The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds generated from the commercial use of India's biological resources in developing mustard varieties.

The amount has been released following the use of Indian biological resources by M/s Pioneer Overseas Corporation, which developed 10 commercial hybrid varieties of mustard (Brassica juncea).

The funds will be distributed among 26 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and three Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs). The share for each state and Union Territory will be calculated based on the area under mustard cultivation.

Mustard Genetic Resources Used

According to the NBA, Pioneer Overseas Corporation developed the 10 commercial hybrid varieties itself. However, the parental genetic material used for developing these varieties was sourced from open markets and traders.

Since a specific farmer or community could not be identified as the source of the biological resources, the NBA constituted an expert committee to recommend a mechanism for distributing the ABS funds.

The recommendations of the committee were subsequently approved by the authority.

States to Receive Proportionate Share

Under the approved mechanism, when biological resources are obtained through intermediaries such as traders, the ABS amount is distributed among the State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils where the resource is cultivated.

The NBA obtained mustard cultivation-area data from ICAR-Indian Institute of Mustard Research (ICAR-IIMR), Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and used it to calculate the state-wise distribution.

Rajasthan accounts for around 42 per cent of India's mustard cultivation area, making it the largest beneficiary of the latest ABS release. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh follow.

The distribution includes a wide range of states and Union Territories because mustard cultivation is spread across different parts of the country.

Rajasthan Gets ₹6.43 Crore

Rajasthan will receive the largest share, amounting to ₹6.43 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh with ₹2.28 crore and Madhya Pradesh with ₹1.86 crore.

The top beneficiaries are:

Funds to Support Biodiversity Conservation

The State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils are required to use the ABS funds in accordance with Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act.

The funds can be used for activities including biodiversity conservation, documentation and updating of People's Biodiversity Registers, and in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biological resources.

Other permitted activities include restoration of degraded ecosystems, strengthening biodiversity heritage sites, capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees and improving community livelihoods.

₹182.5 Crore Released So Far

The latest release is part of the NBA's broader implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which seeks to ensure that communities and regions conserving India's biological diversity receive a fair share of the benefits generated from its commercial use.

The framework is aligned with the principles of equitable benefit sharing under the Nagoya Protocol and Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

With the latest release, the NBA has so far disbursed a total of ₹182.5 crore through ABS mechanisms. Of this, ₹116.22 crore has been released to beneficiaries across the country during the past 12 months.

Role of National Biodiversity Authority

The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The authority regulates access to India's biological resources and associated traditional knowledge and works to implement equitable benefit sharing in accordance with the principles of the Nagoya Protocol.

The latest mustard-related disbursement is intended to ensure that commercial benefits generated from India's genetic resources are channelled back towards conservation and communities and regions that help maintain the country's biodiversity.

A traffic jam stretching nearly 2 kilometres was reported at the Chakghat border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on National Highway-30 after trucks were stopped from entering Prayagraj amid arrangements for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra.

The queue of vehicles began building up on Wednesday evening after restrictions on truck movement towards Prayagraj came into effect. By Thursday morning, the line had extended to around two kilometres, with the congestion continuing for more than 12 hours.

Trucks Stranded at Chakghat

According to truck drivers, restrictions were imposed on the movement of heavy vehicles towards Prayagraj as the number of Kanwariyas in the city increased. With trucks unable to proceed towards Uttar Pradesh, several vehicles accumulated at the Chakghat border.

The congestion affected traffic moving between Rewa and Prayagraj, with drivers facing delays while waiting for movement to resume.

Administration Moves to Ease Traffic

Following reports of the congestion, police and administrative teams reached the spot and began managing traffic. Vehicles were being allowed to move forward gradually in an effort to reduce the length of the queue.

However, a large number of trucks remained stranded at the border as restrictions on their entry into Prayagraj continued.

Only Trucks Stopped, Says Police

Rewa Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mishra said the restrictions were limited to trucks and that other vehicles were being allowed to move.

