Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park
SHEOPUR (MP), Nov 20: India-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday, calling it a historic milestone in Project Cheetah. A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The mother and cubs are doing well, Yadav said in a post on X. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction [] The post Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bhopal: In a major breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction programme, the first Indian-born female cheetah has given birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP), marking a historic milestone in the countrys conservation efforts. Sharing the historic development on X on Thursday, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav posted visuals of 33-months-old female cheetah Mukhi and her newborn cubs. In a delightful breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative, Mukhi the first Indian-born female cheetah, aged 33 months has given birth to five cubs. This is the first time in recent history that an Indian-born cheetah has reproduced, making it a landmark achievement for Project Cheetah, Yadav mentioned in the post. Successful reproduction by an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species adaptation, health, and long-term prospects in Indian habitats. The mother and cubs are doing fine. This significant development reinforces optimism about establishing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in India, further advancing the nations conservation goals. Sharing the visuals, the MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, wrote on the same micro-blogging site, A historic milestone has been achieved in the Kuno National Park. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative. Importantly, Mukhi is the lone surviving first-Indian born cub of Namibian cheetah Siyaya. She was born in March 2023 to Siyaya, just two days after the death of another Namibian female, Sasha, due to renal failure, was reported from the KNP -- which had become the first home to African cheetahs in India, following the successful introduction of eight Namibian cheetahs on September 17, 2022. Though Mukhi was the lone survivor among the first four Indian born cubs of the Namibian cheetah Siyaya, the female cub at nine months of age had sustained serious limb injury. Her subsequent recovery and growth into an independent, healthy adult cheetah, who learnt to hunt on her own, exemplifies the continuous efforts of the team of veterinary experts at the KNP. Importantly, both Mukhi and Siyaya became mothers at nearly the same age in the national park located in Sheopur district of MPs Gwalior-Chambal region. Thursdays landmark development in Indias ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme, more than seven decades after the species went extinct from the wild due to rampant hunting, gains further significance as Kuno National Park is now preparing to receive eight cheetahs from Botswana by the end of this year or early next year. Currently, Kuno National Park houses eight adult Namibian and South African cheetahs and 21 cubs. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in western Madhya Pradesh, which became the second home for African cheetahs in India in April 2025, now holds a South African male coalition and a female, all translocated from Kuno.
SC raises retirement age of MP judicial officers from 60 to 61 years
A pivotal update from the Supreme Court has emerged, announcing that judicial officers in Madhya Pradesh can now retire at 61 instead of the former age of 60. This change echoes a previous judgment made by the Telangana High Court. The court highlighted the disparity, noting that state government employees enjoy a retirement age of 62.
Al Falah University chairmans ancestoral home given demolition notice
Mhow: The Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a notice to the occupants and legal heirs of a residential property, belonging to Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiquis family, citing unauthorised construction. The cantonment board authorities have directed that the structure be razed within three days, an official said on Wednesday. Faridabad-based 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 .
Three killed, four injured as speeding car crashes into truck in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district
GUNA: Three persons were killed and four others injured when their speeding car rammed into a truck in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, a police official said. The incident took place around 3 am near village Bajranggarh on Guna-Aron road, the official said. The victims were coming to Guna from Aron to attend a wedding when their car hit a truck moving ahead of it, the official said. The crash was so severe that three occupants of the car died on the spot, the official said. Police had to use a gas cutter to pull out those trapped inside, the official said. Of the four injured persons, two are in serious condition. They have been referred to Bhopal for treatment, he said. More details about the accident are awaited.
Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park
The mother and cubs are doing well, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in a post on X
Al-Falah University Chairman's Ancestral Property Gets Demolition Notice
In fresh trouble for the family of Al-Falah University chairman Mohammad Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a final demolition notice for the illegal construction at the family's ancestral home.
Aspiring Assistant Professors in Madhya Pradesh have until midnight today to submit their MP SET 2025 applications. The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission is closing the regular window, with a substantial late fee applicable for delayed submissions. The exam, covering 31 subjects, is scheduled for January 11, 2026. Eligibility requires a postgraduate degree with specific marks.
Brave cop killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter
BHOPAL: A young inspector of Madhya Pradeshs elite anti-Naxal Hawk Force died after being hit by multiple bullets during a gun battle with armed Naxal cadres in the Kanghurra jungles of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday morning. Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer who had received two gallantry medals from the central government and formed the core of many critical Hawk Force operations, was struck by bullets fired by Naxal cadres near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh around 8.30 am. Even after taking heavy fire, Sharma continued to lead his team. Bleeding from multiple wounds, he kept firing at the cadres hiding behind thick forest cover until he collapsed. His injuries were severe, with bullet wounds to his shoulder, abdomen, thigh and hands. He was rushed to the Dongargarh community health centre in Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district, but he died despite doctors efforts to save him. We also had the helicopter ambulance ready to airlift him for life-saving treatment at a specialised centre, but he couldnt survive. Weve lost a brave inspector, who formed the core of our most crucial operations and had been awarded an out-of-turn promotion from sub-inspector to inspector this year only due to his key role in the February 19 encounter in the Raunda forests of Balaghat district, which had resulted in the elimination of four hardcore women naxal cadres, special DG (anti-naxal operations) Pankaj Srivastava told TNIE. At the time of the encounter, multiple joint combing and search operations were underway in the dense forests along the three-state border. The teams were acting on specific inputs about the movement of 1315 armed Naxal cadres in the area. The gun battle broke out early Wednesday, and combing operations are still in progress. Search operations after the incident led the cops to massive blood stains, backpacks and other materials, based on which massive damage (including possibly casualty) to the outlaws cannot be ruled out, Srivastava added. Sharma was a native of Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district and had joined the Madhya Pradesh Police as a sub-inspector nine years ago. He was promoted earlier this year in recognition of his outstanding service. According to reports from Narsinghpur, he was to be married in January 2026. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav condoled the death, saying, He displayed unprecedented valour and courage during the joint operation by the police forces of the three states in the jungles of Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district. His supreme sacrifice in the national campaign to wipe out Naxalism will remain unforgettable. Struck by Naxals bullets, he fought till the end Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer who had received two gallantry medals from the central government and formed the core of many critical Hawk Force operations, was struck by bullets fired by Naxal cadres near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh around 8.30 am. Even after taking heavy fire, Sharma continued to lead his team. Bleeding from multiple wounds, he kept firing at the cadres hiding behind thick forest cover until he collapsed.
Congress dilemma in Upper House
NEW DELHI: Still reeling from its devastating performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress now faces a critical test of biannual Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for early next year. With the partys Assembly seats shrinking in several key states and alliance leverage weakening, it may struggle to retain its influence in the Upper House. Elections for 75 seats in the Rajya Sabha are scheduled across April, June, and November 2026. While the BJP-led NDA is expected to make net gains, the elections may present an uphill task for the Congress with its weakened MLA base and rising internal dissent. The elections will see seats vacated across multiple states, including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh, among others. Although Congress may lose some seats, it is likely to retain as many as nine seatsthree from Karnataka, two from Telangana, one each from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. With some seasoned leaders set to exit, the elections are viewed as crucial by many. Some of the leaders who complete their term in the Upper House include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, veteran leaders Digvijaya Singh and Shakti Singh Gohil. Another leader who completes his term is senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Telangana in April 2026. While Kharge, whose term from Karnataka ends on June 25, 2026, is expected to be renominated for another term, says party sources. Kharge is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (LoP) as well. While veteran leaders may push for renomination, arguing that experienced voices are needed in the Upper House, a section of leaders also root for fielding fresh faces to revive the partys prospects in Parliament and state units. Although the official candidate selection process is months away, the sources say that some names are already doing the rounds. While Congress is expected to hold ground in Karnataka and Telangana, it risks losing seats in states where its footprint has shrunk. The partys hopes also hinge on coalition arithmetic in Maharashtra, where shifting alliances and fragmented mandates could influence the outcome Meanwhile, regional allies within the INDIA bloc will also play a critical role in negotiating seat-sharing arrangements, making strategic alliances more crucial than ever. Maharashtra will see seven seats vacant in April 2026, with Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT), and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale completing their terms. Congress is entering these elections with limited leverage. The Bihar election has reduced its bargaining power among the allies, said a senior party leader. Success will depend not just on numbers, but on negotiation skills and candidate selection. On the other hand, the BJP-led NDA, buoyed by strong Assembly numbers in key states, is expected to leverage its dominance to gain additional Rajya Sabha seats, further squeezing Congress. Kharge, Singhvi among those completing terms this year Some of the leaders who complete their term in the Upper House include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, veteran leaders Digvijaya Singh and Shakti Singh Gohil. Another leader who completes his term is senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Telangana in April 2026.
IAS officer from Karnataka's Tiptur brings about RWH revolution in Madhya Pradesh
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: In a proud moment for Karnataka, IAS officer Dr Nagarjun B Gowda, a native of Tiptur in Tumakuru district and now CEO of Khandwa Zilla Panchayat in Madhya Pradesh, was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan on Tuesday. Khandwa district was declared the Best Performing District in the country under the Union Jal Shakti ministrys rainwater harvesting programme, earning a cash award of Rs 2 crore. Dr Gowda and Khandwa Collector Rishav Gupta received the award together, for their model of water conservation that has turned a semi-arid region into a national example. Speaking to The New Indian Express after the ceremony, Dr Gowda traced the roots of his mission back to his childhood in drought-hit Tiptur. Khandwa resembles my hometown. I grew up watching my parents Bette Gowda and Prabha Gowda, both teachers but from a farming family, and neighbours struggle for water. As a boy, I would cycle long distances to fill a few buckets from borewells that barely yielded anything, he recalled. Sometimes I would yank that borewell lever for up to 10 minutes before it yielded a precious bucket of water, he added. Just north of Tumakuru is Chitradurga, among the most arid regions in Karnataka which has been drought-hit for decades. Those memories followed him through medical school in Mandya, where water scarcity and a recurring Cauvery crisis left a deep impact. So when the Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari scheme was launched, it became personal, he said. Under the leadership of DC Rishav Gupta, and with Dr Gowda spearheading the grassroots effort, Khandwa mounted a district-wide movement. Officials, from the village accountant to the DC, went from village to village, urging residents, farmers, schools and government offices to adopt rainwater harvesting. The result: Over 1,29,000 installations, including 40,000 rooftop water harvesting systems, recharge pits, trenches and other structures, turned Khandwa into a rainwater-positive district, and set a benchmark for the country. Next year, we are targeting more such structures. This award belongs to the people of Khandwa, Dr Gowda said. Back home in Karnataka, the achievement resonates strongly: a son of the soil, shaped by drought, has shown India how to turn scarcity into abundance.
