Raipur: Chhattisgarh has achieved another significant national milestone in the field of women's health, nutrition, and empowerment , surpassing 00 larger states. In the February 2026 state-wise national ranking for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Chhattisgarh has achieved history by securing first place in the country among large states. The state surpassed other large states to achieve this feat.
According to the rankings, Chhattisgarh has performed exceptionally well with 93.37 percent enrollment, an 83.87 percent approval rate, and 93.95 percent prompt resolution of complaints. The pendency rate for more than 30 days is only 7.07 percent and the complaint pendency rate is 4.96 percent, reflecting the effective and transparent implementation of the scheme. It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh has jumped six places compared to the previous month to achieve first place.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai congratulated the officials, employees, Anganwadi workers, and field staff of the Women and Child Development Department on this achievement. He stated that the state government accords top priority to maternal and child health. He stated that safe motherhood is being promoted by providing financial assistance to pregnant women through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and that Chhattisgarh's first-place ranking is a testament to the continued efforts in this direction.
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade described this prestigious achievement as a proud moment for the state and congratulated the departmental team. She stated that Chhattisgarh has become one of the leading states in the country due to the able guidance and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. She added that the state has achieved this position as a result of the coordination, commitment, and timely work of all the officials, employees, and Anganwadi workers.
Minister Smt. Rajwade expressed confidence that the department will continue to work with the same energy and dedication in the future, maintaining this top position, and ensuring timely delivery of the scheme's benefits to every eligible pregnant woman in the state. Giving information about the implementation of the scheme, he said that in the financial year 2025-26, 1,86,586 pregnant women in the state have been registered under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. So far, the state government has transferred an amount of Rs 72 crore 24 lakh 89 thousand directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiary women.
The effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has strengthened maternal and child health services in the state, and Chhattisgarh is emerging as an inspiring model for the country.

Chief Minister Sai wrote a strong letter to Mamata Banerjee over the insult to President Draupadi Murmu.

Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has written a strong letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee, expressing his deep objection to the recent treatment meted out to the Honorable President of India, Mrs. Draupadi Murmu. Chief Minister Shri Sai has said that this treatment of the country's first woman President, who comes from the tribal community, is not just an insult to an individual but to the country's highest constitutional institution, the tribal community, and the women power.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated in his letter that India's democratic traditions and etiquette are respected throughout the world. It has been our culture to never let differences of opinion become discord, but not observing even minimal courtesy towards the highest constitutional office of the President is contrary to democratic values. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the negligence in the arrangements related to the program and the insult to the woman President, who comes from a tribal community, during her visit just before International Women's Day is highly condemnable and unfortunate. He said that this incident deeply hurts the sentiments of millions of tribals, backward classes, Dalits, and women in the country.

Chief Minister Mr. Sai also stated in his letter that this is the first time the President himself has had to publicly express his anguish over the behavior of a state government. He stated that this situation is extremely worrying in the country's democratic history and has tarnished the image of a prestigious state like West Bengal. Chief Minister Mr. Sai also mentioned the Sandeshkhali incident in his letter, stating that the incidents involving tribal women there had shocked the entire nation. He stated that such treatment of the deprived and tribal communities is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has urged Ms. Mamata Banerjee to admit her mistake, apologize to the country and society on this issue, and assure the country that in the future, respect for democratic institutions and constitutional posts will be maintained. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that in India's democratic system, the President is the symbol of the country's highest constitutional institution and the dignity of democracy is linked to his respect. He said that constitutional posts should be respected, rising above any political differences.

Chief Minister Shri Sai clearly said that this issue related to the honour of the President coming from the tribal community is linked to the identity and self-respect of the entire country, hence, while respecting the sentiments of the country and society, it is necessary to take responsible steps in this matter.

