Nature, tribal culture, handicrafts, homestays and eco-tourism are boosting local employment and economy.

A new chapter in tourism potential in Bastar

Raipur, September 2026/ Bastar in Chhattisgarh is now forging a new identity for itself. Once a region known for Naxalism and violence, this region is now emerging as a new tourist destination due to its natural beauty, rich tribal culture, arts, traditions, and hospitality. With the changing environment, new opportunities for tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism, and local entrepreneurship are emerging in Bastar.

Bastar's greatest feature is its wonderful confluence of nature and culture. Destinations like Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh Falls, Kanger Valley National Park, Kutumsar and Kailash Caves, Maa Danteshwari Temple, Dalpat Sagar, and Bastar Palace offer tourists a unique experience of nature, adventure, spirituality, and history. Visitors here not only experience the sights but also connect with local life, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, folk dance, and music. This is why Bastar is being developed not just as a tourist destination, but as a unique region for experiential tourism. 

Connectivity is opening up new avenues for development

Improved connectivity is a key pillar for expanding tourism. Efforts to strengthen road, rail, and air connectivity in Bastar are providing new impetus to tourism potential. The "Bastar 2.0" blueprint, which proposes the construction of 228 new roads and 267 bridges, is a significant initiative to enhance connectivity to remote areas.

The Maa Danteshwari Airport in Jagdalpur plays a vital role in connecting Bastar with the rest of the country. Air connectivity is currently available to Raipur and Hyderabad. Projects like the Raoghat-Jagdalpur rail project hold the potential to further strengthen regional connectivity in the future. Improved connectivity will benefit more than just tourists. It can also provide markets for local products, better connectivity to rural areas, and new tourism-based employment opportunities for youth.

Homestays will bring the benefits of tourism to villages

Rural and tribal homestays have become a vital link in tourism development in Bastar. Through the Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy 2025-30, efforts are underway to provide tourists with experiences of rural life, tribal culture, local arts, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine through stays with local families.

The greatest advantage of homestays is that the economic benefits of tourism are passed directly to local families. Accommodation for tourists also creates income opportunities for other nearby families through meals, local guides, transportation, handicrafts, and cultural activities.

In Bastar, there is a provision for assistance of Rs 1 lakh per room for the construction of a new room and Rs 50,000 per room for the renovation of an existing room. This provision of assistance for a minimum of one to a maximum of nine rooms allows rural families to engage in tourism activities according to their capacity. Currently, proposals for grants have been sent to banks for 85 beneficiaries, and 27 homestays are already registered with the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. 

Culture became the biggest strength of tourism

Bastar's tribal culture is one of its greatest specialties. Bell metal and metal crafts, wood and bamboo art, traditional jewelry, dance, music, and cuisine are a center of attraction for tourists from India and abroad. Events like Bastar Pandum are providing a wide platform for this cultural heritage. The 2026 Bastar Pandum featured 12 forms of tribal culture and saw the participation of approximately 55,000 tribal people. Held in the presence of President Smt. Draupadi Murmu, this event provided an opportunity to showcase Bastar's cultural identity at the national level. 

The city received a major gift of various development works including drinking water, community hall, infrastructure and Amrit Mission.

5 crore announced for development works

There will be no shortage of funds for the development of urban bodies – Shri Arun Saw

Raipur. September 2026. Deputy Chief Minister and Public Health Engineering, Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Arun Saw inaugurated various development works worth Rs 23 crore 28 lakh 61 thousand and performed Bhoomi Pujan of development works worth Rs 154 crore 88 lakh for Saraipali Municipality area in the inauguration and Bhoomi Pujan program organized at the new market premises of Saraipali today. On this occasion, the residents of the area got the gift of various development works including drinking water, community building, infrastructure and Amrit Mission. MP Smt. Roopkumari Chaudhary, MLA Smt. Chaturi Nand, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Caste Commission Shri Ramlal Chauhan and Chairman of Chhattisgarh Shakambhari Board Shri Rajendra Nayak also participated in the program.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Saw inaugurated works worth Rs 1818.61 lakh for drinking water facility in 24 villages under Retro Fitting and Ekal Gram Yojana under Jal Jeevan Mission of Public Health Engineering Department and community buildings and other construction works in various wards worth Rs 510 lakh. He also performed Bhoomi Pujan of Rs 10.21 crore related to STP construction and development works worth Rs 139.55 crore under Jal Praday Amrit Mission 2.0 and various development and construction works worth Rs 512 lakh.