He said the decision was linked to traffic management arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra in Prayagraj. Police and administrative teams were present at Chakghat to regulate traffic and prevent further congestion.

According to the official clarification, passenger vehicles and other permitted traffic were not subject to the same restriction, allowing regular movement to continue.

Kanwar Yatra Drives Traffic Restrictions

The annual Kanwar Yatra has led authorities in several areas along major routes to introduce temporary traffic-management measures as large numbers of devotees travel towards religious destinations.

With Prayagraj witnessing increased movement of Kanwariyas, restrictions on heavy vehicles are intended to reduce pressure on roads and maintain smoother movement for pilgrims and other road users.

For truck operators, however, the restrictions have resulted in extended waiting periods at the MP-UP border.

Traffic Situation Being Monitored

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation at Chakghat and regulate the movement of vehicles. The administration is also working to clear the accumulated traffic and prevent the queue from extending further.

While the congestion has caused inconvenience to truck drivers and commuters, officials have maintained that the restriction is specifically aimed at heavy vehicles entering Prayagraj and that other traffic remains operational.

 The Madhya Pradesh government has approved a pilot project to outsource the operation and management of Community Health Centres (CHCs), with the first phase covering 18 hospitals across Rewa, Dewas and Guna districts.

The move is aimed at addressing shortages of doctors, specialists and other healthcare personnel at the community health centre level. According to an order issued by the Public Health and Medical Education Department, the pilot project will initially run for five years.

Under the new arrangement, selected private service providers, agencies or trusts will be responsible for the overall management of the identified CHCs. Their responsibilities will include hospital operations, housekeeping, security and ensuring the availability of doctors and specialists according to prescribed standards.

18 CHCs Included

The first phase covers a total of 18 community health centres in three districts — Rewa, Dewas and Guna. The government will assess the functioning of the model during the pilot period before deciding whether the arrangement should be expanded to other health facilities.

The selected service providers will have to ensure that medical professionals and specialists are available at the hospitals. This is significant for CHCs in areas where government facilities have faced difficulties in maintaining adequate medical staffing.

Existing Infrastructure to Be Handed Over

The hospitals will be transferred to the selected private operators on an “as is, where is” basis. This means the existing infrastructure will be handed over without an immediate restructuring of the facilities.

However, the government will continue to provide several essential services and supplies. Medicines and vaccines, along with materials required for OPD and IPD services and surgeries, will be supplied by the Health Department according to existing government policies.

The arrangement therefore separates hospital management from the continued provision of key government healthcare supplies and services.

Government Staff Get Transfer Option

Doctors and other medical staff already posted at these CHCs will also be affected by the new arrangement.

According to the plan, existing government doctors and medical personnel will be given a one-time option to seek transfer to other government health institutions within the district. Employees who do not opt for a transfer will continue to receive their salaries through the office of the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO).

The government has not indicated that the existing staff will lose their government employment as part of the pilot arrangement.

Opposition to Privatisation

The decision has already faced opposition from Congress leaders and health-sector organisations.

In July 2026, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, along with Congress tribal MLAs, met Governor Mangubhai Pateland Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The legislators had raised objections to proposals involving the transfer of community health centres, hostels and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to private entities.

Health workers, doctors and public-health organisations have also opposed the move and demanded that the government withdraw the decision.

Government Yet to Assess Wider Impact

The pilot project is expected to provide the government with an opportunity to evaluate whether outsourcing can improve the availability of doctors, specialists and hospital services at the CHC level.

For the government, the model could help address manpower shortages and administrative gaps. However, the involvement of private agencies in the management of public healthcare facilities has raised concerns among health-sector organisations over accountability, staffing and access to services.

The performance of the 18 CHCs during the five-year pilot period will therefore be closely watched before any wider rollout is considered.

