Tina

Meet the City Toppers of Class 12: Passion, Persistence, and Purpose Girls from Indore outshone their male counterparts, claiming the top positions in the ISC Class 12 2025 results. With unparalleled excellence, three exceptional young women have etched their names in the city’s academic history. Niyati Khandare topped the Science stream and emerged as the city’s overall topper with an outstanding 95.5%. In the Commerce stream, Hoonar Wadhwani claimed the top spot with a remarkable 92.5%, while Sanskriti Tomar led the Humanities stream, securing 92.5%. The three girls stood out in their respective streams—each with a story of focus, discipline, and vision. From aspiring civil servants to future researchers and corporate professionals, these toppers reflect the diversity and determination of the city’s brightest minds. In Their Own Words: City Toppers Share Journeys and Advice Niyati Khandare: Science Stream & Overall City Topper (95.5%) Niyati Khandare has emerged as the city’s ove...

Indore Students Shine Bright in ICSE Class 10 Results: Ansh Tops with 98.4% Indore's students celebrated their remarkable success in the ICSE Class 10 examinations, as the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) unveiled the results on Wednesday. The city has set an exceptional benchmark this year, with Ansh Awasthi emerging as the topper, securing an impressive 98.4%. His achievement has raised the bar for academic excellence in Indore. Following closely behind are Anshika Agrawal and Shubhaan Majumder, both with an outstanding 96.8%, showcasing a strong pool of high achievers. The overall performance reveals a notable concentration of students in the 95%+ range, with Angel Sethia (95.8%) and Syed Mohd Aamil (95.4%) among the top scorers. As we move down the list, the scores show a steady distribution, with Yashasvi Khandelwal (94.2%) and Preet Kumawat (93.6%) demonstrating solid results. Even the lowest notable score, Zainab Jaorwala at 88.9%, reflects a co...

Vulture Crisis in Indore: 75% Population Vanishes in Just Two Months Only 18 vultures were recorded in the latest summer census conducted on Tuesday, in the Indore Forest Division—a staggering 75% decline from the 73 vultures sighted just two months earlier during the winter census. The drop amounts to a loss of 55 vultures in less than 60 days, raising urgent concerns among forest officials and conservationists about the survival of the species in the region. The one-day survey, carried out between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., spanned over 100 locations across four forest divisions within the Indore circle. Despite this extensive effort, the numbers were bleak. Indore range recorded six vultures—five adults and one juvenile—with no nests found. All birds were seen resting on open ground, indicating potential habitat stress. Choral reported six adult vultures and one nest on a rock. Manpur recorded four adults and four rocky nests, while Mhow saw just two vultures and one nest. Ralamandal Wildl...

Indore Prepares for Free Online School Admissions from May 5: DPC leads On-Ground Inspections Indore school education department is gearing up for the launch of the free online admission process under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, starting May 5, 2025, for the academic year 2025–26. The initiative aims to provide free and compulsory education to children from weaker and disadvantaged sections in recognized private unaided schools. In anticipation of the launch, District Project Coordinator (DPC) Indore Sanjay Mishra, is conducting extensive field-level inspections to ensure a smooth and transparent admission process. His responsibilities currently include: • Verifying minority status certificates submitted by private schools, • Checking the operational status and infrastructure readiness of schools, • Processing and reviewing renewal applications for school recognition, • Updating school profiles and seat availability for accurate display on the state education portal. This rigorou...

Step by Step: Malwa’s Dance Icons Lead the Way to the Future TINA KHATRI Indore Indore and the entire Malwa region boast a rich tapestry of dance traditions reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. From ancient folk theatre to vibrant community dances, these art forms have evolved over centuries, adapting to changing social dynamics while preserving their roots. Traditional dances like the festive Matki, vibrant Phulpati, courtship-themed Bhagoria, theatrical Maach, rhythmic Tertali, and communal Grida are now adapted for stage performances, cultural festivals, and educational programmes, keeping their essence alive. Institutions like the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy and events like the Lokrang Festival are key in preserving these art forms. On this International Dance Day, we highlight the inspiring stories of some talented dancers from Indore. Revolutionising Kathak in Indore and Beyond – Dr. Ragini Makkhar “Kathak is my soul, and I strive to make it a part of mainstream culture.” Dr. R...

