the limits of Gorakhpur police station, when Bajrang Dal activists clashed with members of a group that had organised a Christmas lunch event for visually challenged students. Bajrang Dal activists stopped the event, questioning how the schools students had been brought there for lunch without permission from the school staff. Police rushed to the spot and stopped the violent scuffle from snowballing. Though neither side had filed police complaints, the Jabalpur district administration has ordered a probe into the activities of the group that had organised the lunch event as part of Christmas celebrations. The students, however, rubbished the religious conversion allegations made by the Bajrang Dal activists. The second incident happened on Sunday in Shakti Nagar locality under Madhotal area of Jabalpur. According to circle SP (CSP-Madhotal) BS Gathoria, Hindu right-wingers came to the concerned place in Shakti Nagar, claiming that they had received information about religious conversion being carried out by the Christian missionaries at a Sunday religious prayer. The two groups clashed before the police rushed to the spot and prevented the matter from escalating. Both sides have submitted complaints at the Madhotal police station, after which the police have started investigations into both complaints.

Madhya Pradesh Debt Hits Rs 4.65 Lakh Crore, Ministers Express Concern

Madhya Pradesh's total debt has risen to Rs 4.65 lakh crore, exceeding the state's total budget of Rs 4.21 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26.

India to Surpass USA in Metro Rail Network in 2 Years : Khattar

Mr. Khattar along with Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav flagged off the metro rail in Bhopal and travelled on the metros new 6.22 km-seven km Orange Line priority corridor

Bhopal gets its long-awaited metro rail connectivity

BHOPAL: Bhopals long wait for operationalisation of the metro rail project ended on Saturday evening, as the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, joined the CM Dr Mohan Yadav to flag off the first metro train on the around 7-km-long and eight-station-strong priority corridor. Following the operationalisation of the first metro train in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to witness the operationalisation of metro railway service in its two big cities in the span of seven months. Importantly, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had flagged off the MPs first operationalised metro railway service in Indore on May 31, virtually from Bhopal. The corridor will connect Subhash Nagar and AIIMS stations, via Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office, MP Nagar, Rani Kamlapati, DRM Office and Alkapuri stations. It forms part of the planned Orange Line, covering a 30-km route between Karond Circle and AIIMS. The first phase comprises two lines the Orange Line (traffic on whose priority corridor was operationalised on Saturday) and the Blue Line, which will connect Bhadbhada Crossing with the Ratnagiri Trisquare. Its a big and historic day for MPs administrative capital, Bhopal, with the formal start of metro railway services on the elevated corridor. Travelling on an elevated metro corridor makes citizens feel elevated. Were hopeful that the two lines of the 30-km-long first phase will be completed over the next two years, Khattar told journalists. Operationalisation of metro rail service in Bhopal makes MPs administrative capital, the 26thcity in the country, have a functional metro rail network. Back in 2002, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the 5-km-long first line of the Delhi Metro railway. 23 years later, with the start of metro rail service on this 7-km-long line in Bhopal, India now has a 1090 km-long metro rail network spread across 26 cities, Khattar said. Further, 900 km-long metro rail lines are in the pipeline in various parts of the country. Once 300 km of those lines are completed and operationalised, India will surpass the USAs 1400-km-long metro rail network and be second to China only in terms of length of metro rail network in the world, Khattar announced. India is expanding its trade day by day with various countries. Weve signed trade pacts with the UK and Oman. The India-New Zealand trade agreement too has attained the Union Cabinets nod on Friday. The manner in which were gradually expanding our trade ties with different nations, the days arent far when India, like China, will compete with the US. India is moving towards that position; it's the US and not India that should be concerned, Khattar said. Khattar also informed that confusion about the work on a 7-km metro rail line in Indore has been cleared now. There were differences between the metro rail-related officials at the centre and in MP, about whether that future stretch in Indore should be elevated or underground. The issue has been resolved as the line will be underground, as planned by officials in MP. Earlier in the day, the Union Minister laid the foundation and unveiled 262 urban development projects worth Rs 8500 crores in MP. He also unveiled the blueprint/roadmap of the Bhopal Metropolitan Region (BMR), one of the two metropolitan regions (the other being the Indore Metropolitan Region) planned in MP on the lines of the National Capital Region (NCR). The BMR is envisaged to cover 12 urban areas, 2500 villages spread in 12,019 sq km area of 30 tehsils of six districts of central MP, including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram and Vidisha. For the overall development of BMR, the Bhopal Metropolitan Region Development Authority has been formed, while the creation of the Bhopal Metropolitan Transportation Authority is also planned for a 360-degree development of the region.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Statesmanship rooted in Indias civilisational confidence

The birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister of India, is not merely an occasion of remembrance but a moment of national introspection. It invites the country to reflect upon the values, vision, and civilisational commitment that defined one of the most remarkable public lives in modern Indian history. Born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to Krishna Devi and Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, Atalji lived a purposeful life of 94 years devoted entirely to the service of the nation. From a brilliant student and sensitive poet to a fearless journalist, from a principled parliamentarian to a globally respected statesman, his journey remains a guiding light for Indias democracy and national consciousness. He passed away on 16 August 2018, leaving behind not only memories, but an enduring moral and political legacy. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a rare leader who harmonised ideology with inclusiveness, firmness with compassion, and nationalism with democratic restraint. These exceptional qualities earned him admiration not only from his supporters but also from political opponents across party lines, both in India and abroad. Reflecting this universal respect, Vladimir Putin once described him as an outstanding statesman whose name is inseparably linked with an entire era of Indian politics. Such recognition was a result of Ataljis integrity, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to Indias dignity on the global stage. From the very beginning of his political life, Atalji remained deeply committed to Indias unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, he stood firmly alongside Syama Prasad Mukherjee, sharing an emotional and ideological bond rooted in the struggle against the permit system and the special status that compromised national unity. Mukherjees historic message, declaring his entry into Kashmir without a permit, remained engraved in Ataljis conscience throughout his life. Whether in opposition or in government, Kashmir remained central to his political missionmarked by struggle when outside power and pursuit of solutions when entrusted with authority. His assertion on Kashmir did not stem from concession but from confidencean understanding that India, secure in its civilisational strength, could speak of peace and dialogue without compromising sovereignty or national self-respect. Atalji consistently opposed the weak and short-sighted policies of the Nehru era on Kashmir and the rehabilitation of Hindu refugees. He forcefully challenged Chinese expansionism, warning both Parliament and the nation that Chinas occupation of Tibet would endanger Indias northern frontiers. His famous declaration in Parliament in 1959, that India could not build a palace of friendship with China on the corpse of Tibets freedom, remains one of the strongest assertions of moral realism in Indias foreign policy discourse. Similarly, while supporting the 1961 liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu, he asserted that the action was not a war but the restoration of Indias lost breath and self-respect. On the Berubari issue, he firmly warned that no government had the authority to donate national territory, as the land belonged to the nation, not to any individual or ruling establishment. Atal Bihari Vajpayees public life began with journalism, where he wrote for Rashtradharma, Panchjanya, Veer Arjun, and Swadesh. He believed that journalism was not merely about reporting events but about shaping national consciousness and providing direction to society. For him, the press functioned both as a mirror reflecting reality and as a lamp illuminating the path forward. His commitment to nationalist and responsible journalism continues to serve as a moral benchmark, especially in an era marked by sensationalism and selective narratives. As Prime Minister, Atalji added transformative dimensions to Indias development journey. His governance was characterised by economic reform balanced with social sensitivity, infrastructure expansion rooted in inclusion, and national security guided by strategic restraint. Leading a coalition of 24 parties under the National Democratic Alliance, he demonstrated exceptional coordination, consensus-building, and respect for constitutional institutions. Even within the constraints of coalition politics, he elevated the dignity of the Prime Ministers office and strengthened democratic conventions. Landmark initiatives such as the Golden Quadrilateral Highway Project and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana laid the foundation for Indias modern infrastructure and economic integration. He believed roads were the arteries of the nation, and that connectivity was the key to progress. Recognising the deep link between illiteracy and poverty, Atalji strengthened the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, while the Antyodaya Anna Yojana ensured food security for the poorest sections of society despite economic constraints. His vision for long-term water security was reflected in the River Linking Project, which addressed drought mitigation and optimal water utilisation. Indias telecom revolution owes much to his decision to democratise mobile connectivity, transforming communication into a mass utility. By adding Jai Vigyan to the traditional slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, he reaffirmed the centrality of science, innovation, and research in nation-building. The nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran on 11 and 13 May 1998 stand as a testament to Ataljis courage, strategic clarity, and national resolve. By maintaining absolute secrecy, managing international sanctions with prudence, and standing firm under global pressure, he established India as a responsible nuclear power. His assertion that nuclear-armed nations had no moral authority to lecture India reflected an uncompromising commitment to sovereign equality and national self-respect. Atal Bihari Vajpayees foreign policy was firmly rooted in the principle of peace backed by strength. While initiating improved relations with China and strengthening ties with the United States, he never compromised Indias strategic autonomy. His efforts created early global awareness about the menace of terrorism. A committed advocate of peace, he travelled by bus to Lahore to extend a hand of friendship, yet when war was imposed during the Kargil conflict, India responded decisively under his leadership and emerged victorious. He thus embodied both the resolve of a peace-maker and the firmness of a war leader when the nations honour demanded it. Even while in opposition, Atalji exemplified the principle of Nation First. He supported Indira Gandhi during the Bangladesh Liberation War, led Indias parliamentary delegation on Kashmir in 1994 at the request of P. V. Narasimha Rao, and supported economic reforms under Chandra Shekhar. Such conduct set the highest standards of democratic opposition and remains exemplary even today. His historic speech in Hindi at the United Nations symbolised his profound love for Indias linguistic and cultural heritage. A proud custodian of Indian traditions, he respected all civilisations while firmly upholding Indias cultural identity. A distinguished poet, his verses reflected nationalism, democracy, hope, and human sensitivity, while his oratory mesmerised Parliament and the public alike. Even during ill health, Atalji endured imprisonment during the Emergency to defend democratic values. When confronted with unethical compromises, he chose to lose power rather than principles, leaving behind an unparalleled lesson in political morality. For him, India was not merely a geographical entity but a living civilisation. His words that one must live and die for the nation continue to inspire millions. As India moves forward under the leadership of Narendra Modi, fulfilling many of Ataljis long-cherished dreams, the truest tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee lies in building a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Bharat. That alone is Ataljis enduring legacyAtal forever. (Shiv Prakash is National Co-Organisation General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party)

