State
CHHATTISGARH: Ex-IRS Sheetal Shaswat Verma, who has taken VRS, gets a big responsibility!
CHHATTISGARH: Ex-IRS Sheetal Shashwat Verma has been given a big responsibility after taking VRS.
Raipur. Former IRS officer Sheetal Shaswat Verma, who has taken voluntary retirement, has been appointed as Special Secretary by the Chhattisgarh government on contract. The General Administration Department issued an order in this regard on September 29, 2026.

CG High Court: High Court strict on bike stunts and birthday parties on the road!
Bilaspur. Bilaspur High Court has taken a strict stand on the cases of dangerous bike stunts, racing and birthday celebrations on the highways and public roads. The division bench of Chief Justice Krishna Ram Mahapatra and Justice Santosh Sharma has directed the state government to prepare clear guidelines to effectively stop such activities. The government and the High Court said that instructions have been issued from time to time by the police, but an effective system is needed to stop incidents like stunts on the road, dangerous driving and celebrating birthdays in a risky manner in public places.
The case began on January 29, 2025, after the High Court took suo motu cognizance of two cases involving birthday celebrations on the road. The matter was later taken up for hearing as a public interest litigation. The court also sought responses from the DGP and the Bilaspur SSP, among other relevant officials. During the last hearing on August 24, 2026, an affidavit was submitted to the High Court on behalf of the Bilaspur SSP, detailing police action taken in cases of dangerous stunts and reckless driving.
According to the affidavit, after a video of a bike stunt near Kori Dam went viral on social media, police registered a case and arrested the accused. The bike used in the stunt was seized and a charge sheet was filed in the case. Police have instructed all police stations to take immediate action against dangerous stunts, racing, and the use of moving vehicles for social media reels. Furthermore, cases reported through viral videos and other sources are being monitored.
The DGP has instructed SSPs and SPs of all districts to prevent road stunts and birthday celebrations. Along with immediate action against the culprits, emphasis has also been placed on raising awareness about road safety. Police Headquarters has issued detailed instructions through Circular No. 6/2025. Road safety issues were also discussed in a meeting of divisional commissioners, IGs, collectors, and SPs on October 25, 2025. Officials were instructed to ensure a response within 15 to 30 minutes to complaints related to road nuisance and road sty.
The case also revealed that most cases of road stunts and birthday celebrations were prosecuted after viral videos surfaced. Questions have also been raised about the effectiveness of ITMS cameras, installed at a cost of crores of rupees, as their effectiveness in detecting such incidents has not been as expected. According to Bilaspur police records, over 26 cases related to road stunts, dangerous driving, and birthday celebrations have been registered in the past 13 months. Of these, 19 cases were related to stunting and 8 related to birthday celebrations. During this period, 47 vehicles were seized and over 80 accused were arrested. The High Court has now directed the state government to develop clear guidelines to effectively curb these incidents. The government's prepared guidelines and the steps taken will be presented to the court in the upcoming hearing.
CRIME NEWS: Retired IAS officer murdered by slitting his throat, new servant suspected
CRIME NEWS: Retired IAS officer murdered by slitting his throat, new servant suspected
Bhopal. A shocking incident has unfolded in Suraj Nagar, under the Ratibad police station jurisdiction of Bhopal. Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal was brutally murdered in his own home by slitting his throat. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police department was shaken. Upon receiving the information, Ratibad police station, senior officers, and a forensic team arrived at the scene and began an investigation.
According to reports, retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal lived with his wife at their residence in Suraj Nagar. Initial investigations have cast suspicion on a domestic servant, who has been missing since the incident.
Budgam Encounter: Hashim Musa, a terrorist carrying a bounty of Rs 20 lakh for the Pahalgam attack, killed
Budgam Encounter: Pahalgam attack terrorist Hashim Musa killed with a reward of 20 lakh
Srinagar: Security forces recovered the body of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Musa during a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Wednesday. Musa's death was confirmed by the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps.
"During the morning search in the Palmaidan area, the body of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Musa and warlike material were recovered," the Chinar Corps said on X platform.
Army launches 'Operation Korag'
The Army and other security agencies launched 'Operation Korag' (OP KORAG) in the Yusmarg area late on Tuesday night based on specific intelligence inputs.