Addressing the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that any auspicious work receives the blessings of Lord Indra. Today, we are also receiving blessings in the form of rain. He said that our government is prioritizing development and public welfare projects. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sao, unprecedented development work is taking place in the state.
He said that whatever work our government performs the groundbreaking ceremony for, it also inaugurates it. The government's priority is to complete development projects in a timely manner and ensure that the public benefits are benefited. He said that Chhattisgarh had the stigma of Naxalism, which has been eradicated under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He reported that the Public Works Department has completed development works worth approximately ₹12,666 crore in two and a half years.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that along with Chhattisgarh, Saraipali is also developing at a rapid pace. Development work is continuously underway under the good governance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. Our double-engine government is working to change the condition and direction of the country. He said that there will be no shortage of funds for the development of Saraipali. Responding to the MP's request, the Deputy Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹5 crore for the area's development.

MP Mrs. Roopkumari Chaudhary stated that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Sao is carrying out development work in all areas without discrimination, which is benefiting the general public. She added that important steps have been taken toward the region's long-standing demand for a railway line, and survey work has now begun. MLA Mrs. Chaturi Nand expressed her gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Sao for approving Amrit Mission 2.0. She stated that this is not just a water scheme, but a significant gift that impacts the lives of thousands of families. When the Mahanadi River water reaches every home, a large number of people will benefit. She also expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sao and all the officials involved in this work. State Women's Commission member Mrs. Sarla Kosaria, District President of the Scout Guide Association Mr. Aitram Sahu, Municipal Council President Mrs. Saraswati Chandra, Vice President Mr. Hemant Pradhan, Collector Mr. Vinay Kumar Langeh, along with public representatives, councilors, officers, employees, and a large number of citizens were also present at the event.

- Nalanda campus and model registry office will be built in Birgaon, residential leases will be given.

Raipur, September . The state government is moving forward with full commitment to building a developed Chhattisgarh, in line with the resolve for a developed India. Chief Minister Sai said this while addressing the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony of development works held at the Municipal Corporation of Birgaon in Raipur district on Wednesday.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai presented various development projects worth over ₹135 crore to the Birgaon Municipal Corporation area. He inaugurated these projects and performed groundbreaking ceremonies, and announced new development projects worth approximately ₹110 crore, addressing the region's needs.

Chief Minister Sai said that Birgaon is a rapidly developing urban area. In keeping with industrial activity and the growing population, there is a need to strengthen roads, drinking water, sanitation, sewerage, sports facilities, and other civic infrastructure. The state government is working in a planned manner to address these needs. Over the past two and a half years, development projects worth more than ₹160 crore have been implemented in the Birgaon Municipal Corporation area.

The Chief Minister said that the development works dedicated and groundbreaking ceremonies performed today include Municipal Corporation projects worth over ₹94 crore and Public Works Department projects worth over ₹38 crore. Additionally, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for development projects worth approximately ₹16 crore under the Nagarotthan Yojana. The completion of these projects will expand numerous basic amenities, including roads, drinking water, sanitation, and sports infrastructure, in Birgaon and surrounding areas, bringing positive changes to the lives of citizens.

The Chief Minister informed that a model registry office will also be constructed in Birgaon. Ten model registry offices are being developed in the state.

Chief Minister Sai announced several important development projects for Birgaon. He announced a grant of ₹82 crore for the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the municipal area. This will help strengthen sewage management systems and improve sanitation levels in the area.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 10 crore for the expansion of an overhead tank and pipeline, Rs. 5 crore for road and drain construction under the infrastructure head, and Rs. 5 crore for the development of a sports ground in Sarora. He also announced Rs. 5 crore for the construction of a Nalanda campus in Birgaon, equipped with modern study facilities, for students and youth preparing for competitive examinations.

Chief Minister Sai also announced the opening of a zone office of the Chhattisgarh Electricity Board in Birgaon. He said that all these initiatives are aimed at providing better infrastructure to the citizens of Birgaon and developing the area to meet future needs.

After survey in seven areas, eligible families will get residential leases.

Chief Minister Sai announced that he would conduct a survey in Ravanbhatha, Banjari Nagar, Shaktipara, Mathpara, Shitalpara, Urkura, and Mazdoor Nagar Sarora in the Birgaon Municipal Corporation area and distribute residential leases to eligible residents as per the rules. He said that providing housing security to poor and needy families is a priority for the government.

Chief Minister Sai said that the state government is continuously working to bring positive change in the lives of the poor, women, laborers, farmers, youth, and needy families. Approximately 1,600 Prime Minister's houses are being built every day in the state. The government has decided to provide permanent housing to 1.8 million poor families.