Police inspector from Madhya Pradesh killed in encounter with Naxalites on Chhattisgarh-MP border
RAJNANDGAON (Chhattisgarh), Nov 19: A police inspector from Madhya Pradesh was killed in an encounter with Naxalites along the Chhattisgarh-MP border on Wednesday morning, a senior official said. The exchange of fire took place in the forest of Kanghurra, adjoining the Bortalav area of Chhattisgarh, when a joint team of security personnel from the two states was out on an anti-Naxal operation, Inspector General of Police, Rajnandgaon Range Abhishek Shandilya said. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about [] The post Police inspector from Madhya Pradesh killed in encounter with Naxalites on Chhattisgarh-MP border appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP CM inaugurates The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho
NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday inaugurated The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho. The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace reflects the rich heritage of Madhya Pradesh while providing world-class hospitality. It is a remarkable addition to the states tourism landscape, Yadav said while inaugurating the hotel. Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer of The Oberoi Group, said: We are confident that The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace will encourage a new set of travellers to visit Khajuraho and experience its [] The post MP CM inaugurates The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Al Falah Group chairman's family property in MP's Mhow gets notice for unauthorised construction
MHOW: The Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a notice to the occupants and legal heirs of a residential property, belonging to Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui's family , in which it directed that unauthorised constructions there be razed within three days, an official said. Faridabad-based Al Falah University, run by the Al Falah Group, is emerging as an epicentre of investigation in the November 10 Delhi blast case that killed 12 persons and injured several others. Cantonment Engineer H S Kaloya said, We have issued a notice to the house of the late Moulana Hammad, who is the father of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui. As per the notice, the department had previously issued multiple communications dating back to 1996 and 1997 under relevant sections of the Cantonments Act, 1924, directing the removal of the unauthorised construction. However, despite repeated notifications, the construction in question was reportedly not removed. The latest notice instructs the current occupant or legal heirs of the property to remove the unauthorised structure within three days, he said. If the direction is not complied with, the cantonment board will undertake removal action, and the cost incurred will be recovered from the concerned party as per the provisions of the Cantonments Act, the official said. This property - house number 1371 - is located on survey number 245/1245 located in the Mukeri Mohalla area of Mhow. The Madhya Pradesh police have earlier arrested Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, the brother of Jawad Siddiqui, from Hyderabad in connection with a 25-year old case. Hamood, who is accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MP's Mhow 25 years ago, was arrested on Sunday, an official said. Notably, the Delhi blast prime accused, Dr Umar Un Nabi, was a student of Al Falah University. Several suspects linked to the Delhi blast are believed to have had associations with the university, prompting investigators to examine institutional records, financial transactions and administrative approvals. Madhya Pradesh police arrests Al-Falah University founder's brother in 25-year-old investment fraud case
MP chief minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurates The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho
The Oberoi Group has launched The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho, inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. This historic palace, dating back over 350 years, aims to showcase the region's rich heritage and cultural tapestry. The new property is expected to boost tourism, drawing visitors to Khajuraho's temples and the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Ranji Trophy: Kartikyeya and Aryan hang in to thwart Kerala
The duo rescues Madhya Pradesh after the visitors attack reduces the home team to 126 for eight while in pursuit of a target of 404; Baby andAparajithhelp themselves to centuries
Oberoi expands footprint in Madhya Pradesh with opening of Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho
India will start clinical trial for treating sickle cell disease among central India tribal
On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has transferred indigenous technology for developing a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII). India has the second-highest number of children born with SCD globally, with an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 new cases each year, particularly among tribal communities in Central India. SII will now conduct clinical trials to develop a more cost-effective treatment for this genetic disorder. At present, CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for SCD costs around USD 3 million (approximately Rs 26 crore), mainly due to high licensing fees. The newly developed indigenous technology, however, is expected to bring the cost down to around Rs 50 lakh. Meanwhile, IGIB has already begun the first phase of clinical trials in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and CSIR. We have created a pool of around 150 potential participants from cities such as Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Ranchi in Jharkhand to begin the clinical trial, said Dr Souvik Maiti, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IGIB. We will finalise three participants from this pool for our first trial after obtaining the necessary approvals, added Maiti, the lead investigator for this flagship project. Extraction of the affected gene from bone marrow will be carried out at AIIMS Delhi, while the gene editing will take place at IGIBs dedicated centre. The extraction process is expected to take 120 days. Following the transfer of technology, SII will collaborate with IGIB to conduct the second and third phases of clinical trials, involving a larger pool of participants. IGIB noted that a similar treatment was successfully administered to three African individuals in the United States. Encouraged by this progress, Indian scientists decided to replicate the process domestically using indigenous technology. It has taken nearly six years for India to develop its own CRISPR platform. Experts believe that similar indigenisation of CRISPR technology can also be achieved in the agriculture sector. Currently, ICAR has been negotiating licensing fees with foreign agencies rather than developing its own indigenous CRISPR systems.
29,000 'Aspirational Toilets' to be built across States under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
NEW DELHI: Under its flagship Swachh Bharat MissionUrban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Centre is encouraging all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to expand public toilet (PT) infrastructure at tourist destinations, high-footfall areas, and religious sites to meet growing sanitation needs. It has also been recommended that these facilities be classified as Aspirational Toilets. So far, 29,000 Aspirational Toilet seats have been approved under SBM-U 2.0. The mission aims to significantly enhance the user experience of public toilet services, supported by innovative models and solutions designed to ensure their long-term sustainability, said officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The aspirational toilets include smart features, user-friendly designs, accessible-inclusive infrastructure,gender-neutral, child-friendly facilities and environmentally sustainable technologies. Across the nation, aspirational toilets were inaugurated on Wednesday on the occasion of World Toilet Day. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh (5,131), Maharashtra (4,385) and Tamil Nadu (3,562) have the maximum number of Aspirational toilets. On the occasion, Sulabh International and World Toilet Organisation kick-started the three-day World Toilet summit with global stakeholders to accelerate sustainable sanitation, in which Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil were present. Speaking on the occasion, Manohar Lal called for global cooperation on swachhata and sustainability. Across India and around the world, better and cleaner toilet systems are being put in place. In our country too, mindsets are changing and must change. After all, cleanliness is not judged by a tidy home or bedroom, but by the condition of ones toilet, he said. He also stressed the need for wastewater treatment, reuse, cleaner toilets, and faster behavioural change. He further underscored early sanitation habits in children and the importance of waste-to-wealth and circularity under SBM-U. Marking World Toilet Day, the ministry also launched Toilet Paas Hai & Main Saaf Hi Achha Hoon - a year-long advocacy drive to champion responsible toilet use. It is aimed at promoting responsible toilet use and hygiene habits across communities. A range of advisories and training resources has also been released to strengthen urban sanitation efforts, including specialised training modules.
Madhya Pradeshs Hawk Force Inspector killed in encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh
Ashish Sharma, 40, was leading a Hawk Force platoon in an inter-State joint operation when he sustained bullet injuries in his thigh and abdomen
MPMSU result 2025: Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU), Jabalpur has declared the B.Sc Nursing Final Year Examination (May 2025) results along with MBBS Final Part-I (Supplementary & Ex.) results (June 2025). Students can check their results online via the official MPMSU portals using their enrollment number and date of birth. The university has also provided detailed instructions for online re-verification of marks. Students are advised to download and print their results for future reference.
IMD reports significant November temperature drop across India
An early-season cold snap is gripping much of India, with minimum temperatures significantly below normal across the northern plains, central India, and Maharashtra. Cold wave conditions are affecting several states, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with Delhi experiencing its earliest single-digit minimum in over a decade. Persistent northwesterly winds are driving this unusual chill.
Hawk Force Inspector Killed During Encounter With Maoists In Chhattisgarh
In a major setback to Madhya Pradesh's elite anti-Maoist unit, Hawk Force, one of its brightest and most decorated officers, Inspector Ashish Sharma, was killed during a fierce early morning encounter with armed Maoists.
Hindustan Copper's contractual employee dies due to accident at mining project in MP
A contractual employee has died in an accident at Hindustan Copper's Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on November 19, 2025. Hindustan Copper Ltd, a state-owned company, expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate death. The company is a key player in India's copper mining sector and aims to significantly increase its ore production capacity by 2030-31.
Hawk Force inspector killed in encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh forests
BHOPAL: Inspector Ashish Sharma of the Madhya Pradesh Polices elite anti-Naxal unit, the Hawk Force, was killed in action during an early-morning encounter with armed Naxal cadres in the dense forests near the MPChhattisgarhMaharashtra tri-junction on Wednesday. Sharma, around 40 and a decorated officer with two gallantry medals, sustained fatal bullet injuries in the thigh and abdomen while leading the Hawk Force team in a coordinated operation with Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra police. The gunfight broke out around 8.30 am after the combined forces, acting on specific intelligence, moved into a heavily forested area in Chhattisgarh territory where a large Naxal group had been sighted. A senior MP police officer told TNIE that Sharma was rushed to the Community Health Centre in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon district. Despite all efforts by doctors, he succumbed to excessive bleeding, the officer said. An air ambulance had been arranged to shift him to a specialised facility, but he died before evacuation. Sharma, posted in Balaghat district, was known for his valour and operational leadership. He had received an out-of-turn promotion earlier this year after spearheading a successful anti-Naxal operation that led to the elimination of three hardcore women Naxal cadres in the Raunda forests of Balaghat in February 2025.
National-level shooter molested in Pune-bound bus, conductor on run
BHOPAL: High drama unfolded on board a private bus in Madhya Pradeshs commercial capital Indore on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, after a national-level woman shooter accused the conductor of touching her inappropriately. According to Indore police sources, the shooter, who hails from Pune, was in Bhopal recently for a national level shooting competition. She boarded the private bus from the MP capital on Monday to return to Pune via Indore. The shooter, aged around 30 years, alleged that the conductor touched her inappropriately under the pretext of enquiring about her ticket. When the bus was stopped by the routine night police patrolling party in Indores Rajendra Nagar, the shooter created a ruckus, accusing the conductor of misconduct. Fearing police action, the bus driver and the conductor fled from the vehicle leaving all the passengers stranded on the road. The bus had reached Indore at around 1.30 am and after the issue cropped up, the Rajendra Nagar police found an alternative driver and conductor, who finally drove the bus for the onward journey. When the police asked for a written complaint, she said she would consult family and get back, Additional DCP-Indore Crime Branch Rajesh Dandotiya told this newspaper. The shooter, however, was yet to report the matter to police, till the filing of this news report on Tuesday evening. The bus left for its further journey after around an hour and halfs delay at around 3.15 am. The incident took place 25 days after two players of the Australia women cricket team present in the city for ICC Women ODI World Cup matches, were allegedly stalked and molested in broad daylight by a notorious man Aqeel, while they were walking to a popular cafe from the Radisson Blu hotel. The duo was previously involved in many other criminal cases. They were arrested a day later by the Indore Police.
Nine luxury properties in Dubai attached by ED in Rs 1266.63 crore Madhya Pradesh bank fraud case
Bhopal: As many as nine luxurious foreign immovable properties in Dubai have been attached provisionally by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a Rs 1266.63 crore fraud case committed by Madhya Pradesh branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). The attached properties are in the form of apartment and commercial spaces, having a worth of Rs 51.70 crore. The concerned luxurious foreign assets are located in Centurion Residence Dubai Investment Park Second, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Liwa Heights (Al Thanyah Fifth), Business Bay, and World Trade Centre Residences. During the course of investigation, the properties were found to be acquired out of Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated in connection with the bank fraud case. The wrongful loss to the tune of Rs 1266.63 crore was caused to the SBI by M/s Advantage Overseas Private Limited (AOPL), its directors, guarantors and related persons including its main director/significant beneficial owner, Shrikant Bhasi. ED probe revealed that Shrikant Bhasi, who exercised strategic control over AOPL and its associated entities, had acquired the said foreign properties in Dubai. These properties were later deliberately gifted to his daughter through gift deeds executed in 20222023, without any consideration to hide the POC. The properties were acquired from funds generated by AOPL and its group entities through illegal merchanting trade transactions, diversion of bank funds, fabrication of documents, circular trading, and layering of illicit proceeds. The investigation further revealed that 12 Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) amounting to USD 200 million (approx. Rs.1266.63 Crore) were devolved upon SBI between AprilMay 2018 after AOPL failed to fulfil the mandatory margin requirements and could not infuse funds at the time of LC rollover. Due to depletion of Fixed Deposit margins and the companys failure to honour its obligations, the Bank was compelled to make payments to overseas suppliers, resulting in substantial loss to the public sector bank. These devolved LCs constitute a major component of the POC, which were subsequently layered and laundered through related entities and used for acquiring foreign assets. ED investigation has also uncovered a network of domestic and foreign entities used for layering, diversion of funds, and acquisition of assets in India and abroad. Further investigations are underway.
