Wednesday, May 20

State

Great Indian Bustard Population in Jaisalmer Surges from 128 to 198, Marking a Major Conservation Success
Rajasthan, State

Great Indian Bustard Population in Jaisalmer Surges from 128 to 198, Marking a Major Conservation Success

A remarkable conservation milestone has been achieved for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), the state bird of Rajasthan. According to the latest nationwide scientific survey conducted between April 7–17, 2025, the number of GIBs in the Jaisalmer region has increased from 128 in 2017 to 198. Experts say this significant rise, despite persistent threats such as high-voltage power lines, is a testament to the success of dedicated protection efforts. The survey, spanning nearly 22,000 square kilometers around Jaisalmer, involved over 200 scientists, volunteers, and forest officials operating in more than 50 specialized teams over 10 days. Using modern scientific methods, the team confirmed that targeted policies, technology, and teamwork can help revive species on the brink of extinction. ...
Woman Killed in Horrific Road Accident on Agra-Firozabad Highway; Dozens of Vehicles Run Over Body
State, Uttar Pradesh

Woman Killed in Horrific Road Accident on Agra-Firozabad Highway; Dozens of Vehicles Run Over Body

A tragic accident on the Agra-Firozabad highway claimed the life of an unidentified woman on Tuesday night, leaving witnesses horrified. The woman was struck by a speeding truck around 10:30 PM at the Syed Kat area near Trans Yamuna, police said. The impact was so severe that the truck ran over her body, causing fatal injuries on the spot. Shockingly, dozens of vehicles continued to pass over the body until morning, further mutilating it. Pieces of the woman’s body were scattered across the road, creating a scene of blood and chaos that left bystanders shaken. Passersby stopped traffic and alerted the authorities, who had to scrape the remains from the road and send them for post-mortem. The police officer-in-charge of Etmaddaula, Devendra Dubey, said the woman’s face and body were b...
Film-Style Ambush on NH-44: Narsinghpur Police Seize 152 kg Ganja Worth ₹50 Lakh
Madhya Pradesh, State

Film-Style Ambush on NH-44: Narsinghpur Police Seize 152 kg Ganja Worth ₹50 Lakh

In a major anti-drug operation, Narsinghpur police intercepted 152 kilograms of illegal ganja on National Highway-44, valued at approximately ₹50 lakh in the international market. The consignment was being transported from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, to Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, when police traced and apprehended the smugglers. The operation began after a tip-off alerted authorities about a large consignment moving along NH-44. Acting swiftly, the Kotwali police set up strategic checkpoints. A suspicious pickup vehicle bearing registration number CG 06 M 0931 was spotted speeding along the highway. Police pursued the vehicle and executed a precise ambush near Kapuri T-junction, successfully stopping it. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered numerous empty crates. A closer in...
Amethi Student Forced to Quit Board Exams Amid Harassment; Questions Raised on Women’s Safety
State, Uttar Pradesh

Amethi Student Forced to Quit Board Exams Amid Harassment; Questions Raised on Women’s Safety

A disturbing case from Amethi has raised serious questions about women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh. An intermediate-level student, allegedly harassed and threatened repeatedly, has decided to skip her board examinations out of fear. Despite lodging complaints with the police, the accused reportedly continued to intimidate her. The incident took place in Shiv Datt Tiwari Ka Purwa under Jamo police station limits. The student, tormented by persistent harassment, has reportedly lost the courage to appear for her exams. Shockingly, the harassment occurred just a few steps from the local police station, yet the perpetrators showed no fear of law enforcement. The victim’s family approached the police, leading to a case being registered against three accused. However, two of them were reporte...
Chhattisgarh High Court Threatened with Bomb via Suspicious Email; Security Agencies on High Alert
Chhattisgarh, State

Chhattisgarh High Court Threatened with Bomb via Suspicious Email; Security Agencies on High Alert

A bomb threat email sent to the official email ID of the Bilaspur-based Chhattisgarh High Court sparked panic across the court premises on Tuesday. The message reportedly contained a warning to blow up the court building, prompting immediate action by security and police forces. Authorities swiftly evacuated the High Court premises as a precaution. A bomb disposal squad conducted a thorough search of every corner of the building, assisted by sniffer dogs. Fortunately, no suspicious objects or explosives were found during the sweep. Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh informed the media that the threatening email was received at 11:50 a.m. Security personnel acted immediately, and a detailed inspection of the High Court premises was carried out. “No dangerous materials were found i...
Meghalaya Budget Session Sees Unusual Assembly Exchange Between CM and Wife
north east, State