SDO Mhow to clear tree removal, relocation & pruning requests Bid to accelerate constructions projects, admin appoints SDO for clearance Indore District Administration has cleared the way for regulated tree removal, pruning, and relocation to accelerate various civic development projects across the city. The move, in compliance with a December 2024 High Court order, comes as part of a broader strategy to balance urban growth with environmental preservation. Collector Ashish Singh has appointed Kailash Joshi, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDO) of Mhow, to oversee the process in accordance with legal and environmental norms. The decision is expected to address long-standing delays in roadwork, drainage upgrades, and infrastructure development caused by trees obstructing project sites. To minimize environmental impact, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is set to introduce an advanced tree transplant machine, along with 20 supportive robotic machines, for the scientific relocatio...

International Dance Day on April 29!  Get Ready to Dance, Create, and Celebrate! TINA KHATRI This is a special weekend before International Dance Day, so for you, we've compiled a fun mix of activities and recipes to get your body and mind grooving. Start with a Twirling Dancer Activity—a delightful and creative way to connect with movement through art. As you fold and twist your way to creating your very own paper dancer, you’ll begin to feel the joy of dance, even on paper! Then, fuel up with some Hip-Hop Hummus Wraps, a bold and vibrant meal that mirrors the energy and flavor of dance. A perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and spicy, these wraps are just what you need to keep your energy up as you move and groove through the day. Whether you're crafting, cooking, or testing your dance knowledge with a fun quiz, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out—dance your heart out, create, and savor the rhythm in everything you do before this International Danc...

Indore Forest Rescue Team successfully tackled a monkey menace that disrupted the Khargone Collectorate and the residence of the District Forest Officer (DFO). Initially, the local forest team was called upon to manage the situation, but they were unable to control the aggressive monkeys. With six people reported to have been bitten and panic spreading among the families of district officials, the Indore team from Ralamandal was summoned for assistance. Upon arrival, the Indore team quickly assessed the situation and devised a plan to capture the two leaders of the monkey gang. One leader was trapped in a cage, while the other was tranquilized for safety. Once the leaders were removed, the remaining monkeys returned to the nearby forests, bringing the situation under control. Ralamandal in-charge Yohan Katara explained, “The local forest team made initial efforts, but the monkeys were too aggressive, and the situation worsened. With several people bitten and panic among families, we ha...

Indore Forest Strengthens Regulations to Protect Biodiversity & Curb Illegal Practices Indore Forest Division introduced stringent regulations to combat illegal gum collection and strengthen the trade of biodiversity resources. A key concern raised during a recent meeting was the environmental harm caused by illegal gum harvesting, which threatens both the local ecosystem and the health of trees. In response, the Forest Division issued strong directives to ensure all gum collection follows legal and sustainable methods, aiming to protect the city’s forests from further degradation. The crackdown on illegal gum collection is part of the Forest Division's broader initiative to safeguard Indore’s natural resources. Illegal gum collection has been identified as a major environmental threat, leading to long-term damage to trees and disrupting the ecosystem. Local authorities have been directed to ensure that all gum collectors adhere to prescribed legal methods, thereby preventing f...

​DEO to change again, as suspension sought In a decisive move, District Collector Ashish Singh has submitted a proposal to the Divisional Commissioner for the suspension and removal of District Education Officer (DEO) Sushma Vaishya. The proposal comes in light of Vaishya's repeated absences from Jan Sunwai (Public Hearing) sessions, despite clear orders from the Collector to attend. Collector Ashish Singh confirmed the move, stating, "I have sent a proposal to the Divisional Commissioner for the suspension and removal of DEO Sushma Vaishya due to her repeated failure to comply with official orders." This decision follows a series of administrative lapses, including her failure to attend Jan Sunwai sessions, which are crucial for addressing public grievances. Vaishya had been previously warned after skipping a session without prior permission, but despite this, she continued to disregard the instructions. Vaishya's suspension comes amid a backdrop of ongoing concerns ...

Indore’s Shame: Sanctuary Suffers as Cleanest City’s Residents Trash Ralamandal Indore, celebrated as India’s cleanest city for seven straight years, is facing an ironic crisis — its own residents are polluting one of the region’s most precious natural treasures. In pre-celebrations of Earth Day, what was meant to be a celebration of nature turned into a stark reminder of the damage being done to it. A large-scale clean-up drive at Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, organized by the Forest Department and Wild Warriors Indore, revealed an unsettling truth — visitors, mostly from Indore, are littering the sanctuary without a care in the world. Volunteers and forest staff collected over 10-12 bags full of plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable waste during the campaign. What should have been a peaceful haven for flora and fauna is now showing signs of human neglect. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Yohan Katara, sub-divisional officer of Ralamandal. “People come here to enjoy t...

