Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge held Home Minister Amit Shah accountable for the Pahalgam terror attack, citing Jammu & Kashmir LG's security lapse admission.

Amit Shah must take responsibility for 'security lapse' at Pahalgam: Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge held Home Minister Amit Shah accountable for the Pahalgam terror attack, citing Jammu &amp; Kashmir LG's security lapse admission.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said Home Minister Amit Shah must take responsibility for the "security lapse" which led to the Pahalgam terror attack, and demanded that accountability be fixed.
He was citing Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's statement.
Speaking during the special discussion on 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in the Upper House, the Congress leader attacked the government and took a jibe at PM Narendra Modi's unscheduled visit to Pakistan in 2015.
Kharge said the prime minister should have been present at all-party meet instead of campaigning in Bihar, and questioned Modi's sincerity towards national security.
Demanding accountability, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said the government should admit its 'lapses' and 'failure' in stopping terror attacks.
He asked if Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor's statement on security lapses was aimed at "saving" the home minister.
"Jammu Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha himself admitted that Pahalgam was a security lapse and what happened in Pahalgam was unfortunate, innocent people were brutally killed. (Sinha said) I take all responsibility for the incident. However the home minister must take responsibility for security lapse not the LG," Kharge said.
Congress President and LoP Kharge accused the Modi govt of being arrogant, and not responding to letters by the opposition.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is willing to help Pakistan combat terrorism if it fails to act. Operation Sindoor proves India's zero tolerance towards terror.

If Pak not able to take action against terrorism, India can help: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is willing to help Pakistan combat terrorism if it fails to act. Operation Sindoor proves India's zero tolerance towards terror.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said if Pakistan cannot take action against terrorism on its soil, India is ready to help the neighbouring country as Indian forces are capable of fighting terror on the other side of the border as well.
Initiating a special discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack have been eliminated by Indian forces.
He further said that Operation Sindoor &ndash; India's response to the Pahalgam attack -- has been suspended, and can be resumed anytime if Pakistan indulges in terror activities in India again.
"India wants terrorism to end in the whole world, including Pakistan. I would advise Pakistan, if you are not able to take action against terrorism, take help from India, we are ready to help. Our forces are capable of fighting terror on this side of the border, as well as on the other side, this has been proved by Operation Sindoor," he said.
"If Pakistan commits any terror incidents in future, we will relaunch Operation Sindoor without hesitation," he said. "Our vision is that Operation Sindoor should carry on continuously. There can be a comma but no full stop," he stressed.
Singh also congratulated the security forces for killing three terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed.
"I congratulate the forces for killing three terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack in April. These are the terrorists who killed people in Pahalgam," the defence minister said.
He said Home Minister Amit Shah has provided details of the joint operation by the forces in the Lok Sabha.
Singh said post the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the service chiefs, and gave them free hand to use their wisdom, strategic understanding and regional security situation to decide on the response.
He said the military leadership also showed maturity, and stressed that India's response - Operation Sindoor - was aimed at giving a clear message that India will take strong action and go to any extent against terror.
"Our action was in self-defence, it was not expansionist...The aim was to destroy terror infrastructure and give the message of zero tolerance for terror," Singh said.
"The political-military objective was to punish Pakistan for using terrorism as a proxy war," he added.
Singh said Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) urged India to stop the hostilities, and India accepted it on the condition that the operation would be suspended, not terminated.
"If Pakistan commits any terror incidents in future, we will relaunch Operation Sindoor without hesitation," he said. "Our vision is that Operation Sindoor should carry on continuously. There can be a comma but no full stop," he said.
While expressing surprise over questions raised by some opposition leaders over getting back Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Singh said, "I am surprised at this demand, because when they were in power, they did just the opposite".
"There would come a day, I cannot predict when, but a day would come when people in PoK would be able to say proudly that they are Indians," he said.
He said the forces achieved the goals set under the operation.
"Through Operation Sindoor, we have given a clear message, India can go to any extent against terrorism," he said.
Singh appealed to the international community to stop funding for Pakistan, stating that a major portion goes into funding terror activities.
He also slammed the United Nations over Pakistan&rsquo;s appointment to the key counter-terrorism committee.
Earlier, as the Upper House reassembled at 2 pm, after it was adjourned around 11 am, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said the discussion on Operation Sindoor would be taken up, and urged the members to be mindful of the sensitive nature of the issue.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien tried to raise a point of order.
Harivansh, however, did not allow it, stating that it was not related to the topic of discussion. TMC MPs raised slogans against the SIR, and some MPs also trooped into the Well. As the Chair did not allow the Opposition MPs to speak, MPs from TMC and some other INDIA bloc parties staged a walkout from the House.

Three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were eliminated near Srinagar under Operation Mahadev, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Lok Sabha.

Three terrorists involved in Pahalgam eliminated, Amit Shah announces in Lok Sabha

Three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were eliminated near Srinagar under Operation Mahadev, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Lok Sabha.

