Sports Desk: Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi has been fined 1 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 3.29 lakh Indian rupees) by the Pakistan Super League 2026 franchise for violating the team hotel's security arrangements. The franchise issued a statement saying the decision was taken to maintain discipline and establish accountability.

Entry of Sikandar Raza's guests creates controversy

According to the report, the entire matter involves Sikandar Raza's guests being allowed into the team hotel. Despite repeated requests from local police and security officials, the guests were granted entry. The matter was subsequently reported to the PSL and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

What the franchise said in the statement

In an official statement, Lahore Qalandars stated that the incident was not a deliberate violation of the rules, but rather a misunderstanding. The franchise also praised the work of the security personnel and stated that the team respects all security regulations. The franchise has also sent a full report of the incident to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

No action was taken against Raza

No action has been taken against Sikandar Raza in this matter. Raza himself took responsibility for the incident and said that if anyone was to blame, it should be him, as the guests were his. He also said that he has been hosting his guests in this manner for the past four years, and that the guests only stayed at the hotel for 40 minutes.

Team position in the points table

Despite the controversies, Lahore Qalandars have performed well in the tournament. With one win and one loss, they are in second place in the points table and have a good net run rate. The team's next match will be against Multan Sultans on April 3rd.

Chandigarh (Chandra Shekhar Dharni): The Deputy Chief Minister's government has prepared an action plan to curb irregularities during the Kharif and Rabi crop procurement processes in the mandis. While reviewing preparations for the Rabi crop procurement with district deputy commissioners late Saturday night, Chief Minister Nayab Saini issued a stern warning that officials and employees will be held accountable for any irregularities or negligence found in the mandis. Every grain of the farmers' produce will be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). 

Chief Minister Nayab Saini warned the district deputy commissioners that no inconvenience to farmers will be tolerated in the mandis. He directed officials to ensure that basic amenities such as gunny bags, drinking water, seating arrangements, clean toilets, and canteens are available in the mandis. The Chief Minister also directed them to ensure that timely payments for crops are directly deposited into farmers' bank accounts. On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Arun Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director General of Agriculture Department Rajnarayan Kaushik and other officers were present. 

 CCTV surveillance will be installed at the market gates. 
The Chief Minister stated that farmers visiting the markets should not face any inconvenience and should be provided with all necessary facilities. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure adequate gunny bags (bardana), clean drinking water, proper seating arrangements, clean toilets, and well-functioning canteen services in all markets. He also placed special emphasis on ensuring effective CCTV surveillance at all entry and exit gates. He directed that a nodal officer be appointed in each market to monitor the procurement process and promptly resolve problems. He also directed that police assistance be sought as needed to maintain law and order and ensure smooth functioning of the markets.

National Desk: Very sad news has emerged from the Bengali film and TV industry. Renowned actor Rahul Banerjee died in a boat accident in Odisha. The accident occurred at Talsari Beach while he was filming his TV show "Bhole Baba Par Karega." It is reported that he fell into the sea during the shooting. He was immediately rescued and taken to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead.

Accident happened during shooting

According to preliminary information, Rahul Banerjee suddenly lost his balance during the shooting and fell into the sea. The crew and locals present at the scene pulled him out and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but his life could not be saved. The incident caused chaos at the shooting location.

Wave of grief in the industry

Rahul Banerjee was known for his popular podcast "Sahaj Katha" and his powerful performances in several TV serials. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Fans and fellow actors have been paying tribute to him on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sorrow.

Police engaged in investigation

The Digha police and local administration are investigating the matter. According to preliminary information, the actor's body is currently being held at the Digha Medical Center. Officials are investigating all aspects of the incident and gathering complete information.

Such accidents have happened before as well.

It's worth noting that several artists have lost their lives in water-related accidents before. Recently, singer Zubeen Garg died in a similar incident during a music festival. Rahul Banerjee's death has once again raised questions about such incidents.

National Desk: An event held in Basti district of Uttar Pradesh has once again sparked political activity. The event, titled "Sanatan Samvad," called for unity within the Brahmin community. The event was led by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, who delivered several scathing remarks against the state government from the stage and appealed for unity for the upcoming elections.

GIC ground becomes political hub

Held at the GIC grounds in Basti, the event drew a large crowd. Speakers from the stage questioned the policies of the current state government. Former MLA Vinay Shankar Tiwari also spoke openly, urging the Brahmin community to unite and challenge the government in the upcoming elections. His remarks further politicized the event.