Addressing the event, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said that Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has given the area a significant gift of development projects worth over 135 crore rupees. These projects will help Birgaon rapidly progress towards becoming a clean, beautiful, well-organized, and well-equipped city.

During the program, Chief Minister Sai performed house warming ceremonies for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He also presented demo checks for incentives to beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana, the Chief Minister's Housing Honor Scheme, and the Noni Suraksha Yojana.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the programme, Chief Minister Sai and public representatives expressed their respect for the services of the Safai Mitras and Swachhata Didis by washing their feet, applying tilak and performing aarti.

The Chief Minister said that our Safai Mitras and Swachhata Didis play a vital role in keeping cities clean and beautiful. Respecting their labor and service is the responsibility of the entire society.

Chief Minister Sai also dedicated two new fire fighting vehicles to the Birgaon Municipal Corporation, which will further strengthen the fire and emergency services capacity in the municipal area.

The Chief Minister gave the message of environmental protection by planting a Rudraksh tree in the Government College campus under the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.

On this occasion, MP Brijmohan Agrawal, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Rajiv Agrawal, Chairman of Leather Craftsmen Board Dhruv Kumar Mirdha, MLA Motilal Sahu, MLA Anuj Sharma, MLA Smt. Bhavna Bohra, Mayor Nandlal Dewangan, Chairman Kriparam Nishad along with other public representatives, officials and a large number of citizens were present.

Raipur, September 24 : The internationally renowned 41st Chakradhar Festival concluded with great fanfare late Wednesday night. State Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary attended the closing ceremony and inaugurated the tenth and final evening of the festival by lighting the lamp.

On this occasion, he paid tribute to the artistic pursuits and contributions of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, saying that Maharaja Chakradhar Singh took art and music to new heights during his time. His patronage and contributions have given the Raigarh Gharana of Kathak a unique recognition across the country. The Chakradhar Festival is a powerful medium to promote this glorious cultural heritage.

Finance Minister Chaudhary said that Raigarh is known for its development as well as its art, culture, and rich traditions. To pass on this cultural heritage to future generations and to take Raigarh to new heights of development, a number of important projects have been resolved to be completed in the next five years.

He announced that an art and music college will be established in Raigarh. Budget provisions have been made for this, and the process is progressing rapidly. He added that a resolution has been made to develop 10 new oxygen gardens in Raigarh over the next five years, modeled after Kamala Nehru Park. In this vein, a grand oxygen garden will be developed on approximately five acres at Kharra Ghat, with groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled soon. He urged citizens to participate.

Giving details of the work being done towards the overall development of Raigarh, the Finance Minister said that work is progressing on various infrastructure projects including the Dairy in Raju Nagar, Oxygen Garden at Kharra Ghat, development of Gajmar Pahar and Nagar Van, expansion of sports facilities, and development of Marine Drive. Projects like Kayaghat Bridge, Kevdawadi Bridge, bridge near Raja Mahal, and Govardhanpur Bridge will strengthen the city's connectivity. Additionally, projects like road widening, ring road, expansion of sports facilities, Prayas Vidyalaya, Navguru School, Horticulture College, Physiotherapy College, and Naturopathy College will give a new direction to Raigarh's development.

At the closing ceremony, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary also made an important announcement for Raigarh's young content creators. He announced that a modern studio will be constructed in Raigarh at a cost of ₹2 crore (approximately $20 million). This will provide modern resources and a better creative platform for local youth, artists, and content creators. He stated that this will be an important initiative to provide opportunities to the new generation of creative talent and provide a wider platform for local art and culture through digital media.

Raipur, September 24: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of the Higher Education Department of the Chhattisgarh government will organize a state-level Foundation Day and Honors Ceremony today, Thursday. The program will be held at 12 noon in the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, Raipur.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will be the chief guest at the ceremony. The program will be presided over by Tank Ram Verma, Minister of Higher Education, Revenue, Disaster Management, and Rehabilitation.

Raipur Lok Sabha MP Brijmohan Agrawal, Raipur West MLA Rajesh Munat and Deputy Programme Advisor and Regional Director of National Service Scheme Regional Directorate, Bhopal Dr. Ashok Kumar Shroti will attend the function as special guests.

National Service Scheme volunteers, program officers, and departmental officials from across the state will participate in the program. Volunteers, program officers, and institutions that have performed outstanding work under the National Service Scheme will also be honored on this occasion.

