Saturday, March 21

State

Ex-Minister Deepak Joshi Marries at 63; Wedding Photos Spark Controversy
Madhya Pradesh, State

Ex-Minister Deepak Joshi Marries at 63; Wedding Photos Spark Controversy

Former Madhya Pradesh minister Deepak Joshi tied the knot at the age of 63, marrying 43-year-old former Congress state secretary Pallavi Raj Saxena. The wedding, held on December 4, recently came to public attention when photos and videos were shared on social media, igniting widespread discussion and controversy. Pallavi Raj Saxena posted pictures and videos of the ceremony, including traditional rituals, outings, and celebrations with family. In one video, she humorously comments on Joshi’s frugality while walking to a temple, saying, “Father, look at your son-in-law; he’s so stingy.” Another clip shows Joshi applying sindoor to Pallavi’s hairline, performing traditional wedding rituals, and participating in dance celebrations with family members. Haldi ceremony pictures were also sha...
CM Yogi Explains Appointment of Ex-DGP Prashant Kumar as Chairman of Education Service Selection Commission
State, Uttar Pradesh

CM Yogi Explains Appointment of Ex-DGP Prashant Kumar as Chairman of Education Service Selection Commission

Questions have been raised across political and administrative circles regarding the appointment of former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar as the Chairman of the Education Service Selection Commission. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has now addressed these concerns in the state assembly. Prashant Kumar, a trusted officer in CM Yogi’s tenure, had previously been appointed as UP DGP beyond conventional norms. Following his retirement, speculation about his return to a position of influence persisted. His recent appointment as head of the Education Service Selection Commission has now confirmed his re-entry into administrative power. CM Yogi emphasized that the move aims to curb widespread malpractice in recruitment processes. “Just as our government broke the backbone of mafia element...
Sambhal Court Orders FIR Against 12 Police Officers for Fake Encounter Arrest
State, Uttar Pradesh

Sambhal Court Orders FIR Against 12 Police Officers for Fake Encounter Arrest

In a shocking revelation of police misconduct in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a court has ordered the registration of an FIR against 12 police personnel for allegedly staging a fake encounter to claim the arrest of a man already in jail. The case dates back to April 25, 2022, when milk vendor Durvesh was reportedly robbed of ₹1 lakh. Police initially claimed that Omveer and Rishipal were arrested in connection with the robbery during an encounter. However, it was later revealed that Omveer had been incarcerated in Badaun jail from April 11 to May 12, 2022, making his alleged arrest in the robbery case impossible. During the court proceedings, it was found that police had conspired to present a staged encounter on July 7, 2022, and falsely reported the recovery of 19 motorcycles to implica...
Lion Sparks Panic Among Devotees at Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat
Gujarat, State

Lion Sparks Panic Among Devotees at Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat

Devotees climbing the 3,800 steps of the famous Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat were thrown into panic when a lion suddenly appeared on the temple steps. The incident occurred on the Shatrunjaya hills, a renowned pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees from across the world. As pilgrims slowly ascended the steep stone steps, a lion emerged from the surrounding bushes and began pacing on the main staircase, causing chaos among the crowd. Despite the commotion, some devotees continued chanting prayers, showcasing their faith even in the face of danger. The 11th-century temple complex on Shatrunjaya hills comprises over 3,000 Jain temples, constructed over a span of 900 years. Every year, more than 500,000 pilgrims undertake the strenuous climb to seek blessings at this sacr...
Special Trains from Rajasthan to Tirupati for New Year Devotees
Rajasthan, State

Special Trains from Rajasthan to Tirupati for New Year Devotees

JAIPUR: Devotees planning a New Year pilgrimage to the world-famous Tirupati Balaji Temple have a reason to rejoice. The North Western Railway has announced a new weekly special train service connecting Tirupati and Hisar, providing direct rail connectivity to several districts of Rajasthan, including the Shekhawati region. According to Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, the new service will not only make religious journeys more convenient but will also strengthen trade, employment, and travel links with major cities in South India. The announcement is being hailed as a special gift for Rajasthan residents this New Year. Train Schedule Tirupati to Hisar (Train No. 07717): Weekly special from 31 Dec 2025 to 11 Feb 2026 (7 trips). Departure from ...
Datia Collector Stands Firm Against Patwaris’ Pressure Tactics, Says ‘I Do Not Work for Money’
Madhya Pradesh, State