The atmosphere increased due to the statements of the leaders

Former PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri also addressed the gathering. In his address, he emphasized the role and unity of the Brahmin community, raising passionate slogans that galvanized the audience. His statements from the stage gave the event a completely political twist.

Shankaracharya made allegations against the government

In his address, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda leveled several serious allegations against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the state government. He stated that if the government were truly serious about the issues of Sanatan Dharma and cow protection, the opposition would not have had the opportunity to question it. He also said that various political parties should take a clear stand on issues like cow protection.

Warning about elections

Referring to the upcoming 2027 elections, Shankaracharya said that if no political party raises the issue of declaring the cow "Mother of the Nation," he might consider fielding a candidate himself. He also questioned the state government's handling of animal protection in the state.

Questions were also raised regarding constitutional posts

In his address, Shankaracharya also commented on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's role as both a saint and a chief minister. He said that it is not in keeping with decorum for one person to hold both roles. He also said that saints should stay away from government positions.

National Desk: A major update has emerged from Katra for pilgrims planning to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. According to reports, the pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended and counters issuing new travel slips (registrations) have been closed.

The journey had to be stopped as the crowd increased

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has advised pilgrims to stay at their safe stopping points and not attempt to proceed further. Devotees' enthusiasm remains undiminished even after Chaitra Navratri, with millions of devotees making the pilgrimage from Katra to Bhawan.

Heavy crowds on weekends

A devotional atmosphere prevailed in the Bhawan complex, the Yatra route, and Katra, with chants of "Jai Mata Di" echoing throughout. The number of pilgrims steadily increased on Saturday and Sunday, putting pressure on the administration and security forces. Due to the large crowds on Sunday evening, the Yatra was temporarily halted to avoid any untoward incident.

When will the journey begin?

The news of relief for pilgrims is that the pilgrimage will resume on Monday (March 30) morning. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards will also be issued that morning.

Long lines formed throughout the day

Long queues of pilgrims were seen at registration counters throughout the day on Sunday. Devotees also lined up for security checks at the "Darshan Deori," the entry point to the pilgrimage site. Devotees were escorted into the Bhavan complex for darshan in an orderly manner, with the Shrine Board and security forces paying close attention to line management.

Clear weather, tight security

Due to clear weather, pilgrims faced no significant difficulties during the pilgrimage. Police and security forces remained deployed along the pilgrimage routes throughout the day, helping with crowd control and handling any emergencies.

Important advice for devotees

At present, the administration has appealed to the devotees to follow the instructions and maintain patience till the yatra resumes, so that the safety of everyone can be ensured.

National Desk: If you have an account with Punjab National Bank (PNB), the month of April could prove crucial for you. The bank has issued an alert stating that accounts that have not seen any transactions in the past three years may be closed. PNB has clarified that action will be taken if these accounts are not activated by April 15, 2026.

Action will start from April 16

According to the bank, after the April 15 deadline, the process of closing such accounts will begin on April 16. This action will only apply to accounts that have been inactive for the past three years and have a current balance of zero. The bank also shared information regarding this on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on March 18.

Opportunity to activate the account

PNB has advised customers to activate their accounts before the deadline. Account holders can visit their nearest branch to complete the KYC process or initiate transactions on their accounts. Doing so can prevent account closure.

If you don't update it on time, you'll have trouble.

The bank has warned that if customers fail to complete the required procedures on time, their accounts may be closed without further notice. Therefore, performing a simple KYC update or transaction has become extremely important.

Steps taken to prevent fraud

PNB stated that this decision is aimed at reducing the risk associated with inactive and zero-balance accounts. These accounts are more susceptible to fraud, so the bank is strictly monitoring them. Customers are also advised to contact their bank branch in case of any problems.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global oil and gas supplies, leaving India, like many other countries, facing a fuel crisis. To address this situation, the central government has taken a major step, temporarily relaxing regulations to facilitate the supply of kerosene to households.

The government has given temporary relaxation in the rules

According to a gazette notification issued on March 29, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has permitted the ad-hoc supply of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for 60 days under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in 21 states and union territories. This is aimed at ensuring that the public does not face fuel shortages. The states where this will apply include Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Kerosene will now be available at petrol pumps too.

Under the new rules, select petrol pumps of public sector oil marketing companies have been allowed to store and distribute kerosene.