Three of the terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam massacre have been eliminated by security forces in a joint operation by the Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police near Srinagar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The terrorists were killed Monday in an operation dubbed Mahadev but officials had held back in identifying them conclusively as the Pahalgam attackers.
Participating in a special discussion on Operation Sindoor, Shah also attacked the opposition party for giving a "clean chit" to Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Had the Congress opposed Partition, the problem of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir would never have occurred, he said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...Operation Sindoor killed those who sent the terrorists and Operation Mahadev killed those who carried out the attack... I thought that after hearing this news, there would be a wave of happiness in the ruling and the&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/86q4X8l1zK">pic.twitter.com/86q4X8l1zK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1950091499003105346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Shah was referring to former Home Minister P Chidambaram's recent remarks that those behind the Pahalgam massacre could be "homegrown terrorists".
Giving details of 'Operation Mahadev', Shah said the slain terrorists have been identified as Suleman alias Faizal, Afghani and Jibran.
"While Suleman was an A-category commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Afghani was also an A-category LeT terrorist. Jibran too was a notorious and wanted terrorist. All these three involved in the killing of our citizens at Baisaran valley in Pahalgam have now been eliminated," he said.
Shah said the identity of the terrorists was confirmed by those detained for sheltering and providing them with food ahead of the Pahalgam attack.
The arms -- one M-9 and two AK-47 rifles -- recovered from the terrorists were flown to Chandigarh Monday night in a special flight for examination at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory.
The empty cartridges found at Pahalgam and those after test firing by the guns recovered from the terrorists were matched by the forensic lab, Shah said. The ballistic report is with him, he added.
"Six forensic experts have confirmed to me on a video call this morning that these are the same bullets used in the Pahalgam attack," he said.
Shah said security forces had recovered Pakistani voter IDs of two of the killed terrorists as well as chocolates made in Pakistan and the weapons.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through Operation Sindoor, ensured that the masterminds of the Pahalgam attack were eliminated. And yesterday, in Operation Mahadev, those terrorists who were involved were eliminated," he said.
Describing the Pahalgam attack as barbaric, Shah said innocent civilians were brutally killed in front of their families after being asked about their religion.
Expressing condolences for those killed in Pahalgam and during Pakistani shelling on civilians, he said civilians were martyred and some gurdwaras and temples damaged due to Pakistani firing.
Terrorists are now being sent from Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir as there are no local terrorists in Kashmir, Shah said.
He said after the elimination of the three terrorists, he thought this news would spark a wave of joy across treasury and opposition benches. "But opposition faces are gloomy," he said.
Describing Pakistan as the root of all terrorism, he said Pakistan was a mistake committed by the Congress. "Had they rejected Partition, there would have been no Pakistan," he added.
Referring to Chidambaram's statement, Shah said it was extremely unfortunate that a former home minister is saying what evidence was there.
"What are they trying to prove? Whom are they trying to protect? They say that the terrorists were not Pakistani, and in this way, a former home minister from Congress is trying to give Pakistan a clean chit. By saying this, Chidambaram wants to suggest that if the terrorists were not Pakistani, then why did we attack Pakistan," he said, adding this was a clear conspiracy to protect Pakistan.
Shah said under Operation Sindoor, Indian forces attacked targets 100 km inside Pakistan and India could exposed state sponsored terrorism in Pakistan.
He said India's armed forces crippled Pakistan's defence systems in such a manner that the neighbouring country had no choice but to request India to halt attacks.
"In 1948, Indian armed forces were in a decisive position to take back Pakistan occupied Kashmir but then PM Jawaharlal Nehru declared unilateral ceasefire," he said.
In 1971, Shah said, 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered and India had 15,000 sq km Pakistan territory under control, but still PoK was not taken back.
During 1962 war with China, then PM Nehru bade goodbye to Assam in a speech on Akashvani, he said.
Shah said between 2005 and 2011, there were 27 terrorists attacks but what did the Congress government do, they just sent dossiers to Pakistan.
"Terrorists now sent from Pakistan to J-K as no local terrorists in Kashmir... Scrapping of Article 370 has destroyed terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
"From 2004 to 2014, there were 7,217 terrorist incidents in Kashmir. From 2014 to 2025, these reduced by 70 per cent to 2,150. From 2004 to 2014, 1,770 civilians died. This reduced by 80 per cent to 357 from 2014 to 2025. From 2004 to 2014, the number of deaths of security forces was 1,060. This decreased to 542 in our time. And there was a 123 per cent increase in the deaths of terrorists," he said.
Attacking Congress, Shah said underworld don Dawood Ibrahim fled in 1986 when Rajiv Gandhi's government was in power, terrorists Syed Salahuddin, Tiger Memon, Anis Ibrahim Kaskar fled in 1993 when Congress government was in power and when Riyaz Bhatkal fled in 2007 and Iqbal Bhatkal fled in 2010, then again it was a Congress government.
"The answer they demanded from me has already been given by our security forces. Now let Rahul Gandhi answer why these people fled," he said.
Shah said Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was scrapped by the Manmohan Singh government in its first cabinet meeting after coming to power in 2004.
"The country deserves to know who benefitted from Congress repealing POTA? Those opposed to POTA will never appreciate Narendra Modi's anti-terror policies," he said.&nbsp;

Punjab Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO will attend the NCSL Legislative Summit 2025 in Boston, discussing governance innovations and exploring global solutions for local public works.

Punjab Minister at NCSL Legislative Summit 2025

Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO from Punjab will participate in the NCSL Legislative Summit 2025, focusing on innovative solutions in public administration and global legislative networking.

Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO is invited to the NCSL Summit 2025 in Boston, highlighting his contributions to Punjab's governance. He aims to foster global legislative interactions and explore solutions for local public works challenges.

Punjab Power and Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO has been invited to participate in the prestigious National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit-2025, scheduled to be held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from August 4-6, 2025.&nbsp;
The invitation has been extended jointly by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and National Legislators' Conference Bharat (NLC Bharat), recognizing the cabinet minister's significant contributions to legislative governance and public administration in Punjab.&nbsp;
The NCSL Legislative Summit 2025 is one of the largest gatherings of legislative leaders, staff experts and policymakers worldwide, creating an environment filled with unparalleled learning, networking and inspiration opportunities.&nbsp;
The Summit will provide a platform to connect with legislative peers and policy innovators from across the globe, enabling me to bring back innovative ideas and best practices that can be implemented for the benefit of Punjab, informed S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, who will represent Punjab at this international forum.&nbsp;
"This invitation is recognition of Punjab's progressive approach to governance and public welfare, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that I look forward to engaging with global legislative leaders and learning about innovative solutions that can be adapted to address the challenges faced by our state, particularly in the power and public works sectors.&nbsp;
Notably, the Summit will feature open sessions covering various aspects of governance, professional development workshops and networking events designed to facilitate knowledge exchange among legislative colleagues from different countries and jurisdictions. S. Harbhajan Singh ETO's participation will focus on exploring best practices in power sector management, infrastructure development and public works administration.&nbsp;
This collaboration between NCSL and NLC Bharat specifically enables the participation of legislators from State Assemblies and various political parties of India, highlighting the growing importance of India's democratic institutions on the global stage.