00 Traditional handicraft products become a source of livelihood
Raipur. Traditional skills, such as pottery, embroidery and wood work, not only provide employment but also preserve cultural heritage through eco-friendly products using local materials. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, rural women of Jashpur district are setting an example of self-reliance under the National Rural Livelihood Mission - Bihan Yojana. 11 women of Hariyali Self Help Group of Semhar Kachhar village of Kansabel development block have strengthened their livelihood by making attractive baskets and other traditional handicraft products from Chhind Kasa.

Group member Mrs. Balmuni Bhagat explained that joining the Bihan Yojana has provided them with the opportunity for self-employment. Previously, women were limited to household chores, but now they are earning well. This work empowers women economically and instills confidence. She explained that this is not only a business, but also a way to pass on traditions, skills, and cultural heritage from one generation to the next. The women expressed that the Bihan Yojana has brought positive change to their lives. With the training, support, and marketing facilities provided through the group, their products have become popular in local markets and fairs. The women say that they are no longer confined to their homes but are forging their own identities.

The sisters of the group expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai and the district administration, saying that government schemes are empowering them and making them self-reliant. Handicraft products are a major source of income for us women, empowering millions of people, especially women, to become self-reliant.

National Desk: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a significant change in the foreign investment policy. This decision relaxes the rules related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially in the case of investments from countries that share a land border with India. The government says this change will bring clarity to the investment process and strengthen the startup and manufacturing sectors in the country.

Strict rules were implemented in 2020

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government issued Press Note 3, which mandated that any investment from countries sharing borders with India go through the government approval route. This rule was intended to protect Indian companies from cheap acquisitions at the time. This provision primarily applied to investments from neighboring countries, including China.

What are the provisions in the new changes?

Following the latest Cabinet decision, some significant amendments have been made to the policy. The definition of "Beneficial Owner" has been clarified. If an investor has a non-controlling stake of up to 10% in a border-sharing country, such investments may be permitted under the automatic route. Indian companies receiving investments will be required to provide relevant details to the government. This change is in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005.

 Fast-track clearances in certain sectors

The government has also set up faster approval processes to boost investment in certain strategic manufacturing sectors.

• These areas include:
• Electronic Components
• Electronic Capital Goods
• Capital Goods
• Projects across the solar value chain such as polysilicon and wafers

The target is to decide on investment proposals in these sectors within 60 days, while ensuring that majority control of the company remains with Indian citizens or entities.

Investment and technology will get a boost

The government believes that due to the earlier system, many international private equity and venture capital funds were hesitant to invest in India as their funds comprise investors from different countries.

After the new policy:

• The investment process will be more transparent.
• Startups and deep-tech sectors will be able to get fresh capital
• Electronics and manufacturing industries will get a boost
• India's role in the global supply chain may increase

The government says that while accelerating economic development, vigilance will also be maintained on aspects related to national security.

National Desk:  The entire country is celebrating the Indian cricket team's historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2026. While the credit for this victory is being given to the 15 players on the field, the contribution of the team's support staff behind the scenes has been equally important.

One such name is Nuwan Seneviratne, affectionately known as "Bawwa" in Team India. Nuwan, a native of Sri Lanka, works as a left-arm throw-down specialist in the Indian team's support staff and provides specialized practice to the batsmen. It is believed that his hard work played a major role in Team India's second consecutive T20 World Cup victory.

A special celebration was held after India's victory.

After Team India won the T20 World Cup 2026, Nuwan Seneviratne posted a picture of himself on social media. In this picture, Nuwan Seneviratne is seen with the T20 World Cup trophy. He also shared his achievement with Team India with the fans. Nuwan Seneviratne wrote, '2023 - This place gave me many memories. 2026 - This place created new memories for me. 2024 and 2026 - Two consecutive T20 World Cup trophies. Team India. Forever.'

Nuwan gives special practice to the batsmen

Nuwan Seneviratne is called the unsung hero of Team India because his work isn't directly visible in matches, but he plays a significant role in the players' preparation. He helps Indian batsmen practice against left-arm fast bowlers. By bowling at different angles and speeds, he prepares them for difficult situations. His hard work has strengthened the Indian batting line-up and improved the players' performance in major tournaments. After Team India's victory, the Sri Lankan media also praised him, highlighting how a Sri Lankan man is making a significant contribution to India's success.