• A maximum of 5,000 litres of kerosene can be stored at each selected petrol pump.
• A maximum of two petrol pumps in each district will be designated for this.

This step will help in speeding up the supply and making it available to the common people quickly.

Relaxation in licensing norms to speed up supply chain

The notification states that dealers and vehicles engaged in the storage, transportation and distribution of kerosene have been temporarily exempted from certain licensing provisions of the Petroleum Rules 2002. This is aimed at expediting the supply chain and ensuring timely delivery of fuel to the end consumer.

Supply will be for domestic use only.

The government has made it clear that kerosene will be supplied only for domestic needs like cooking and lighting, so that it is not misused.

PDS supply will resume even in closed areas

This decision also temporarily resumes kerosene supply through the PDS in areas where it was previously phased out. This will ensure swift and efficient distribution through the existing fuel retail network.

Safety rules will apply

All safety guidelines and operational protocols issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be strictly followed during the entire process.

What is its effect?

This decision of the government is expected to provide relief to the common people amid the current LPG crisis, especially in those areas where the need for alternative fuel is increasing rapidly.

New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Kuala Lumpur on Saturday on a two-day official visit to Malaysia. The visit, conducted at the special invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is seen as crucial for elevating the historical and cultural ties between the two countries to new heights.

In his pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said, I am leaving today on an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The historic relationship between India and Malaysia has witnessed steady progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and further strengthening our comprehensive strategic partnership. Our aim will be to further deepen defense and security ties, enhance economic and innovation partnership, and expand cooperation into new areas.

"I also look forward to meeting the Indian community in Malaysia. At nearly three million, they represent one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the world. Their immense contribution to Malaysia's progress and their role as a vibrant bridge between our two countries form the strong foundation of our historic friendship," Modi said.

The Prime Minister will arrive in Kuala Lumpur around 5 p.m., after which he will proceed to the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre where he will address the Indian diaspora. Malaysia is home to approximately 3 million Indian diaspora, of which over 2.7 million hold Overseas Indian (OCI) cards. Large cutouts have been erected at various locations across the Malaysian capital to welcome Prime Minister Modi.

He will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Perdana Putra Bhavan, the Prime Minister's Office, at 9 a.m. on Sunday. He will then proceed to Seri Perdana, the Prime Minister's residence, where he will hold a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by a delegation-level meeting. During this meeting, several agreements will be signed between the two countries and leaders will deliver press statements. Following this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will host a luncheon in Prime Minister Modi's honor. Prime Minister Modi will then return home.

India and Malaysia share strong historical and socio-cultural ties. Malaysia is an important partner for India in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region and a key pillar of India's Act East Policy.

The Torana Gate, located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, is a gift from India to Malaysia as a symbol of the continued friendship between the two countries. The Torana Gate was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, on 23 November 2015. During this visit, the bilateral relations between India and Malaysia were elevated to the status of an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership'. Subsequently, during the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India from 19-21 August 2024, India-Malaysia diplomatic relations were elevated to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1957.

Prime Minister Modi also met with Prime Minister Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6, 2025. Prime Minister Modi also participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The two Prime Ministers also spoke by telephone on October 22, 2025.

India-Malaysia defense relations have grown steadily over the past few years, encompassing a range of initiatives from capacity-building exercises and military training to defense industrial cooperation. During Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's visit in 2023, the first regional office of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was opened in Kuala Lumpur. Economic and commercial engagement is one of the key pillars of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries is projected to reach US$19.85 billion in fiscal year 2024-25. Malaysia is our third-largest trading partner in ASEAN, while India is among Malaysia's top 10 trading partners. Mutual trade between India and Malaysia can be conducted in Indian Rupees, among other currencies. To further facilitate people-to-people exchanges, both countries have liberalized visa regulations for tourists. India is the fifth-largest source of inbound tourism for Malaysia. Malaysia has allowed visa-free travel for Indian citizens from December 2023, while India has allowed free tourist visas for Malaysian citizens from July 2024 until December this year. Around 1.4 million Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2025, while around 300,000 Malaysian tourists visited India, the highest number among ASEAN countries.

Following the announcement made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia during his visit to India in August 2024, a Chair of Ayurveda Studies has been established at the University Tunku Abdul Rahman Malaysia. This Chair became operational in September 2024. Similarly, a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies has been established at the University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.