Six Kanwariyas died and 24 were injured in a tragic bus-truck collision in Jharkhand's Deoghar district during the Kanwar Yatra on Tuesday morning.

Six Kanwariyas killed, 24 injured in bus-truck collision in Jharkhand

Six Kanwariyas died and 24 were injured in a tragic bus-truck collision in Jharkhand's Deoghar district during the Kanwar Yatra on Tuesday morning.

At least six Kanwariyas were killed and 24 others injured on Tuesday after a collision took place between a bus with passengers on board and a truck, loaded with cooking gas cylinders, in Jharkhand's Deoghar district, officials said.
The accident occurred around 5.30 am near the Jamuniya forest under the Mohanpur Police Station limits when the bus collided with the commercial vehicle, they said.
"Six devotees were killed and 24 others injured in the accident at Jamuniya Chowk in Deoghar. Eight of the 24 injured have been shifted to AIIMS, Deoghar, while the remaining are undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital," Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra said.
Earlier, Inspector General (Dumka Zone) Shailendra Kumar Sinha told PTI that the accident occurred after the bus with Kanwariyas on board collided head-on with the truck transporting gas cylinders.
Following the collision, the driver fell from the bus and the passenger vehicle, without anyone behind the steering wheel, continued moving for some time and stopped after hitting a stack of bricks, the IG said.
The bus was severely damaged, he added.
However, MP Nishikant Dubey, in a post on X, claimed that 18 Kanwariyas lost their lives in the accident.
"Eighteen devotees have died in a bus-truck accident during the Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan in Deoghar in my Lok Sabha constituency. May Baba Baidyanath Ji give strength to their families to bear the loss," he posted on X.
However, the police confirmed that only six people lost their lives, while the condition of two others is serious.
Kanwariyas are devotees of Lord Shiva.
At least 24 Kanwariyas were injured in the accident and taken to various hospitals and nearby primary health centres, including the Saraiyahat PHC in Dumka, another officer said.
Casualties may increase as the condition of several injured is serious, he added.
The district administration has been alerted after the accident, he said.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren condoled the death of the Kanwariyas and said a rescue operation was being conducted by the district administration there.
"Very sad news has been received about the deaths of devotees travelling in a bus in an accident near Jamuniya chowk in Mohanpur block of Deoghar." "The district administration is providing medical assistance to the injured with relief and rescue operations. May Baba Baidyanath grant peace to the souls of the devotees who died in the accident and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this moment of grief," Soren posted on X.
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar also expressed grief over the accident.
"The news of the death of many devotees in the bus accident while Kanwariyas were going to Basukinath from Deoghar is extremely sad and painful. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray to Baba Bholenath for speedy recovery of the injured devotees," Gangwar posted on X.
Deoghar Sub Divisional Officer Ravi Kumar said the Kanwariyas were on their way to the Basukinath temple.
As per the Civil Surgeon, Deoghar, those who died included bus driver Subhash Turi, and others - Suman Kumari from Gaya, Piyush, Vaishali, Durgawati Devi and Janki Devi from Bettiah.

MP completes Jal Ganga Abhiyan with over 2.3 lakh volunteers, 84,000+ ponds, and 1,283 Amrit Sarovars, emerging as a national water conservation model.

CM Mohan Yadav inaugurates 'Sadanira' exhibition showcasing MP's water conservation achievements

MP completes Jal Ganga Abhiyan with over 2.3 lakh volunteers, 84,000+ ponds, and 1,283 Amrit Sarovars, emerging as a national water conservation model.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the successful completion of the 90-day Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, held from March 30 to June 30, 2025, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s vision of water conservation.&nbsp;
The campaign witnessed enthusiastic public participation, with over 2.30 lakh 'Jaldoots' (Water Volunteers) registering to support preservation of rivers, water sources, and traditional water structures.
The state recorded remarkable milestones during the campaign, including the construction of 84,726 farm ponds, 1,04,276 recharge pits, and 1,283 Amrit Sarovars. Khandwa district emerged as the top-performing water-conserving district in the country, while Madhya Pradesh secured the fourth rank nationally among all states in terms of water conservation.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav shared these achievements while inaugurating the exhibition &lsquo;Sadanira&rsquo; at the Central Hall of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
The exhibition highlights the key outcomes of the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan. The inauguration ceremony included Deep Prajjwalan by the Chief Minister, and was attended by Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar.
Rivers: More Than Water, A Cultural Consciousness
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan has given Madhya Pradesh a distinct identity in the field of water conservation and has emerged as a model for other states.
He emphasized the cultural significance of river conservation, stating, &ldquo;Rivers are not just streams of water&mdash;they are the foundation of our memories, traditions and lives.&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;River conservation is not only a scientific responsibility but also a call for cultural consciousness.&rdquo;
Dr. Yadav visited the exhibition showcased in both the Central Hall and the Four-Lane Open Campus of the Assembly. The exhibition will remain open to members of the House for the duration of the ongoing session.
'Sadanira' Exhibition Highlights Aquatic Heritage and Conservation
Organised by Veer Bharat Nyas, the exhibition presents the multifaceted achievements of the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan. It includes displays of traditional bawdis, the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems, and significant water bodies of Madhya Pradesh through satellite imagery. The thematic section titled &lsquo;Amrutasya Narmada&rsquo; focuses on the life-giving role of the Narmada River.
The exhibition has been curated with the support of several institutions, including the Department of Public Relations, Council of Science and Technology, Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums, and Barkatullah University.
As Madhya Pradesh continues to gain recognition for its large-scale water conservation initiatives, the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan stands as a testimony to public-driven ecological responsibility, scientific planning, and cultural reverence for nature.