Datia Collector Stands Firm Against Patwaris’ Pressure Tactics, Says ‘I Do Not Work for Money’

DATIA: Datia District Collector Swapnil Wankhede displayed an uncompromising stance when a large group of patwaris (village-level revenue officers) attempted to pressure the administration at the collectorate office. The patwaris had gathered to protest the suspension of one of their colleagues. However, the collector firmly warned them against such tactics, stating, “I will not bow down. God is with me, and so is Maa (Divine Mother).” No Tolerance for Pressure on AdministrationCollector Wankhede made it clear that attempts to influence the administration through political support or mass gatherings would not be tolerated. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Do you think I will yield just because 60–70 people stand here? Absolutely not. If representatives want to discuss any matter, three t...
Lucknow’s ‘Rashtra Prerna Sthal’: From Garbage Dump to National Inspiration Site, PM Modi to Inaugurate
State, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow’s ‘Rashtra Prerna Sthal’: From Garbage Dump to National Inspiration Site, PM Modi to Inaugurate

LUCKNOW: What was once a foul-smelling garbage heap in the Ghaela area along IIM Road in Lucknow has now been transformed into a sprawling national inspiration site. On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the “Rashtra Prerna Sthal” in the Uttar Pradesh capital to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. During the event, Modi will unveil bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and tour a state-of-the-art museum. From Dump to LandmarkThe 65-acre site, developed at a cost of approximately ₹230 crore, was once infamous as a garbage dump, emitting stench and spreading filth across the area. The site’s degradation also polluted the Gomti River and rendered the surrounding soi...
Jalore Panchayat Sparks Controversy with Smartphone Ban on Women; Senior IPS Rahul Prakash Comments
Rajasthan, State

Jalore Panchayat Sparks Controversy with Smartphone Ban on Women; Senior IPS Rahul Prakash Comments

JALORE/JAIPUR: A recent directive issued by a village panchayat in Jalore district, Rajasthan, banning daughters-in-law and daughters from using smartphones with cameras, has sparked widespread debate. While the decision, set to take effect from January 26, has faced strong opposition, senior IPS officer Rahul Prakash has weighed in, offering nuanced support for limiting smartphone usage—but condemning gender-based restrictions. The Panchayat Order and Its RationaleThe order, issued collectively by the panchayat members of 15 villages, restricts camera-enabled smartphones for women. Panchayat head Sujanaram Chaudhary defended the move, stating that when women in the household possess smartphones, children tend to spend excessive time on screens, potentially harming their eyesight. The d...
Rajasthan, State

Ajmer: Women’s Gang Steals Lakhs Worth of Almonds and Ghee; CCTV Footage Captures the Heist

AJMER: A shocking theft at a mall on Jaipur Road in Ajmer has come to light, where a gang of women stole lakhs of rupees worth of almonds and desi ghee. The daring incident, which occurred in the Civil Lines area, was captured on CCTV cameras, leading to prompt action by mall management and local police. CCTV Footage Reveals the CrimeMall store manager Dilip Prashant revealed that for some time, there had been repeated shortages of almonds and ghee. Suspecting foul play, the management reviewed the CCTV footage, which revealed four to five women engaging in suspicious activity. The footage shows the women arriving by car, and cleverly hiding the expensive items under their inner garments. Planned and Audacious TheftThe CCTV clearly shows that the thefts were carried out in a highly o...
Bhopal: Celebrate New Year at Home with Legal ‘One-Day Bar’ License for Just ₹500
Madhya Pradesh, State

Bhopal: Celebrate New Year at Home with Legal ‘One-Day Bar’ License for Just ₹500

BHOPAL: This New Year, residents of Bhopal can celebrate without worrying about legal restrictions on alcohol at private gatherings. The Excise Department of Madhya Pradesh has introduced a special one-day license allowing citizens to convert their homes into a legal “bar” for just ₹500. One-Day License for Private PartiesAccording to the new guidelines issued by Assistant Excise Commissioner Virendra Singh Dhakad, individuals can now host parties on rooftops, drawing rooms, or private spaces without fear of raids by police or excise authorities. The initiative also provides a clear framework for larger events at gardens, restaurants, or hotels, where gatherings range from 500 to 5,000 people. In such cases, license fees vary from ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh depending on crowd size. Simple an...