Alert soldiers observed suspicious activity and upon challenging the terrorists, opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of fire, during which Hashim Musa was killed. According to an update from security forces, the operation continued and soldiers continued to search the area.
High-tech drone survey and GIS mapping of properties in Raipur
Raipur, September / The Raipur Development Authority (RDA) is embarking on a major technological initiative to modernize, transparently, and effectively manage its properties, plots, residential and commercial projects, and public infrastructure. This initiative will include GIS-based asset mapping, high-tech drone surveys, digitization of old records, and the development of a digital monitoring system throughout the authority's jurisdiction. The authority has completed the tender process for the project's implementation.
This ambitious project will preserve decades-old paper records, property registers, ledger books, layout maps, and lease and lease documents in high-quality digital format. High-resolution surveys and mapping will be conducted using cutting-edge drone technology to link these records to the actual situation on the site.
*Every asset will have a unique digital identity*
Under the project, each RDA property and plot will be assigned a Unique Property Identification Number (UPIN). The UPIN will be linked to the respective property's digital record and GIS map. This will organize property-related information on a unified and secure digital platform, laying a strong foundation for future online citizen services.
The survey will not be limited to aerial mapping, but will also include on-site physical verification of properties. Trained survey teams will conduct door-to-door surveys and digitally collect geo-tagged photographs and essential property information through a mobile app. The information obtained during the survey will be compared with historical records and drone mapping.
*Benefits will extend from property management to citizen services*
The creation of a GIS-based digital database will provide RDAs with more systematic information regarding the location, boundaries, measurements, and use of properties. This will facilitate record verification, property management, and monitoring. Comparing the situation on the ground with available records will also help identify unauthorized encroachments and land-related discrepancies.
The integrated digital platform will help make future citizen services such as mutations, lease renewals, building permits, and NOCs more streamlined, transparent, and online. The availability of property boundaries, measurements, and record information in one place will also facilitate the resolution of property disputes.
Along with this, availability of GIS based digital information of public infrastructure like roads, drains, drainage, street lights and water supply will enable their maintenance, monitoring and future development plans to be prepared more effectively.
The ambitious project will be completed in six phases.
This RDA project will be carried out in six major phases. The first phase will involve scanning and digitizing old records, registers, ledger books, and maps. The second phase will involve high-resolution mapping of the area using high-precision drones.
In the third phase, trained survey teams will conduct door-to-door physical verification, and in the fourth phase, geo-tagged photographs and essential property data will be collected through a mobile app. In the fifth phase, data from historical records, drone surveys, and physical verification will be integrated into a GIS platform. In the final phase, the generated digital database will be securely hosted and assets will be monitored and managed through web-based asset management software.
*Important step towards good governance: Housing and Environment Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary*
Housing and Environment Minister Mr. O.P. Choudhary said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is continuously moving forward to promote digitization in citizen services. This initiative by the Raipur Development Authority to digitize properties and records, conduct drone surveys, and utilize GIS mapping will prove to be an important step towards good governance. This will increase transparency in the Authority's operations and lay the foundation for providing better and more convenient services to citizens in the future.
*Property management will be modern and technology based: Shri Nand Kumar Sahu*
Raipur Development Authority Chairman Mr. Nand Kumar Sahu said that this is an important initiative towards making the management of properties and projects modern, transparent, and technology-based. Through GIS mapping and digital records, property information will be more organized and secure.
RDA Vice Chairman Dr. J.P. Sharma said the authority's goal is to provide more convenient, transparent, and timely services to citizens in the future and ensure better management of RDA properties. The use of new technology will help streamline property-related processes.
*RDA will have a comprehensive digital asset database: Shri Avnish Kumar Sharan*
Raipur Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr. Awanish Kumar Sharan said that the project will scientifically document the ground situation by linking the RDA's historical records to a digital database. Drone surveys, geo-tagging, physical verification, and GIS-based data integration will create a comprehensive digital asset database for the Authority's properties and infrastructure. This will help make asset management, record verification, monitoring, and citizen services more efficient and streamlined.
Appeal to citizens to cooperate with the survey team
The Raipur Development Authority has appealed to citizens to provide necessary information and cooperate with the measurement work when the authorized survey team arrives at their premises. Authorized employees engaged in the survey work will be required to have an ID card issued by the RDA.