Heavy morning rains in Delhi disrupted traffic and led to waterlogging in key areas like ITO, Rohini and Dhaula Kuan; IMD forecasts more rain with a cloudy sky.

Heavy Rains Cause Traffic and Waterlogging in Delhi

Heavy morning rains in Delhi disrupted traffic and led to waterlogging in key areas like ITO, Rohini and Dhaula Kuan; IMD forecasts more rain with a cloudy sky.

A 'red alert' was issued as heavy rain lashed the national capital on Tuesday, leading to waterlogging and traffic snarls across the city, with more showers expected later in the day.
Areas such as ITO, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Nehru Place, Kailash Colony Road, Dhaula Kuan, Naraina, Patel Nagar, Vijay Chowk, Jangpura, RK Puram, Lajpat Nagar, Talkatora Road, Azad Market Railway Underpass, Ram Bagh Road, Bhishma Pitamah Marg (carriageway from Lodhi Road), Zakhira Railway Underpass, Road No. 40, and many other areas were affected by traffic disruptions due to rain and waterlogging.
Between 8.30 am and 11.30 am, the city recorded 63.5 mm of rainfall at its primary weather station in Safdarjung, while other stations reported varying amounts: Ridge recorded 129.4 mm, Ayanagar 23 mm, Lodhi Road 64.5 mm, Pragati Maidan 44.4 mm, and Pusa 37.5 mm, according to data from the Regional Meteorological Centre.
According to the Delhi Traffic Police, traffic was affected on Bhishma Pitamah Marg in the carriageway from Lodhi Road towards Kotla due to waterlogging at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium roundabout. The department shared the information in a post on X and advised commuters to avoid the affected stretch and use alternate routes for a smoother journey.
Traffic congestion was also reported at the Zakhira Railway Underpass and Road No. 40, with diversions in place near Inderlok Chowk. Traffic from Shastri Nagar and KD Chowk was diverted towards Chaudhary Nahar Singh Marg and vice versa. On Ring Road, traffic was disrupted in the carriageway from Sarai Kale Khan towards INA Market due to waterlogging near the Seva Nagar Bus Depot and Barapullah.
At Azad Market Railway Underpass and Ram Bagh Road, traffic was similarly affected. Diversions were implemented for vehicles coming from Rani Jhansi Road, Barfkhana, Pul Mithai, and Veer Banda Bairagi Marg, the traffic police post read.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and surface winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph during the day.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius, 0.5 notch below the season's average, according to the IMD, with the maximum temperature expected to settle around 30 degrees Celsius.
Relative humidity was recorded at 70 per cent at 8.30 am.
The air quality was recorded in the satisfactory category at 9 am, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 87, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh tops global tiger count with 785 tigers. On International Tiger Day, the state reaffirms its lead in conservation and reserve management.

International Tiger Day: Madhya Pradesh emerges as global leader in tiger conservation

Madhya Pradesh tops global tiger count with 785 tigers. On International Tiger Day, the state reaffirms its lead in conservation and reserve management.

Madhya Pradesh marked International Tiger Day with a remarkable milestone&mdash;recording the highest number of tigers in the world.
According to the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation, the state is home to 785 tigers out of India&rsquo;s total of 3,682, reaffirming its position as the &ldquo;Tiger State&rdquo; of the country.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state has implemented a range of effective wildlife conservation measures that have contributed to the steady rise in tiger numbers.
Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s well-connected tiger corridors linking northern and southern Indian reserves have supported natural tiger movement, while core forest areas have been freed from human settlements through strategic village relocations.
Core zones in Kanha, Pench, and Kuno national parks have seen full relocation of villages, and over 90% of Satpura Tiger Reserve&rsquo;s core area is now free of human habitation.
Post-relocation, the government has restored native grass species with expert support, ensuring year-round fodder for herbivores like chital, the primary prey for tigers. This has led to an increase and more even distribution of herbivore populations within the reserves.
MP Tops in Tiger Reserve Management
Madhya Pradesh is not only home to the largest number of tigers but also leads in reserve management practices. The central government&rsquo;s evaluation of tiger reserves ranked Pench Tiger Reserve as the best-managed in the country.
Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Sanjay, and Satpura also featured among the top-performing reserves. In addition, Satpura Tiger Reserve has been placed on UNESCO&rsquo;s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
The state has taken several key initiatives to ensure the success of its conservation programs, including improved wildlife sanctuary management, use of advanced tracking technologies, and livelihood support for forest-dwelling communities.
Madhya Pradesh currently has nine tiger reserves: Kanha Kisli, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna (Bundelkhand), Satpura (Narmadapuram), Sanjay Dubri (Sidhi), Nauradehi, Madhav National Park (Shivpuri), and Dr. Vishnu Wakankar Tiger Reserve (Ratapani-Raisen). Among these, Bandhavgarh hosts the highest number of tigers and remains the most visited reserve.
Surge in International Wildlife Tourism
Wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh has seen significant growth, with a rising number of international tourists visiting the state's reserves. In 2024&ndash;25, Bandhavgarh received 32,528 foreign tourists, followed by Kanha (23,059), Panna (15,201), Pench (13,127), and Satpura (10,038). The previous year, Bandhavgarh saw 25,894 international visitors, showing a clear upward trend.
In the last five years, MP tiger reserves have welcomed 738,637 Indian and 85,742 foreign tourists, generating ₹61.22 crore in tourism revenue.
Kanha Declared Best Tiger Habitat in the Country
The Wildlife Institute of India has declared Kanha Tiger Reserve as the best tiger habitat in India. It houses the largest herbivore population in the country&mdash;including chital, sambar, gaur, wild boar, barking deer, nilgai, and hog deer&mdash;ensuring ample prey for its tigers. The park&rsquo;s balanced mix of grasslands, forest patches, and rivers makes it an ideal environment for big cats.
Active habitat management at Kanha includes grassland maintenance, water source development, and removal of invasive species. Monitoring is conducted through the M-STrIPES mobile app, and forest staff undergo regular training. The reserve spans 2,074 sq. km in Mandla district, including a 917.43 sq. km core zone and a 1,134 sq. km buffer area.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav congratulated the forest department on Kanha&rsquo;s recognition and urged other reserves to adopt similar best practices.
State Adopts Innovative Tiger Conservation Methods
The state has also launched several forward-looking initiatives on the direction of CM Dr. Mohan Yadav:
- Gene Testing: Genetic profiling of tigers is being planned for precise identification and monitoring.
- Rescue Centers: Facilities based on Gujarat&rsquo;s Bantera model are being developed in Ujjain and Jabalpur.
- Drone Squad: A drone unit has been deployed in Panna for surveillance, forest fire detection, and conflict mitigation.
- Village Relocation and Habitat Development: More than 200 villages have been relocated, leading to expansion of tiger habitats and increased tiger populations.
These initiatives have strengthened Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s position as India&rsquo;s top tiger conservation state.
Wildlife Crime Control Measures Strengthened
The state has taken robust steps to curb wildlife crimes. A dedicated Wildlife Crime Control Unit has been established, and coordinated operations between police and forest departments are yielding results. Local forest committees are playing a proactive role in protecting wildlife and preventing poaching.
Modern technologies such as drones and camera traps are used for surveillance. A comprehensive database of wildlife offenders has been created, and the forest department is working with international organizations to further enhance conservation efforts. These measures have led to a decline in poaching incidents and growth in wildlife populations.
Background of International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day is observed every year on July 29. It was established at the 2010 St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, where 13 tiger-range countries pledged to double the global tiger population by 2022.
Madhya Pradesh's consistent efforts in habitat improvement, technological innovation, and community engagement have made it a national and global leader in tiger conservation. As Chief Minister Yadav continues to lead the charge, the state stands as a model for biodiversity protection and ecological balance.