36 former judges condemn Opposition leaders' bid to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan

NEW DELHI: Thirty-six former judges,including former Supreme Court and High Court Chief Justices, denounced theOpposition leaders' bid to impeach Madras High Court judge Justice G R Swaminathan, stating such an attempt, if allowed to proceed, would cut at the very roots of democracy and independence of the judiciary. This is a brazen attempt to browbeat judges who do not fall in line with the ideological and political expectations of a particular section of society. Even if the reasons mentioned by the signatory Member(s) of Parliament are taken at face value, they are wholly inadequate to justify resorting to such a rare, exceptional and serious constitutional measure such as impeachment, the former judges in a letter said. It further added that even during the dark period of the Emergency, the then Government adopted various mechanisms, including supersessions to penalise judges who refused to oe the line. The supersession of three seniormost judges of the Supreme Court after the decision in Kesavananda Bharati, the sidelining of Justice H.R. Khanna after his famous dissent in ADM Jabalpur, are sobering reminders of how political overreach can damage judicial independence. Despite these onslaughts, our Judiciary has stood the test of time and withstood all external pressures, the former judges said while condemning the move to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan. The present move (to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan) is not an isolated aberration. It fits into a clear and deeply troubling pattern in our recent constitutional history, where sections of the political class have sought to discredit and intimidate the higher judiciary whenever outcomes do not align with their interests, said the 36 former judges in their signatories letter. Terming the bid as not principled and as reasoned criticism of judicialdecisions, the letter written by 36 former judges sai, it was an attempt to weaponise impeachment and public calumny as instruments of pressure, a practice that strikes at the heart of judicial independence and the basic norms of constitutional democracy. The very purpose of the impeachment mechanism is to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, not to convert it into a tool of arm-twisting, signalling and retaliation, the letter said. To wield the threat of removal as a means of compelling judges to conform to political expectations is to turn a constitutional safeguard into an instrument of intimidation. Such an approach is anti-democratic, anti-constitutional, and an anathema to the rule of law, the letter said. Terming the present attempt as a razen one, to impeach a sitting High Court judge for discharging his judicial duty, the letter added that, therefore, it was not an isolated episode but part of a continuing assault on the dignity and independence of the judicial institution itself. Today, the target may be one judge; tomorrow, it will be the institution as a whole. The former judges, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, Members of Parliament across party lines, members of the Bar, civil society, and citizens at large to unequivocally denounce this move and ensure that it is nipped in the bud at the very inception. Judges must remain answerable to their oath and to the Constitution of India, not to partisan political pressures or ideological intimidation. The message from all constitutional stakeholders must be clear and firm: in a Republic governed by the rule of law, judgments are tested by appeals and legal critique, and not by threats of impeachment for political non-conformity, the 36 former judges stated. Out of 36 signatories, some of the names were former Supreme Court Judge Justice Krishna Murari, former Chief Justice of Delhi and Meghalaya, Rajender Menon and S Vaidyanathan, respectively. Also, 14 of Madhya Pradesh HC's former judges and 11 of Allahabad HC's former judges were signatories andcondemned the move to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan.

No Van To Pick Her Up, Schoolgirl Blocks Road In Protest For 3 Hours

On a quiet road in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, traffic came to a standstill on Saturday as a 10-year-old girl blocked the road inprotest after her school van failed to arrive.

Rats Spotted in Newborn Care Unit of District Hospital In Madhya Pradesh

Days after a video showing rats roaming freely in the ICU and orthopedic ward of Jabalpur's Victoria Hospital triggered public outrage, a similar and deeply disturbing incident has now surfaced from Satna district in Madhya Pradesh.

LSG's Akshat Raghuwanshi: Scindia's endorsement, toughening up under Amay Khurasia

Legendary coach Chandrakant Pandit's rare concession to a 17-year-old batter, Akshat Raghuwanshi, proved pivotal. Raghuwanshi went on to score 165, impressing Pandit and paving his way into the Madhya Pradesh setup. This ultimately led to his IPL 2026 auction success, where LSG secured him for 2.2 crore.

Six kids test HIV positive in MP hospitals

Satna: A routine necessity turned into a nightmare for six families in Madhya Pradeshs Satna after their children, already battling severe blood disorder thalassemia, tested positive for HIV, which officials suspect was transmitted via contaminated blood transfusions at different hospitals. All these cases were reported between January and May this year, and all the affected 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 .

VB-G RAM G Bill: Why does Rams name irritate Congress, asks Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has questioned the Congress party's stance on Lord Ram's name. He criticized their opposition to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. This new bill replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Yadav pointed out the Congress's past actions regarding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

1,500 crore investment in Madhya Pradesh announced during WHEF 2025

Madhya Pradesh has received an investment proposal worth ?1,500 crore during the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2025. The investment was announced by Shri Hari Mohan Bangur, Promoter and Chairman, Shree Cements, who handed over a Letter of Intent ...

Madhya Pradesh: 41.80L set to be removed from voter list

BHOPAL: More than 41.80 lakh voter names have been identified for deletion from the electoral rolls across Madhya Pradesh after the completion of the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the 2025 voter list, election officials said. The exercise covered all 230 assembly constituencies across 55 districts. The outcome of the revision will be reflected in the preliminary draft of the electoral roll, scheduled for publication on December 23. The SIR was undertaken to clean and update the voter list of over 5.74 crore registered voters ahead of future elections. The first phase, which involved door-to-door enumeration and verification, concluded late Thursday night. The 41.80 lakh names marked for deletion account for over 7.28% of the total electorate. The largest category consists of 22.5 lakh voters who have permanently shifted from their registered addresses, forming nearly 45 of the voter base. Another significant portion comprises absent and deceased voters, with 8.40 lakh names in each category. Together, they account for roughly three percent of the states voters. In addition, over 2.5 lakh voters, or 0.43 percent, were found to be duplicate entries, with names appearing at more than one address. Indore district recorded the highest number of proposed deletions. Of its total 28.67 lakh voters, more than 4.40 lakh names are set to be removed. Bhopal followed closely, with around 4.30 lakh deletions from its 21.25 lakh-plus voters. Gwalior ranked third, with over 2.50 lakh names marked for deletion, while Jabalpur stood fourth with more than 2.40 lakh voters to be removed from the list. In percentage terms, Bhopal will see the highest impact, with nearly 20% of its voter names facing deletion. Indore and Gwalior will see about 15% each, while Jabalpur will see around 12% deletions. Explaining the next steps, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Ram Pratap Singh Jadaun said, The EC is moving ahead with the process of deletion, correction, and verification. The first draft electoral roll will be released on December 23. Discrepancies found in over nine lakh cases The SIR was undertaken to clean and update the voter list of over 5.74 crore registered voters ahead of future elections. The EC is moving ahead with the process of deletion, correction, and verification. The first draft electoral roll will be released on December 23. Officials added that discrepancies between current voter details and the 2003 base records were found in about nine lakh cases.

Weather today: IMD warns North India, Telangana, Karnataka as winter tightens grip. Check forecast of Delhi, Ooty

IMD weather forecast: As winter tightens its grip, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of dense foggy conditions in Northern India. Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in Telangana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, the IMD warned. Meanwhile, while Delhi is likely to see a partly cloudy sky today, Ooty in Tamil Nadu will see misty weather.