A 28-year-old man allegedly stabbed a 25-year-old woman to death in Jabalpur after she ended their friendship four months prior. The accused, identified as Kuldeep alias Golu Yadav, reportedly accosted Muskaan Yadav as she left for work, inflicting multiple stab wounds before fleeing the scene.
Madhya Pradesh govt scraps two Ujjain Simhastha related projects following public agitation
BHOPAL: Two Ujjain Simhastha-2028 (Kumbh Mela) related projects have been scrapped due to massive protests by farmers and local residents in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain and Omkareshwar. Buckling under sustained pressure by farmers led by RSS-affiliated outfit Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), the government decided on Monday evening to repeal the land pooling scheme for building a permanent spiritual city in Ujjain. The project required permanent acquisition of 2,378 hectares of farmers' land falling in the Simhastha area, for building a full-fledged spiritual city to house the 13 Akharas, contrary to the existing practice of temporarily acquiring the land of farmers for five to six months in the Simastha area once every 12 years. Ujjain is also the home city of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. Less than 24 hours later, the Khandwa district administration scrapped the Rs 120-crore Mamaleshwar Lok Project, following two-days massive shutdown by residents of Omkareshwar town in Khandwa district on Tuesday. The project reportedly proposed building a temple circuit linking the famous Omkareshwar and Mamaleshwar Shiva Temples. Both the ambitious projects were related to the Ujjain Simhastha 2028. The Simhastha in Ujjain is the Kumbh Mela which is organised once every 12 years. Ujjain and Omkareshwar, house two of the 12 jyotirlingas of the country, including the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and Omkareshwar Temple in Omkareshwar-Khandwa. The decision to scrap the Ujjain Simhastha land pooling scheme on Monday evening was taken at a meeting chaired by CM Dr Mohan Yadav and attended among others, by the state BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal and RSS-affiliate BKSs state president Kamal Singh Anjana and the outfits Malwa Prant general secretary Bharat Singh Bains. The decision was taken just a few hours before farmers from 18 districts of western and south-western MP under the BKS banner, were to launch a massive Ghera Dalo-Dera Dalo indefinite protest in Ujjain. With Omkareshwar town remaining shut on Monday and Tuesday, the Omkareshwar Temple-bound devotees had to face major difficulties, particularly due to non-operation of shops, taxis and other vehicular conveyance, besides provision of accommodation. Basic facilities, like water, tea and snacks werent available adequately and the devotees had to depend largely on the Omkareshwar Temples prasad. Owing to the shutdown, the devotees had to travel seven kms away in Kothi and adjoining villages for finding accommodation, that too at high prices. Not just the angry residents, but even the local Hindu seers had opposed the project in its present form. Mahant Mangaldas of Jod Ganpati Temple reportedly warned that saints from outside Omkareshwar would join the protest if ashrams were demolished to make way for the project.
ED arrests Al Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in PMLA case amid Red Fort blast probe
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al Falah Group, after a day-long raid at the premises of the trust. The Al-Falah University based in Haryana has come under the scanner after three doctors working there were accused in the Red Fort blast , that killed 12 people. They were allegedly part of what the investigative agencies have described as the white-collar terror module. According to ED, Jawad Ahmed has been arrested in a different case, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the Al-Falah University. He has been produced before the court for the purpose of seeking ED custody. Sources said entities tied to the Al-Falah Trust were also being examined for suspected fund diversion and layering. Siddiqui was arrested hours after multiple teams of the agency conducted searches at 25 locations across Delhi and Faridabad linked to the Al-Falah Group in connection with alleged fraudulent accreditation claims and financial irregularities by the groups flagship institutions. Officials said he was arrested after a detailed investigation and analysis of evidence gathered during search operations at premises related to the Al-Falah Group. Siddiqui has been the managing trustee of the Al-Falah Charitable Trust since 1995, exercising complete control over the trust and its network of educational institutions. Exhaustive evidence, including cash recovered from trustees, diversion of funds to family concerns, layering of funds, etc., clearly establishes the pattern of generation and layering of proceeds of crime. After establishing his culpability, he was arrested following due legal procedure, an official said. The Al-Falah Charitable Trust, the official added, was constituted through a public charitable trust deed dated September 8, 1995, with Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui named as one of the first trustees and designated as the managing trustee. All the educational institutions (university and colleges) are ultimately owned and financially consolidated under this trust, which is effectively controlled by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui. The entire Al-Falah Group has seen a meteoric rise since the 1990s, metamorphosing into a large educational body. However, the rise is not backed by adequate financials, he said. Last week, the government asked the ED to review the financial trail of the institution following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Madhya Pradesh police arrests Al-Falah University founder's brother in 25-year-old investment fraud case In a coordinated enforcement operation at 5:15 a.m. today, officials executed search actions at 25 premises of the Al-Falah Group in connection with the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities, use of shell companies, accommodation entities and money laundering, an ED official said. The role of the Al-Falah Trust and related entities is under investigation. Key personnel overseeing finance and administration have also been covered, he said. According to officials, nine shell companies linked to the Al-Falah Group, all registered at a single address, are under examination. Early findings point to multiple risk indicators consistent with shell-company behaviour, including no physical presence or meaningful utility consumption at declared places of business, common mobile numbers and email addresses across various companies and accounts, the official said. Other indicators include the absence of EPFO/ESIC filings inconsistent with the reported scale of operations, overlapping directors/signatories and weak KYC trails across entities, minimal salary disbursal through banking channels, absence of HR records, synchronised incorporation patterns and common contact coordinates across firms, he added. Delhi Police has also registered two FIRs on a complaint from the University Grants Commission (UGC). One FIR alleges cheating, while the second invokes charges of forgery. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has revoked Al-Falah Universitys membership amid accusations of its linkage with the error module. Earlier, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a show-cause notice seeking the university's response on alleged irregularities. According to the notice, the university had claimed on its now-inaccessible website that its Al-Falah School of Engineering and Technology and Al-Falah School of Education and Training had been awarded A grades by the NAAC. However, the engineering school and the education-and-training school were accredited in 2013 and 2011, respectively, for five years each, and the validity of those accreditations expired long ago. The university did not seek fresh accreditation after the expiry, making its continued claim about the A grades misleading, the notice said. Delhi court remands Jasir Bilal Wani, accused in Red Fort blast, to 10-day NIA custody
100-plus minors, held as bonded labourers, rescued from Raipur factory
NHRC member says that the children mostly tribals from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha were exposed to formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer
Viral Video Shows Madhya Pradesh Youth Exposing Work-Fixing
The mayor was heard in the clip demanding evidence from him to prove his allegation against any official: Reports
Supreme Court expresses concern over cases of missing children, terms it 'serious'
NEW DELHI: Voicing serious concern over a news report that claimed that in every eight minutes, a child goes missing in the country, the Supreme Court -- while hearing a petition filed by an NGO -- on Tuesday termed it as serious issue. I have read in a newspaper that every eight minutes, a child goes missing in the country. I don't know if this is true or not. But this is a serious issue, Justice B V Nagarathna, who was heading the two-judge bench, observed orally on Tuesday. The apex court comprising Justice R Mahadevan -- besides Justice Nagarathna --made it clear during the hearing that the adoption process in the country is complicated and thereby it asked the Centre to make it simpler and to streamline the mechanism for an effective one. The adoption process is rigorous, it is bound to be flouted and people go for illegal means to have children, observed the top court. It passed these observations, after hearing a plea filed by the NGO Guria Swayam Sevi Sansthan, which had moved the SC and highlighted that unresolved cases of kidnapping or missing children besides the actions required to be taken on the basis of information available with the Khoya/Paya portal monitored by the government of India. The petition filed in the apex court stressed that five cases were registered in Uttar Pradesh last year in which minor boys and girls were kidnapped and trafficked through a network of middlemen to states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. During the course of the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, senior law officer appearing for the Centre, sought six weeks time for appointing a nodal officer to handle cases of missing children. Hearing this, the Apex Court, however, refused to grant six weeks and asked the ASG to complete the process by December 9. Earlier on October 14, the bench had directed the Union government to instruct all States and Union territories to depute a nodal officer to handle cases of missing children and to provide their names and contact details for publication on the Mission Vatsalya portal operated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It had directed that whenever a complaint regarding a missing child is received on the portal, the information should be simultaneously shared with the respective nodal officers. The Apex Court had earlier asked the Centre to create a dedicated online portal under the aegis of the home ministry to trace missing children and investigate such cases.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 | Kerala holds all the aces going into the final day
Eden stars with a four-for as Madhya Pradesh gets bowled out for 192 in its first innings; the visitor, on the back of a 144-run stand between Baby and Aparajith, swells the advantage to 315 runs
ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep
EC working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of working on a sinister design to destroy democracy and opposition parties through the SIR exercise, and vowed to take to the streets by holding a protest rally at Ramleela Maidan here in the first week of December. Upping the ante over its 'vote chori' pitch, the Congress said the poll body's conduct during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has been deeply disappointing as the exercise is aimed at deleting targeted votes and demanded that it must immediately demonstrate that it is not operating under the BJP's shadow. AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal told reporters after the meeting that the Election Commission's motive is to destroy democracy and opposition parties, which has never happened in history. We are going to the streets. During the first week of December, the Congress party is organising a massive rally in Ramleela Maidan with lakhs of people attending it, he told reporters, adding that the Congress will expose the Election Commission by organising the protest event. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who chaired a meeting with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UTs) where the SIR is underway, alleged that the BJP is attempting to weaponise the exercise of the electoral rolls process for vote chori. Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretaries participated in a review meeting with state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway. The states and UTs are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026. Phase-II of the SIR exercise began on November 4 with the enumeration stage and will continue till December 4. The Congress party is unequivocally committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral rolls, Kharge said on X after he chaired the meeting. We held a comprehensive strategy review with AICC General Secretaries, AICC In-Charges, PCCs, CLPs, and AICC Secretaries from the states/UTs where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is underway. The Congress Party is unequivocally committed to safeguarding the pic.twitter.com/cVcjyaJGEo Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 18, 2025 At a time when public confidence in democratic institutions is already strained, the Election Commission's conduct during the SIR process has been deeply disappointing, he said. It must immediately demonstrate that it is not operating under the BJP's shadow and it remembers its Constitutional oath and allegiance to the people of India, not to any ruling party, Kharge said. We firmly believe that the BJP is attempting to weaponise the SIR process for vote chori. And if the EC chooses to look the other way, that failure is not just administrative - it becomes a complicity of silence, the Congress chief said. Our workers, BLOs, and District/City/Block Presidents will therefore remain relentlessly vigilant. We will expose every attempt, however subtle, to delete genuine voters or insert bogus ones, Kharge said. The Congress will not allow democratic safeguards to be eroded by partisan misuse of institutions, he asserted. Venugopal said while purification of electoral rolls is an undeniably necessary objective, it must be carried out in a bona fide manner. The ECI's conduct thus far has been to further the BJP's 'vote chori' agenda, setting aside its Constitutional obligation of impartiality. We will relentlessly fight against their attempts to manipulate voter rolls through unfair deletions or the insertion of bogus voters to create space for the BJP to carry out its nefarious activities, he said on X. It is our democracy at stake, and we will stand up to every attempt - big or small - that threatens our Constitutional framework, Venugopal asserted. After the meeting, he said that the general feeling of the Pradesh Congress Committees was that the Election Commission was purposefully trying to delete votes of some sections of the society. The design of the SIR itself is to delete targeted votes. This is what we experienced in Bihar also and now they are going to start it in 12 states, he said, adding that they announced on Monday a different 'Special Revision' for Assam. This is a sinister attempt by the Election Commission to destroy democracy in this country. It is completely unethical and completely undemocratic, he alleged. Noting that the revision of the voter list normally takes place during elections for a longer time, but it is now done within one month. Due to this, several suicides by BLOs are taking place because of pressure, he claimed, adding that they are being pressured by EC officials to complete this exercise within one month. In Kerala, he said, the BLOs have been asked to submit the final list of the SIR on December 9, the day the first phase of local body elections will be held. He said even though the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution for postponing the SIR exercise, the state's chief electoral officer asked the EC to defer the exercise, saying this is not the right time to conduct it, and all political parties except the BJP made the same demand, but the EC is not listening. It is very clear that they are working only on behalf of the BJP and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi. It is quite surprising, he claimed. Congress leader Pawan Khera also said the party's rally at Ramleela Maidan against the SIR exercise will expose the 'mal-intention' and politicisation of the EC. The SIR is to delete names and not add new names of voters, he asserted.