Once a school bus driver, he ran his family.

Nuwan Seneviratne was born on November 14, 1979, in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. He played just two first-class matches in 2004, but his cricket career didn't last long. Family responsibilities forced him to drive a school bus in Colombo. He also helped players practice at local cricket grounds. It's said that during the Indian team's tour of Sri Lanka in 2017, Virat Kohli spotted him. His exceptional throw-down skills earned him the opportunity to work with the Indian team. He officially joined Team India's support staff during the 2018 Asia Cup and has been a constant fixture with the team ever since.

Life changed through hard work

Nuwan Seneviratne's journey from driving a school bus to working with one of the world's most successful cricket teams is a story of hard work and dedication. While his name may rarely make headlines, cricket fans are now recognizing his role in the Indian team's major victories. This is why, after the T20 World Cup 2026 victory, he is being called Team India's "unsung hero."

US-Israel-Iran War: Raipur. Tensions in the Middle East have reached a peak due to the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. In light of this escalating conflict, the Chhattisgarh government has taken precautionary measures and appointed a nodal officer to coordinate and assist the state's citizens in West Asia.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Lekha Ajgalle, Liaison Officer, Office of the Resident Commissioner, Chhattisgarh Bhawan, New Delhi, has been appointed as the nodal officer. She has been given the responsibility of arranging transportation in the West Asia region and providing necessary assistance to Chhattisgarh citizens present there.

The government has also released their contact numbers for the convenience of citizens. If needed, they can be contacted on mobile number 8349840582, office telephone number 011-46156000, and fax number 011-46156030.

Delhi. The Supreme Court has rejected a petition filed by jailed former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, seeking a stay on filing new FIRs against him and simultaneous bail in all pending cases. The Supreme Court stated that he was among the officers close to power and enjoyed power for years. This is a case of public funds being diverted from private hands. He must follow the legal process.

Former IAS officer Anil Tuteja held sway in the state during the Congress government. He is accused in various cases, including the excise scam, the DMAF scam, the NAN scam, the custom milling scam, and the coal scam. He recently received bail from the High Court in one case. He filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking simultaneous bail in all the cases, directing investigating agencies to conduct investigations in all cases simultaneously and grant him bail until the trial is complete, and also seeking a moratorium on filing new cases.

His case was heard on Monday by a division bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Jaymalya Bagchi. Advocate Shoeb Alam appeared on behalf of Anil Tuteja. He argued that investigating agencies have shown a unique ability to arrest him in another case when he was close to getting bail in one case. The court was informed that Tuteja has been in jail since April 2024 and has voluntarily submitted to continuous custodial interrogation by the Chhattisgarh EOW and ED.

Tuteja's lawyer alleged that his right to personal liberty is being violated by the Chhattisgarh government and the Enforcement Directorate detaining him in a new case every time he is granted bail in a pending case. He should not be arrested in one case just to keep him behind bars. The lawyer argued that he has been in jail for the last 20 months after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail and that he cannot be taken on remand in other cases while he is already in custody. He should be interrogated in all the cases instead of waiting for his release on bail. The same pattern is visible in all these cases.

After hearing the arguments, the court said, "This case is not politically motivated. You are a bureaucrat who has enjoyed power for so many years. This is an issue of public funds going into private hands. If you are involved, you must follow the judicial process." The bench said, "Your argument is emotionally valid, but not legally valid. From a legal perspective, your argument cannot be accepted because when the agency itself is not prepared to arrest you, how can we enforce your arrest?"

The CJI's bench stated that the court granted bail in all cases where discretion was exercised, but it cannot make a mandatory order granting bail in all current and future cases. However, the Supreme Court stated that if he fears arrest, he may seek post-arrest bail or further bail. It also directed that if he files a bail petition within a week, the High Court must decide on it on a priority basis within two to four weeks.