Over 41.80 lakh voter names identified for deletion as first phase of SIR exercise ends in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: More than 41.80 lakh voter names have been identified for deletion in 230 assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh, following the completion of the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the state. The result of the SIR can be seen in the form of a preliminary draft of the electoral roll, which will be published on December 23. The first phase of the SIR ended on Thursday night after a gruelling 44-day exercise of collecting filled up enumeration forms from voters through the network of booth level officers (BLOs). The 41.80 lakh voter names (7.28% of total voters in the state) that are up for deletion include 22.50 lakh voters who have permanently shifted from their registered addresses. They form around four percent of the total voters of the October 2025 list. The two other heads under which a major chunk of voter names will be deleted include absent and dead voters, which were 8.40 lakh each, collectively accounting to around 3% of the total 5.74 crore plus voters forming part of the October 2025 voter list. Over 2.5 lakh voters (0.43% of the total voters in the 2025 voter list) are duplicate voters, whose names are featured at multiple addresses. Indore, which is Madhya Pradeshs most populated district, housed the maximum number of absent, dead, shifted and duplicate voters. More than 4.40 lakh voter names out of the total 28.67 lakh voters are to be deleted when the preliminary draft list is published. The state capital Bhopal is next with 4.30 lakh voter names to be deleted out of the total 21.25 lakh plus voters named in the 2025 list. Gwalior is third in the list of districts with maximum deletions. More than 2.50 lakh voters, out of the 16.49 lakh-plus voters, will be deleted when the draft list is published. Jabalpur is fourth with 2.40 lakh-plus deleted voters, out of the total 19.25 lakh voters named in the 2025 list. In percentage terms, Indore, where all nine assembly seats were won by the BJP in the 2023 polls, will see more than 15% of voter names getting deleted. But the state capital Bhopal, where the BJP won five out of the seven assembly seats, stands to see deletion of the maximum 20% voter names. Jabalpur district, where the BJP won seven out of the eight assembly seats in the 2023 elections, will see the deletion of 12% voters from the 2025 list, while Gwalior district, where the BJP won four out of the six assembly seats in the last state elections, will see 15% of the names of the 2025 list getting deleted. The joint chief electoral officer, MP, Ram Pratap Singh Jadaun said, The Election Commission is now moving ahead with the process of deletion, correction, and verification. The first draft electoral roll will be released on December 23. If a voters details do not match the 2003 base records or if discrepancies are found, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will issue a formal notice to those voters. Such mismatches have been found in nine lakh cases.

Rights Body Takes Note As 5 Children Get HIV-Infected Blood In Madhya Pradesh

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the shocking case in which five children tested HIV positive after allegedly being administered infected blood during transfusions at government health facilities in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh: Thalassemia Patients Contracting HIV

3 blood bank officials suspended, govt hospital civil surgeon issued show cause notice

A rural collective using art to drive sustainability and eco-conscious living

The Gram Art Project brings art, agriculture and sustainability together across villages in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

MP Police answer key out: When will the result be out for 7,500 posts?

The MP Police Constable Result 2025 is expected to be announced soon by the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board after the release of the provisional answer key on December 17. The written exam, held between October 30 and December 15, will determine shortlisting for physical efficiency and medical tests against 7,500 vacancies.

Parents in India devastated as children with thalassemia test HIV positive

The five cases in Madhya Pradesh state come weeks after a similar incident was reported in Jharkhand state.

Zero visibility across north India as IMD sounds red alert for Delhi

A thick blanket of dense fog covered large parts of north India on Friday morning, severely impacting the visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of major disruptions to road, rail and air traffic. Satellite imagery showed widespread fog over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Visibility dropped to zero metres at several locations, including Agra, Bareilly, Saharanpur and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Adampur in Punjab; Safdarjung in Delhi; Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh; Bhagalpur in Bihar; and Daltonganj in Jharkhand. The IMD cautioned that extremely poor visibility could impact airport operations and cause delays on highways and railway routes. An orange alert was issued for multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh, parts of Uttarakhand, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, and several districts in Punjab, including Amritsar, Patiala and Sangrur. Meteorologists warned of hazardous driving conditions and an increased risk of road accidents, along with the possibility of power line tripping in affected regions. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, and stay updated on transport advisories. According to IMD definitions, very dense fog occurs when visibility ranges between 0 and 50 metres, while dense fog refers to visibility between 51 and 200 metres. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore' In Delhi, early morning visibility remained poor due to dense fog mixed with smog. Delhis air quality remained alarming, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 382, placing it in the very poor category and close to severe. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that 14 monitoring stations reported severe air quality, while the remaining recorded very poor levels. Vivek Vihar registered the worst AQI at 434. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that air quality will stay very poor until Saturday and may deteriorate to severe on Sunday. Meanwhile, stricter pollution control measures came into effect in the national capital on Thursday. The entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI emission standards has been banned, and the No PUC, No Fuel rule is being enforced. Fuel stations are denying fuel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates, with checks supported by automatic number plate reader cameras, voice alerts and police deployment. 'More headline and image management': Unreliable data mask just how bad India's air quality crisis is

MP Govt suspends blood bank in-charge, two lab technicians after six childern test positive for HIV in Satna

The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended three officials, including the in-charge of a government blood bank, after six children tested HIV positive following alleged transfusion of contaminated blood at hospitals in Satna district, PTI reported on Thursday. The action was taken on the basis of a preliminary report submitted by a committee constituted by the state Public Health and Family Welfare Department to investigate the incident. The committee was formed on December 16 after the matter came to light. According to the official, blood bank in-charge Dr Devendra Patel and laboratory technicians Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey have been placed under suspension with immediate effect. In addition, a show-cause notice has been issued to Manoj Shukla, former civil surgeon of the district hospital in Satna, seeking a written explanation for alleged lapses. He has been warned of strict departmental action if his response is found unsatisfactory, the official said. The six affected children, aged between 12 and 15 years, were found HIV positive after receiving blood transfusions at district hospitals in Satna, Jabalpur and other locations. The suspected transfusions reportedly took place between January and May this year. Officials said that the parents of one of the children have also tested positive for HIV. All six children are currently undergoing treatment in accordance with established HIV treatment protocols, the official added. The state government has assured further action once the final investigation report is submitted.

5 Children Get HIV In Madhya Pradesh From Donated Blood, 2 Doctors Suspended

What began as routine, life-saving treatment for five children suffering from thalassemia has turned into one of the gravest public health failures Madhya Pradesh has witnessed in recent years.

Decomposed bodies of couple found in Indore residence

BHOPAL: A middle-aged couple identified as Kanhaiya Lal Paranwal and Smriti Paranwal were found dead under c inside their duplex house in Madhya Pradeshs Indore city on Thursday. Their residence is located at a Satellite Junction residential colony, just outside the Indus Satellite Green township under the Lasudia police station area. While Kanhaiya Lal (50) was found dead on the bed in the room, his wife Smriti was found dead inside the toilet adjoining the room. Intolerable stench and the heavily decomposed bodies suggested that the couple had died more than 20 days ago. While Kanhaiya Lal was bedridden after being paralysed for the last six months, his wife was also reportedly in depression due to her husbands bad health. The couple hailed from the Azamgarh district of eastern Uttar Pradesh and had built the duplex house around ten years back in the residential locality on Indores outskirts. According to informed sources, Kanhaiya Lal worked till a few years back at a pharmaceutical company in Pithampur in neighbouring Dhar district. After quitting the job, he was possibly engaged in stock trading and investment from home. He had suffered a paralytic attack and was bedridden for the last six months. The couple led a secluded life and hardly had anyone visiting them. According to neighbours, Smriti was last seen outside the house on November 26, after which she had never been spotted. The newspaper hawker, milkman and even the teams who visited the locality for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists related work didnt find any response after visiting the house recently, a neighbour said. Feeling suspicious over the couple not being spotted for more than 20 days, neighbours peeped into the room on the houses first floor of the house from the balcony of an adjoining house on Thursday morning and reported to the police about the intolerable stench emanating from the closed house. Cops subsequently rushed to the duplex house, broke open its entrance and climbed upstairs, where the two bodies were in a heavily decomposed state. Lasudia police station sources said only the findings of the autopsy will reveal the cause of the deaths.

Why is everyone talking about the 'table-top red-marked' National Highway in Madhya Pradesh?

The highway covers an 11.96 km stretch, including a 2.0 km ghat section through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. It's an ecologically fragile zone that sees frequent wildlife movement, thereby making safety provisions was essential for both animals and motorists.

Inside Indias upcoming sustainable PCB factory designed by Studio Saar

The upcoming factory in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, blends passive design, rewilding and regional architecture

MPSET 2025 exam postponed: When will it be held?

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has officially postponed the MPSET 2025, originally scheduled for January 11, 2026, citing unavoidable reasons. The revised date will be announced later. Aspirants are advised to monitor official sources, keep their documents and preparation ready, and avoid unofficial information. The exam will cover 31 subjects for Assistant Professor eligibility.

Father, son killed after car crashes into hut at Mailardevpally

Hyderabad: A man and his son died in a road accident in Hyderabads Mailardevpally on Wednesday, December 17, after a car crashed into their hut when they were sleeping inside. The deceased were identified as Prabhavath, 50 and Deepak, 19, who are natives of Madhya Pradesh. They were living in Durganagar area of Mailardevpally for 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 .

Trend of judges passing many orders before retirement like batter hitting sixes in final over: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over judges issuing many orders just before retiring. This practice was compared to a cricketer hitting sixes in the final overs. The court made these observations while hearing a case involving a Madhya Pradesh judge suspended shortly before his retirement.