Rahul Gandhi will sponsor education of 22 children who lost parents during Pakistani shelling in Poonch under Operation Sindoor, says Congress leader Tariq Karra.

Rahul Gandhi to Fund Education for Children Affected by LoC Shelling

Rahul Gandhi will sponsor education of 22 children who lost parents during Pakistani shelling in Poonch under Operation Sindoor, says Congress leader Tariq Karra.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will sponsor the education of 22 children who lost either one or both parents in the Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor, a party leader has said.
Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra also refuted any differences with the pre-poll alliance partner National Conference (NC) but said his party is waiting for formation of coordination committee with the ruling party for the past nine months.
"A lot of civilian casualties and damage to properties took place in Poonch and Rajouri (between May 7 and 10) in Pakistani shelling. Rahul Gandhi visited Poonch in the aftermath of the devastating shelling and visited the bereaved families. He asked us to prepare a list of school-going children who lost one or both parents, especially the breadwinners, and accordingly we submitted the list to him," Karra, who reached Rajouri on a three-day tour of the region, told reporters late Monday.
He said the party has a list of 22 such children in the Poonch district alone, and more such children might be included at the end of the three-day visit.
Poonch district alone accounted for 13 civilian deaths among 28 fatalities in the Pakistani shelling and drone attacks in Jammu and Kashmir after the Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror infrastructure across the border under Operation Sindoor in May in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons, mostly tourists, dead.
Karra said he is visiting Poonch on Tuesday to handover the financial aid sent by the leader of opposition for the affected children for their education.
"This is an initiative aimed at extending a helping hand to the children so that their studies are not impacted," he said.&nbsp;

Reservation activist Manoj Jarange accuses Maharashtra government of betrayal, announces hunger strike and Mumbai march on August 29 over unfulfilled Maratha quota promises.

Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange Plans Hunger Strike on Aug 29

Reservation activist Manoj Jarange accuses Maharashtra government of betrayal, announces hunger strike and Mumbai march on August 29 over unfulfilled Maratha quota promises.

Reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday accused the Maharashtra government of failing to fulfil its promises to the Maratha community and warned of launching a fresh hunger strike in Mumbai on August 29.
Speaking to media persons at Antarwali Sarthi village in Jalna district, Jarange alleged that the government has deceived the Maratha community.
The activist has undertaken multiple hunger strikes demanding the recognition of all Marathas as Kunbis &mdash; an agrarian caste listed under the Other Backward Classes category and reservation for the politically dominant community in government jobs and education.
He has consistently called for the implementation of historical records, including the Bombay, Satara, and Hyderabad gazettes, which he claims document the classification of the Maratha community as Kunbis.
"Four major demands of the Marathas, which the government assured would be implemented, have not been fulfilled. The government has once again deceived the community," Jarange said.
He warned of undertaking a fresh hunger strike in Mumbai on August 29 and launching a march to the city.
"We have been patient for the last two years. Now the time has come to rise. I appeal to all Marathas &mdash; don't sit silently. We must fight for our rights," he said, urging community members to wrap up their farming activities in two months and prepare to march to Mumbai.
The activist slammed the administration for failing to issue the government gazette regarding the Sage Soyare notification and for not implementing the gazettes of Bombay, Satara, and Hyderabad.
He claimed that more than 58 lakh documents have been collected to prove that Kunbis and Marathas are the same, and demanded the release of Kunbi certificates based on these records.
While appreciating the efforts of the Shinde Committee in unearthing crucial documents, he criticised government officers for not issuing Kunbi certificates despite evidence.
Jarange further lashed out at the state government for not withdrawing cases registered against Maratha reservation protesters, calling it a betrayal of trust.
"I will not back down this time. The government must act or face the consequences," he said.