Holy Thursday Observed with Foot Washing Ceremony in Indore Churches The Catholic community in Indore observed Holy Thursday with solemn religious ceremonies and heartfelt prayer services commemorating two major events from the life of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, Holy Thursday marks the day of the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with his twelve disciples and instituted the Holy Eucharist. It is also the day when Jesus, setting an example of humility and service, washed the feet of his disciples, a gesture still observed symbolically in Catholic churches worldwide. As part of this tradition, special services were held at all Catholic churches in Indore at 6:30 PM. At Holy Family Church, Pipliyakumar, Bishop Dr Thomas Macwan, of the Indore Catholic Diocese, washed the feet of twelve parishioners, demonstrating Christ’s call to serve others selflessly. In his sermon, Bishop Macwan emphasized, “Washing another’s feet is the greatest sign of humility. Through...

A Joyful Easter Weekend: Flavour, Fun and a Touch of Magic TINA KHATRI As spring breathes life back into the world, Easter weekend arrives like a fresh bloom—bursting with colour, warmth, and togetherness. Whether you're planning a peaceful Sunday lunch, a laughter-filled afternoon with the little ones, or a quiet moment of reflection, there's something special for everyone. This Easter, celebrate with comforting seasonal food​, light-hearted family games, and a dash of adventure to stir the imagination. Roasted Baby Potatoes with Herb Butter Ingredients: For the potatoes: • 700g baby potatoes • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the herb butter: • 40g unsalted butter (or plant-based alternative) • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional) • Zest of 1 lemon • A small squeeze of lemon juice (optional) Method:...

Marking 25 years of marriage, designer Nidhi and businessman Piyush Goyal have chosen to celebrate their silver anniversary not with grandeur for themselves, but with generosity toward others. In a deeply personal and socially impactful gesture, the couple is organizing a mass wedding for 18 financially disadvantaged and differently-abled young women, fulfilling the late Santosh Goyal’s dream and carrying forward a legacy of compassion. The event, guided by senior social worker Premsukh Goyal and organized under the banner of ‘Ananyabandhan,’ will take place on Friday, April 18 at Grand Swastik Garden, Silver Springs Phase II. As the sun sets, 18 couples will exchange vows in a twilight ceremony that symbolizes new beginnings. Each newlywed couple will receive essential household items, including wardrobes, beds, mattresses, curtains, utensils, and other daily-use items to help them begin married life with dignity and comfort. While the gesture honors a mother’s memory, it is also a re...

Leopard snaring incidents are increasing across Madhya Pradesh, with the latest case reported in the Kasrawad Range of the Khargone Forest Division, following similar cases in the Dhamnod-Bagh Range. A female leopard was found injured on Tuesday night after getting caught in a trap set by poachers in the forest. Upon receiving the alert, a rescue team from Indore reached the spot on Wednesday morning. After an hour-long effort, the team successfully tranquilized and rescued the leopard. Forest veterinarians treated the animal, and upon finding only minor injuries, recommended releasing her back into the wild. The leopard was later released in a forest area near Indore. The leopard was first spotted in an injured condition in a field near the village of Mathlai, which falls under the Khargone range. She remained seated in one place, prompting villagers to alert the forest department. Due to poor visibility at night, the rescue operation was delayed, and forest officials monitored the an...

Budget Allocation for Class 5 & 8 Exams: Disparities in Funding Across Districts Tina Khatri The Madhya Pradesh School Education Department has allocated a total of ₹135 crore for the printing of question papers for Class 5 and Class 8 annual examinations in the 2024–25 academic session. The funds are part of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy–Teaching Learning Material (FLN-TLM) and Learning Enhancement Programme (LEP) initiatives, aimed at ensuring quality assessments for over 25 lakh students across 52 districts. Budget Breakdown: Higher Allocations for Some Districts While the overall budget adheres to standard per-student allocations—₹4 per student for Class 5 and ₹6 per student for Class 8—there are notable disparities in district-level funding, raising concerns about equity and efficiency. Rewa emerges as a key beneficiary, receiving a higher share of the total budget (6.32%) compared to its percentage of enrolled students (5.27%). This suggests a targeted policy appr...