Mumbai: The Ayushman Bharat scheme completed eight years on Wednesday. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it has provided health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh to 600 million people in the country, making it the world's largest healthcare scheme.

What did PM Modi say?:
Wishing all the beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat, PM Modi wrote in a post on the social media platform 'X', "Eight years ago, Ayushman Bharat was launched with the vision of providing quality and affordable healthcare to every Indian. Today, more than 60 crore beneficiaries are receiving health cover of Rs 5 lakh annually, making it the world's largest healthcare scheme."

He further stated that this has enabled record savings in medical costs, benefiting the poor and middle class. Healthcare is reaching closer to every home. More than 5 billion visits have been recorded so far at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, strengthening primary healthcare at the grassroots level.

What did JP Nadda say while congratulating him?
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "pledge to serve" eight years ago has transformed access to healthcare for millions. Today, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, the world's largest health insurance scheme, covers more than half a billion people across the country.

With over 600 million people covered, over 485.4 million Ayushman cards generated, and over 130 million people receiving treatment, the scheme is turning the promise of quality healthcare and financial security into reality for families across India. Hospitalization and treatment worth over ₹2 lakh crore has been availed through over 39,000 empanelled government and private hospitals across the country.

What did Industry Minister Piyush Goyal say?:
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, "The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has facilitated access to better treatment and healthcare services for millions of families across the country. For poor and needy families, this scheme has reduced the worry of medical expenses and has become a support for a healthy and safe life."

question related to the SIR was added to this form, asking the applicant whether their name, or that of their parents or grandparents, was included in the voter list for the previous SIR.

According to the report, Vivek Joshi objected to this change in May. He argued that the changes to Form 6 required amendments to the rules governing voter registration. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu also agreed with this objection. Sandhu later called the change unauthorized and illegal and demanded its repeal.

What concerns were raised regarding the voter list and its digital data?:
Both Election Commissioners also raised questions about officials' access to the digital database of the voter list. In May, Vivek Joshi raised the issue of gradual centralization of the voter database and suggested an audit to ensure that only the relevant legal authorities are allowed to make changes. In August, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu also raised concerns on this issue. He said that state-level officials were reporting lack of proper and complete access to the ERONET portal. Both Commissioners later wrote separate letters to Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan on this matte

What cases arose in West Bengal and Goa?:
In West Bengal, objections were also raised regarding the deletion and reinstatement of voters during the SIR. According to the report, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu asked who gave the right to file appeals against voters who had been reinstated by judicial authorities.

He stated that he, Vivek Joshi, and the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal were not informed of this process. A software-related issue also arose in Goa. After examining the documents, electoral registration officials deemed 97 voters eligible for inclusion in the final list, but the software to enter their names was not available in time. Consequently, these names were not included in the final voter list.

What allegations did Congress make against Gyanesh Kumar?:
In its post, Congress alleged that Gyanesh Kumar does not inform or advise the two Election Commissioners on important decisions and instead makes decisions on his own. The party described this as a sign of discord within the three-member Election Commission. Congress also accused Gyanesh Kumar of being biased towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and influencing the election process.

What did Sanjay Raut demand for Gyanesh Kumar?:
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, reacting to the matter, demanded the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and legal action against him. Raut alleged that the election system in the country has become a joke and that the Election Commission is working under the Home Ministry. He also demanded the Prime Minister remove Union Home Minister Amit Shah from the cabinet. Raut said that if action is not taken, he will appeal to the President to remove Gyanesh Kumar.

What did Akhilesh say on the objections of the Election Commissioners?:
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, in a post on X, described the alleged disagreement in the Election Commission as very serious. He claimed that in the last 10 months, two Election Commissioners have lodged objections 14 times on the wrong decisions of the Election Commission. Akhilesh said that this means that all the Election Commissioners are not able to do their work properly. He raised the question that if the members of an independent constitutional body do not have the freedom to work in a fair manner or their views are not heard, then this is a serious situation for democracy. He demanded the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance.

What allegations did Saurabh Bhardwaj make?:
Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj also targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He claimed that when he met Gyanesh Kumar at the Election Commission, his behavior seemed like that of a BJP booth agent. According to Bhardwaj, Gyanesh Kumar allegedly reacted sharply to every question he asked and gave him arguments that he called illogical. He also claimed that the other two Election Commissioners kept shaking their heads continuously during the meeting. In his statement, Bhardwaj raised serious questions about the functioning of the Election Commission and the behavior of its officials.