CG Train Cancelled: 6 trains will be cancelled, 2 will have their routes changed; see the full list before travelling
6 trains will be canceled, 2 trains will change route; See the full list before traveling
CG Train Cancelled: Bilaspur. If you're planning to travel by train in the coming days, this news may prove useful. Rail passengers' problems have increased once again. A mega-block has been announced due to track renovations in SECR's Chakradharpur division. Work will take place every Tuesday and Friday between November 24, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Six trains have been cancelled due to this, while two will operate via a diverted route.
6 trains will remain cancelled
The 18109/18110 Tatanagar-NSCB Itwari-Tatanagar Express will be cancelled on scheduled dates between November and January. Its trips will be affected on November 24 and 27, December 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, and 29, and January 1, 5, 8, 12, and 15. The 12767 Nanded Santragachi Express will be cancelled on November 23 and 30, December 7, 14, 21, and 28, and January 4 and 11.
The 12768 Santragachi-Nanded Express will be cancelled on November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, and January 6 and 13. The 20822 Santragachi-Pune Humsafar Express will be cancelled on November 21 and 28, December 5, 12, 19, and 26, and January 2 and 9. Its return service, the 20821 Pune-Santragachi Humsafar Express, will be cancelled on November 23 and 30, December 7, 14, 21, and 28, and January 4 and 11.
Trains running on diverted routes
Due to the mega block, the routes of two trains will also be changed. The 18478 Yoga Nagari Rishikesh-Puri Kalinga Utkal Express will travel to Puri via the diverted route IB-Jharsuguda Road-Sambalpur City-Cuttack on the scheduled dates. It will run on the diverted route on November 23rd and 30th, December 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, and January 4th and 11th, 2027. The 13288 Ara-Durg South Bihar Express will run on the diverted route on November 26th, December 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st, and January 7th and 14th. This train will reach Durg via Kandra-Sini and will skip the route between Tatanagar and Gamharia.
BHILAI STEEL PLANT: CBI entry in BSP iron theft case!
Bhilai: A major twist has emerged in the iron theft case at the Bhilai Steel Plant. The CBI will now investigate the case. The state government has given its consent to a CBI investigation, and a gazette notification has been issued.
This is the same case in which crime number 277/2026 is registered at the Old Bhilai police station. The matter was raised in the Assembly by BJP MLA Rakesh Sen. Police have recently made several arrests in this case. According to the police, the investigation revealed that scrap stolen from the BSP was being disposed of at a private factory in Rasmada.
According to a state government notification, the CBI has been authorized to investigate this crime under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. The CBI will now investigate the network of thefts, alleged collusion, and other aspects of the case.
CHHATTISGARH: Promotion happened, joining also happened… then why did the officers return to the district?
Raipur. Confusion has arisen regarding postings in Chhattisgarh's Food and Drug Administration Department. Bemetara officer Ashish Yadav has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner at Raipur headquarters. Meanwhile, Neelam Thakur, the designated officer for Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, has been called to the headquarters as Deputy Director.
Both officers arrived in Raipur and submitted their joining letters. However, they subsequently returned to their respective districts and are handling their work from there. The reason being is that they have not yet been relieved at the district lev
This means that while the postings are at headquarters on paper, the work is still being conducted from the districts. This has raised questions within the department about where the two officers' actual responsibilities lie.
The matter doesn't end there. It has also come to light that a food inspector in the department has been given the charge of Assistant Commissioner. It is being reported that he is issuing instructions to designated officers who are senior to him in the hierarchy. According to sources, this arrangement has caused resentment among some senior officials.
It is being told that after the Drug Controller returns from leave, the situation regarding the role and posting of the officers may become clear.
CG HIGH COURT: Aid funds stuck for 22 months! High Court reprimands Tehsildar
CG HIGH COURT: Aid amount stuck for 22 months! High Court reprimands Tehsildar
CG HIGH COURT: Bilaspur. The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed displeasure with the Bodri Tehsildar's handling of the application for financial assistance after her husband's death by drowning in the Shivnath River, which was left pending for nearly 22 months. The court questioned the system for keeping the application pending for so long.