Trend Of Judges Passing Many Orders Before Retirement Like Batter Hitting Sixes In Final Over: SC

New Delhi, Dec 18: The Supreme Court has objected to the growing trend of judges passing so many orders just before they retire, equating it to a batter hitting sixes in the final overs of a match. An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant was hearing a plea of a Madhya Pradesh principal and district judge challenging a full court decision of the high court to suspend him just 10 days before his scheduled retirement allegedly over [] The post Trend Of Judges Passing Many Orders Before Retirement Like Batter Hitting Sixes In Final Over: SC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

MP SET 2025 Delayed Due To Unavoidable Reasons, New Date Announced Soon

MPPSC has postponed the Madhya Pradesh State Eligibility Test 2025, initially set for January 11, 2026, citing unavoidable reasons. The new exam date will be announced later.

Short 87 KM Stretch Sees 4-Year Delay, Derails Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Project Worth Rs 1 Lakh Crore

The Expressway, which passes through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, is divided into 53 packages.

Supreme Court Flags Growing Trend Of Judges 'Hitting Sixes' Before Retirement

The SC bench led by CJI Surya Kant was hearing a petition by a Madhya Pradesh principal district judge challenging his suspension 10 days ahead of retirement.

Panel formed to probe HIV infection case in Madhya Pradesh

Committee to submit report in seven days on alleged contaminated blood transfusions in Satna that resulted in six children getting infected HIV

Newborn found dead in toilet commode at government hospital in MP's Chhindwara

BHOPAL:In a chilling incident, a newborn female child was found dead in the commode of the toilet at the Civil Hospital in Parasia town of Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh. The incident was reported on Monday night, when a sanitary staff member proceeded to clean the toilet. The flush was choked. On checking the commode, she found the hand of the newborn baby stuck inside. Immediately, the other staff of the hospital were called on to retrieve the body. The newborns body was extricated after breaking the concerned commode, a senior official of the state health department in Parasia told TNIE on Wednesday. According to Dr Sudha Bakshi, the Parasia block medical officer (BMO), the local police were immediately informed about the incident. The body was subsequently sent for a post-mortem. While the local police officials are tight-lipped about the entire incident, sources privy to the ongoing probe said that the autopsy of the newborn baby points towards the newborns death having been caused due to pulmonary oedema (fluid buildup in the lungs). Primary police investigations revealed that at least 15 pregnant women had come for a prenatal check-up at the hospitals outdoor patients department on Monday. Based on the details mentioned in the hospital records, while 14 of those pregnant women have been traced and identified, one womans details remain incomplete, and her presence at the hospital on Monday has consequently been found suspicious. There is a strong possibility that the same woman might have delivered the baby in the toilet and then tried to destroy evidence by flushing the newborn through the commode. The investigating cops are now scanning footage of all 26 CCTV cameras installed at the Parasia Civil Hospital. The Parasia area of Chhindwara is the hub of coal mining activity in Chhindwara and was in the news in September-October this year, following the deaths of more than 20 kids due to cough syrup poisoning induced acute kidney injury.

After Admissions And Nursing, Madhya Pradesh's New Medical Education Crisis

Madhya Pradeshs medical education system appears to be trapped in a cycle of scandals and systemic failure, with paramedical education under scrutiny after medical admissions and the nursing scam.

Larsen & Toubro bags multi-crore projects

Engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has won significant new projects. These include building a cultural and spiritual museum, Advait Lok, at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh. The company will also redevelop the R G Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati, featuring a FIFA-compliant football stadium.

Former AIIMS HOD moves SC seeking cancer to be declared a notifiable disease

NEW DELHI: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court by former Head of the Department of Surgical Disciplines at AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Anurag Srivastava, seeking directions to the Centre to declare cancer a notifiable disease to ensure uniform and mandatory reporting of cancer cases across India. In the petition, filed through advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, Dr Srivastava urged the Supreme Court to direct the Union Government and State Governments to establish a centralised, real-time digital cancer registry on the lines of the CoWIN portal. The proposed registry would integrate existing datasets, including the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs), Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs), Ayushman BharatPMJAY, State health insurance schemes, mortality records and hospital information systems, with appropriate safeguards for data accuracy, privacy and accountability. The plea also sought directions to the Centre and States to formulate and implement nationwide cancer screening programmes at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), targeting high-risk and age-based population groups. Further, the petitioner asked the Court to direct the authorities to frame a clear policy on unverified, religious or alternative therapies for cancer treatment, including remedies such as gomutra, and to regulate misinformation to protect public health. The PIL also called for ensuring the availability of affordable, evidence-based cancer treatment including modern medicine as well as evidence-based AYUSH therapies at all tertiary and district-level hospitals. Dr Srivastava also sought directions for the establishment of a dedicated National Cancer Care Fund to support treatment costs, anti-cancer drugs, diagnostic equipment and palliative care, with the aim of reducing the financial burden on poor, underprivileged and vulnerable patients and their families. The petition further urged the Court to direct the Union and State Governments to strengthen death certification and institutionalise death audits for cancer patients to ensure accurate reporting, identify systemic gaps and improve the quality of care. It also sought a time-bound roadmap for expanding PBCRs to ensure adequate representation of all States and rural areas, with particular emphasis on underrepresented States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha. In his plea, Dr Srivastava stated that despite being one of the leading causes of death in India, cancer remains outside the ambit of mandatory notification. This, he argued, has resulted in fragmented data, weak surveillance and policy paralysis in addressing the growing cancer burden. He highlighted that health is primarily a State subject under Entry 6 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, and that both the Union and State Governments have the power to legislate and notify diseases within their respective domains. However, this concurrent jurisdiction has led to a legal lacuna, with some States having notified cancer as a disease while others have not. The absence of uniformity has led to disparities in reporting, monitoring and early intervention across States. This inconsistency has resulted in a critical policy failure, with patients in many States being diagnosed only at advanced stages, when curative treatment becomes difficult, expensive or impossible, the plea stated. Dr Srivastava further pointed out that the Indian Council of Medical Researchs NCRP currently covers only about 10 per cent of Indias population, with rural coverage as low as 1 per cent. Large States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha remain significantly underrepresented. He noted that both the NCRP Policy Brief, 2020, and the 139th Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare had recommended that cancer be declared a notifiable disease, but these recommendations have yet to be implemented.

MPESB Group 1 Sub Group 2 Recruitment 2025-26 notification released at esb.mp.gov.in; check details here

MPESB Group 1 Sub Group 2 recruitment 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board has released the MPESB Group 1 Sub Group 2 Recruitment 2025-26 notification for 474 paramedical staff posts. Online applications are accepted through esb.mp.gov.in within the notified schedule. The selection process includes a written examination, document verification and medical examination. Details on eligibility, application fees, exam dates, shift timings and step-by-step application procedures are provided in the official notification.

Aishwary wins 3P gold with world record, Gurjoat clinches skeet event

NATIONAL SHOOTING NEW DELHI/BHOPAL, Dec 16: World Championship silver medallist Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar delivered a landmark performance at the 68th Shooting Nationals on Tuesday, firing a world record 470.5 to clinch gold in the mens 50m rifle 3 positions final at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Range. Aishwarys score is 1.6 points more than []

MP announces Rs 1,782 crore compensation package for thousands displaced by dam projects

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday approved a Rs 1,782 crore special relief package for families affected by submergence due to three major multipurpose dam and irrigation projects in the state. The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The package will benefit families displaced by the Upper Narmada Project, Raghavpur Multipurpose Project and Basania Multipurpose Project in Anuppur, Mandla and Dindori districts. The special package is in addition to Rs 1,656.02 crore already earmarked for rehabilitation and compensation in the detailed project reports (DPRs) of the three projects. Officials said the total cost of the Upper Narmada, Raghavpur and Basania projects stands at Rs 5,512.11 crore. Together, the projects are expected to provide irrigation facilities for 71,967 hectares of land and generate 125 megawatts of electricity. As many as 13,873 families are likely to be affected by submergence and will receive compensation of Rs 12.50 lakh per family under the special package. In addition, around 50,000 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families will be given extra compensation. In another key decision, the cabinet approved a provision of Rs 90.67 crore under the revenue head for 202526 towards operation and maintenance of the Bhopal and Indore Metro Rail projects. The decision comes just four days before Bhopal is set to become the second city in the state, after Indore, to have an operational metro service. The cabinet also cleared Rs 48 crore for setting up six Forest Science Centres in the state between 202526 and 202930. The centres aim to promote forestry activities outside forest areas, improve forest land productivity, encourage agroforestry and create additional income opportunities through timber harvesting. Non-government organisations will also be allowed to establish such centres with permission from the Forest Department. Additionally, the cabinet approved the continuation of the Chief Ministers Udyam Kranti Yojana from 202627 to 203031, with an expenditure of Rs 905.25 crore. Under the scheme, youth aged 18 to 45 years are provided bank loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 50 lakh for self-employment, along with a 3 per cent annual interest subsidy and loan guarantee fee support for up to seven years. In a significant administrative reform, the cabinet approved measures to remove the distinction between sanctioned permanent and temporary posts in state government departments. It cleared amendments to recruitment rules to convert existing sanctioned temporary posts into permanent ones and decided to declare all work-charged and contingency posts as non-sanctioned, with no fresh appointments to be made under these categories.