New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the framework for an interim trade agreement between India and the United States, calling it a major and positive achievement for both countries. He said that this framework reflects the depth, trust, and vigor of the India-US strategic partnership and will provide new strength to the Make in India campaign.

Responding to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's post on Instagram regarding the India-US interim trade agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for his personal contribution to strengthening the relationship between the two countries. The Prime Minister said that this interim trade agreement will open up new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises, startup innovators and fishermen, leading to massive employment generation in the country, especially for women and youth.

The Prime Minister stated that this agreement will further deepen investment and technology partnerships between India and the United States and strengthen reliable and robust supply chains. He also stated that this will not only benefit the economies of both countries but will also accelerate global growth. Reiterating the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister said that India is fully committed to forward-looking global partnerships that empower people and promote shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister described this as excellent news for both India and the United States. He said that this framework will give new impetus to innovation, investment, and technology cooperation between the two countries and further strengthen the global supply chain. He said that as India progresses towards a developed India, it will remain committed to building global partnerships that put people at the center and contribute to shared development globally.

Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the interim trade agreement between the two countries as a historic step for India's economy, exports, and employment. He said that under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has established this important framework with the United States, which will open the doors to the vast $30 trillion US market for Indian exporters.

Piyush Goyal stated that this agreement will significantly benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises, farmers, and fishermen. The increased exports will create millions of new employment opportunities for women and youth. Under this framework, the US will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent, providing a significant boost to Indian exports in sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home decor, handicraft products, and select machinery. This opportunity will ensure India's strong presence in the world's largest economy.

He added that tariffs will also be completely eliminated on several products, including generic medicines, gems and jewelry, diamonds, and aircraft components. This will strengthen Make in India and further strengthen India's export competitiveness. India has achieved favorable outcomes through negotiations on exemptions for aircraft components under Section 232, tariff rate quotas on auto parts, and generic medicines, ensuring substantial export benefits in these sectors.

He said the agreement fully protects farmers' interests and rural livelihoods, fully protecting other sensitive agricultural products, including corn, wheat, rice, soy, poultry, milk, cheese, fuel ethanol, tobacco, certain vegetables, meat, and dairy.

It is noteworthy that India and the United States issued a joint statement early today outlining the framework for an interim trade agreement. The statement stated that this initiative represents a historic step toward promoting reciprocal, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade between the two countries. The statement described it as a significant step toward elevating the India-US economic partnership to new heights and a significant milestone toward a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.

According to a joint statement, this framework is a significant milestone in the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025. India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial products and several food and agricultural products, including red sorghum for animal feed, dried distillers' grains, dried fruits, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and many other products.

Bhopal.   Makar Sankranti is an important festival in Hindu mythology. People eat sesame laddus, share joy, and fly kites. Chinese kite string is being used for kite flying. This string is causing deaths. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has now issued a strong statement on this issue. 

A case of culpable homicide will be registered

Hearing a case on Chinese manja, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court stated that fatal incidents, despite the ban, are unfortunate. If minors are caught in connection with Chinese manja, their parents will be held responsible. The High Court has taken a tough stance on deaths caused by Chinese manja. The court stated that if someone dies due to Chinese manja, a case of culpable homicide will be filed against the person involved under Section 106(1) of the CrPC. 

Contractor dies in Indore due to Chinese manjha

A tile contractor died on Monday from Chinese manjha. He was traveling from Khajrana to Bengali Square on his bike when the manjha entangled itself around his neck, severing his neck. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead. Several people were also injured by this manjha in Indore, Ujjain, and Chhindwara. 

Police took action in Bhopal

Bhopal Police have taken major action against the sale of Chinese thread. Chinese thread was being sold at a grocery store in Meenal. The accused was found in possession of one large roller of Chinese thread, containing 1000 meters of thread, four medium rollers containing 500 meters of thread each, and 11 packets of Chinese thread, each containing 200 meters of thread, all in total, approximately 5200 meters of Chinese thread. 

Why is Chinese manjha so dangerous?

Chinese manja is made from metallic powder. Glass shavings are also used on the thread. 
Chinese manja is made of nylon, which is not easily broken. 
Using this manja poses a danger not only to humans but also to animals and birds. 
Chinese manja poses the greatest threat to bikers, children playing on rooftops, and pedestrians. 