Two women naxals surrender in five days in MP, Chhattisgarh
BHOPAL: The surrender of two wanted female naxal cadres in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh within five days earlier this month may prove crucial to the ongoing operations aimed at eliminating left-wing extremism (LWE) from Madhya Pradesh by March 2026. On 1 November, a 22-year-old naxal cadre identified as Sunita, who carried a bounty of Rs 14 lakh on her head and was armed with an INSAS rifle, surrendered before the police in Balaghat district of MP. Five days later, on 6 November, another wanted female naxal, identified as Kamla Sodi alias Taruna, who carried a bounty of Rs 17 lakh on her head, surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarhs Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district. Both women, who hail from Chhattisgarh, had been active in the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the tri-junction of Balaghat (MP), Gondia (Maharashtra) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), which forms the core of the CPI (Maoist) Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone. According to sources, the two surrendered cadres possess vital information about 40-50 armed naxals, around half of them women, currently operating across three to four dalams (armed groups) of the CPI (Maoist) in MPs Balaghat and Mandla districts. Credible sources connected to MP Polices anti-naxal operations said information given by Sunita has put a stamp of approval on intelligence regarding the presence of a highly dangerous group of 11-12 armed cadres led by central committee member (CCM) Ramder in MP and neighbouring jungles since early 2015. Aged around 58 years, Ramder was actually assigned the responsibility of heading the MMC zone by 2024-end and has been active since early 2025 in the region. It has now been revealed that the same group had killed the 25-year-old youth Devendra Yadav, on the suspicion of being a police informer in Balaghat district in September, sources claimed. Following Sunitas surrender, the group headed by Ramder had at least four female cadres left. Sunita was one of the two bodyguards of the groups head. A few months back, we had got evidence about the presence of Ramder in the jungles of Balaghat, but it has been fully confirmed after Sunitas surrender. Her questioning has revealed that the group led by Ramderwhose other bodyguard has been identified as Sagar, is equipped with INSAS and AK-47 assault rifles, besides an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL). The Madhya Pradesh Police are now preparing to question the other surrendered cadre, Taruna, in Chhattisgarh. Sources in the police forces of both states said they are in constant touch with each other regarding Tarunas questioning in connection with the three to four armed naxal groups active in the jungles of Balaghat and Mandla. Taruna was part of that group which had lost three female cadres and one male cadre in the gun-battle with police in June this year in the Pachama Dadar forests of Balaghat district. All those four naxals carried bounties of Rs 14 lakh each. Taruna had managed to escape from that gun-battle and her questioning will be crucial for gathering credible and latest inputs about the movement of the outlaws forming part of Darrekhasa Area Committee, Malajkhand Area Committee and Tanda Area Committee, which have long been active in Balaghat and Mandla districts, sources claimed. Importantly, the June 2025 encounter not only resulted in the elimination of the four wanted cadres but also led to the recovery of a truck full of arms and ammunition. It further helped MPs anti-naxal security apparatus penetrate the groups stronghold in Pachama Dadar, considered unbreachable for nearly three-and-a-half decades. Sunitas questioning has also brought to light possible unrest among women cadres within the three to four dalams operating in the region, stemming from growing sexual exploitation by senior members. They are being forced to work as coolies and cooks and very often subjected to sexual exploitation. Earlier, they had no option but to remain in the group, as they feared being killed by the group in case of breaking away. But the series of encounters of big naxal commanders in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and MP, are believed to have encouraged them to surrender and join the mainstream. Even Sunita, whose naxal cadre father made her join the outlaws in Chhattisgarh in 2022, has been subjected to sexual exploitation and also insulted by group leader Ramder, while alleging her of being in sexual relationship with a fellow male cadre, sources said.
After a relentless 14-year fight for justice, parents have achieved a landmark victory against Indian Railways. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the Railways to pay a compensation of Rs 8 lakh for the death of their son, Gurmeet Singh, who fell from an overcrowded train filled with ticketless passengers.
Maternal Uncles Kill Nephew In Madhya Pradesh After Argument Over Bihar Poll Result
Rajesh and Toofani allegedly dragged Shankar to a nearby muddy area and pinned him down, resulting in his death.
INTERVIEW | 'Freebies a worry, but welfare policy needed
Chhattisgarh is celebrating the silver jubilee of its formation this year. The BJP has governed the tribal state for most of this period. In an interview with TNIE , Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai discusses his governments achievements and the developmental challenges that persist. Excerpts: Looking at the next 25 years, what is your boldest vision for Chhattisgarh in 2050? Earlier, our people faced the dire issue of hunger. People relied solely on traditional sources for their livelihoods, such as kodo, kutki, and mahua. Later, we developed one of the best Public Distribution Systems (PDS), providing affordable rice and salt to tribal and rural communities. Also, we implemented fair pricing for forest produce, built roads and hospitals, and laid electricity lines. For the next 25 years, weve created a blueprint and vision documents to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state. We aim to double our current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) within the next five years, with a target of reaching Rs 75 lakh crore over the next 25 years. Which sectors will you prioritise to generate jobs and promote inclusive development? We are rich in minerals, ores, and forest resources, and we have a strong agricultural base. So far, we have received investment proposals totalling Rs 7.5 lakh crore in energy, AI data centers, semiconductors, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors are expected to generate jobs. Our new industrial policy states that any industry engaging 1,000 local people will receive incentives. We will also focus on agriculture in the state known as the Paddy Bowl of India by expanding irrigation facilities and promoting organic farming, livestock, and fisheries, especially in the Bastar region. We also designated tourism as Industry and promoting Homestays helps local people earn a living. What is the single biggest challenge for Chhattisgarh, and how do you plan to meet it in the coming 5-10 years? Our largest tribal region is Bastar, which has been deeply impacted by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalite terrorism. Developmental works didnt reach that area as expected. Our double-engine governments led by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and our state government, reaffirmed our approach to wipe out the Naxal movement from the Bastar region by March 31, 2026. They have a target to wipe out Naxals from the country. That will lead to a restart and provide momentum for developmental works through various schemes, such as Niyad Nellanar, meaning aapka achcha gaon (your good village). According to the latest Status of Adivasi Livelihoods 2022 report, the average annual income of ST households is lower than that of the parent Madhya Pradesh, despite a better literacy rate. Moreover, among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), incomes are much lower. Why is this so? In tribal regions like Bastar and Sarguja, LWE has disrupted our developmental programmes, affecting their incomes. With support from the Central governments scheme, Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, we are intervening there to increase the income of tribal communities. The mega scheme aims to cover over 6,600 tribal villages across states through various developmental and infrastructural initiatives. For PVTGs, our Prime Minister initiated the Janjati Adivasi NyayMaha Abhiyan to promote the social and economic development of these groups, including approximately 32,000 housing facilities and 2,500 km of roads under construction. Besides, we have set up a regional development authority for Bastar and Sarguja to bring development to their doorstep. Why does Chhattisgarh top the list of the highest number of rejections of claims under Community Forest Rights? This issue stems from the poor implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) by the previous Congress government, which incorrectly distributed land pattas, leading to these rejections. While we excel in providing Individual Forest Rights, the Community Forest Rights were misused under the Congress rule. We are currently conducting a verification process to address it. Both the BJP and Congress now offer free debt and cash cards, which may provide short-term political gains. However, this approach is not sustainable in the long run and places significant pressure on state finances, potentially challenging economic growth. Your comment. We are all concerned about the freebies issue, but a welfare policy is needed. Farmers support us, and we are committed to improving their lives. We are purchasing crops at Rs 3,100 per quintal and will continue to do so. Our state is rich in resources, particularly in minerals and forestry. I believe that the intentions and policies of the rulers should be positive, as this will pave the way for future development. Irrigated land has expanded the slowest in Chhattisgarh. Moreover, around 71 percent of the arable land is rainfall-dependent. Why is this so? When we compare our irrigation potential before November 2000 and now, you will find a huge difference. We are working on it to further increase this potential.
Cough Syrups To Be Made Prescription-Only After Series Of Contamination Deaths
This comes a month after the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh, linked to contaminated cough syrups found to contain higher than permissible levels of diethylene glycol
Precedence ignored, SC tells HCs judicial discipline must
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of High Courts disregarding its rulings and judicial precedent. Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan questioned how the Madhya Pradesh High Court could condone a nearly five-year delay by the state government in filing an appeal, emphasizing the need for judicial discipline and adherence to established legal principles.
Madhya Pradesh HC grants relief to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in defamation case
BHOPAL: TMC MP and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been granted relief by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a defamation case filed against him in 2021 by former Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. A single-judge bench of the MP High Court in Jabalpur has stayed the arrest warrant issued against Banerjee by the Bhopal MP/MLA cases Court for non-appearance in during the trial of the defamation case. While staying the arrest warrant on Monday, Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal of HCs principal bench in Jabalpur, also issued notices to all parties in the case, including the complainant in the defamation case, former Indore-III MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. Akash Vijayvargiya is the son of Kailash Vijayvargiya, the former BJP national general secretary and senior most cabinet minister in Dr Mohan Yadav-led MP government. The matter will next be heard by the MP High Court on December 8. Back in November 2020, while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee, the TMC MP from Diamond Harbour seat, had allegedly referred to then MP BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, as a goon. Taking objection, Akash had lodged a defamation complaint in April 2021. The MP/MLA Court in Bhopal began hearing the case from May 1, 2021. But owing to Banerjees continued non-appearance before the court in the case, the Bhopal special court had issued the arrest warrant against him for the August 11 and August 26 hearings in the case. The TMC MP subsequently moved the MP High Court against the arrest warrants issued against him by the special Bhopal courts judge, Judicial Magistrate Tathagat Yagnik. While hearing Banerjees petition, the HC reserved the order on November 12 and granted him relief on Monday, by staying the execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal court. The HC also issued notice to the respondents, including the complainant in the defamation case Akash Vijayvargiya and posted the matter for next hearing on December 8. In the High Court, Banerjees counsel argued that the statement made by the TMC MP at the public rally in Kolkata in November 2020, was misinterpreted and sensationalised for filing the defamation case. While seeking stay on the arrest warrant, the petitioners counsel argued that he was a sitting MP and there was no possibility of him absconding. He had filed an application with the MP-MLA Court seeking exemption from personal appearance, but the Bhopal court did not consider the application and issued an arrest warrant.