Madhya Pradesh Man Uses Kidnapper's Smartwatch To Send SOS, Gets Rescued

Unable to repay an exorbitant amount demanded by moneylenders, the man was abducted, brutally assaulted, and locked inside a room, but a quick-thinking move using a smartwatch turned the tables on his captors.

Four children test HIV positive in MP government hospital; contaminated blood transfusion suspected

SATNA/BHOPAL: Four children suffering from thalassemia have tested HIV positive at Satna District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh allegedly due to contaminated blood transfusions, officials said on Tuesday. The case is four months old and an investigation is underway into it, an official said. Officials suspect the use of contaminated needles or blood transfusions for the spread of infection to the children. MP Health Minister Rajendra Shukla told reporters in Bhopal that he has ordered a probe into the matter and sought a report. It is also being investigated whether the blood transfusion took place in other hospitals also or only in the government hospital, he said. The affected children, aged between 12 and 15 years, received blood transfusions from the hospital's blood bank, as per an official. Devendra Patel, in-charge of the blood bank at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel District Hospital in Satna, said four children have tested HIV positive and an investigation is underway to determine how they got infected. Either an infected needle was used or a blood transfusion occurred. These are the two main reasons I believe. Blood transfusion seems to be the most likely cause, he told PTI Videos. All these children suffer from thalassemia, and some have received 80 or 100 blood transfusions, he said. A family member of one of the affected children said that their child was found to be HIV positive during a routine checkup about four months back, and he has been receiving medication, but it had proven to be of no use. After taking the medication for HIV, the child starts vomiting, feels low and becomes ill, he said. After the four children were detected with HIV infection, their family members were also tested and the results came out negative, he added. The Opposition Congress targeted the government over the matter and demanded the resignation of Health Minister Shukla. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, Congress MLA and former minister Sachin Yadav claimed such incidents were continuously occurring in Madhya Pradesh. Earlier, a case of toxic cough syrup came to light in Chhindwara, followed by incidents of rat bites at hospitals in Indore and Satna, and now children have been given HIV-infected blood, he said. The health minister is unable to manage the department. He should resign. A murder case should be filed against those responsible for the Satna incident, Yadav said. Senior Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma termed it a failure of the government. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's government has no connection with ground realities, he charged. Somewhere rats are roaming in hospitals, somewhere children are being given HIV-infected blood. Instead of preventing HIV, you are spreading it. Mohan Yadav should wake up from his slumber. Children are the nation's heritage and should be taken care of, he added.

IPL 2026 mini-auction: RCB outbids KKR to buy Venkatesh Iyer for 7 crore

Venkatesh Iyer has been in decent form for Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his most recent knock was a 43-ball 70 against Punjab

Madhya Pradesh Hospital Under Probe As 4 Children With Thalassemia Test HIV Positive

Four children, suffering from thalassemia, have tested HIV positive after receiving blood transfusions at the District Hospital blood bank in Madhya Pradesh's Satna.

Genetic researchers probe nuclear genome to explain exceptionally high TB burden among MPs Sahariyas

BHOPAL: Genetic science researchers from across the country have turned their focus to genomic factors that may underlie the abnormally high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among the Sahariyas, one of the three Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Madhya Pradesh. The Sahariya population is largely concentrated in the GwaliorChambal region of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Gwalior, Morena and Bhind districts, with some presence in adjoining parts of Bundelkhand. Reported TB prevalence among the community ranges between 1,518 and 3,294 cases per 100,000 population, at least eight times higher than the national average of 187 per lakh. According to the World Health Organizations Global TB Report 2025 , India, despite remaining among high-burden countries, has recorded a 21 per cent decline in new TB cases, from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. Against this backdrop, the Sahariyas stand out as an extreme outlier. The ongoing research is being led by Prof Gyaneshwar Chaubey, a noted geneticist and biological anthropologist at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, in collaboration with researchers from several institutions, including the University of Calcutta and the Forensic Science Laboratory, Jabalpur. The team has already made a significant breakthrough by linking rare maternal mitochondrial haplogroups, N5 and X2, to heightened TB susceptibility among the Sahariyas. A haplogroup refers to a group of people who share a common ancestor, identified through specific mutations in mitochondrial DNA (inherited from the mother) or Y-chromosome DNA (inherited from the father). The findings, published in the international journal Mitochondrion in August 2025, were based on the analysis of complete mitochondrial genomes from 729 individuals, including 140 Sahariyas. The study revealed that the rare N5 and X2 haplogroups, absent in neighbouring populations, likely entered the Sahariya gene pool through ancient gene flow from western India during the early Iron Age. A subsequent founder effect may have compromised mitochondrial function, weakening immune responses to TB. Researchers noted that this genetic vulnerability, compounded by chronic malnutrition, poverty and limited access to healthcare, offers a compelling explanation for the tribes extraordinarily high TB burden. Building on these mitochondrial findings, the research team has now initiated whole-genome sequencing of Sahariya individuals to investigate the contribution of the nuclear genome to TB susceptibility. This phase aims to identify risk alleles or genetic variants in nuclear DNA that may act independently or in concert with mitochondrial factors to heighten disease vulnerability. The study is also examining long-standing patterns of endogamy within the community. High levels of marriage within the group, combined with a historically small effective population size, may have amplified harmful genetic variants through genetic drift and inbreeding. Preliminary analyses suggest that this demographic history could further intensify TB risk by concentrating deleterious alleles. Expanding from mitochondrial insights to nuclear genomics will give us a far more comprehensive understanding of genetic susceptibility among the Sahariyas, said Debasruti Das, the studys first author. This knowledge is crucial for designing targeted interventions for communities bearing the heaviest TB burden. Senior author Prof Prashant Suravajhala added that the ongoing work would also assess how genetic predisposition interacts with environmental and cultural factors. Such integrated insights can pave the way for personalised public health strategies and more effective TB control among tribal populations, he said.

MPPSC exam calendar 2026: Important dates announced for State Service, Forest Service, and Technical exams

MPPSC Calendar 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has released a tentative calendar for 2025-2026 recruitment exams, including State Service, Forest Service, Technical, and Higher Education positions. Key examinations such as Assistant Professor, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Principal (Class-II), and State Engineering Service are scheduled, with some dates pending High Court directions. The calendar helps candidates plan preparation, while official notifications for vacancies are awaited. The complete schedule is available on the MPPSC website.

DC Edit| Fresh Start For BJP With A Young Working Chief

It may be remembered that several of the partys chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Mohan Charan Majhi (Odisha), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh) and Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan) were all under 60 when they were chosen for the post. The new young boss will be working with those young veterans

Fire at Dalit familys home in MP that killed two teenagers takes communal turn now; 'love jihad' allegations surface

BHOPAL: A fateful blaze at a Dalit familys house in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar district, which killed two teenage boys, has taken a communal turn ten days after the incident. Activists related to various Hindu outfits reached out to a charitable trust hospital in Sagar city on Monday, alleging that the fire at the house in Chandamau village on the intervening night of December 4-5 was ignited by Muslim youth Fahim Khan alias Sonu. Sonu was allegedly stalking and troubling the familys 20-year-old daughter. The victims family members, including the mother and her elder daughter, supported the allegations of the activists in the saffron outfits. The elder daughter, a 23-year-old young woman, is currently recuperating from 60 per cent burn injuries at the same hospital, where her 17-year-old brother died on Sunday night. The mother-daughter duo alleged that Fahim Khan, who resides in the same village, was regularly troubling the younger daughter, and on being asked by the family to stay away from her, Fahim had threatened to kill the entire family. The elder of the two daughters, who is hospitalised, claimed that she had seen Fahim running away from near their house just when the blaze was triggered. While alleging it to be a Love Jihad incident, the Hindu outfit members demanded that a case be registered against Fahim, followed by his arrest. When the incident took place, the elder daughter and her two brothers, aged 14 and 17, were present in the house. Their father, mother and their younger daughter were away when the killer blaze happened. While the 14-year-old younger son died the same night, his 17-year-old elder brother died at the charitable trust hospital in Sagar city ten days later on Sunday night. Based on the initial police investigations, which suggested that the fire was suspected to have been caused by a kind of 'negligence', a fire-related case was registered at the Naryawali police station on December 5. But, with the mother and elder daughter now accusing the Muslim youth of setting their house ablaze, the cops have started a fresh probe into the entire matter. A team led by the sub-divisional officer police (SDOP) was sent to the concerned village, and a fresh probe is underway to cover all possible angles in the case, particularly following the recent statements of the family members, Sagar district police superintendent Vikas Kumar Sahwal said on Monday. Sources privy to the ongoing probe confided to TNIE that the SC familys younger daughter was regularly talking with the Muslim youth. Her family had caught her talking to him over the phone, after which he was asked to stay away from her. While the mother and elder daughter are alleging that Fahim had set their house on fire, the younger daughter and father are not blaming him for the inferno. Ongoing probe also suggests that Fahim had only helped the family to rush the severely burnt teenage brothers and their elder sister to the hospital.

Old Horror Haunts Madhya Pradesh Again: Rats Jump Over Patients In Hospitals

The menace of rats in government hospitals across Madhya Pradesh is fast turning into a public health nightmare. After shocking incidents from Indore's Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur.