Bhopal.  Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will inaugurate the Khelo MP Youth Games at 6 pm today. The Khelo MP Youth Games will begin at the Water Sports Academy, Boat Club, Bada Talab, Bhopal, with water projection, a laser show, spectacular fireworks, and performances by Shefali Alvares and Divya Kumar.

A grand inauguration will take place in the city of lakes.

The Khelo MP Youth Games are being organized for the first time in the country through joint coordination between the Sports Department and all recognized sports associations. The grand opening of MP's biggest sports extravaganza will take place in Bhopal, the city of lakes. The grandeur of Bhopal's lakes will be vividly showcased at the opening ceremony.

The competitions will be held in four stages.

The Khelo MP Youth Games logo, T-shirt, torch, anthem, and mascot will be launched at the event. The competition will continue until January 31st. The competition will be held in four phases at the block, district, division, and state levels, with approximately 150,000 players expected to participate. Players who excel in the Youth Games will be given priority in state team selection.

State level competitions from 28th to 31st January

The state-level winners will receive approximately ₹4 crore in prize money. The first prize will be ₹31,000, the second ₹21,000, and the third ₹11,000. The selection process will begin at the block level. Block-level competitions will be held from January 13th to 16th, district-level competitions from January 16th to 20th, division-level competitions from January 21st to 25th, and state-level competitions from January 28th to 31st.

28 sports competitions will be organized

A total of 28 sports will be contested at the Khelo MP Youth Games 2025. The department has appointed coordination officers to ensure better coordination with sports associations. Sports enthusiasts will be invited to the opening and closing ceremonies, and representatives from national sports federations will also attend as guests. Sports events will be held in regions with a strong tradition and popularity.

313 development blocks of the state will participate

State-level competitions are proposed to be held in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Sagar, and Narmadapuram. Following the block-level selection process, 313 development blocks across the state will participate at the district level. Teams from 10 state-level divisions—Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Sagar, Rewa, Chambal, Narmadapuram, and Shahdol—will participate at the state level.

Competitions in 11 sports in three stages

Competitions in 11 sports will be held in three stages (block, district, and state level). These include hockey, boxing, athletics, kho-kho, swimming, table tennis, mallakhamb, wrestling, judo, chess, and weightlifting. Competitions in 10 sports will be held in four stages (block, district, division, and state level). These include football, volleyball, cricket, badminton, pitu, basketball, tennis, yoga, tug of war, and kabaddi. Competitions in archery, taekwondo, kayaking-canoeing, rowing, fencing, shooting, and throwball will be held directly at the state level.

Different venues for different sports

The venues for different sports are different. Athletics, Fencing, Boxing, Cricket (Men), Rowing, Kayaking (Canoeing), Swimming, Shooting, Hockey (Men), Throw-ball in Bhopal, Basketball, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Tennis, Swimming in Indore, Women's Cricket in Shivpuri, Hockey (Women), Badminton, Pittu in Gwalior, Mallakhamb, Yogasana, Kabaddi, Tug of War, Wrestling in Ujjain, Kho-Kho, Archery in Jabalpur, Football in Rewa, Chess, Taekwondo in Narmadapuram, Judo competition in Sagar.

New Delhi . Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the chanting of Omkar Mantra and also witness a drone show at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Saturday evening. Sources said the Prime Minister will participate in a Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to commemorate the warriors who laid down their lives while protecting the temple. The Shaurya Yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses as a symbol of valour and sacrifice. The Omkar Mantra is to be chanted for 72 hours.

Bhopal:  If you're planning to head to Madhya Pradesh's tiger reserves to celebrate the New Year, be sure to make your reservations in advance. Bookings at Madhya Pradesh's major tiger reserves are full from the last evening of 2025 until the first week of the new year. Entry through the main gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which has the largest number of tigers, is already booked until January 10th. The situation is similar for resorts, hotels, and restaurants surrounding the tiger reserve. However, entry through some of the tiger reserve's gates is still open.

'Entry from Bandhavgarh's main gate is full, but options are available'

Every year, the highest number of tourists visit Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve during New Year's.  According to PCCF Wildlife Shubhranjan Cell  , "Typically, on New Year's, a large number of tourists visit the state's tiger reserves to see the tigers. This year too, a large number of tourists have made bookings. A large number of tourists have booked hotels and resorts adjacent to the forest. Around 1,000 tourists are arriving for safaris in the core and buffer zones of Bandhavgarh."