Youth murdered following verbal spat over Bihar poll results in Madhya Pradesh
BHOPAL: A youth from Bihar, working as a labourer in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district, was allegedly murdered by two men following a verbal spat over the assembly polls results of their home state. Acting in the matter, the Guna district police arrested both the accused, identified as the youth's uncle Toofani (35), and coworker Rajesh (29) within an hour. All the three men, including the deceased and two accused, hail from Sheohar district of Bihar. The duo allegedly murdered 22-year-old Shankar Manjhi near under-construction buildings on Sunday late night. Primary investigations based on the questioning of the arrested duo have revealed that all three men, Shankar, Toofani and Rajesh worked together at the construction site of governments under-construction quarters in Gunas Cantt police station area. They lived there with other labourers and had a late night party on Sunday. All three of them consumed liquor and later indulged in verbal spat over the recent assembly polls results of Bihar. While Toofani and Rajesh were JD(U) supporters, Shankar was an RJD backer. The verbal altercation reportedly turned violent after Toofani and Rajesh made some unsavoury comment about Bihars former deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav. Shankar was assaulted by Rajesh and Toofani. The duo put his face in mud, which resulted in the youngster getting choked to death. We got the information about an unidentified body lying near the under construction residential quarters. The police team rushed to the spot and recovered the body. Subsequent investigations led us to the accused duo within an hour only, Guna district police superintendent Ankit Soni. Ongoing probe based on the quizzing of the arrested duo has revealed that it was a verbal spat between them over the recent assembly poll results in Bihar, which turned violent, resulting in the murder, Soni added.
SC refuses to entertain plea against allotment of vacant MBBS seats to lower-merit students
NEW DELHI: In a dramatic turn in the NEET-UG fake-certificate scandal in the Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Monday confronted the State with a pointed question, Wouldnt a higher-merit student get heartburn seeing a lower-merit candidate get a better seat?, but it refused to entertain a plea, citing risk of 'creating chaos.' The query came from a Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria, which heard the urgent plea of 18-year-old Jiya Jain, who challenged the diversion of fraud-vacated MBBS seats to lower-ranked candidates. The petitioner argued that forged freedom fighter, government seat and PWD (Public Works Dept) certificates had enabled ineligible students to take high-value MBBS seats, which later became vacant once FIRs were filed and admissions were cancelled. The petitioner, Jiya Jain, was represented by Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, along with Advocates Abhay Anturkar, Rajesh G. Inamdar and Shashwat Anand. Responding to the Courts sharp question on merit being compromised, the counsel for the State and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) submitted that Jain was not the only one affected. There may be numerous higher-ranked candidates similarly situated who had already opted for other colleges and are equally barred, the State argued. They relied heavily on Rule 13 of the MP Medical Education Admission Rules, which prohibits candidates from re-entering counselling or shifting seats once allotted, contending that relaxing it now would create complete chaos. The SLP, filed through Advocates Rajesh G. Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, also challenged the constitutional validity of Rule 13, arguing that it unfairly penalises meritorious candidates for fraud committed by others, and insulates administrative incompetence from judicial scrutiny. While the Bench appeared sympathetic to the inherent unfairness of lower-merit candidates walking away with premium seats, it ultimately agreed with the State and DME that modifying Rule 13 mid-cycle would lead to a breakdown of counselling discipline, as it held that any relaxation at this stage would create chaos and refused to entertain the petition. The order effectively means that the seats vacated due to fake certificates and FIR-triggered cancellations may now be allotted to lower-merit candidates, reinforcing concerns raised by students and experts about the integrity of the NEET-UG counselling framework. The fallout of the MP NEET fraud may, therefore, end with no remedy for higher-rank candidates displaced by forged documents, despite top MBBS seats lying vacant because of those very frauds. The top court eventually declined to entertain the plea.
The decision to repeat the scheme comes amid protests from various farmer organisations and before a major agitation in Ujjain on Tuesday (November 18, 2025); the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has called back the agitation
Madhya Pradesh Court Stays Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee's Arrest In Defamation Case
In a relief for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew and Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the arrest warrant issued against him in a defamation case.
When A 'Janta Darshan' In Madhya Pradesh Turned Into Live Bribe Expose
What began as a routine Janta Darshan at the Morena Municipal Corporation in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday turned into a stunning, real-time expose of corruption.
BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh police on Sunday arrested Hamud Ahmad Siddiqui, brother of Al-Falah University founder-chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, in connection with three cases lodged over two decades ago. Hamud was arrested by the Mhow Police from Hyderabad on Sunday and later taken to Indore. According to police, 50-year-old Hamud has been accused in four cases: one dating back to 1988, which pertained to rioting and attempted murder, and three cases on alleged investment fraud registered in 2000. The police said the arrest was part of a special drive to nab wanted criminals who have been on the run for years. ...In 1996, he (Humud) operated an investment firm with the help of his wife and another person. The firm secured investments from individuals with the promise of 20% returns. He ran the firm for two years but then fled from Mhow without returning the investors money, said Indore Rural district police superintendent Yangchen Dolkar Bhutia. In 2000, three cases under Section 420 IPC were registered at Mhow police station against Hamud on complaints by investors who allegedly lost investments to the tune of Rs 40 lakh-plus, she added. The Al-Falah Fincom Investment Private Limited, which was operated by Hamud as its managing director along with his wife and another person in the late 1990s, is accused of duping investors to the tune of Rs 40 lakh plus. Im sure the sum may be much higher, which will be revealed as the investigation progresses, she claimed. According to police, in 2019, a bounty of Rs 10,000 was placed on his arrest. In 2019, a reward of Rs 10,000 was declared on his arrest, but he remained untraced. Were currently running a special drive to nab all those wanted criminals who have been on the run for years. Hamuds arrest from Hyderabad is part of that drive, Bhutia said. She, however, added that Hamuds brother, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, wasnt named in any of the cases registered in Mhow in 1988 and 2000. Jawad Ahmad was summoned by the Delhi Police earlier today in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Faridabad terror module case and the two cases registered against Al-Falah University for alleged forgery and cheating. According to Parvez Ahmad, an advocate based in Mhow town of Indore district, it was Jawad Ahmad who had originally started an investment firm in Mhow in the early 1990s under the name Al-Falah Investment, which operated from the family's ancestral home in Kayastha Mohalla. While Jawad left Mhow and shifted to Delhi, his brother Hamud opened a new investment firm, Al-Fahad, which allegedly indulged in multiple cases of investment fraud. Abdul Khalid, who was an employee at Al-Fahad, was later arrested in the investment fraud case after he started his own firm. But Hamud remained at large for more than two decades, police said. Delhi police summons Al Falah University chairman in terror module, forgery probes
'Special revision' of electoral rolls to commence in poll-bound Assam soon
GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam which is expected to go to elections in March or April next year. The Commission has directed a Special Revision u/s 21 of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1950 with reference to 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date in the State of Assam, the Commission instructed Assams Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The SR stands between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was away in London on Monday, posted on X, The Govt of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of Indias decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral roll with 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date. He was confident the exercise would help ensure clean, updated and accurate electoral rolls for all eligible citizens. Assam will extend full cooperation to the @ECISVEEP to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner, he further wrote. The ECI said Electoral Registration Officer of each Assembly segment would be responsible for ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out while at the same time, no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. Any person is entitled to be an elector and on application to be registered in the electoral roll for that constituency if that person is a citizen of India, not less than 18 years of age as on 01.02.2020, ordinary resident of the constituency, not disqualified under any law, and not of unsound mind, the ECI instructions to the Assam CEO read. The Commission had last month ordered the SIR for 12 states and Union Territories Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to elections in 2026. As Assam is also going to polls next year, its exclusions from the SIR raised questions. However, the ECI clarified that separate provisions of the Citizenship Act apply in Assam where the Supreme Court-monitored exercise to verify citizenship was about to be concluded.
Brother of Al-Falah University head arrested for fraud in Madhya Pradesh
The accused was arrested from Hyderabad in connection with three cases of fraud registered 25 years ago at Mhow police station in Indore district
Madhya Pradesh Minister's 'Abusive' Call Sparks Row, She Says 'Out Of Context'
A Madhya Pradesh minister found herself at the centre of controversy when a videoallegedly showed her using abusive language during a phone conversation.
Al Falah University Chancellor's Brother Arrested In 25-Year-Old Fraud Case
The brother of the chancellor of Al Falah University, linked to the Delhi blast probe, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with nearly 25-year-old fraud cases, officials said on Monday.
Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in MP fraud case
MHOW (MP), Nov 17: The brother of Al Falah University Chairman Javed Siddiqui, who is under investigation in the Delhi blast, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with a financial fraud in Mhow, officials said on Monday. Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MPs Mhow 25 years ago, was arrested from Hyderabad on Sunday, an official said. Hamood vanished from Mhow in 2000 after allegedly establishing a bogus [] The post Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in MP fraud case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in Hyderabad
Mhow: The brother of Al Falah University Chairman Javed Siddiqui, who is under investigation in the Delhi blast, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with a financial fraud in Mhow, officials said on Monday. Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MPs Mhow 25 years 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 .
Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in fraud case
MHOW: The brother of Al Falah University Chairman Javed Siddiqui, who is under investigation in the Delhi blast, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with a financial fraud in Mhow, officials said on Monday. Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MP's Mhow 25 years ago, was arrested from Hyderabad on Sunday, an official said. Hamood vanished from Mhow in 2000 after allegedly establishing a bogus private bank and luring hundreds of residents with promises of doubling their deposits. He had fled with his family soon after the scam surfaced, leaving authorities searching for him for decades. He was arrested in Hyderabad yesterday, Mhow Sub Divisional Officer of Police Lalit Singh Sikarwar told PTI. The arrest was made after the Mhow police began re-examining the background of Javed Siddiqui and his local roots came to light, the official said. A detailed review of family records indicated that Hamood had been an absconder in the long-pending cheating case. Hamood had been living in Hyderabad, working in share trading while maintaining a low profile, according to sources. Investigators are now mapping Hamood's contacts and movements over the years to understand who may have assisted him during his time underground. Notably, the Delhi blast prime accused, Dr Umar Un Nabi, was a student of Al Falah University, of which Javed Siddiqui is the chairman. The Delhi Police have issued two summons to the Al Falah University chairman in connection with the ongoing probe into the Faridabad terror module case and the two cases registered against the university for forgery and cheating, an official said on Monday. The summons were sent after investigators found that the university chairman's statement was crucial for clarifying several inconsistencies linked to the functioning of the university and the activities of individuals associated with the institution. Police sources said that the issuance of summons to him is part of a wider line of inquiry that overlaps with the ongoing investigation into the blast near the Red Fort last week that claimed 13 lives and injured several others. Several suspects linked to the blast are believed to have had associations with the university, prompting investigators to examine institutional records, financial transactions and administrative approvals.