Newborn's Charred Body Found Hours After Blaze In Madhya Pradesh Hospital

Panic and outrage gripped Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa after the partially burnt body of a newborn was discovered during the cleaning of the operation theatre (OT) in the gynaecology ward, hours after a fire incident.

Tractor With Illegally Mined Sand Rams Madhya Pradesh Official's Vehicle

The reign of terror unleashed by the sand mafia in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district surfaced once again on Monday, exposing the extent to which illegal miners have grown fearless of the law.

J&K teen Madhavendra Singh shines at National School Games, bags Silver in Soft Tennis

JAMMU, Dec 15: Seventeen-year-old Madhavendra Singh Sambyal has emerged as a new sporting star from Jammu and Kashmir, clinching a silver medal in the Under-17 Soft Tennis event at the National School Games held in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. Displaying immense composure, grit and high-class skill against the countrys best young players, Madhavendra made his way into the final, settling for silver after an intense title clash. His performance has placed Jammu and Kashmir on the national soft tennis map, establishing [] The post J&K teen Madhavendra Singh shines at National School Games, bags Silver in Soft Tennis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader Dr Ramvilas Vedanti passes away at 67

LUCKNOW: Former BJP MP and senior saint Dr Ram Vilas Das Vedanti (67), a prominent figure of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa district early on Monday. Dr Vedanti had been admitted to Rewas Super Speciality Hospital for the past two days. On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla had planned to airlift him to AIIMS, Bhopal, for advanced treatment, but the air ambulance could not be deployed due to adverse weather conditions. His health deteriorated subsequently, and he passed away at 12.20 am on Monday. Earlier, Dr Vedanti had travelled from Ayodhya to Delhi on December 7 and attended a meeting of the VHPs Central Margdarshak Mandal on December 10. From Delhi, he reached Rewa, where a Ramkatha discourse by him was underway at Bhatwa village near Lalgaon. The programme had been scheduled to continue till December 17. His successor, Mahant Raghavesh Das Vedanti, said the mortal remains were being taken to Ayodhya, where the last rites would be performed with full religious rituals. Born on October 7, 1958, Dr Ramvilas Das Vedanti was a disciple of Mahant Abhiram Das of Hanumangarhi. He resided at Hindu Dham, Naya Ghat, in Ayodhya, and also headed an ashram known as Vashishth Bhawan. For several decades, he recited Ramkatha before Ramlala and at Hanumangarhi, and was widely regarded as a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and a leading saint associated with Ayodhya. Dr Vedanti played a significant role in the Ram temple movement. He was a member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and later served as its Executive President. He was also a two-time Member of Parliament on a BJP ticket, having represented Machhlishahr in Jaunpur district in 1996 and Pratapgarh in the 12th Lok Sabha. In the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, he won the Pratapgarh seat by a large margin, defeating Congress candidate Ratna Singh. A native of Gudhwa village in Rewa district, Dr Vedanti lost his mother at the age of two. His father, Ram Suman Tripathi, was a priest and guru of former Union Minister Arjun Singh. Dr Vedanti arrived in Ayodhya at the age of 12 and devoted his life to religious and social service. His role in the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992, remained controversial, as he had publicly admitted to ordering the demolition and was named as an accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. However, his statement was widely seen as an attempt to shield senior BJP leaders. In 2020, a special CBI court acquitted him, ruling that there was no conspiracy behind the demolition. , . ! , Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 15, 2025 Condoling his death, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on X: The passing of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan's key pillar, former MP, and revered saint of Vashishtha Ashram at Shri Ayodhya Dham, Dr Ramvilas Vedanti Ji Maharaj, to Goloka is an irreparable loss to the spiritual world and Sanatan culture. Humble tribute to him! His departure marks the end of an era. His life of sacrifice, dedicated to the service of religion, society, and nation, is an inspiration to us all. We pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and bestow strength upon the grief-stricken disciples and followers to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti! he added. According to his disciples, Dr Vedanti regarded the consecration of the Ram temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the fulfilment of two major resolutions of his life. Political observers note that he significantly altered the political landscape of Pratapgarh district, becoming the first BJP leader to win the seat by mobilising support around the Ram temple movement.

Ram Vilas Vedanti dies: Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader passes away at 67; last rites in Ayodhya

Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader and former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti passed away at the age of 67 in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, due to a heart attack. He was admitted to the hospital with severe blood poisoning and kidney failure. Efforts to transfer him to AIIMS Bhopal by air ambulance were unsuccessful due to poor visibility.

Key stretch of Indore Metro to run underground; project cost to go up by Rs 900 crore

INDORE, Dec 14: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday announced that the Metro line along a 3.3-kilometre stretch passing through Indores dense residential and commercial areas will now be built underground instead of as an elevated corridor. He said the state government would bear the additional estimated cost of about Rs 900 crore arising from the change in alignment of the mass-transportation project. The original Indore Metro project envisages a 31.32-kilometre-long route at a proposed cost of Rs [] The post Key stretch of Indore Metro to run underground; project cost to go up by Rs 900 crore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Meghalaya name 15-member squad for SGFI U-14 karate championship

By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 14: The All Meghalaya Karate Do Association has announced a 15-member squad that will represent the state at the 69th School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Under-14 Karate Championship, scheduled to be held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from December 14 to 19, 2025. The Meghalaya contingent will be led by []

28 Students Injured After School Bus Plunges From 12-Foot Bridge In Madhya Pradesh

A bus carrying 42 students from the Bahadurpur Higher Secondary School on a picnic to Sanchi to fell from a bridge after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Kuno Gears Up To Welcome Fresh Batch of Cheetahs From Botswana

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday indicated that Nauradehi may get some cheetahs before the monsoon next year

MPPSC FSO answer key 2025 expected soon: Know where and how to access response sheets

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission is poised to release the answer key and response sheet for the 2025 Food Safety Officer exam soon. This crucial document will allow candidates to evaluate their performance for the 67 vacant posts. Following a provisional key and an objection period, a final answer key will be published before the official results are announced.

Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah sparks fresh controversy over remarks on Ladli Behna scheme beneficiaries

BHOPAL: Already facing a criminal case over his sister of terrorists remark about Indian Army officer Colonel Sophia Qureshi, BJP-ruled Madhya Pradeshs senior cabinet minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has sparked fresh controversy with comments on the beneficiaries of the CM Ladli Behna Scheme, the financial support program for women, which proved to be a key factor in the saffron partys success in the 2023 assembly elections. Shah, chairing the district development advisory committee meeting in Ratlam on Saturday evening, said, This district has 2.5 lakh Ladli Behna Scheme beneficiaries, at least 50,000 of them should come forward to honour the CM for completing two years in power. We should plan an event where the Ladli Behnas would honour the CM. When the government is giving crores of rupees at a Rs 1,500 monthly rate to each beneficiary, then honouring the CM at least once in two years is justified. In the video of the meeting, which has gone viral, Shah (the minister in charge of Ratlam district) can be heard telling the officials, Plan an event where the Ladli Behnas would honour the CM in the new year. We will arrange food for them. Those who dont come, we will then see what happens to them. Such beneficiaries would be investigated; if someones Aadhar isnt linked, their application will be put on hold. That means it will automatically be stopped. Then everyone will come. The remarks were enough to trigger a fresh political controversy. The BJP should honour its beloved sisters, it is instead having its pampered ministers insult them. First, the vile remarks against the nations pride Col Sophia Qureshi, and now threats to mothers and sisters of the state, this is clear proof of BJPs frustration and anti-women mentality. The CMs silence is tantamount to endorsing the entire insult. The minister who first insulted the countrys army and now millions of sisters in the state, he doesnt have any right to remain in the government, state Congress chief Jitu Patwari wrote on X. My linguistic mistake has hurt countrymen: Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah apologises for 'sister of terrorists' remark Former CM and ex-state Congress chief Kamal Nath, also took to X on the same issue. The minister is threatening the women that failure to come to the CMs event will lead to them being dropped from the list of Ladli Behna Scheme beneficiaries. The BJP and its minister seem to be considering the Ladli Behnas as their bonded labour. It amounts to an open challenge to the civil rights and independent existence of women in the state. Importantly, the Ladli Behna Scheme was launched in June 2023 by then Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government in the state. Currently, Rs 1500 are being credited into the accounts of around 1.27 crore beneficiaries monthly under the pro-poor women scheme. Making an objectionable remark about Colonel Sophia Quereshi in May 2025 or this latest remarks about Laldli Behnas in Ratlam, isnt the first time that the senior cabinet minister Vijay Shah has made women-targeted remarks. In September this year, Shah had come out in support of his senior cabinet colleague and former BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya over the latters controversial remark related to the leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, kissing MP sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, publicly. His (Vijayvargiya) statements are correct, as in the Indian culture, no brother kisses his sister in public. Kissing ones sister in public is not our culture and not at all in line with our customs and traditions. For those who indulge in such acts, they should do it in their homes and not on the crossroads, Shah had said in home district Khandwa in September. In April 2013, BJPs 62-year-old tribal politician Shah had to resign as the states scheduled caste and scheduled tribe welfare minister, reportedly in the wake of his sexual innuendos about some women BJP leaders and then MP CM (and current union agriculture minister) Shivraj Singh Chouhans wife Sadhna Singh. In March 2024, he had suggested that the Department of Posts appoint actor-turned-BJP MP Hema Malini as brand ambassador to get more deposits into its investment and savings schemes. Make her (Malini) the brand ambassador and then tell me, as were Hema Malinis patthe. Well get all the money of poor people out from the banks and put it in the post office, he had said while inaugurating the post office passport service centre in his native Khandwa district in March 2024.