एसआईआर प्रक्रिया को लेकर क्या बोले सांसद कपिल सिब्बल?:
राज्यसभा सांसद कपिल सिब्बल ने मामले पर कहा कि चुनाव आयोग में सभी फैसले बहुमत के आधार पर होने चाहिए। उन्होंने दावा किया कि दो चुनाव आयुक्तों ने एसआईआर को लेकर आपत्ति जताई और अलग तरीके से काम करने का सुझाव दिया, लेकिन उनकी बात को नजरअंदाज किया गया। सिब्बल ने यह भी आरोप लगाया कि ये मामले चुनाव आयोग के सामने चर्चा के लिए आए ही नहीं। उनके मुताबिक, इससे आयोग में फैसले लेने की प्रक्रिया को लेकर गंभीर सवाल खड़े होते हैं।

सिब्बल ने आरोप लगाया कि पूरे देश में एसआईआर कराने से यह तय करने की शक्ति अपने हाथ में रखने की कोशिश हो रही है कि किस व्यक्ति को मतदान का अधिकार मिले, किसका नाम मतदाता सूची से हटे और किसका नाम जोड़ा जाए। उन्होंने कहा कि यही कारण है कि इस प्रक्रिया को लेकर गंभीर आपत्तियां उठ रही हैं। सिब्बल के मुताबिक, चुनाव प्रक्रिया में मतदाता सूची की भूमिका सबसे अहम होती है, इसलिए उसमें बड़े स्तर पर बदलाव करने वाली किसी भी प्रक्रिया को लेकर स्पष्ट नियम और पारदर्शिता जरूरी है।

Ayodhya. After completion of the investigation of the offering theft case in the Ram temple in Ayodhya, on Wednesday the police filed a charge sheet in the court against eight accused lodged in jail. As soon as the information about the filing of the charge sheet was received, the lawyers started boycotting the work. The lawyers said that their objections should be heard first and only after that the charge sheet should be filed. There was a lot of commotion in the court premises regarding this. The lawyers have already given a written complaint demanding registration of FIR against former General Secretary of Ram Temple Trust Champat Rai, Dr. Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao in the offering theft case.

The police chargesheet lists charges against eight accused, including Tinnu Yadav, Karunesh, Manish, Subhash Chandra Srivastava, Ramashankar, Anukalp Mishra, and Lavkush Mishra, who are currently in jail. All eyes are now on the details of the role of trust officials and bank employees in the chargesheet. After some time, following mediation by the district judge, the lawyers returned and the special judge arrived at the court. Five lawyers entered the courtroom, while the rest remained outside. They returned after the chargesheet was read.

Raipur. The Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the State Government has organized selection trials on September 23 and 24 for admission and renewal of admission in non-residential sports academies run in Raipur district. Players willing to participate in this can register on September 23 from 7 am to 11 am at Swami Vivekanand Stadium, Kota, Raipur. To participate in the selection trials, it will be mandatory to provide Aadhar card, residence certificate, birth certificate or certified mark sheet mentioning the date of birth.

Officials of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department informed that the selection trials for non-residential boys and girls archery and girls football (girls) will be held on September 23 at Swami Vivekanand Stadium, Kota and Archery Arena (in front of the Girls Sports Hostel). The selection trials for non-residential boys and girls hockey and boys and girls athletics will be held on September 24 at Swami Vivekanand Stadium, Kota and Hockey Stadium Pitch-02 from 7 am.

Boys and girls players of the state and players of age group 13 to 17 from other states can participate in the selection trials. On September 23, registration, document verification, medical examination, physical efficiency test and sports skills test of football and archery players will be done at Swami Vivekanand Stadium Kota and Archery Arena Raipur. Whereas on September 24, registration, document verification, medical examination, physical efficiency test and sports skills test of hockey and athletics players will be done at Swami Vivekanand Stadium Kota and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium Pitch-02.

Players will be selected by a selection committee based on their outstanding performance in the selection trials. Under the Sports Academy Operations Rules, 2014, the government will provide free training, sports apparel, playing kits, insurance, and scholarships to the finally selected players.

Block Congress presidents were given organizational training and honored with certificates.

Bhatapara. Diwakar Mishra, President Block Congress Committee Bhatapara, participated in the three-day Block Congress President and Master Trainer Training Camp organized at Pratishtha Manglik Bhawan in Zora, Raipur, under the Congress's organization creation campaign. In this training camp organized for the Block Congress Presidents of Raipur division, training and guidance was given on various subjects including strengthening the organization at the grassroots level, spreading the ideology of Congress and the working of the organization to the people, establishing better coordination among the workers and making the organization more active and effective till the booth level.