The situation is similar in other tiger reserves. In Bandhavgarh, most tourists prefer to take safaris from the Khitauli, Magadhi, and Tala gates. Safaris from these three gates are full until January 10th. However, tourists can still enjoy safaris from the three buffer zone gates: Dhamokar, Johila, and Panpatha. Booking options are still available from all three gates."

Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve's core area is full, buffer area is empty

Both morning and evening safari bookings at the five main gates of Madhya Pradesh's Kanha Tiger Reserve are fully booked for the first week of the New Year. Bookings are full at Kanha's Kisli, Mukki, Sarhi Gate, and Sarhi Khatia. However, there are still plenty of available bookings for safaris at the buffer zone gates. From here, tourists can enjoy a New Year's stroll through the forest.

Bookings are full in Pench, Panna and Satpura Tiger Reserves.

Advance bookings have been completed for the core area of ​​Madhya Pradesh's Pench Tiger Reserve for the first week of the new year. However, bookings are still available for visiting the buffer zone. The Tiliya, Raukhad, and Khabasa buffer zones of the Pench Tiger Reserve are accessible for visiting.

In the Panna Tiger Reserve, bookings at all three gates of the core area have been fully booked in the first week of the new year. Bookings in the core area are full until January 7th. However, bookings are still available in the buffer area.

In the Satpura Tiger Reserve, advance bookings have been made for the core area until January 2nd. However, after this, the core area of ​​Satpura can be visited. Reservations can also be made for the buffer area for the New Year.

The number of tourists here is still low.

The state's Ratapani Tiger Reserve and Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve are still experiencing a lack of tourists. Safaris can be enjoyed here during the New Year. Jhiri and Delawadi in Ratapani, adjacent to the capital Bhopal, are accessible during the New Year. Tourists can easily find bookings here. The same situation applies to Nauradehi, or Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve. Bookings are also readily available here.

DJ will not be played, bonfires will also be banned.

In view of the New Year's celebrations, the Forest Department has instructed hotels, restaurants, and resorts adjacent to the Tiger Reserve to maintain a low-key New Year's Eve celebration. Hotel and resort operators will be able to organize special events for the New Year's Eve party, but DJs and sound systems will not be allowed. Bonfires are also prohibited. Meanwhile, mobile phones are already prohibited during safaris in the Tiger Reserve.

Khandwa | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, was awarded the President's Water Award for water conservation. Questions are now being raised about this. Allegations are being made that the photos uploaded to the government portal, claiming to be of Khandwa, were created using artificial intelligence. While Jitu Patwari has been targeted by the government after the matter came to light, the District Collector has offered an explanation. 

President Draupadi Murmu honored him.

In fact, on November 18, 2025, Khandwa was honored by President Draupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi for its commendable work in water conservation. Kaveshwar, the best Gram Panchayat, ranked second in the country. Khandwa ranked first in the country for its "Water Conservation and Public Participation" initiative under the Government of India's "Catch the Rain" program. The award was accompanied by a sum of ₹2 crore (approximately $20 million). Collector Rishav Gupta and District Panchayat CEO Dr. Nagarjuna Gowda received the award, and photographs of the ceremony were also released.

AI photos uploaded on government portal

Before the awards ceremony, nominations are required to upload photos and other necessary documents to government portals to explain and demonstrate their progress. In this context, the photos uploaded by Khandwa district to the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) program portal and the Catch the Rain (CTR) portal are AI-enabled. The logos of the sites that generated these photos are also included.

Jitu Patwari took aim

Congress state president Jitu Patwari has taken aim at this entire issue. In a post on the social media site X, he wrote that while the BJP government should be teaching our children the proper use of AI, it is itself engaging in corruption using AI. In Khandwa, BJP government officials, in the name of water conservation, converted two-foot-deep pits into wells using AI and uploaded AI-generated images of various development projects throughout the region to a portal.

He further wrote that on the basis of these photographs, an award was even taken from the Honorable President. When the ground reality was revealed, it turned out to be fields and empty fields. Clearly, this was not water conservation, but a game of technologically engineered images. Corruption has also become smarter under BJP rule.