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Incessant rains&nbsp;continue to wreck havoc in Uttarakhand. A landslide&nbsp;caused due to heavy showers was caught on camera in Chamoli district's Pipalkoti area on Monday.&nbsp;
Cars on the road retreated frantically as the debris&nbsp;started falling. There were no reports of any injury. The local authorities&nbsp;have started clearing the area and the route has been diverted for vehicles.&nbsp;

Landslide in Chamoli: close encounter with nature caught on cam 

Landslide&nbsp;caused due to heavy showers caught on camera in Uttarakhand's&nbsp;Chamoli.&nbsp;

//Close call! landslide in Chamoli caught on camera, no injuries&nbsp; //Cars retreated frantically as the debris&nbsp;started falling //Route diverted, clearing operation launched&nbsp;

There were no reports of any injury.

Incessant rains&nbsp;continue to wreck havoc in Uttarakhand. A landslide&nbsp;caused due to heavy showers was caught on camera in Chamoli district's Pipalkoti area on Monday.&nbsp;
Cars on the road retreated frantically as the rocks started falling. There were no reports of any injury. The local authorities&nbsp;have started clearing the area and the route has been diverted for vehicles.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on PM Modi, alleging misuse of the armed forces for political image after the Pahalgam attack, and demanded clarity on Trump's ceasefire claims.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Using Army for Image Management

Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on PM Modi, alleging misuse of the armed forces for political image after the Pahalgam attack, and demanded clarity on Trump's ceasefire claims.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the armed forces to protect his image after the Pahalgam attack and dared him to categorically rebut US President Donald Trump's India-Pakistan ceasefire claims.
"If Modi ji has even 50 per cent of the courage that Indira Gandhi had, then clearly he must say in Parliament -- Donald Trump is lying," he said.
Participating in a special discussion in Lok Sabha on "India's strong, successful and decisive Operation Sindoor in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam", Gandhi also said that if the government had listened to his statement in Lok Sabha a few months ago on China and Pakistan fusing together, "you would not have lost those five planes" during Operation Sindoor.
Modi, who spoke after Gandhi, affirmed that no leader of any country asked India to stop Operation Sindoor but lamented that while the nation got support from the entire world, the Congress and its allies could not stand behind the valour of the nation's soldiers.
Speaking with reporters after the debate ended, Gandhi said, "Narendra Modi did not clearly say that Trump is lying. Trump has said 29 times that he brought about a ceasefire, but Narendra Modi did not respond to it." "The most notable thing was that throughout the entire speech, the Prime Minister did not mention China. The whole country knows that China helped Pakistan, but the word China did not come out of the Prime Minister's mouth," Gandhi said.
Speaking in the Lower House, Gandhi claimed the government revealed sensitive details about Operation Sindoor to Pakistan, soon after it was launched.
"Yesterday, I watched Rajnath Singh ji's speech. He said that Operation Sindoor began at 1:05 in the morning and lasted for 22 minutes. He said a very shocking thing: that at 1:35, we called Pakistan and told them that we had hit non-military targets and we didn't want escalation. These are the words of the Defence Minister of India," the former Congress president said.
"You told Pakistan exactly what you would do: that you would not target military establishments and you didn't want escalation. That's surrender. Immediate surrender in 30 minutes," Gandhi said, slamming the government.
He cited remarks by Defence Attache in Indonesia, Group Captain Shiv Kumar, to claim that there were constraints by the political leadership to not attack the Pakistani military establishment and their air defences.
Why was the Pakistani government told that India will neither attack their army infrastructure nor their air defense and why were the hands of the Indian Air Force tied, Gandhi asked.
He alleged that the goal of this exercise was to "protect the image of the PM" as he had "blood of Pahalgam victims on his hands".
Tagging the video of his speech, Gandhi later said on X, "Prime Minister, The nation and the army are far above your image, your politics, your PR, and your propaganda. Have the humility to understand this, have the dignity to accept it." "If you lacked the ability to make decisions, you also had no right to pawn the pride of the army and the nation," he said.
In his remarks in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said this government is clueless about what deterrence and political will means, and gave Indira Gandhi's example when Pakistan was broken into two parts in 1971.
"I said in this House, three-four months back and they laughed at me. I said please understand that India's biggest foreign policy challenge has been to keep Pakistan and China separate. And I said here that I am sad to say that you have destroyed the single biggest goal of foreign policy. China and Pakistan are fused," Gandhi said.
He said that what happened during Operation Sindoor is that the government of India thought it was fighting Pakistan but soon realised suddenly that they were fighting China and Pakistan both.
"Meaning that the Pakistani Air Force was attached with the Chinese Air Force and not only that, the doctrine of the Pakistani Air Force was changed ...the Chinese were feeding critical battlefield information to them," he said and cited Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh remarks on China's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Gandhi asserted that the armed forces should be used with freedom, saying if one wants to unleash a tiger, it should be freed.
"Do not tie his hands behind his back. Go all the way, defeat them once and for all. Don't have President Trump tell you 29 times that he stopped the war. Have the courage to tell him, 'no, to hell with you, you can't stop any war, we are going to fight'," the former Congress president said.
The point is that we're now facing a Chinese-Pakistani fusion right in front of us, he said.
"This is a very dangerous time, and we can't afford a Prime Minister who lacks the courage to utilise the army the way it has to be used. We can't afford a Prime Minister who doesn't have the guts to say from here that Donald Trump is a liar, that he didn't stop India from fighting and is lying about the planes," Gandhi said.
He said India needs a prime minister who frees the Army, Air Force and Navy and tells them -- 'Go, finish the job", much like what Indira Gandhi did. Gandhi claimed that Trump has stated "29 times" that he brought about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
"If he is lying, the PM should say here that Trump is lying. If he has the courage of an Indira Gandhi, let him say here, 'Trump, you are a liar, you did not make a ceasefire and we did not lose any planes'," Gandhi said.
"If Modi ji has even 50 per cent of the courage that Indira Gandhi had, then clearly he must say in Parliament - Donald Trump is lying!" he said.
In his remarks, Gandhi also referred to a statement of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who said in an interview that India rectified its tactics and hit deep inside Pakistani territory after suffering losses during Operation Sindoor.
"The Indian Air Force made no mistake but the mistake was committed by the political leadership that 'you cannot attack military infrastructure and CDS Anil Chauhan must say 'my hands were tied so the Air Force is not to be blamed at all'," Gandhi said. He asserted that the Pahalgam incident was a brutal attack that was organised and orchestrated clearly by the Pakistani state.
Referring to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks in the House, Gandhi said he did not tell people that no country condemned Pakistan particularly.
"When the UPA government was there, Pakistan was condemned for terrorism," he said.
Gandhi also slammed Modi for not speaking out when Trump hosted the "architect of the Pahalgam attack", Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, for lunch.