Maize farmers fail to recover cost as prices plummet amid ethanol rush
NEW DELHI: CONTRARY to the governments claim of transforming farmers from food providers to energy providers, Indias ethanol production, particularly from maize farmers, is creating a crisis situation for farmers. The price of maize has dropped to nearly half of the fixed minimum support price (MSP), while the production cost of ethanol remains significantly higher than the established base price. Ramapal Jat, president of the farmers organisation Kisan Mahapanchayat, highlighted the difficulties faced by maize farmers in the country. He explained that the price of maize has plummeted due to speculation regarding cheaper imports from the US, allowing ethanol manufacturers to profit significantly. The market price of maize has dropped to around Rs 900, which is well below both the MSP and the production cost, he stated. The government has set the MSP for maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal. One of Indias largest maize markets, the Nasrullaganj maize mandi in Madhya Pradesh, reported a price of Rs 1,121 per quintal, while Nahargadh mandi in Rajasthan recorded Rs 1,100 per quintal. In Bihar, which is the third-largest producer of maize after Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, the price reported was as low as Rs 900 per quintal. However, the governments estimated production cost for a quintal of maize is Rs 1,952. The benefits of ethanol production are being directly transferred to 779 industries, leaving farmers at the mercy of the market, Jat said. In the current market season of 202526, the government has announced plans to procure 1,048 crore litres of ethanol for blending with petrol in an 80:20 ratio, known as E20. Over 72% of this ethanol will be sourced from maize, while the remainder will come from sugar. Currently, India produces 422.81 lakh tonnes of maize across 120.17 lakh hectares, which accounts for three per cent of global production, while the US contributes 35 per cent of the total output. There are widespread market speculations that similar to cotton, India may permit the import of cheap maize from the US, contributing to the price drop. Industries are taking advantage of the low prices to produce cheaper ethanol from maize and sell it to the government, Jat remarked. According to calculations by Kisan Mahapanchayat, the price of ethanol would be Rs 54.52 per litre based on a maximum maize price of Rs 1,821 per quintal. Caught in the Maze Price Crash Maize has come down to Rs 1,121 per quintal in Nasrullaganj maize mandi in Madhya Pradesh, Rs 1,100 per quintal in Nahargadh mandi in Rajasthan, and as low as Rs 900 per quintal in Bihar Elusive MSP The government has set MSP for maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal, which is not realised in most mandis Cost Mismatch Officials estimate the production cost for a quintal of maize at Rs 1,952 Robust Production The country produces 422.81 lakh tonnes of maize across 120.17 lakh hectares
India is implementing a wave of nuts-and-bolts reforms at the state level to simplify business operations and manufacturing. These changes include easing land and labour rules, limiting compliance checks, and allowing for mixed-use development, significantly improving the ease of doing business. States like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura are leading this transformation, with a focus on removing operational frictions.
Zahara of Ladakh wins Gold at 69th NSG U-19 Girls Taekwondo Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 16: Zahara Batool of Ladakh showcased exceptional skill and composure to clinch the Gold medal in the U-19 Girls -55 KG category at ongoing 69th National School Games U-19 Girls Taekwondo Championship, held at the Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar. Jayanti Muvel of Madhya Pradesh secured Silver, while the Bronze medals went to Avanthika V of Kerala and Nikita Dilip Pawar of Maharashtra. The championship is organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, [] The post Zahara of Ladakh wins Gold at 69th NSG U-19 Girls Taekwondo Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jakson Group launches Rs 8,000-crore solar project in Madhya Pradesh
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday laid down the foundation for the first phase of the project, which involves setting up 3 GW cell and 4 GW solar module manufacturing capacity, Jakson Group said in a statement.
Madhya Pradesh Min Inder Singh Parmar apologises for terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a 'British Agent'
BHOPAL: Enthused by the landslide poll win in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday evening said that the victory set the groundwork for a similar performance in neighbouring West Bengal. Just a day later, Inder Singh Parmar, a minister of the BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh, has triggered political controversy by terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a British Agent. Roy, a 17th and 18th century social reformer, is highly respected across Bengal and is widely considered the Father of the Bengal Renaissance. Addressing the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas program to mark the birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda in native Agar Malwa district on Saturday, the minister claimed that Roy acted as a British agent, who worked to divide Indian society on caste lines. Britishers were working at changing the religious faith and identities of people in India through promotion of English education. It was in that direction that many Indians had been turned into social reformers by the British, one of whom was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a British agent. He worked to divide Indian society along caste lines, Parmar said. Adding in the same vein, the MP higher education minister said, it was tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who broke the vicious cycle of religious conversion and saved the tribal society. Reacting sharply to the ministers controversial remark on Roy, the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta termed the development as shameful. The minister seems to have a deep understanding of history. He needs to also tell whether Roys role in abolition of Sati too was part of British brokerage. Those who once were themselves the agents of the British are now terming social reformers as British agents, Gupta said, mocking the minister. With his statements having triggered a political storm, the MP minister (who reportedly has a strong RSS background), apologised for his remarks on Sunday morning. I am sorry and sad for what I said about the great social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. I have deep regard for him, I mistakenly made the statement. This isnt the first time that the present higher education minister and former school education minister of the BJP-ruled state has hit the headlines with his controversial statements. In September 2024, while addressing the annual convocation of the Barkatullah University in Bhopal, the same minister had kicked up a row by claiming that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama didnt discover the sea route to India, but merely followed an Indian sea merchant Chandan into India. He also claimed that it wasnt Christopher Columbus, but Indian sailor Vasulun, who couldve actually discovered America. Parmar hadnt stopped there, but said that while its written that the first Olympic Games were held around 2800 years back which meant that stadiums and spirit of sports started from there only. But past archaeological excavations in Gujarats Rann of Kutch have unearthed the remains of two big stadiums which were 5500 years old. This means that our ancestors knew in detail about sports and built big stadiums thousands of years before the modern Olympic Games started.
Ranji Trophy - Gritty Aparajith holds Keralas batting together against Madhya Pradesh
He remains unbeaten on 81 at stumps on the first day; Abhijith chips in with a vital fifty after early strikes from Arshad and Saransh peg the visitors back
Madhya Pradesh Minister Calls Ram Mohan Roy A British Agent, Apologises After Backlash
Inder Singh Parmar called Raja Ram Mohan Roy a British agent, sparking outrage. He apologized, citing a slip of the tongue.
Butterfly that mimics dry leaf may become Madhya Pradeshs next 'state butterfly'
pBHOPAL: A tropical Asian butterfly, famed for its extraordinary ability to camouflage itself as a dry or dead leaf, may soon be declared tiger-cheetah state Madhya Pradeshs state butterfly. The countrys tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf and gharial state Madhya Pradesh may soon notify the Orange Oakleaf variety as its state butterfly. If the state forest departments proposal to declare Kallima inachus as the states butterfly materialises, the Orange Oakleaf will become the central Indian states official state butterfly. Confirming that a proposal has been sent recently to the state government, MPs Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife), Subhranjan Sen, said once the proposal is cleared, MP will join the select league of states which already have their state butterflies. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly is particularly found in the dense forests of the Satpura Mountain Range. Its declaration as the states butterfly will render momentum to focussed efforts on butterfly conservation, Sen told TNIE on Sunday. At least ten states and Union Territories in the country have granted state butterfly status to unique genres of butterflies. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand, which notified their state butterflies between 2016 and 2023. Once MP notifies the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, it will become perhaps the first state in central India to do so. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir to Garhwal and Kumaon, and across West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. It is also found in central and peninsular India, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It flies along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak in the Satpura Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh. Its wings are shaped like a leaf when in a closed position. When the wings are closed, only the cryptic underside markings are visible. The resemblance to a dried leafa masqueradeis extremely realistic and gives the genus its common names, the oakleaf or dead leaf. Butterflies occupy a key position in ecosystem stability by acting as pollinators, helping plants reproduce and being a critical part of the food web or chain also, rendering a food source for predators like birds and bats. They are also vital environmental indicators, as their sensitivity to changes in their habitat signals the overall health of an ecosystem, the PCCF-Wildlife said. Notification of a state butterfly by the forest- and wildlife-rich state will also promote focussed research on various butterflies in MP, which is already considered home to 150 to 175 butterfly varieties.
Madhya Pradesh: Five friends killed as SUV rams into tractor-trolley in Gwalior
Five young men from Gwalior died in a horrific road accident after their Fortuner collided with a sand-laden tractor-trolley on the Gwalior-Jhansi Highway. The high-speed impact crushed the SUV completely. Police and locals carried out a difficult rescue, and a probe is underway
Ramachandra Guha slams Project Cheetah as disaster; says scientific expertise ignored
BENGALURU: Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha has criticised the reintroduction of cheetahs in India under Project Cheetah, particularly the initiative underway in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. It is a disaster. It is a financial scandal and a highly risky project. It was the 70th birthday gift of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to himself. Experts had advised that the money instead be utilised for strengthening and relocating the Asiatic Lion, but that was not done, he said. He added that the Delhi government is unable to control the air pollution, and the Karnataka government is keen on the tunnel road project. While leading energy and transport experts from ace institutions in Bengaluru have not been consulted. Guha said that he was of the view that caste and political issues had led to a loss of faith in India among its neighbours and countries across the world. He was speaking on the first day of the two-day-long Nature inFocus Festival and Awards 2025, The Wild in not apart, but a part- Blurring Boundaries. The country has many ecological and economic scientific experts in the various educational universities who can take India to a better path, but they are not consulted, he noted. Guha said Madhav Gadgil prepared a report on Western Ghats, but it was trashed by Left in Kerala, DMK in TN, Congress in Karnataka and BJP in Mrashtra and Goa. Its not just the politicians; it is also the IAS officers who have contempt for specialists because they cleared and topped exams around 20 years back. Former-PM Indira Gandhi had two scientific experts in her cabinet, but now they are looked down upon. Not just Western Ghats but the Eastern Ghats and Himalayas are headed for disaster. Earlier, silent protest marches were held on Bengaluru City roads. Now everyone is sent to Freedom Park. The government should rename the place to Freedom Locked Away Path instead, he added.
Bhopal Diary: Even in death, woman saves lives of three
Political rehabilitation of 2 turncoat politicians Former forest minister Ramnivas Rawat may soon head one of the independent state boards. BJP sources say the first list of the long-awaited appointments of heads to independent corporations-boards is likely after Bihar poll results. Six times former Congress MLA, Rawat, had joined the BJP during 2024 Lok Sabha polls and was later made the forest minister. He, however, suffered a shock defeat as BJP candidate in the November 2024 Assembly bypoll from Vijaypur (Sheopur) and resigned as minister. Since then, he has been in oblivion. Another ex-minister, Imarti Devi, who lost two successive polls as BJP candidate is likely to head a board or corporation. Even in death, woman saves lives of three A 38-year-old brain dead female advocate Abhijita Rathore saved the lives of 3 critically ill patients in Indore recently. The High Court lawyer was declared brain dead by doctors last month at a private hospital following severe lung infection leading to brain damage. Overcoming the grief, her family decided to donate her liver, the kidneys, cornea and skin. The two kidneys saved lives of two male patients aged 27 and 50, while the liver was successfully transplanted into a 25-year-old woman. The skin preserved now in the skin bank holds the promise of reactivating lives of burn patients in future. Films, politics dominate Ujjains donkey fair Film and politics seemed to have their influence at the recent donkey fair in Ujjain. At the famous annual fair where around 500 donkeys were on sale, names written on their back to identify them included Tejashwi, Owaisi, Pushpa, Aishwarya, Salman, Shahrukh and Jacqueline to attract the buyers attention, those associated with the organisers said. While the donkeys were on sale for prices ranging between Rs 4,000 and Rs 15,000, small horses were priced at Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. The small horses and donkeys were brought to the fair for sale from various parts of MP and neighbouring Rajasthan and Maharashtra. anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com
MP govt raises Ladli Behna payout to 1,500 a month
Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna initiative has raised its monthly assistance for women to 1,500, following its launch in June 2023, witnessing hefty expenditures. In light of positive electoral outcomes influenced by similar welfare programs, the state is contemplating an increase to 3,000 monthly. While this uplift aims to empower women, it poses considerable financial challenges to the state's budget.