At the camp, senior Congress leaders and trainers provided detailed guidance on organization building, Congress ideology, social harmony, secularism, the role of workers, and the objectives of the Organization Creation Campaign. During the training, Block Congress presidents were provided with the necessary information to effectively manage the organization and advance party activities at the grassroots level.

State President Deepak Baij Ji gave guidance on the organization, BJP's failure and the contribution of Congress and the dedication of the workers for the party. Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant spoke on the participation of youth in current politics, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel spoke on religion and secularism in current politics, former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singhdev spoke on the issue related to the revenue and expenditure of Chhattisgarh Government in public welfare schemes, former Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu Ji spoke on the coordination between power and organization, former State President Dhanendra Sahu Ji spoke on the contribution of Congress in agriculture and irrigation schemes and Saurabh Vajpayee Ji, who came from AICC, gave detailed information about the contribution of Congress in the development of the country before and after independence.

During the training, Mani Vaishnav provided information on social media-related topics, while Congress General Secretary Deepak Mishra provided training on the role and functions of the Connect Center. A team of master trainers also interacted with block presidents in various sessions to improve organizational operations and enhance effectiveness of on-the-ground activities.

District Congress Committee Balodabazar President Sumitra Dhritlahare, Bhatapara MLA Indra Sao, and Kasdol MLA Sandeep Sahu were special participants in the camp. State Congress General Secretary Malkit Singh Gendu and State Seva Dal President Arun Tamrakar, along with their entire team, worked tirelessly to ensure the camp was a success. In addition, numerous senior Congress officials, MLAs, former MLAs, district and block-level officials, and workers were also present.

At the conclusion of the training camp, the Block Congress Presidents who participated were honored with certificates. Along with the certificates, a message was given to effectively implement the training received under the Organization Creation Campaign in their respective blocks and to activate the workers organizationally.

On this occasion, Diwakar Mishra, describing organizational training as crucial, said that for a strong organization, it is essential for workers to be trained, active, and disciplined. He added that through the Organization Creation Campaign, important work is being done to strengthen the Congress organizational structure at the booth and grassroots level.

He stated that organizational activities can be made more effective through continuous communication with block-level workers, booth-level activism, and mutual coordination. He also emphasized the need to disseminate the guidance received from the training camp to workers through organizational activities in Bhatapara block.

In a three-day training camp, 74 Block Congress Presidents from Raipur Division were trained on various topics, including organizational management, ideology, discipline, public relations, strengthening the organization at the booth level, and the effective use of digital media. The Congress officials attending the camp pledged to work together to strengthen the organization and to spread the party's activities to villages, booths, and the general public.

Raipur. There are signs of monsoon activity increasing once again in Chhattisgarh. Rain is expected in many parts of the state during the next two days. Rain continues in South Chhattisgarh and the temperature in the surrounding areas including Jagdalpur remains below 30 degree Celsius. The depression formed in the Bay of Bengal may turn into a deep depression. Due to its effect, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in some areas of the southern parts on 23 and 24 September. Raipur also witnessed a change in the weather on Tuesday night, although there was no complete relief from the humidity.

The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for several districts regarding rain, strong winds, and lightning. An orange alert has been issued for Sukma, Bijapur, South Bastar Dantewada, Bastar, and Kondagaon, while a yellow alert has been issued for Sukma, Bijapur, South Bastar Dantewada, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, North Bastar Kanker, Dhamtari, Balod, Rajnandgaon, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Raipur, Baloda Bazar, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh, Bilaspur, Durg, and Bemetara. According to the department, at 11:30 am on September 22, the depression was located in the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 17.9 degrees north and longitude 85.8 degrees east. It is expected to move west-northwestward and cross the northern Andhra Pradesh-southern Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by the night of September 23.

Raipur will expect partly cloudy skies on September 23rd, with a possibility of rain or thundershowers. The maximum temperature in the capital is expected to be around 31 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 25 degrees Celsius. Light to moderate rain is expected in most parts of the state on Wednesday, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in some areas. A warning has also been issued for thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds with speeds of up to 50 to 60 kilometers per hour.

Simga. The court has sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for luring two minor sisters with the promise of marriage and raping them. Additional Sessions Judge, Bhatapara, Satish Kumar Jaiswal, convicted Sanat Sahu, a resident of Kachalon village, in both cases and also imposed a fine. All sentences will run concurrently.

According to the prosecution, a minor girl went missing from her home in 2022. During a police investigation, she was recovered in Nagpur. The accused, despite knowing her age and belonging to a Scheduled Caste, lured her with the promise of marriage and took her with him. During this time, the victim became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl. Later, in 2024, the accused also took her younger sister with him and raped her.