The clarification presented by the administration

A clarification has been issued on this matter from the official account of the Khandwa Collector. The post states that unfortunately, some social media accounts are spreading what appears to be fake news regarding the water conservation works being undertaken by Khandwa district. It is clarified that Khandwa district was awarded the Honorable President's Award for constructing the highest number of water conservation works (over 1.25 lakh) in the entire country under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) program. A separate JSJB portal was available for the JSJB program. Only verified photos were uploaded on the JSJB portal after careful and thorough scrutiny by the district administration at the block and district levels.

Talking about action against those responsible, the post stated that in addition, there is another portal called Catch the Rain (CTR), where IEC photos related to water conservation are generally uploaded for educational and motivational purposes only. It has come to the attention of the district administration that approximately 20 AI-generated photos were uploaded to the CTR portal, possibly with malicious intent. The district administration is taking action against the individuals who uploaded these approximately 20 AI-generated photos.

During the holidays from December 25th to the New Year, most people embark on a journey. Crowds are seen at tourist sites and religious sites. A similar atmosphere is being observed this year. Devotees are thronging the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

The Mahakal Temple is regularly visited by devotees year-round. Following the construction of Mahakal Lok, the daily number of devotees has increased. Now, with the New Year approaching, the number of devotees is increasing. Consequently, the temple's darshan arrangements have also undergone changes. In addition to Mahakaleshwar, other temples in the city have also made arrangements to accommodate the crowds.

12 lakh devotees are expected to visit Mahakal.

On normal days, up to 1,20,000 devotees visit the temple. On weekends, this figure rises to 150,000 to 170,000. The temple management committee estimates 600,000 devotees from December 25th to January 31st, and 1.2 million devotees on New Year's Day.

How is the darshan system?

Devotees coming to the temple are being allowed entry through the Mansarovar Gate. From here, they are reaching the Ganesh Mandapam through the tunnel via the barricade. After darshan, they are being taken out through the corporation road built at the Bada Ganesh Temple. Devotees who are taking the receipt for quick darshan of Rs 250 are being taken through the Bada Ganesh Temple, through the tunnel via the barricade, to the Ganesh Mandapam and are being given darshan from line number one.

These changes were made

According to Mahakal Temple Assistant Administrator Ashish Falwadia, due to the crowds, the protocol darshan system has been discontinued from December 27th to January 5th. Only VVIP devotees will be granted protocol. Ordinary devotees can visit the temple normally or through the expedited darshan system for ₹250. Parking arrangements have been made outside the city. Vehicles coming from outside will be stopped there, as the parking lot inside is nearly full.

Confluence of faith in Kalbhairav ​​too

Ujjain is famous not only for Mahakaleshwar but also for its other temples. One of these is the shrine of Baba Kaal Bhairav. This is the only temple in the world where Baba Bhairav ​​himself drinks alcohol. Liquor is offered as an offering here. This year, the temple committee expects 8 to 10 lakh devotees by the New Year.

How is the darshan system?

Due to the large crowds arriving, protocol arrangements have been suspended at the temple. Devotees are being escorted through seven layers of barricades to the temple entrance. It takes approximately two hours for devotees to have darshan.

what changed

According to Kaal Bhairav ​​Temple priest Omprakash Chaturvedi, proper arrangements for toilets and drinking water have been made to ensure visitors don't face any inconvenience. A medical team is also deployed in the temple premises. 50 policemen have been deployed. In addition, 30 security personnel from a private company are also handling the arrangements. Vehicle parking has been arranged near the bridge on the banks of the Shuddha River. Besides Mahakal and Kaal Bhairav, devotees are also pouring in at other temples including Mangalnath, Garhkalika, and Harsiddhi.

Reactions to the statement made by senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh continue. Opposition to him has now begun within the party itself. Madhya Pradesh Congress General Secretary and co-incharge of the training department, Nidhi Chaturvedi, has targeted Digvijay Singh. She asked, "Ideological duplicity or a desperate attempt to 'return home'? When will action be taken against Digvijay Singh, who is undermining the Congress party's roots?"

A slap in the face of grassroots workers

Posting on the social media site Facebook, Nidhi Chaturvedi wrote that Digvijay Singh's recent statement has slapped everyone from Rahul Gandhi to all those grassroots workers who are fighting on the streets against the ideology of the RSS and BJP. As a senior Congress leader, it was his responsibility to sharpen the party's ideological struggle, not demoralize his own workers by praising the opposition camp. His "nonsensical" rhetoric, meant to remain in the headlines, has deeply hurt the self-respect of every true Congressman.