Punjab Government collaborates with IIT Rupnagar to set up an AI CPS Lab at Amritsar Polytechnic, enhancing youth skills.

Punjab Govt, IIT Rupnagar Boost Vocational Training

Punjab partners with IIT Rupnagar to establish an AI CPS Lab, advancing vocational education through cutting-edge skills at Government Polytechnic College Amritsar.

Punjab Govt partners with IIT Rupnagar to launch an AI-based CPS Lab at Government Polytechnic College Amritsar, enhancing vocational training.

In a significant initiative by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide advanced vocational training to the youth, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Government Polytechnic College Amritsar and IIT Rupnagar.
As part of this MoU, an AI-based Cyber-Physical System (CPS) Lab will be established at Government Polytechnic College Amritsar. The event was presided over by Punjab Public Works and Power Minister, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO.
Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO stated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to strengthening the infrastructure of technical education and equipping the youth with future-ready skills.
The new CPS Lab will provide research support, technical assistance, and hands-on training to students and faculty in emerging technologies. It will also play a vital role in promoting research, innovation, and technical training, as well as in developing industry-oriented, skill-based education modules.
The MoU was signed by S. Davinder Singh Bhatti, Principal of Government Polytechnic College Amritsar, and senior officials from IIT Rupnagar.
The occasion was attended by top officials from IIT Rupnagar, Nominee Director and Principal Kamaldeep Kaur, representatives from the Skilling and Startup Team of the Punjab Communications Department, officials from the Department of Technical Education, and faculty members of Government Polytechnic College Amritsar including Kashmiri Lal, Dr. Harpreet Singh Soch, Satish Kumar, Sumitarbir Singh, Navneet Kaur, Prabhjit Kaur, Surinder Singh, Harpreet Kaur (GPC Bhikhiwind), and Jasbir Singh (GPC Batala).

Punjab CM Mann urges public backing in anti-drug and anti-corruption drive, criticizes past political figures, highlights steps to honor Bhagat Singh's legacy.

Mann Lays Foundation Of Bhagat Singh Complex

Punjab CM Mann urges public to support his anti-drug and anti-corruption campaign, denouncing previous leadership's failures while highlighting efforts to honor Bhagat Singh's legacy.

CM Mann calls for public support against drugs and corruption, blaming previous leaders for Punjab's woes, as part of martyrs' legacy preservation.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday gave clarion call to people to support the state government for making drug and corruption free Punjab as a humble and befitting tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.
&nbsp;
Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a crusade against drugs and corruption adding that the big fishes involved in these crimes have been put behind bars. He said that this war has also exposed the ugly face of the traditional parties who have been hand in glove with each other to plunder the state and conduct genocide of youth through drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this war against drugs and corruption can only be successful if the people of the state play a proactive role in it.
&nbsp;
The Chief Minister said that as a fact of matter, Captains, Badals, Majithias had continued the &lsquo;dubious legacy&rsquo; of their families to backstab Punjab and its people for their vested interests. He said that ancestors of Bikram Singh Majithia, who is behind the bars for his involvement in drug trade, had backstabbed the people by holding dinner for General Dyer on the same night when he had committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that similarly, Captain Amarinder Singh, who is very vocal about human rights of his nephew Majithia, and his family has a dubious track record of deceiving Punjab by standing with every force inimical to state whether they were Mughals, Britishers or now BJP.
&nbsp;
On the contrary, the Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts to realize the dreams of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh to ensure that the fruits of freedom are percolated to every household. He said that it is unfortunate that even after more than 75 years of freedom the benefits of freedom have still not reached every household. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those in power had misused the freedom to spread the tentacles of chitta (drugs), amass wealth by plundering the masses, encouraging corruption along with other menaces.
&nbsp;
The Chief Minister said that the successive Prime Ministers have delivered almost the same statements during their Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort. He said that it is the irony of the country that these leaders have delivered only theatricals to the people and masses are still far away from even basic amenities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the dreams of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh have still not been realized as these people have never made any concerted effort for this.
&nbsp;
The Chief Minister said that the great martyrs including Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Mai Bhago, Ghadri Baabe and others don&rsquo;t need certificate from those in power at centre. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis have played a great role in national freedom and no NOC from those in power is required for their patriotism. He said that such type of disrespect to these great patriots and national leaders cannot be tolerated at any cost.
The Chief Minister said that this is not a political function but this is a solemn occasion to pay tributes to the great martyrs, who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of the motherland. He said that the state government is making concerted efforts to perpetuate the legacy of these legendary martyrs for our coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the nation will always be indebted to this martyr who sacrificed his life at a young age of 23 years for emancipating the country from the clutches of British imperialism.
The Chief Minister said that the iconic martyr was not only an individual but an institution adding that we must follow his footsteps for the progress of the country. He said that every endeavor of the state government is aimed at carving a progressive and prosperous Punjab as dreamt by Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as MP his every act was inspired by Shaheed-e-Azam as he got the opportunity to represent the people at the same place where Shaheed Bhagat Singh had shaken the mighty British Raj by throwing bombs to make the deaf hear.
The Chief Minister said that for the first time in Punjab&rsquo;s history, a CM and his entire Cabinet took oath of office on this sacred land of Khatkar Kalan. He said that on March 23, 2022, the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji, an anti-corruption action line was launched from Hussainiwala, marking the beginning of a war against corruption. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a 30-foot-tall statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Ji was installed at the entrance of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, SAS Nagar (Mohali), in his honor.
The Chief Minister due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the Mohali airport was officially renamed after Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji. He said that our government has also decided to place portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in all government offices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the motive was to ensure that people of state can draw inspiration from these great personalities to serve the state.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, MLAs Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi and Santosh Kataria along with others were also present.