The court stated that after an application is submitted to an officer, it is obligated to resolve it according to the rules. It cannot be kept pending indefinitely. The court directed the Tehsildar of Bilaspur to hear Anju Singh's application and reach a decision within 15 days. According to the petition, the petitioner's husband, Ravishankar Singhraule, drowned while bathing near the railway bridge of the Shivnath River at around 8 pm on October 14, 2024. After his death, Anju applied for assistance to the Bodri Tehsildar on November 21, 2024. The necessary documents were submitted, but the application was not decided.
During the hearing, the state government also stated that the application contained the necessary documents and that the Tehsildar alone had to resolve it. The court stated that the pending application, dated November 21, 2024, was "extremely surprising" and objectionable. The court directed the Tehsildar to make a decision within 15 days and submit a copy of the order, along with an affidavit, to the Judici.
RAIPUR CRIME BREAKING: Body of youth found hanging from hoarding pole, panic ensues
RAIPUR CRIME BREAKING: The body of a young man was found hanging from a hoarding pole, causing a stir.
RAIPUR CRIME BREAKING: Raipur. A shocking incident has come to light today in the Pandri police station area of Raipur, the capital. The body of an unidentified young man was found hanging from a hoarding pole near a car showroom.
According to reports, a body was found hanging from a hoarding pole near a car showroom in the Pandri area on Tuesday morning, with a towel attached. A crowd gathered after the incident. They informed the police about the young man's body. A forensic team has been called in to investigate. Preliminary investigations revealed injuries to the deceased's head, making the incident suspicious. The deceased man has not yet been identified. He is estimated to be around 35 years old.
Police will examine CCTV footage
Upon arriving at the scene, the forensic team will collect all vital evidence. After the Panchnama, the body will be sent for post-mortem. The shocking incident that unfolded during Ganesh immersion in the city has caused a stir in the area.
'Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026' organized on World Tourism Day
Central India Connect-Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026’ organized on World Tourism Day
Raipur, September 27, 2026. Organized by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the "Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026" marked a significant initiative towards connecting the state's tourism sector with the national and international tourism markets. The event was attended by tourism businesses, tour operators, hotel and hospitality sector representatives, homestay operators, tourism experts, and other stakeholders from India and abroad. The B2B marketplace organized during the event provided an effective platform for tourism businesses to interact directly, connect with businesses, and forge potential partnerships.
In the program, a special presentation was given by Mr. Saumil Ranjan Choubey, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, on giving a new direction to tourism through digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It highlighted the increasing role of digital technology, AI, digital content, online promotion and smart tourist services in the tourism sector and the possibilities of improving the tourist experience through these. At the same time, the possibilities of increasing investment and private sector participation in the tourism sector in the state after tourism was given the status of industry by the Chhattisgarh government were also discussed.
Tourism Secretary Dr. S. Bharathidasan
Dr. Bharathidasan said, "Chhattisgarh has immense potential for natural, cultural, historical, and tribal tourism. Through the 'Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026,' an effective effort has been made to connect the state's tourist destinations, local entrepreneurs, and service providers with national and international markets. Our aim is to expand tourism beyond mere sightseeing, but to connect it with sustainable employment, income, and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities. The department is continuously working to establish Chhattisgarh as one of the country's leading tourist destinations through digital technology, private sector participation, and local engagement."
During the event, State Tourism Awards were presented to 10 tourism stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to Chhattisgarh's tourism sector. Winners were honored with a prize money of ₹11,000, a certificate, and a memento.
The winners of the State Tourism Awards are as follows:
Best Tourism District Promotion Award – Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi
Best Eco Tourism Site Award – Takshak Homestay, Bhoramdev
Best Hotel Award – Hotel Ambition, Jagdalpur
Best Tour Operator Award – Mr. D. Ramesh, Camp Once
Best Tourist Startup Award – Mr. Shivam Trivedi, Heritage Wala
Best Adventure Tour Operator Award – Mr. Saurabh Singh, Trippy Hills, Jashpur
Best Homestay Award – Shri Mansingh Dhurwadera, Bastar
Best Influencer Award – Mr. Anupam Singh
Best Star Performer, Tourist Information Centre, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board – Srinivas Rao, Dongargarh
Best Star Performer, Resort, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board – Mr. Subhash Thakur, Hareli Eco Resort, Barnawapara
Release of coffee table book on archaeological sites of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi
At the event, the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Culture also released a coffee table book on the archaeological sites of the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. This publication is an important initiative to broadly showcase the district's rich historical and archaeological heritage and to unlock its tourism potential.