The police recovered both sisters from Nagpur and handed them over to their families. After gathering the necessary documents and evidence, they presented charges in court in both cases. Special Public Prosecutor Sanjay Bajpai proved the case against the accused based on witness statements and available evidence. The police and prosecution have appealed to parents to monitor their children's activities and to immediately inform the police or Dial 112 if a child goes missing.

MLA and former MLA attended the program of Brahma Kumaris Institute: Said – the organization has an important role in giving new thinking and positive direction

Bhatapara. Regional MLA Indra Sao and former MLA Shivratan Sharma participated as chief guests in the special 'Yoga Tapasya Bhatti (Meditation)' program organized by the local service center of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwari Vishwavidyalaya. Senior yoga teacher Brother Ramnath Ji, who had come from the Mount Abu headquarters of the organization, was honored with a shawl and a bouquet of flowers on this occasion. Brother Ramnath Ji told the gathering about practical ways to live a stress-free and happy life through meditation.

Addressing the program, guests praised the organization's contribution to building society. The statements of both public representatives are as follows:

Statement by regional MLA Indra Sao:

• A blessed city for a religious place: MLA Indra Sao said that Bhatapara is known as a religious city. Therefore, the establishment of the Brahma Kumaris Divine University in the city is a matter of good fortune for the residents of the area. Through this institution, not only the people of Bhatapara but also the surrounding areas are receiving positive thoughts, spiritual knowledge, and inspiration to face life's challenges.
• Nostalgic memories of his Mount Abu trip: Recalling his college trip in 1991, he said he had the opportunity to visit Mount Abu, where he spent two or three days meditating and practicing spiritual practice. That spiritual experience remains vivid in his memory, and his classmates also remember it fondly.
• Desire to go again: The MLA expressed his desire to visit Mount Abu again soon with his family and experience the spiritual atmosphere there.
• The need for positive thinking: He said that the organization is working to provide new ideas, new paths, and a new direction to society. In today's times, the need for positive thinking and a spiritual outlook has increased even more. He also expressed his gratitude to the Brahma Kumaris for the invitation and honor.

Statement of former MLA Shivratan Sharma:

• Meditation for mental health: Former MLA Shivratan Sharma, while emphasizing on the balance of mind and body, said, “Just as regular physical exercise is required to keep the body healthy and fit, similarly meditation and pure thoughts are required to make the mind strong, calm and positive.”
• Praise for the local service centre: He said that it is a matter of great pride for the residents of Bhatapara city that the sisters and Didi ji here are continuously spreading positive energy in the society by organizing such divine and inspirational programs.
• शुभकामनाएं: वक्तव्य के अंत में उन्होंने समस्त नगरवासियों के सुखद, शांत एवं समृद्ध जीवन की कामना की।
  कार्यक्रम के अंत में अतिथियों ने माउंट आबू से पधारे वरिष्ठ सदस्यों एवं स्थानीय ब्रह्माकुमारी बहनों का नागरिक समाज की ओर से धन्यवाद ज्ञापित किया।

Chennai. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday expanded the 'Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme'. Under this, students of classes 6 to 8 in government and government-aided schools across the state will be provided free breakfast. Vijay inaugurated the expansion program at the Corporation Middle School in Gandhigram in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. He served Pongal to the students and then sat with them for breakfast. This expansion will add 15.30 lakh more students under the program. In total, 34.64 lakh children studying in 44,984 government and government-aided schools will now benefit from the scheme.

The state government has allocated an additional ₹217.63 crore to implement this expanded program. It has been launched in all districts except Madurantakam constituency in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram in Tiruppur district, where assembly by-elections are due. The breakfast program was originally launched in 2022 by then Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during the DMK government. Initially, it was for students in grades 1 to 5 in government schools and later extended to government-aided institutions. The program was launched with the aim of combating child malnutrition, increasing school attendance, and encouraging students to continue their studies rather than drop out.

Before its recent expansion, it covered 1.934 million students studying in 37,447 government and government-aided schools.
After the TVK government came to power, the program was renamed the Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme. Vijay later announced that it would be extended to sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.

The launch was originally scheduled for September 17, the birth anniversary of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. It was postponed to September 22, as Vijay was in London to attract industrial investment to Tamil Nadu. According to the weekly menu, students will be served upma on Mondays, khichdi on Tuesdays, pongal on Wednesdays, upma on Thursdays, and sweet dishes on Fridays. Officials have been instructed to ensure that the food is nutritious and prepared in a hygienic environment.
CM Vijay also directed officials to regularly inspect the kitchen and dining areas, maintain cleanliness, and closely monitor the quality and timely distribution of food to students.