Ranji Trophy | Winless Kerala faces a daunting task as it faces an upbeat Madhya Pradesh
MP sits atop Group B and comes into this clash fresh off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Goa; the visitor has added some fresh faces to the squad for this encounter
Ram Mohan Roy A British Agent: Madhya Pradesh Education Minister's Shocker
Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister, Inder Singh Parmar, has triggered a political storm after he made remarks linking 19th-century social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy to British interests.
MP police constable recruits read Gita during training, ADGP defends move
Newly recruited constables in Madhya Pradesh have been instructed to read chapters from the Bhagavad Gita every evening during their training. The direction has led to political debate, with the Congress accusing the government of trying to radicalise and saffronise the police force. Around 4,000 new constables are currently training at eight centres in the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Digital tribal museum in Chhattisgarh sparks pride, connection among youth
RAIPUR: The countrys first digital tribal museum has begun evoking a deep sense of pride and historical connection among tribal youths, women, academicians and tourists. Indias first digital tribal museum, set up in New Raipur, the new capital city of Chhattisgarh, is generating excitement across communities. The recently inaugurated Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has quickly become a major attraction. The museum features life-sized sculptures and vivid representations of tribal freedom fighters and their resistance against the British Empire. It serves as an inspiring source for tribal youth and local communities who may be unaware of their rich history. Divided into 17 immersive sections, the museum employs sound, light and digital projections to transport visitors into the world of Chhattisgarhs indigenous communities. Each display, whether showcasing village life, crafts or heroic resistance, offers a visual feast filled with colour and movement that captivates both casual tourists and serious researchers. For local villagers, these exhibits evoke a deep sense of pride and connection. Our ancestors stories of resistance against British colonialism inspire us, said Mahendra Netam, a tribal youth from the Sarguja region who now works as a bike taxi driver in Raipur. He stood in front of an exhibit depicting the 1857 tribal uprisings that swept through central India, where Adivasi leaders like Gend Singh and Veer Narayan Singh bravely fought against British oppression. In addition to documenting tribal resistance history, another section of the museum highlights the daily lives of tribal people, including their cultural practices, food, household chores and last rites. In one corner, a group of women gathered around a display showcasing the transformation of tribal households, from using fuelwood and clay stoves to adopting LPG cooking. The women observed the plaque with intrigued expressions, reflecting on their own changing lifestyles. These types of cooking vessels are still used in our village, said Sinita Goud, a young mother holding her infant, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she pointed to the gleaming bronze vessels. For many, the museum represents more than just an archive; it serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It celebrates resilience, adaptation and identity. By digitally documenting tribal history, everyday life and resistance movements, the museum ensures that the stories of Chhattisgarhs indigenous people are not only preserved but also retold in their own vibrant, proud and enduring voice. The museum was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 November. So far, over one lakh visitors have visited it since then. India is home to several museums dedicated to tribal history and culture. A prominent example is the State Tribal Museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which focuses on tribal life in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Other significant sites include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi (Jharkhand), dedicated to tribal freedom fighters; the Tribal Museum in Silvassa (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), showcasing local life; and the Tribal Research & Training Institute Museum in Pune, which preserves Maharashtras tribal heritage.
Monetary benefits fuel Nari Shakti to deliver poll victories in Bihar
Political parties are increasingly using cash transfers to woo women voters. This strategy has proven successful in numerous state elections over the past four years. From Bihar to West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, promises of financial aid have swayed election results. The Women's Reservation Bill also signals a focus on this demographic.
Five killed as car breaks expressway barrier, plunges into ditch in Madhya Pradesh
The incident took place near Beed village in Madhya Pradeshs Ratlam district
Madhya Pradesh: 15 Racehorses, Brought to Jabalpur From Hyderabad
The veterinary team promptly reported the matter to Jabalpur district collector Raghavendra Singh leading him to order a probe into the matter
Map on Rahul Gandhis 95 defeats becomes BJPs key attack line amid NDAs Bihar lead
As the BJP appears poised for a sweeping victory for NDA in Bihar , projected to secure well over a two-thirds majority in the high-stakes assembly election, the party has intensified its offensive against the Opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandh, branding him a symbol of repeated electoral losses. Rahul Gandhi, who undertook a 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra across 20 districts ahead of the polls, had centred his campaign on allegations of vote chori, accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to engineer a favourable result. The Congress and the INDIA bloc had pitched the election as a crucial battle to save the Constitution from what they described as a vote-thief government. Gandhi was one of the Congresss star campaigners in the state. However, the rhetoric failed to translate into electoral gains, with both the Congress and the broader INDIA alliance heading for what is being seen as an embarrassing defeat. Bihar election results: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party fails to make waves in emerging trends Leading the BJP's charge, the partys IT cell chief Amit Malviya declared, Rahul Gandhi! Another election, another defeat! If there were awards for electoral consistency (of losing polls), hed sweep them all. At this rate, even setbacks must be wondering how he finds them so reliably. A map circulating on social media, amplified by BJP leaders, lists 95 electoral losses attributed to the Congress, which the party claims happened under Rahul Gandhi over the past two decades. Malviya posted the graphic, which he said catalogues Congress defeats between 2004 and 2025 in elections where, according to the BJP, Gandhi played a central campaign role. The list spans almost every major state: Himachal Pradesh (2007, 2017), Punjab (2007, 2012, 2022), Gujarat (2007, 2012, 2017, 2022), Madhya Pradesh (2008, 2013, 2018, 2023), and Maharashtra (2014, 2019, 2024). It also includes losses in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, the Northeast, southern states, Union Territories, and setbacks in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi! Another election, another defeat! If there were awards for electoral consistency, hed sweep them all. At this rate, even setbacks must be wondering how he finds them so reliably. pic.twitter.com/y4rH6g62qG Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 14, 2025 BJP MP Sudhanshu invoked a couplet by poet Kabir Das to taunt the Congress. I would like to quote Kabir Das for Congress: Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koi. Jo mann khoja apna, to mujhse bura na koi (When I went looking for evil, I found none. But when I searched within my own heart, I found no one worse than me). As the NDA widened its lead, the Congress reiterated allegations of manipulation by the Election Commission. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that the early trends suggested Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was acting against the will of the people of Bihar. This fight is not merely between the BJP, Congress, RJD, and JDU, Khera asserted. It is a direct confrontation between Gyanesh Kumar and the people of India. The Aam Aadmi Party too backed Congresss allegations, accusing the authorities of hijacking the election and pointing to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted shortly before the polls. I had earlier said this election has been hijacked and holds no meaning, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said. Gyanesh Kumar has already given the winning certificate to Modi ji. What will be the results in a state where 80 lakh votes were deleted, 5 lakh votes are duplicates, and 1 lakh votes are unknown? We should congratulate NDA, Modi ji and Gyanesh Kumar that they have won the Bihar elections with the blessings of Gyanesh Kumar. Bihar Election Results 2025: JD(U) surge drives NDA to unprecedented win, Nitish set to return as CM Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed the allegations, terming the BJPs massive lead an electoral conspiracy and accusing the administration of manipulating the process. BJP is not a party, it is deceit, he said. Yadav added that the game allegedly played through SIR in Bihar would not be allowed in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. This electoral conspiracy has been exposed. From now on, we will not let them play this game. Like CCTV, our PPTV, meaning PDA Sentinel, will stay vigilant and thwart the BJP's intentions, the former UP Chief Minister said. Opposition parties collectively alleged large-scale electoral malpractice, claiming that the recent revision of voter lists was deliberately aimed at excluding communities that largely back the Mahagathbandhan.
Varanasi played important role in helping Panna Diamond get GI tag
Varanasi's GI Man, Rajni Kant, spearheaded efforts to secure a Geographical Indication tag for Panna diamonds. These unique Madhya Pradesh gems, known for their light green tint, now boast international recognition. This achievement, following the Surat diamond cut craft's GI tag, highlights India's commitment to protecting its heritage and intellectual property.
Delhi Blast Probe Reaches Madhya Pradesh, Home Of Al-Falah Founder
The probe into the November 10 Delhi blast and Faridabad terror module has now taken a dramatic turn reaching the communally sensitive Mhow town in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district.
Fake Teacher Recruitment Scam Busted In Madhya Pradesh Government Schools
The Special Task Force of Madhya Pradesh has uncovered a major recruitment scam in government schools, where appointments were allegedly made using fake DEd (Diploma in Education) marksheets forged in the name of the Board of Secondary Education.
Video: Man Steps Out Of Rs 8 Lakh Car, Steals Newspaper Worth Rs 8
In a bizarre incident from Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri, a man driving a Rs 8-lakh car was caught on camera stealing a newspaper worth just Rs 8 from outside a lawyer's office.
BHOPAL: The ongoing investigation into the November 10 Delhi blastFaridabad terror module case has now extended to the Mhow town in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district. Investigators from Delhi are reportedly in constant touch with the local police to gather information about the past of Al-Falah Universitys founder and chairman, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, who originally hails from Mhows Kayastha Mohalla. A senior officer of the Madhya Pradesh Police confirmed to TNIE on Thursday that Delhi investigators are coordinating with the Mhow police to collect background details about Siddiqui and his family. The multi-storeyed ancestral house in Kayastha Mohalla, which still stands tall, once belonged to Mhows former Shahar Qazi, Mohd Hamid Siddiqui, Jawads late father. Jawad is the eldest of two sons from the clerics first wife. According to local police sources, Jawads younger brother was allegedly involved in multiple cases of investment fraud registered in Mhow around the year 2000. Jaish terror module was planning blasts in six cities on Babri demolition anniversary, reveals probe Jawads brother had floated an investment firm that attracted large sums from local residents, both Hindus and Muslims, by promising abnormally high returns. After several fraud cases were registered and small investors began confronting the family to recover their money, the family left Mhow in 2001, a senior local police source told TNIE on Thursday. While Jawads brother faced charges related to investment fraud, one of his stepbrothers was accused in a murder case that occurred during a Muslim religious procession around 20082009. The stepbrother was arrested and jailed but was later acquitted, reportedly after a compromise was reached with the complainants. Residents of Mhows Kayastha Mohalla recall Jawad as a well-read and meritorious student in the 1990s. He completed his B.Tech from the Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science (SGSITS) in Indore. He (Jawad) was a brilliant student who also ran coaching classes in Mhow during his youth. I still remember him participating in, and winning, a quiz show on Doordarshan while he was in college, said a local resident who requested anonymity.