He further wrote that by nurturing Thakurism, feudalism, and factionalism in Madhya Pradesh politics, Digvijay Singh has always weakened the Congress party from within rather than strengthening it. If there is one figure who has consistently interfered in Madhya Pradesh politics for the past twenty years, it is Digvijay Singh. Whether it's organizational decisions, leadership selection, or setting political direction, his role has been decisive. As a result, many dedicated and grassroots leaders have either been marginalized or have been driven out of politics altogether.

The influence of family DNA?

In a Facebook post, he wrote that the Congress party was harmed more by Digvijay Singh's internal squabbles and personality-centric politics than by the opposition. The question arises: is Digvijay Singh's "RSS-praise" merely a coincidence or the influence of his family DNA? He further wrote that few people realize how long Digvijay Singh's association with the "Hinduist" politics he pretends to oppose is. Several books and research papers on Madhya Pradesh politics, including "The Saffron Tide," mention that the Raghogarh royal family has roots in the Hindu Mahasabha. 

Digvijay Singh shared the picture

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh shared an old photo on the social media site X, in which several prominent leaders, including former Bharatiya Janata Party President Lal Krishna Advani, are seated on chairs, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before becoming Prime Minister, is seated on the ground. Sharing this photo, he wrote about how RSS grassroots volunteers, sitting at the feet of Jan Sangh leaders, became Chief Ministers of states and Prime Ministers of the country.

The Madhya Pradesh government has finalized the calendar for 2026. Along with this, a holiday plan has also been prepared for government employees. Government offices will be open for 238 days in the new year. Offices will be closed for 127 days, meaning employees will receive holidays.

23 public holidays

The five-day working period for state government employees will remain in effect as before. This time, employees will be given 23 public holidays. These holidays include Republic Day (January 26), Holi (March 4), Gudi Padwa (March 19), Chetrichand (March 20), Ram Navami (March 26), Mahavir Jayanti (March 31), Good Friday (April 3), Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti and Baisakhi (April 14), Parashuram Jayanti (April 20), Buddha Purnima (May 1), Eid-ul-Zuha (May 27), Maharana Pratap Jayanti/Chhatrasal Jayanti (June 17), Muharram (June 26), Milad-un-Nabi (August 26), Krishna Janmashtami (September 4), Ganesh Chaturthi (September 14), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Vijayadashami (October 20), Diwali (November 8), Govardhan Puja (November 9), Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 24), and Christmas (December 25).

62 optional holidays to employees

This year, six important festivals and holidays fall on Saturdays and Sundays. Consequently, employees will not receive the benefit of the holiday. This year, 62 optional holidays have been designated, of which government employees will be able to take three. The least number of optional holidays are in May and July, and the most in January and April.

Child care leave will be available three times

The Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1977, have been amended. The revised rules will be implemented from January 1, 2026. Women will receive 730 days of child care leave. The special feature is that full salary will be paid for the first 365 days, followed by 80%. Child care leave cannot be taken more than three times. Additionally, teachers will be eligible for ten days of earned leave.

Mandideep.   A major revelation has been made in the case of 34-year-old Vivek Sharma, alias Avinash, alias Kake, a resident of Narmadapuram district, who went missing from the Satlapur area of ​​the city late Friday night. Satlapur police found Avinash's body lying in suspicious condition in the Shahganj forest on Monday morning. The body bore severe head injuries, raising suspicions of murder. According to police sources, Vivek Sharma had visited Mandideep on Friday. He partied with Rahul Sahu and others at his friend Neeraj Sen's farm on Lorka Pipaliya Road. Neeraj Sen told police that Avinash left alone for Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) in his Hyundai Venue car around 11 p.m. Afterward, he never returned home or was heard from. His mobile phone was switched off after leaving Mandideep. When his phone turned on Saturday evening, family members called, but an unknown person answered the call. He reported that the phone was found near a restaurant in the Ratapani area. Satlapur police station took the matter seriously, connecting the sequence of events and examining CCTV footage. The investigation suggests a case of murder. Although the police are refraining from making official statements, sources claim that four to five people are involved. Police have detained some suspects, while the search for others is ongoing. Police have gathered solid evidence and are investigating. A major revelation is expected soon. The body will be brought to Mandideep for a post-mortem examination, the report of which will reveal the exact cause of death. The family is in mourning and suspects murder. The Superintendent of Police has ordered a thorough investigation. In view of the tension in the area, police reinforcements have been deployed.