*Initiative to connect tourism business with new opportunities*
The objective of "Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026" was to connect Chhattisgarh's tourism businesses with national and international markets, establish new business relationships between various stakeholders in the tourism sector, and provide a wider market for the state's tourism potential. Through B2B meetings, tourism businesses had the opportunity to directly interact with new markets, partnerships, and business opportunities.
Chhattisgarh's natural wealth, wildlife, waterfalls, ancient and archaeological heritage, tribal culture, folk traditions, adventure, and eco-tourism offer the state unique tourism potential. This event sought to connect these potentials with the tourism business and market.
This marketplace, organized on the occasion of World Tourism Day, was also an important step towards connecting tourism with the local economy, employment, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities. Through the collective efforts of the state government, the Tourism and Culture Department, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, the private sector, local communities, and tourism businesses, such events will play a vital role in establishing a stronger identity for Chhattisgarh on the national and international tourism map.
BREAKING: IAS Ashish Tikriha gets big responsibility, gets additional charge of Public Relations Director
BREAKING: IAS Ashish Tikaria has been given a big responsibility, given additional charge of Public Relations Director.
BREAKING: Raipur. The Chhattisgarh government has issued a significant administrative order, appointing 2021 batch IAS officer Ashish Kumar Tikriha as the additional charge of Director of Public Relations, in addition to his current responsibilities. The order was issued today by the General Administration Department.
The order states that Ashish Kumar Tikriha, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Warehousing Corporation, will now hold the additional charge of Director of Public Relations in addition to his current duties.
UPI News: Payments above ₹2000 will be charged, Supreme Court refuses to stay for now
UPI News: Charges will be levied on payments above ₹2000, Supreme Court refuses to stay for now
New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on a petition challenging the central government's decision to impose a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000. However, the court declined to immediately stay the implementation of this framework.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued notices to the Central government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the UPI & Services Steering Committee, seeking their response within four weeks.
What is the challenge in the petition?
The petition has been filed by Advocate Anjan Dutta through Advocate Ashutosh Dubey. It challenges the Central Government's Gazette Notification dated September 14, 2026, issued under Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Apart from this, the framework announced on September 15, which proposes to levy MDR on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions of more than ₹2000, has also been challenged.
The rule will come into effect from October 15
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N. Venkataraman, representing the central government, stated that these charges will be effective from October 15th and that 96 percent of transactions will be exempt. The central law officer also stated that the charge limit for essential services has been set at ₹5.
Our government stands with every affected family in this hour of crisis: Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary
Our Government stands with every affected family in this hour of crisis: Finance Minister Shri O.P. Singh Headman of a caste or trade or village
Raipur, September 28, 2026. Due to the rising water level of the Mahanadi River due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab, several villages in the Sariya tehsil of the Raigarh assembly constituency have been affected by floods. In this hour of crisis, Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA Shri O.P. Choudhary personally reached out to the affected people. He, along with relief and rescue teams, reached the submerged villages of Borida, Thengaguri, and Tora by boat, met with the villagers, and took stock of the flood situation.
In villages surrounded by water, Mr. Chaudhary reached out to affected families to inquire about the well-being of mothers, sisters, the elderly, children, and youth. He spoke directly with villagers about their problems and immediate needs. He assured them that the state government stands firmly with every affected family in this hour of crisis and is taking every possible step to ensure their safety and assistance.
*“Don't worry, the government and the entire administration are with you”*
Finance Minister Mr. Chaudhary told the affected villagers that their safety is a top priority in this difficult flood situation. Government and administration teams are continuously engaged in relief and rescue operations. No affected family will be deprived of essential assistance. He directed the officials present on the spot to immediately ensure food, clean drinking water, medicines, health facilities, and other necessary arrangements for the affected people. He also directed them to pay special attention to the needs of children, women, and the elderly, and to immediately evacuate villagers to safer locations if necessary.