Madhya Pradesh nears unwanted record, set to surpass Punjab in stubble burning cases
Madhya Pradesh is seeing a sharp rise in farm fires. The state recorded over a thousand incidents on November 11 alone. This surge places it close to overtaking Punjab and Haryana in stubble burning cases. Experts link the increase to a delayed paddy harvest.
MPs Ladli Behna scheme: monthly assistance hiked to Rs 1,500
BHOPAL: The Mukhya Mantri Ladli Behna Scheme, the initiative credited as the game-changer for the BJP in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, saw a major boost on Wednesday as the monthly financial assistance for economically weaker women was increased from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500. At a state-level event held in Seoni district, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav transferred Rs 1,857 crore through a single click into the bank accounts of over 1.26 crore women beneficiaries across the state, representing the enhanced monthly instalment of Rs 1,500. Wednesdays transfer marked the 30th instalment since the schemes launch in June 2023 by then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the 23rd instalment under the current CM, Dr Yadav. This scheme has not only changed the lives of our sisters but also changed my own perspective. Listening to their stories shows the real impact of good policy and intent. Some sisters have started small businesses, others are funding their childrens education, while some are learning new skills. This scheme has transformed not just lives but the future of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Yadav said at the event. Marking the completion of two years of his government next month, the Chief Minister also announced plans to provide employment opportunities offering up to Rs 5,000 per month to Ladli Behna members in various industries. Originally launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Jabalpur in June 2023, the scheme initially offered Rs 1,000 per month, which was increased to Rs 1,250 in September 2023, just ahead of the Assembly elections. However, beneficiaries had to wait 26 months for the next increase to Rs 1,500, announced this week. In line with the BJPs 2023 election promise, the financial assistance under the scheme will be gradually increased to Rs 3,000 per month by 2028, when the next Assembly elections are due. So far, over Rs 44,917 crore has been transferred into the accounts of women beneficiaries between June 2023 and October 2025, of which Rs 34,921 crore has been credited during Dr Yadavs tenure, from January 2024 to October 2025. The Rs 250 increase, initially scheduled for Bhai Dooj last month, was delayed due to administrative and budgetary reasons but was finally disbursed on Wednesday. Between 2023 and 2025, the government also released special festival assistance of Rs 250 on Raksha Bandhan each year for scheme beneficiaries. With the latest increase taking nearly two years to implement, it remains to be seen how the state government will phase in the remaining hikes to reach the promised Rs 3,000 monthly assistance by 2028.
SIR Phase II: Over 37 crore enumeration forms distributed across nine states, three UTs
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued detailed data on the number of enumeration forms distributed among electors, as so far since the launch of the exercise on November 4, 37 crore of them have been handed over to people, which is over 70 percent of total 51 crore electors to be covered in second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). According to the ECI data, among the states the maximum of over 10.80 crore forms have been handed over in Uttar Pradesh and over 6.80 crore in West Bengal. In the second phase after Bihar, the ECI has launched the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and the UT of Puducherry, which are going to assembly polls next year. According to the ECIs latest daily bulletin, a total of 50.69 crore Enumeration Forms were printed, marking 99.41 percent completion, out of which 72.66 percent (37.05 crore) have already been distributed. The ongoing Enumeration Phase will continue till December 4, 2025. States such as Goa, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal have achieved near-total coverage, reflecting efficient ground-level coordination, the ECI data revealed. Lakshadweep reported 100 percent completion in printing and distribution, while Goa distributed (99.99 percent), Puducherry (93.4 percent), Andaman and Nicobar (89.22 percent), Gujarat distributed over 4.47 crore forms (88.08 percent), while Tamil Nadu distributed over 5 crore forms (78.09 percent). Uttar Pradesh, Indias most populous state, distributed 10.8 crore forms, covering nearly 70 percent of its electorate. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan followed with over 53 percent and 70 percent coverage, respectively. Similarly, poll-bound West Bengal reported distribution of over 6.80 crore forms, covering a total of 88.8 percent. More than 5.33 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 7.64 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have been deployed to ensure every eligible elector is reached, the ECI said, adding that all recognised political parties have been asked to appoint additional BLAs to strengthen field-level verification and enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls. table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 20px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px 10px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; font-weight: bold; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #fafafa; } caption { caption-side: top; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 8px; } Electoral roll summary by States/UTs States/UTs Total electors EF printed EF distributed Andaman & Nicobar 3,10,404 3,10,404 (100%) 2,76,930 (89.22%) Chhattisgarh 2,12,30,737 2,12,30,737 (100%) 1,35,33,764 (63.75%) Goa 11,85,034 11,85,034 (100%) 11,84,915 (99.99%) Gujarat 5,08,43,436 5,08,43,436 (100%) 4,47,82,772 (88.08%) Kerala 2,78,50,855 2,78,50,855 (100%) 1,37,98,733 (49.55%) Lakshadweep 57,813 57,813 (100%) 57,813 (100%) Madhya Pradesh 5,74,06,143 5,48,47,091 (95.54%) 3,09,04,271 (53.83%) Puducherry 10,21,578 10,21,578 (100%) 9,50,449 (93.04%) Rajasthan 5,48,84,479 5,46,56,215 (99.58%) 3,89,37,212 (70.94%) Tamil Nadu 6,41,14,587 6,41,14,587 (100%) 5,00,67,045 (78.09%) Uttar Pradesh 15,44,30,092 15,44,12,428 (99.99%) 10,80,52,601 (69.95%) West Bengal 7,66,37,529 7,64,43,503 (99.75%) 6,80,52,601 (88.80%) Total 50,99,72,687 50,69,73,675 (99.41%) 37,05,68,109 (72.66%) Second Phase of SIR: Over 70 percent of enumeration forms distributed in past seven days The data shows Lakshadweep reported 100 percent completion in printing and distribution Total number Enumeration Forms printed is 50.69 crore, which is 99.41 percent of total 51 crore
Madhya Pradesh woman murdered in broad daylight as bystanders film, accused held
A shocking daylight murder in Baihar, Madhya Pradesh, saw a 22-year-old woman brutally attacked while onlookers filmed. The accused, a 25-year-old man, allegedly slit her throat after she refused his marriage proposal. He has been arrested, and police are investigating the incident that has sparked outrage and calls for enhanced women's safety.
2nd National Modern Pythian Games 2025 Conclude in Bengaluru
The National Cultural Pythian Games 2025 came to an end this evening at Bengaluru City University, Base Camp by Push Sports. For three days, the campus had the easy, steady rhythm of a festival. Students lingered around the stages, artists rehearsed steps in the corners, and visitors drifted between performances. More than 2,000 participants from 10 states and union territories took part, bringing with them dance forms, music traditions and their own ways of celebrating culture. Mr. Anil Kumar, Mr. Bijender Goel and Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani at the conclusion of the 2nd National Modern Pythian Games, Bengaluru The revival of the Pythian Games in India is led by Mr. Bijender Goel, Founder of International Pythian Games who has been working to place art and sport on a national and global platform. Speaking at the closing ceremony, he referred to the Bengaluru edition as a step in India’s larger cultural pathway. “ The Pythian movement is about creating bridges, not boundaries ,” he said. He also mentioned the Youth Pythian Games planned for 2026 in collaboration with Russia, and India’s hosting of the first International Pythian Games in 2027. One of the highlights this year was the introduction of a national-level Pittu (Seven Stones) competition, a childhood street game that many in the audience recognized instantly. The energy around the arena shifted; people cheered in a way that was spontaneous and familiar. In the boys’ category, Madhya Pradesh secured Gold, Madhya Pradesh also earned Silver, and Odisha claimed Bronze. In the girls’ category, Madhya Pradesh again took Gold, with Odisha receiving Silver and Rajasthan taking Bronze. In the girls’ category of the National-level Pittu (Seven Stones) competition, Madhya Pradesh once again clinched the Gold medal At one point, even Mr. Bijender Goel, Mrs. Lalitha Goel, Shri B. H. Anil Kumar (Chairperson) and Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organising Secretary) joined in briefly to try their hand at striking the stone pile. The moment drew laughter and applause from the sidelines — a reminder that cultural memory lives not only in stage art, but in simple games once played in school courtyards and narrow streets. The final day saw performances and recognitions across categories. In the Junior Group Dance category, Laya Dhwani Academy from Karnataka secured the Gold medal. In the Sub-Junior Dance Solo section, Pavika Kumar (Delhi) won Gold, marking her third straight victory at the National Pythian Games. Maya Krishna (Karnataka) received Silver, while Nikitha S and Tashya B.K (both from Karnataka) shared Bronze. In the Junior Group Dance category, Laya Dhwani Academy (Karnataka) earned Gold, Sheffield Stars (Uttarakhand) took Silver, and the Harshit Naik Group (Karnataka) won Bronze. The stage saw a mix of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Coorgi traditional dance and folk pieces from Uttarakhand. Each performance carried the particular pace and character of the region it represented, which kept the audience attentive through the day. In the Sambo wrestling competitions, in the boys (18-20yrs) 71 kg category, B Sri Kali Saran from Tamil Nadu bagged the Gold medal while A M Omkar from Karnataka bagged the silver medal. In the boys (under 24) 58kg, R Balaji Naik from Andhra Pradesh won the gold medal and Kishore Kumar from Tamil Nadu won the silver medal. In the girls (14-16yrs) 44 kg category, P Sri Dharanisha from TN won the gold medal and S. Sana from AP won the silver medal. In the girls (8-9yrs) 34kg category, S Nithila and A Riya Sri from TN bagged the gold and silver respectively. Mr. B.H. Anil Kumar, Retired IAS officer said, “ As we conclude the Second National Cultural Pythian Games, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every participant, artist and organiser. Over these days, we have witnessed India’s cultural brilliance in its purest form. May this spirit of creativity, unity and excellence continue to inspire us long after the Games end ." Mr. Gunaranjan Shetty, President of the Karnataka Wrestling Association, attended the closing ceremony and congratulated the participants. He spoke briefly about Karnataka’s long tradition of supporting artistic and athletic talent in equal measure. The festival was coordinated by a team led by Shri B. H. Anil Kumar, Retired IAS (Chairperson), Mr. Shantanu Agrahari, IAS (President, PCI), Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organising Secretary) and Mr. S. Siva Kumar (Secretary General). Their work ensured that schedules ran on time and that artists and visitors had the support they needed across the venue. As the event concludes, Bengaluru adds another chapter to its identity as a city where older cultural forms and contemporary expression continue to meet. The Pythian Games leave behind a quiet but clear message: traditions stay alive when they are shared, practiced and passed to younger hands.
Goa shocked by MP in final-day thriller
NT Reporter | Porvorim Goa, once firm favourites to win after dominating the first three days, were stunned by Madhya Pradesh, who chased down 328 for a thrilling three-wicket victory on the final day of their Ranji Trophy Group B encounter at the GCA Academy ground, Porvorim, on Tuesday. Resuming at 21 for one, chasing []
Spurned Madhya Pradesh man slits woman's throat, onlookers record videos
'Students Already Christians': Official Amid Conversion Row In Gwalior School
An investigation by the district administration into the alleged religious conversion of children from different states of the country in St Joseph School in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district found the allegations to be baseless.
Golgappa Tussle Turns Violent: Water Spill Sparks Street Fight In Madhya Pradesh
What started as a simple splash of water at a gol gappa stall Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri turned into a full-blown street fight.