New Delhi. The Mayur Vihar police in East Delhi have arrested a notorious ATM fraudster. The accused would distract people, replace their ATM cards, and then withdraw money from their accounts. Police recovered three ATM cards from him. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East District, Rajiv Kumar, the accused has been identified as Asif (30), a resident of Loni, Ghaziabad. He has been previously involved in six criminal cases.

On September 17th, at 11:15 a.m., complainant Mohammad Ghalib Hussain went to withdraw money from an Axis Bank ATM in Trilokpuri. Two strangers distracted him by striking up a conversation and obtained his ATM PIN. They then fraudulently replaced his card with another card that looked identical. Ghalib became suspicious and checked the card, revealing it wasn't his.

The complainant began searching nearby ATM booths and spotted the same suspects at another Axis Bank ATM in Trilokpuri. Confronted, both men fled, but swift police action led to the arrest of one of the accused, Asif. A case, FIR No. 416/2026, was registered at the Mayur Vihar police station.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that he and his accomplice specifically targeted people who didn't know how to operate an ATM. He would engage them in conversation inside the ATM booth, obtain their PIN, and then exchange their cards. He would later use those cards for illegal transactions. Police said one of his accomplices is still absconding and is being searched for.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of the ACP of Mayur Vihar and the direction of SHO, Inspector Dinesh Moral. Police are now investigating the identities of other victims, their financial transactions, and their connection to other similar cases. Cases are already registered against the accused at the Krishna Nagar, Mansarovar Park, Burari, Cyber ​​North-East, Jagatpuri, and Harsh Vihar police stations. This arrest has solved two cases: the Mayur Vihar case and an e-FIR from the PIA police station.

Raipur. A Teej Milan festival is being organized on September 22nd at M-12, Sector-24, Naya Raipur. Hosted by Revenue and Disaster Management, Rehabilitation and Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma, the event will run from 12 noon to 4 pm. Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh will attend the event with his wife Veena Singh, and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will attend with his wife Kaushalya Devi Sai. Several state ministers, public representatives, and prominent citizens will also be present.

The program aims to promote Chhattisgarh's folk traditions and cultural heritage while connecting the new generation to their roots. According to Minister Tank Ram Verma, traditional festivals like Teej are a medium for social interaction, brotherhood, and mutual bonding. The celebration will showcase Chhattisgarhi cuisine, along with a glimpse of the folk culture and traditions associated with Teej.

Gariaband. A case has come to light in Jarhidih village, under the Shobha police station area of ​​the district, where a husband beat his wife to death. According to police, a dispute arose between the husband and wife due to suspicion about her character. As the dispute escalated, the husband beat his wife with a belt, resulting in her death. Following the incident, police have detained the accused husband.

The deceased has been identified as Monica (32), while the accused husband has been identified as Ram Kumar. According to reports, the two had an argument last night over suspicions of character, during which Ram Kumar assaulted Monica. Upon receiving information about the incident, Shobha police arrived at the scene and began an investigation. Police are questioning the accused to determine the circumstances of the incident and the reasons for the dispute.

Dhamtari. On the instructions of Superintendent of Police Bhavna Pandey, awareness activities are being conducted under community policing. In this sequence, teachers and students of Kanya Uttar Madhyamik Vidyalaya were taken on an educational tour of the traffic branch. During this, they were told about the role of traffic police in managing traffic, preventing accidents and ensuring safe movement of people. The students were also explained the functioning of various equipment including breath analyzer, speed checking equipment, barricades, reflective jackets and traffic cones.

Police officers advised the students to use helmets and seat belts, follow speed limits, stay away from mobile phones while driving, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Emphasis was also placed on the use of traffic signals and zebra crossings while crossing the road. The officers said that road safety is everyone's shared responsibility and the possibility of accidents can be reduced by following the rules. Students also asked questions regarding the functioning of the traffic police, vehicle checking, and action taken against rule violations, which were answered by the officers.

Traffic in-charge Sub-Inspector Khemraj Sahu, school teachers, Head Constable Chaman Singh Thakur, Constables Dev Gajendra, Rajiv Sahu, Balmukund and Umesh Diwan, along with a large number of students were present at the event. According to Dhamtari Police, activities to increase communication between police and citizens through community policing and to make students and youth aware of law, safety and traffic discipline are continuing.