Mr. Chaudhary said that the government and administration are continuously working on the ground to ensure all possible assistance and safe evacuation for those affected by the floods. The water level of the Mahanadi River and the situation in the affected villages are being continuously monitored, and relief and rescue operations are being carried out as needed.
IT RAID: IT raids at the premises of actress Rakul Preet Singh and Vashu Bhagnani
IT RAID: IT raids on the premises of actress Rakul Preet Singh and Vasu Bhagnani
IT RAID: Mumbai. The Income Tax Department is conducting searches at several Mumbai locations linked to Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh, her father-in-law and well-known film producer Vashu Bhagnani, and production company Panorama Studios. Following reports of suspicious financial transactions, separate teams from the department are conducting investigations at various premises.
Special teams of the Mumbai Income Tax Department have simultaneously raided approximately 12 locations in the city. Investigating officers are thoroughly examining financial records, ledgers, bank account statements, and documents related to foreign transactions from the relevant premises in recent years to detect any financial irregularities.
Suspicion of sending funds abroad in the name of films
The department has been receiving reports for some time that large sums of money are being remitted abroad under the guise of film shooting, foreign distribution, and production expenses. Investigating agencies suspect that this entire process involves widespread tax evasion and illegal misappropriation of funds, often in violation of regulations.
The investigation by officials of the Revenue and Tax Department is currently underway. It is expected that after the examination of all documents and digital records is complete, the department will share crucial information regarding the actual extent of financial irregularities, undisclosed assets, and tax evasion uncovered in this case.
Ujjain: Crowd pelts stones at Shahi Mosque; police fire tear gas shells
Ujjain. Tensions remain high in Ujjain over the demolition of a portion of the Shahi Mosque, which is being planned for road widening as part of preparations for Simhastha 2028. A large number of people have been gathering outside the mosque since Sunday to protest the demolition. The protests continued on Monday, with reports of stone-pelting at the police. Police fired tear gas shells to control the situation. The case is scheduled for a hearing in the Indore High Court today.
Tension has been brewing for the past two days in Ujjain's Abdalpura area over the demolition of a portion of the Shahi Mosque that was falling under the road widening project. When the administration arrived on the scene Sunday night with JCB and Poclain machines, a large number of people gathered outside the mosque and began protesting the move. Police and administration attempted to pacify the crowds, but tension persisted in the area until late at night.
In view of the situation, a heavy police force was deployed in the area, and traffic was controlled by erecting barricades around the mosque. Police and administrative officials attempted to bring the situation under control by talking to members of the Muslim community. A large number of people remained inside and outside the mosque on Sunday night.
Protests continued on Monday. Tensions between police and protesters escalated, and reports emerged of stone-pelting. Police subsequently fired tear gas to control the crowd. Various roads in Ujjain are being widened as part of preparations for Simhastha 2028. In the case of the Shahi Mosque, the road is planned to be widened by 15 meters, and a portion of the mosque falls within the proposed road's scope. A controversy has arisen over the removal of this portion.
The process of demolishing the affected parts of several houses and other structures for road widening in the city has also begun. According to officials, people in various locations have come forward to voluntarily remove the identified parts of their properties. A legal battle is also underway by the Muslim community against the demolition of the affected part of the Shahi Mosque. A single bench of the Indore High Court has dismissed the petitions filed earlier. Following this, the case is scheduled to be heard in the High Court on Monday as part of the further legal process. Currently, the administration has increased security in the area and is monitoring the situation. All eyes are on the court hearing and the subsequent action.
PM Modi pays tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary, remembers her contribution to music
New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary. Remembering Lata Didi in a social media post, PM Modi described her contribution to Indian music as invaluable for generations to come. He said that Lata Mangeshkar's voice brought the country's identity worldwide and she always encouraged various national initiatives.
Lata Mangeshkar and Narendra Modi had a long-standing close relationship. They addressed each other as "Narendra Bhai" and "Didi," and Lata Mangeshkar would send a Rakhi to the Prime Minister every year on Rakshabandhan. Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, in Indore. She received her early musical training from her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar. She entered the film industry at the age of 13 and later became one of the leading voices of Indian playback singing. She passed away on February 6, 2022. The legacy of her voice and music continues to resonate with listeners.