MP cabinet clears Nauradehi as third cheetah habitat; relocation planned

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve at Nauradehi will be developed as the states third cheetah habitat before the next monsoon, following Kuno and Gandhi Sagar reserves

Kareenas mulberry silk and chanderi look is peak effortless chic

Kareena Kapoor Khan effortlessly embodied 'Reclaiming Cool' in a SWGT ensemble featuring West Bengal mulberry silk and Madhya Pradesh Chanderi. The ivory and blue floral appliqu jacket over a simple blouse and tailored trousers exuded quiet confidence. Minimalist accessories, fresh makeup, and relaxed waves completed the understated yet powerful look.

Rural women better employed than urban: Study

BENGALURU: Karnatakas rural women are better employed in comparison to those in urban areas and men in both areas proportionately, said a report from the Reserve Bank of India. The report, Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25, released on Friday, said the unemployment rate of women in rural areas was nine per 1,000 in 202324 and 13 in 202223. The unemployment ratio of men in the same periods were 25 and 17, respectively. The overall unemployment rate in Karnatakas rural area was recorded as 19 during 202324, and 15 during 202223. This is lower than the national average of 25 and 24, respectively. In the case of urban areas, the unemployment rate of women during 202324 was 44 and during 202223, it was 51. The RBI report also noted that the urban male unemployment rate in 202324 fiscal was 41 and in 202223, it was 38. The overall unemployment rate in urban areas in 202324 and in 202223 it was 42. The all India unemployment rate in 202324 was 51 and in 202223, it was 54. A finance expert in the state government said, There is unemployment in Karnataka. But compared to other states and India, it is less. The rise in rural womens employment rate is a positive indication, but worrisome when the urban statistics are noted. The overall rural unemployment rates in Goa, Madhya Pradesh and even Jharkhand are even lower. Karnataka also ranked fourth in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) size. The report said Karnatakas GSDP (at current prices) for the year 202425 was Rs 28,83,903.23 crore. In 202324, it was Rs 25,57,241.35 crore. The state ranks second in the overall GSDP growth with 12.8% for the fiscal 202425, after Tamil Nadu (16%). Uttar Pradesh is slightly behind Karnataka with 12.7%, and Maharashtra trails with 11.7%. The GSDP growth rate of Gujarat is recorded as 10.2%. An official in the finance department, seeking anonymity, said, while other states fared better under the overall urban employment category, Karnatakas population should also be accounted for. The reason for the drop in male employment in rural areas also needs to be studied, the official said. FKCCI chairperson Uma Reddy said womens employment in rural areas increased because of the agricultural sector and self employment. The rural entrepreneurship training programmes also appear to be beneficial. In the case of urban areas, a larger push for the women workforce is needed to control the attrition rate. Reddy said the overall unemployment rate of the state is worrying. The report is only till 202324. But an analysis of 202425 and 202526 is needed for a clearer picture. The reasons cannot be fully ascertained yet, but some indicators include technological interventions, drop in investments and the tariff issue, she said.

Goats Seen Eating Mid-Day Meal Alongside Children In Madhya Pradesh School, Probe Ordered

The viral video showed children seated on the floor and eating their midday meal while goats feed from plates placed next to them, consuming the same food.

Inter-state criminal nabbed in Indore after returning to fill SIR voter form

BHOPAL: Coming back to his home city Indore reportedly to fill up his Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter enumeration form recently, a hardened inter-state criminal landed in the Madhya Pradesh polices net. Identified as Abdul Rashid, alias Talwar Singh (54), the criminal is accused in around 100 cases, including robbery, theft and murder in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. He had recently returned to Indore after many years just to fill up the SIR enumeration form. On December 3, he broke into a closed flat in Indores Geeta Nagar locality and decamped with gold and silver jewellery valued in lakhs of rupees. Multiple teams were formed by the Indore Palasia police to crack the burglary-theft case, which led to the arrest of Abdul Rashid a few days later in Indore, following a specific tip-off. His questioning revealed that he had come down to his home city Indore after many years for filling up his SIR enumeration form. After filling the form, he committed the crime at the closed flat in Geeta Nagar, but acting on specific intelligence, the police arrested him a few days later, Indore police spokesperson and additional DCP of the city crime branch Rajesh Dandotiya told TNIE on Saturday. Subsequent investigations, based on Rashids sustained grilling, revealed that he was accused in around 100 cases of theft, robbery, burglary, murder and attempted murder in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. Had he not come to Indore for filling up the SIR form and then not committed the burglary-theft, maybe we wouldnt have been able to nab him, a senior Indore police officer said. Stolen properties, including cash, jewellery and a two-wheeler, all valued at over Rs 7.5 lakh, were recovered from Rashids possession. He was originally a native of Indores North Toda locality and started committing thefts and burglaries from the age of 19. However, he later shifted to Akola in Maharashtra after the Indore police began searching for him. He married a woman in Akola and started living there. He earned the infamous sobriquet Talwar Singh a few years back, after he beheaded a man with a sword and then surrendered at the local police station with the severed head in Maharashtras Wardha.

Security increased at Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Bhopal residence

BHOPAL: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans open-to-all official residence, Mama Ka Ghar, in the Madhya Pradesh capital has now turned into a heavily barricaded fortress following an increased security threat perception. A large number of metallic barricades have been erected outside the B-8B-9 combined bungalow in the high-security 74 Bungalows area of Bhopal. The bungalow, which has been Chouhans official residence since January 2024, was named Mama Ka Ghar after he shifted there from the Chief Ministers residence, weeks after Dr Mohan Yadav took charge as CM. Chouhan ruled Madhya Pradesh as chief minister for over 16 years. Highly placed sources in the state police said security at the residence has been augmented following specific alerts from New Delhi, indicating that the former chief minister and present Union minister is increasingly on the radar of across-the-border handlers of terrorist groups and separatist elements operating in the country. The security here has been beefed up since Friday night, with round the clock Dial-112 emergency response vehicle and a strong police picket having been deployed outside the big bungalow, a senior police officer, part of the enhanced security apparatus, told TNIE on Saturday. Chouhan already enjoys Z+ personal security cover, which was approved by the Union Home Ministry in December 2018, days after his 13-year-long BJP government lost power to the Congress in the Assembly elections. The Z+ category is extended to individuals facing severe threats and includes crack commandos, bulletproof vehicles and advanced security equipment. It is second only to the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover provided to the Prime Minister. Confirming the enhancement, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra said, The security of the highest level of protectees is reviewed periodically and based on the periodic review of the union ministers security, the security apparatus at his residence in Bhopal has been enhanced. While state police sources maintained that the security has been stepped up based on specific intelligence inputs from the national capital, political circles in Bhopal offered varying interpretations. Sections within the state BJP were abuzz with speculation that the move could signal Chouhans strong prospects of becoming the partys next national president. However, Congresss state media wing head and former minister Mukesh Nayak disputed this narrative. Enhancement of Chouhans security is being used by his followers for spreading it as a harbinger of his appointment as BJPs next national president. If it actually turns out to be true, then the entire state will be happy. But according to us, the security has been beefed up following a missive from the central government to the state government, about Chouhans security in the state not being adequate, which is why the security cover is being suddenly increased, Nayak claimed. Located on the main road in the 74 Bungalows area, Chouhan formally named the residence Mama Ka Ghar on January 3, 2024. Speaking on the occasion, he had said, The address has changed, but Mama ka Ghar will remain Mama ka Ghar. My bond with sisters, nieces, nephews and brothers is of love, trust and affinity, my doors will always remain opened for them. Whenever you remember me, come here without hesitation, because this is your maternal uncle and brothers house.

Wonder if MP HC aware of condonation delay law: SC

The Supreme Court expressed dismay over the Madhya Pradesh High Court condoning a four-year delay in an appeal by the state government. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Prasanna B. Varale questioned the High Court's awareness of apex court rulings on delay condonation, setting aside the order and remanding the case for reconsideration.

MGNREGA Wage Dues Hit Rs 1,340 Crore, 82% Pendency Concentrated In Just 4 States, Reveals Data

The wage pendency in Andhra Pradesh was the highest at Rs 402.93 crore, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh

Life Convict Found Disguised As Sadhu. He Had Jumped Bail 37 Years Ago

A man, sentenced to life imprisonment in an 1986 acid attack case, and absconding ever since he was released on bail around 37 years ago, has been arrested from Madhya Pradesh while living under the guise of a 'sadhu', police said on Friday.