 Lord Mahakal was adorned in a royal form during the traditional Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain early Thursday morning. The deity was decorated with a silver crown, silver mundamala, Rudraksha beads and fragrant flowers as devotees gathered for the sacred ritual.

The temple doors were opened at around 3 am, following which priests performed the customary worship of the deities in the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Mahakal was then given a ritual bath with water, followed by Panchamrit prepared from milk, curd, ghee, sugar and fruit juices.

Traditional Worship Begins

After the initial rituals, the first bell was sounded and Hari Om water was offered to Lord Mahakal. The Kapoor Aarti was subsequently performed.

The deity's head was decorated with a silver crescent, along with bhang, sandalwood and garlands of roses. A silver crown and Tripund were then placed as part of the traditional adornment.

Mahakal Given Royal Form

After the initial decoration, the Jyotirlinga was covered with cloth and the sacred Bhasma was applied during the Bhasma Aarti.

Lord Mahakal was subsequently dressed and decorated in a royal form using flowers, ornaments, bhang and dry fruits. A silver crown depicting Sheshnag, a silver mundamala, Rudraksha garlands and fragrant floral garlands were offered to the deity.

The sight of Lord Mahakal adorned with fresh roses and traditional ornaments drew the attention of devotees present during the early-morning ritual.

Bhasma Offered by Akhara

The sacred Bhasma was offered to Lord Mahakal by the Mahanirvani Akhara during the ceremony.

According to traditional belief, the offering of Bhasma marks the manifestation of Lord Mahakal from a formless state into a visible form for devotees.

Temple Echoes With Chants

A large number of devotees attended the Bhasma Aarti and sought blessings after witnessing the ceremonial worship and royal adornment of Lord Mahakal.

The atmosphere inside the temple reverberated with chants of Lord Mahakal as the rituals continued. Fruits and sweets were also offered as bhog during the Aarti.

The Bhasma Aarti remains one of the most significant daily rituals at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, drawing devotees from across the country who seek to witness the early-morning worship of the Jyotirlinga.

The search for 31-year-old Indore resident Adwait Upadhyay, who went missing while trekking in the Shivagange hills near Nelamangala in Bengaluru, entered its seventh day on Thursday, with rescue teams yet to locate him.

Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire department teams continued searching different sections of the approximately 4,500-foot-high Shivagange hills. Drones are also being used to scan difficult and inaccessible stretches of the terrain.

At the same time, Bengaluru Police have expanded the investigation beyond the search operation. Adwait's mobile phone and drone were found near Shantala Drop, prompting investigators to examine his mobile location history, call detail records (CDR), SIM connections, digital activity and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Mobile, SIM Connections Under Scanner

Adwait's mobile phone was recovered near Shantala Drop. Investigators are examining its location data, call records and other digital activity.

Police are also checking whether another SIM card had been issued in Adwait's name. Investigators are looking into the possibility of any additional number or SIM connection that could have been used by him or could provide information about his contacts before he went missing.

The objective is to establish a detailed timeline of his movements and communications.

Police Examine August 6-7 Calls

The call records from August 6 and 7 are being treated as important parts of the investigation. Police are checking whom Adwait contacted during these two days, apart from his fiancée.

Investigators are also examining his interactions with female friends and other acquaintances. Officials are trying to determine who was in contact with him before his disappearance and whether any conversation provides clues about his movements, state of mind or reason for visiting the hills.

Police have not identified anyone as a suspect and have not confirmed any dispute. These contacts are being examined as part of the investigation.

Drone Purchase Becomes Key Lead

Adwait's drone was also recovered near Shantala Drop. Police are now investigating when and where the device was purchased and whether anyone accompanied him at the time.

Investigators are seeking information from the drone manufacturer, local dealers and others involved in its sale. They are checking the purchase date, payment details and other transaction records.

The police are also examining the drone's technical data to determine when it was last flown and whether photographs or videos stored on the device could provide clues about Adwait's movements.