Rising Temperatures Threaten peafowls, Forest Department Finally Acts As temperatures in Madhya Pradesh soar to dangerous levels, reaching 40.1°C on Tuesday, the Forest Department has finally begun to take action to address the growing crisis. On Tuesday, six spots across the region were provided with water and feed for peafowls. This marks the first significant step taken after authorities identified 50 such spots that required immediate attention due to the extreme heat. The Indore Weather Office recorded a temperature of 40.1°C, which is 2°C higher than usual, with no rainfall to alleviate the scorching conditions. By 5:30 PM, the temperature stood at 38.2°C, with humidity at 22%, and visibility remained clear. These high temperatures are already proving fatal for several peafowls in regions like Kalindi Colony and Residency Area with locals discovering lifeless bodies of the birds due to dehydration and heatstroke. Despite identifying 50 critical spots in the region, the Forest Dep...

Celebrate Baisakhi with Fun and Creative Activities! TINA KHATRI This year, Baisakhi falls on Sunday, April 13, and it's time to celebrate the harvest season with joy, food, and creativity. Baisakhi is a festival celebrated across India in different forms, and it marks the beginning of a new season of hope, prosperity, and vibrant traditions. While it's known as a harvest festival, the celebrations vary by region. In Madhya Pradesh, the focus is on the abundance of the harvest. Elsewhere, in Assam, the festival takes the form of Rongali Bihu, and in Odisha, it’s called Maha Vishuva Sankranti. Further south, in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it’s celebrated as Ugadi, a day to mark the Telugu and Kannada New Year. No matter where you are, the spirit of Baisakhi brings communities together. So, why not join in the fun and try your hand at some festive activities and traditions? Here are some easy and creative ways to make your Baisakhi celebration extra special: Start your celebrat...

No Arrangements. No Water. No Feed. The End of the National Bird? As temperatures in Indore nears 42°C, India’s national bird — the peacock — is dying silently. With no water, no feed, and no plan, the city’s forest authorities have failed to protect one of the country's most iconic species. Residents claim that at least 35 peafowls have already succumbed to the heat. The number may be far higher. This is not just a seasonal oversight. This is an avoidable disaster. Birds Dying, Authorities Silent Mass deaths have been reported from Kalindi Colony, the Residency Area behind Indore Zoo, and Ralamandal. In each of these areas, locals discovered lifeless bodies of peafowls — victims of extreme dehydration and heatstroke. There were no water tanks, no feeding stations, and no active response from forest officials. “We have not made any arrangements as of now, and there is no budget allocated,” Krishna Ninama, Assistant Conservator of Forest, said. Despite the rising heat, the Environme...

Indore Forest Department seized 180 kilograms of illegally transported dhawda resin and a white Bolero vehicle during an operation in the Choral Range. The action was based on a tip-off about unauthorized resin transport from Gwaloo village. Forest Conservator PN Mishra and Divisional Forest Officer Pradeep Mishra directed the operation. Teams were deployed across the range under the supervision of Deputy Forest Officer Krishna Kumar Ninama and Choral Range Officer Sachin Shankar Verma.The team located the suspect vehicle on the Indore-Khandwa road and intercepted it at Talai checkpoint. A search of the vehicle revealed 180 kg of dhawda resin. The driver could not produce any legal documents for the transport. Officials recorded video and photo evidence on site. The vehicle was taken to the Talai Forest Campus for further investigation. Forest staff registered Forest Crime Case No. 587/08. The seized vehicle is a white Bolero with registration number MP09CX8373. The accused are Sajid K...

Integrated School Plan to be Rolled Out in Scheduled Tribe-Dominated Areas of Indore Division Efforts to Provide Stress-Free Education and Career Guidance to School Children Through Play-Based Learning An Integrated School Plan will soon be implemented across the Scheduled Tribe-dominated and remote areas of Indore Division. The initiative is designed to offer stress-free education through play while also helping school children build their careers. The plan, set to roll out in multiple phases under a public-private partnership model, will focus on skill development, guidance for competitive exam preparation, and providing necessary study materials. The program aims to empower students by equipping them with the skills needed for future success. It will offer career guidance to children in these underserved areas, focusing on competitive exams, vocational education, and skill enhancement. Additionally, the initiative will provide students with simplified guidance on how to approach the...

Thirteen cyclists from Indore completed a 200-kilometer night ride organized by Indore Randonneurs under the banner of Audax India. The event, a Night BRM (Brevet de Randonneurs Mondiaux), took place on the Ashtami and Navami nights. The route started near Bombay Hospital in Indore, passing through Nayta Mundla, reaching Outer Dewas Dodi, and returning to the starting point. Cyclists had a time limit of 13 hours and 30 minutes to complete the ride, with all riders finishing within the allotted time. The riders included Vihaan Rawat, Suresh Kumar Paswan, Debashish Mandal, Gaurav Jain, Kamlesh Mandloi, Pranshu Paliwal, Aziz Saudagar, R.B. Singh Base, Bharti Barodia, Hemant Barodia, Pankaj Rawat, Amit Jaiswal, and Manoj Mishra. The cyclists highlighted the importance of proper preparation for night rides, including the use of quality front and rear lights, power banks, and reflective vests. Most riders participated in the event in a group format, taking regular tea breaks to stay alert. S...