Chhattisgarh Assembly: Raipur. During the discussion on grant demands in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, the issue of expenditure incurred on the deployment of central paramilitary forces came up. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant demanded a clear answer from Home Minister Vijay Sharma regarding the ₹21,530 crore requested by the central government.

In the House, Dr. Mahant stated that on June 25th, a notice was received from the central government, stating that the Union Home Ministry would be paid for the ₹21,530 crore spent on the deployment of central paramilitary forces in the state. He questioned that this large amount is not mentioned anywhere in the state budget, so from which head will the government make this payment.

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The Leader of the Opposition stated that on March 17, 2025, the Chief Minister wrote to the Central Government requesting the waiver of this amount. In response, the Union Home Ministry stated that the amount could be paid in four installments. Dr. Mahant asked what items were used to expend such a large sum, and that a detailed account of this should be provided to the House.

Referring to central-state relations, he said that when Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister and Dr. Raman Singh was Chief Minister, the central government did not demand money from the state in this manner. Responding to this, Home Minister Vijay Sharma said that the letter from the center pertains to the period from the previous government to the present, and its final settlement is currently underway.

The Home Minister stated that the state government aims to eliminate armed Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and subsequently complete the process of withdrawal of central armed forces by March 31, 2027. The Home Minister assured that the Finance Minister and the Chief Minister will take the final decision regarding the payment of this amount, and that it will not impose a significant burden on the state's finances.

Raipur . The Chhattisgarh Assembly witnessed a huge uproar on Tuesday over the issue of paddy procurement and storage. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant moved an adjournment motion over reports of rats eating the stored paddy, which was rejected by the Chair. Following this, opposition MLAs began shouting slogans and creating a ruckus in the House, with several members even entering the sanctum sanctorum.

Presenting the adjournment motion, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant said that rats are eating the paddy produced by the hard work of farmers, which is a serious matter and should be discussed immediately in the House. Supporting this demand, Kharsia MLA Umesh Patel said that reports of rats damaging paddy are coming from several districts of the state.During this, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel targeted the government, saying that a government that claims good governance has committed a major misstep. He alleged that a shortage of approximately 2.271 million quintals of paddy has been detected, resulting in losses worth crores of rupees. He sarcastically said that government employees are maligning rats to hide their own negligence.

Responding to the opposition's allegations, Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel stated that 14.9 million metric tons of paddy has been purchased from approximately 2.5 million farmers in the state, and that payments totaling ₹46,277 crore have been made to the farmers. He clarified that the claims of rats eating the paddy are completely false.
The minister stated that approximately 67,000 tons of paddy has been stored safely at paddy collection centers and that show-cause notices have been issued to 78 employees in connection with the matter. He also stated that rice mills do not have any remaining paddy and the process of collecting rice is ongoing.

Raipur . Chief Minister Sai extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all CISF personnel on the occasion of the foundation day of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
He said that the CISF personnel play a very important role in the security of the country's vital industrial units, strategic institutions and establishments of national importance. With their constant vigilance, courage, discipline and dedication, CISF personnel are making a significant contribution in strengthening the nation's security system.

Raipur. Chief Minister Sai paid heartfelt tribute to Savitribai Phule, a pioneer of women's empowerment and a great social worker, on her death anniversary, remembering her contributions.
The Chief Minister said that Savitribai Phule was a powerful symbol of women's education, social equality, and social reform in Indian society. Despite adverse circumstances, with indomitable courage and determination, she accomplished the historic task of connecting women and the underprivileged with education.He said that through her struggle and vision, Savitribai Phule proved that education is the most effective means of social awareness, equality, and progress. She dedicated her life to ensuring respect and opportunity for women and vulnerable sections of society. Her courageous struggle for women's education, social equality, and social reform is etched in golden letters in the history of Indian society. Her thoughts and actions continue to inspire society to move forward on the path of education, equality, and awareness.