Meghalaya Budget Session Sees Unusual Assembly Exchange Between CM and Wife

Shillong: An unusual but respectful exchange between the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, and his wife, Dr. Mehtab Chandi A. Sangma, took center stage during the ongoing budget session of the state assembly on Tuesday. Dr. Mehtab Sangma, a legislator from the Gambegre constituency in West Garo Hills representing the National People's Party (NPP), raised questions regarding delays in the establishment of livestock education institutions. Her queries focused on the progress of a veterinary college, two fisheries colleges, and a dairy college, all of which had received cabinet approval in 2022 and were included in the Governor’s address. The Chief Minister, who has been serving since 2018 and also holds the finance portfolio, responded formally to his wife’s questions. He ...
Maoist Divisional Commander Mallesh Surrenders to BSF in Chhattisgarh, Brings AK-47
Chhattisgarh, State

Maoist Divisional Commander Mallesh Surrenders to BSF in Chhattisgarh, Brings AK-47

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: In a major breakthrough against Maoist insurgency, Mallesh, a divisional committee member and supply team leader of the banned CPI (Maoist), surrendered along with other cadres at a BSF camp in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Wednesday. The commander personally handed over an AK-47 rifle at the Chhote Bethiya camp, marking a significant step toward restoring peace in the conflict-affected region. Formal Surrender Process UnderwayAccording to police sources, Mallesh arrived at the camp accompanied by a group of villagers and expressed his desire to reintegrate into mainstream society. While the formal surrender procedures are still pending, local social workers and two journalists played a key role in persuading the cadre to give up arms. Authorities described thi...
Kishanganj’s Demographics Tell a Unique Story: Last Hindu MP and MLA Elected in 1967
Bihar, State

Kishanganj’s Demographics Tell a Unique Story: Last Hindu MP and MLA Elected in 1967

Patna: Bihar’s Kishanganj district is unique in the state for its striking demographic imbalance. With a Muslim population of around 70%, Hindus are now a minority, making it the only district in Bihar with such a composition. This demographic shift has shaped the political landscape of the district for decades. A History of Hindu RepresentationBefore 1969, Kishanganj had elected Hindu representatives without any issue of communal polarization. The first MLA of Kishanganj, Rawatmal Agrawal, won the 1952 election defeating independent candidate Abdul Hayat. In 1967, Sushila Kapoor of the Praja Socialist Party defeated independent K. Rahman by over 11,000 votes, receiving 16,207 votes to Rahman’s 4,594. This reflected a time when voter preference was based on leadership rather than religi...
Baglamukhi Temple to Remain Closed for Rituals During Lunar Eclipse on March 3
Madhya Pradesh, State

Baglamukhi Temple to Remain Closed for Rituals During Lunar Eclipse on March 3

Agar Malwa: Devotees planning to visit the world-famous Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, Agar Malwa, should note that the temple will remain closed for all worship and rituals on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, due to the lunar eclipse. The temple management has issued prior notice to avoid inconvenience to visitors. Timing of Sutak PeriodThe eclipse’s sutak period will begin at 6:20 AM on 3 March. From this time, all darshan (temple viewing), havan (fire rituals), poojas, and other religious activities will be completely suspended. Entry to the sanctum sanctorum will remain prohibited, and the temple doors will stay closed until the lunar eclipse ends. Regular worship and rituals, including havan, will resume on 4 March 2026 at 6:00 AM after the Mangala Aarti, when the temple gates reopen. ...
Rohit Pawar Demands FIR Against DGCA and VSR Airlines Over Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Rohit Pawar Demands FIR Against DGCA and VSR Airlines Over Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Mumbai: Maharashtra legislator Rohit Pawar, from Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, has taken an aggressive stand following the plane crash that claimed the life of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. On Wednesday, amid the Maharashtra Budget session, Rohit Pawar visited the Marine Drive police station demanding that an FIR be registered against the private charter airline VSR and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Rohit Pawar’s demand comes at a time when the DGCA has grounded four Learjet aircraft operated by VSR. He was accompanied by NCP MLC Amol Mitkari, and both reportedly engaged in a heated discussion with police over the delay in action, questioning why authorities have not proceeded despite apparent evidence surrounding Ajit Pawar’s tragic accident. The crash o...