Ullas-Nav Saksharta Program to Boost Literacy School Education Department officially rolled out the Ullas-Nav Saksharta Program, a major literacy initiative aimed at eradicating illiteracy in the state. This program, designed in alignment with the new National Education Policy (NEP), is set to run till 2027 and focuses on enhancing literacy and skill development for individuals aged 15 and above. The program targets five core objectives: basic literacy and numeracy, essential life skills, basic education, vocational training, and continuing education. To address the diverse needs of adult learners, the department has developed a special primer titled Akshar Pothi, designed by the State Literacy Mission Authority. This primer covers foundational literacy and numeracy, while also incorporating key life skills like financial literacy, legal awareness, digital literacy, and disaster management. The department is collaborating with students, government and non-government organizations, and ...

Data Disaster Averted? CBSE Offers Last-Minute Fix for Schools’ LOC Errors Despite repeated reminders from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), many schools have failed to submit accurate data for the 2025 List of Candidates (LOC), leading to a surge in correction requests. In response to these errors, CBSE has now announced a limited window for schools to rectify mistakes in the submitted candidate details. The correction facility will be available from April 9 to April 17, 2025, via the Central Admission Master Correction (CAMC) Portal. This latest step by CBSE comes after multiple warnings, including a series of reminders sent in September and October 2024, urging schools to ensure the accuracy of student data, such as names, dates of birth, and parent details. Despite these clear directives, many schools continued to submit incorrect information, prompting the Board to intervene once again. The correction window offers schools a final chance to address discrepancies bef...

Prof Suresh Kumar Paswan from SGSITS has successfully completed the Trans-Himalayan LRM 1200KM Cycling Challenge, held from 21 to 24 March 2025. Organised by the French Delhi Randonneurs, the event required participants to cover a 1200-kilometre route from Gurgaon (New Delhi) to Manali and back, involving an ascent of 13,000 metres. The competition is considered one of the toughest cycling challenges globally, and Paswan was one of only four cyclists to finish the demanding course, completing it in an impressive 92 hours. The challenge pushed participants to their physical and mental limits, with cyclists encountering extreme heat, headwinds, steep mountain climbs, and temperatures as low as 0-2°C. The route took riders through key locations including Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Sundernagar, Mandi, Pandoh Dam, Kullu, Manali, and Solang Valley before returning to Gurgaon. Paswan’s ability to endure these difficult conditions is a testament to his rigorous preparation, which involved t...

Thrilling conclusion of 'The Power of Words' competition, this image embodies the spirit of intellectual excellence and creative brilliance. With 5 Champion Winners, 10 First Runner-Ups, and 25 Second Runner-Ups taking centre stage, the event highlighted the dedication, research, and powerful public speaking skills demonstrated by the students.  The much-awaited finale of 'The Power of Words', organized by Free Press, concluded in an exciting display of talent, with 5 Champion Winners, 10 First Runner-Ups, and 25 Second Runner-Ups being honored for their exceptional skills. The event, held at the Free Press office on Monday, showcased the remarkable public speaking and presentation abilities of the top 118 finalists out of over 2,000 participants. With judges and guests applauding the finalists' intellectual prowess, this grand finale was a testament to the students' dedication and hard work in selecting impactful topics, conducting research, and presenting thei...

3-Day Colourful Pravesh Utsav: Starting the academic year on colourful note The three-day Pravesh Utsav (Admission Festival) was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at all the government schools including major celebrations at two prominent government schools in Indore—CM Rise Ahilya Ashram School No. 1 and Chandravati Kanya Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya No. 1. The event, in line with directives from the Directorate of Public Instruction, Bhopal, marked the beginning of the new academic session and was designed to celebrate the start of a new educational journey for the students. CM Rise Ahilya Ashram School No. 1 stood as the central venue for the festivities. The school premises were carefully decorated, setting a vibrant atmosphere for the event. Students, parents, and teachers participated in a collective oath-signing ceremony at the main entrance, pledging to abide by the rules and values of the institution. The attendees then proceeded to the temple of Maa Ahilya Bai, located w...