Project JEEVANJYOT-2, by Punjab, has rescued 203 children in 12 days, focusing on eradicating child begging. The initiative empowers them through welfare schemes, education, and legal actions against offenders.

Project Jeevanjyot-2 Becomes Hope For Child Beggars

Project JEEVANJYOT-2 by the Punjab Government rescues 203 children in days, combatting child begging and strengthening welfare measures. Public support, awareness, and strict legal actions play crucial roles.

In Punjab, Project JEEVANJYOT-2 is tackling child begging. Launching 12 days ago, it has already saved 203 children. Enhanced surveillance and public cooperation are pivotal. Rescued children receive welfare support for a better future.

Punjab&rsquo;s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that the Punjab Government&rsquo;s flagship initiative Project JEEVANJYOT-2 is emerging as a beacon of hope for children forced into begging.&nbsp;
She informed that during 19 special raids conducted across the state today, a total of 6 children were rescued. With this, the cumulative number of children rescued under the campaign has reached 203 in just 12 days since the project&rsquo;s launch.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the impact of the project is clearly visible at the grassroots level, as the number of children being found in such circumstances is steadily decreasing, thanks to consistent field surveillance and action. &ldquo;This indicates growing public awareness and weakening of the networks forcing children into begging,&rdquo; she said.
Sharing district-wise details, the Minister informed that 1 child was rescued from Barnala, 3 from Malerkotla, and 2 from Sri Muktsar Sahib. Out of these, 4 children were handed over to their parents after proper verification of documents and counselling, while 2 children from Sri Muktsar Sahib were sent to shelter homes.
She added that a total of 105 children have been admitted to government-run child care institutions so far, where arrangements for education, food, and accommodation have been made to ensure their well-being and development.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that DNA testing will be conducted wherever there is any suspicion regarding the identity or relationship between the child and accompanying individuals. She warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found forcing children into begging, underlining that such individuals will not be spared under any circumstances.
She reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to eradicating child begging from its roots. Rescued children are being integrated into various social welfare schemes and provided with quality education, shelter, and nutrition to help them become self-reliant and empowered citizens.
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the people of Punjab not to give alms to children and to immediately report any instance of child begging to the Child Helpline number 1098. She said that no social evil can be eradicated without public support, and expressed confidence that this mission will become even more impactful in the coming days.

Punjab unveils a statewide anti-drug curriculum for government schools, impacting 800,000 students with evidence-based preventative education launched this August.

Punjab Launches Nationwide First Anti-Drug Curriculum

Punjab introduces a pioneering anti-drug curriculum for high school students. Launching August 1, this initiative will empower 800,000 students with prevention skills, marking a significant step in Punjab's fight against drugs.

Punjab introduces an anti-drug curriculum for high school students in government schools, impacting 800,000 learners.

Punjab&rsquo;s war against drugs takes a significant turn as the state government is all set to roll out a pioneering drug prevention curriculum for students of Classes IX to XII in all government schools as part of the 3rd phase of the ongoing &ldquo;Yudh Nashian Virudh&rdquo; drive, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.
While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Monday evening, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann will launch the statewide drug prevention curriculum on August 1 at Arniwala in Fazilka district.
Sharing the details about the curriculum, he further stated that this pioneering program, created by the Nobel Laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee-led organisation J-PAL South Asia, will empower around eight lakh students in Classes IX to XII with prevention-focused skills to combat substance abuse. The curriculum will consist of 35-minute sessions, held every fortnight for 27 weeks, and will feature a mix of engaging content, including documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. These sessions will focus on key areas such as myth-busting, refusal strategies, and resisting peer pressure, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions.
S. Bains said that the drug prevention program will have a wide reach, covering 3,658 schools and engaging over 6,500 trained teachers to empower approximately eight lakh students from Classes IX to XII. This comprehensive program will ensure a significant impact on Punjab&rsquo;s education system, equipping students with essential skills to say no to substance abuse.&nbsp;
This initiative is grounded in evidence, developed with leading behavioral scientists, and evaluated through randomised trials conducted in 78 government schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran during FY 2024&ndash;25. These trials covered 9,600 students and, evaluated by J-PAL South Asia, yielded significant results. The trials demonstrated a marked improvement in addiction risk awareness, with 90% of students recognising the high risk of addiction from trying &lsquo;chitta&rsquo; even once, compared to 69% in the control group. Additionally, the trial successfully debunked myths about addiction, with the belief that addiction can be overcome by willpower alone dropping from 50% to 20%.
Punjab&rsquo;s drug crisis is a result of decades of systemic neglect and patronisation of previous regimes, pointed out S. Harjot Singh Bains while stating, &ldquo;Punjab becomes the first state in India to implement a statewide, evidence-based drug prevention curriculum, while recognising that the battle against drugs begins from the classroom, not in police stations.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, the education minister shared the details about the &ldquo;Yudh Nashian Virudh&rdquo; campaign launched in March this year. He said that the state government has taken stringent actions, including putting over 23,000 drug peddlers behind bars, seizing their properties, and confiscating over 1000-KGs of heroin. These efforts demonstrate the government&rsquo;s dedication to tackling the drug menace and securing a brighter future for Punjab&rsquo;s youth.

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