MP CM hails naxal cadre elimination as top achievement ahead of two-year government milestone

BHOPAL: A day before his government completes two years in power, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav termed the end of naxal cadres through the elimination and surrenders policy as the biggest achievement of his government so far. The naxal menace is as old as 37-38 years. Various naxal dalams had been formed way back in 1988-89. In 1995, an entire bus carrying 17 police personnel was blown into pieces. Four years later, a minister in the then Congress government (transport minister Likhiram Kanware) was brutally hacked to death by the outlaws. Despite Congress governments ruling the centre and states for decades since independence, the naxal problem wasnt adequately addressed, Yadav told journalists in Bhopal on Friday. In the three naxal-affected districts of MP, Dindori, Mandla and Balaghat, eliminating the naxals was a cumbersome task. Searching for and acting against 35-40 outlaws in the vast forests was difficult. They ran parallel courts, police stations, and councils of ministers. The fear of the Laal Salam extremist ideology among forest dwellers made anti-naxal operations even more difficult, Yadav added. But the situation dramatically changed when Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a March 2026 deadline for eliminating the naxal menace. I was initially sceptical about whether it was achievable, but he was confident, and the results are for all to see. The numbers in the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Zone dropped to zero on Thursday the biggest and most historic development. Ten hardcore naxals were gunned down in 2025, the maximum in any year. First Dindori, then Mandla were freed from left-wing extremism (LWE), and on Thursday, Balaghat also recorded zero listed naxal cadres, Yadav said while congratulating the police forces involved in the operations. All credit for eliminating naxal cadres through the surrender or get killed policy goes to our brave cops. For the first time, IPS officers volunteered for postings in naxal-infested areas and set targets to uproot naxalism. Our IG in Balaghat Range, Sanjay Kumar, moved on a motorcycle like a regular jawan such was the commitment and dedication of our police force. We also pay rich tribute to all cops who sacrificed their lives, including young Inspector Ashish Sharma. The 42 surrenders in 42 days wouldnt have been possible without the proactive approach of our brave cops. Salute to their efforts, he added. They once ran a parallel regime in the jungles and terrorized villagers. Now, the same outlaws were competing among themselves to surrender first to save their lives. Mobile phone conversations between them reveal their urgency. With naxal cadre numbers now down to zero in Balaghat, Mandla, and Dindori, we will now ensure a proper framework and system to prevent naxalism from reviving, Yadav said. The MP CM also highlighted inter-state river linking projects like Ken-Betwa, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal, and the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project as other major achievements of his two-year tenure. The river linking projects, once implemented, will enhance irrigated land from 52 lakh hectares to 100 lakh hectares in five years, he maintained. While reiterating his governments commitment to ending drug abuse in MP, Yadav said, We have begun by banning liquor in 19 religious towns and cities. With cooperation from society and social organisations, we are confident of eliminating the drug menace completely within the next three years.

Priority on River Interlinking Projects to Double Irrigation Coverage, Boost Farm Growth: Madhya Pradesh CM

Mr. Yadav said that his government has set a target to increase irrigation coverage in the state from 55 lakh hectares in 2024-25 to 100 lakh hectares in 2028-29

Red Terror Nears Its End As Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra Maoist-Free

In a landmark development, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two key states in the Red Corridor, have officially declared themselves Maoist-free, signalling a decisive collapse of the Maoist stronghold that once dominated central India.

One-day session of Madhya Pradesh Assembly to be held on December 17

Madhya Pradesh Saw Over 300 Cases Against Cops In 2 Years: Data

Of these cases, investigations are still pending in 61, while charge sheets have already been filed in 259 cases.

IAS Officer Removed By Madhya Pradesh For Brahmin Women, Judiciary Remarks

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Santosh Verma, who made headlines with his comments on Brahmin women and high court judges earlier this week, is now facing action as directed by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav.

IAS Officer Santosh Verma Removed From All Posts, Proposal Sent To Centre Over Controversy

Madhya Pradesh has recommended IAS Santosh Vermas dismissal to the Centre over forged promotions and indiscipline. He has also faced criticism for inflammatory remarks

Winter vacation 2025: Check the full list of states that have announced holidays

Winter vacation dates for the 2025-26 academic year have been announced across various Indian states. Delhi and Haryana will observe a break from January 1-15, 2026. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have scheduled breaks starting in late December. Jammu and Kashmir will have extended winter shutdowns, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing rain-related closures.

MP government recommends dismissal of controversial IAS officer Santosh Verma

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government has sent a proposal to the Centre recommending the dismissal of IAS officer Santosh Verma, state president of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes Officers and Employees Association (AJAKS), for his undignified remarks. In addition, Verma has been removed from his post as deputy secretary of the Agriculture Department and attached to the General Administration Department without any department or work. According to an official statement released on Thursday, the GAD has also decided to issue a charge sheet against Verma. The action comes after Verma, at the AJAKS state level convention in Bhopal on November 23, said, Until a Brahmin donates his daughter to my son and he has a relationship with her, he (son) should get reservation. A video of his statement was uploaded on social media, sparking outrage among the Brahmin community. Following Verma's remarks, demands for action against him were made not only in the state but across the country. Furthermore, 65 Brahmin organisations, enraged by Verma's remarks, announced a protest on Friday and a siege of the chief minister's residence on December 14. They also warned that if no action was taken, preparations would be made for a statewide shutdown. Meanwhile, another recent comment by Verma added fuel to the fire when, while addressing an event, he said, It is the High Court itself that is preventing ST category children from becoming civil judges... It is the High Court from which we demand a guarantee of constitutional compliance. The controversy intensified as a video of his remarks surfaced. Subsequently, an official statement issued late on Thursday night said that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had taken cognisance of the Santosh Verma case and directed the GAD to take strict action. It said that Verma had fabricated and forged a promotion order from the State Administrative Service to the Indian Administrative Service, and criminal cases are pending against him in various courts. The government sent this proposal to the central government shortly thereafter. According to the government, a departmental inquiry against Verma on the charge of obtaining an integrity certificate based on forged and fabricated documents is in its final stages, and that his response to the show-cause notice in the current case is unsatisfactory. The government also said that he has been continuously issuing indecent statements, and hence, the decision to issue a charge sheet against him was taken. An official said that the state government can suspend IAS officers but cannot dismiss them, as this power lies with the central government, which comes into effect after the President signs it.

Madhya Pradesh govt. to push Centre for IAS officers dismissal

Husband In Indore, Pak Woman Begs Court To Deport Him To Prevent 2nd Marriage

A family dispute between a Pakistani Hindu husband-wife duo, each living in two different countries for a long time after their marriage in Pakistan in 2020, has reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court after attempts at reconciliation failed.

ECI extends SIR timeline in six states, Union Territories

The Election Commission of India has extended deadlines for electoral roll revisions in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. New dates for draft roll publication have been set. This revision process is crucial for upcoming electoral activities. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the updated timelines.

Supreme Court constitutes SIT to probe unnatural death of SC youth in Madhya Pradesh

The deceaseds widow and brother gave conflicting statements about who was responsible for the tragedy.

Madhya Pradesh High Court summons Home Secretary after suspicious arrest sparks suspensions

Lapses in the arrest of an 18-year-old youth in a drugs case in Mandsaur district.

Two top Naxals surrender in Balaghat; MP now free of all listed MMC zone cadres, says CM Yadav

BHOPAL: Continued surrenders by armed Naxal cadres in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, driven by surrender or get eliminated anti-Naxal operations, resulted in two more hardcore Naxalites laying down arms in the forests of MPs Balaghat district on Thursday. Two wanted Naxals carrying a combined reward of 43 lakh surrendered at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the Korka area of Balaghat district. They were identified as Deepak Uike, a Gondia-Rajnandgaon-Balaghat (GRB) divisional committee member carrying a reward of Rs 29 lakh, and Rohit, who had a Rs 14 lakh bounty. With their surrender, Madhya Pradesh is now free of all listed CPI (Maoist) cadres from the Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh (MMC) special zone. Based on interrogation of the armed Naxal cadres who surrendered recently, after the latest two surrenders, all listed Naxal cadres of the MMC zone have now been eliminated or have surrendered. This is a historic development, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced on Thursday evening. Deepak Uike was considered the poster boy of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Balaghat district, as he hailed from Palagondi village in the same region. Both Deepak and Rohit were part of the Malajkhand Dalam of the GRB divisional committee, which operated largely in the southern stretches of the MMC Zone. The dalam, led by CPI (Maoist) central committee member and MMC Zone chief Ramder Majji, saw 12 cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh on December 8. However, Deepak and Rohit had stayed away from the December 8 surrender. In the last 42 days, as many as 42 hardcore Naxalites carrying a collective bounty of Rs 7.75 crore have surrendered in MP, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, the MP CM said, congratulating anti-Naxal police personnel. The chief minister also paid tribute to the 38 police personnel who have died in anti-Naxal operations in undivided and divided Madhya Pradesh since 198889. The elimination or surrender of all listed cadres in MP assumes special significance as it comes just two days before the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government completes two years in office. In 202324, four wanted Naxalites, including a woman cadre carrying a total reward of 71 lakh, were gunned down in encounters. In 2025 so far, ten armed Naxal cadres all of area committee rank carrying a total bounty of 1.46 crore have been killed, marking the highest Naxal casualties in any year, Yadav added.