Difficult Terrain Complicates Search

The Shivagange hills are characterised by rocky terrain, steep sections and narrow trails. Rain has also made several stretches slippery and difficult to access.

Multiple SDRF, police and fire department teams are searching different parts of the hill. Drones are being deployed to survey areas where rescue personnel cannot easily reach.

Special attention is being given to the Shantala Drop area because Adwait's mobile phone and drone were recovered there. His bag and sweater had also reportedly been found near the same broader area earlier.

Digital Searches Raise Questions

Investigators have found indications that Adwait may have visited Shivagange on August 4, despite his fiancée's complaint stating that he left for trekking on the morning of August 7.

Police are therefore examining his activities between August 4 and August 7 to establish why he may have visited the area earlier.

His laptop search history reportedly contained searches related to the height of Shivagange hills, routes leading to Shantala Drop and different trekking paths.

Police also found searches using an AI tool concerning how long a person could survive after falling from a height and what could happen to the body following such a fall.

Investigators are considering whether this could indicate a possible self-harm angle. However, police have stressed that search history alone cannot establish what happened and that it must be assessed alongside CDRs, CCTV footage, mobile data and other circumstantial evidence.

Last Contact With Fiancée

According to the missing-person complaint, Adwait called his fiancée at around 7:30 am on August 7 and told her that he was going trekking in the Shivagange hills.

He subsequently stopped responding to calls.

His fiancée filed a missing-person complaint at the Kadugodi police station in Bengaluru's Whitefield subdivision at around 8 pm on August 7. The case was later referred to Nelamangala Police as the search area was identified around Shivagange.

Family Awaits Breakthrough

Adwait is the only son of his family. His father, Professor Pramod Upadhyay, died of a heart attack in 2016. His mother later received a compassionate appointment in the accounts department and subsequently took voluntary retirement. She currently lives alone in Indore.

Adwait had been living in Bengaluru for several years and was working as an engineer at a finance company. He had previously worked as a software professional.

His family remains deeply concerned as the search continues. Relatives have reportedly avoided speaking to the media while waiting for updates from the rescue teams and investigators.

Adwait's fiancée also declined to comment when contacted by Dainik Bhaskar, asking that questions about the case be directed to Bengaluru Police.

Vijayvargiya Speaks to Family

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has also spoken to Adwait's family and assured them that he would contact Bengaluru Police and help coordinate efforts to locate him.

Indore Crime Branch is also in touch with Bengaluru Police. Information relating to Adwait's family and contacts in Indore is being shared as part of the investigation.

For now, the search and investigation are proceeding on two fronts — rescue teams are scanning the difficult terrain of the Shivagange hills using personnel and drones, while police are examining mobile data, SIM connections, CDRs, digital searches and the history of Adwait's drone purchase.

No definitive conclusion has yet been reached about what happened to Adwait.

Shops, hotels, restaurants, malls and other commercial establishments in Madhya Pradesh can now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week after Governor Mangubhai Patel approved the Madhya Pradesh Workplace Empowerment Code (Shram Shakti Sanhita), 2026.

The new framework allows businesses to remain open around the clock, but employees cannot be made to work continuously. Work will have to be organised through shifts, with employees working within prescribed limits.

48-Hour Weekly Work Limit

Under the new provisions, an employee can work for a maximum of 48 hours in a week. Any additional working hours will require the employee's consent and must be compensated as overtime according to applicable rules.

The move is expected to particularly benefit hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other establishments that want to provide services during night hours. Consumers could also get greater access to shopping and hospitality services beyond conventional business hours.

One-Time Online Registration

The new system also seeks to simplify the registration process for commercial establishments.

Businesses will no longer need to repeatedly register and renew their registration. A shop or establishment will be able to complete its registration online once and receive a certificate along with a unique identification number.

If there are subsequent changes in the establishment's details, the information can be updated online instead of going through the entire registration process again.

Employers Responsible for Safety

The new labour framework places responsibility for workplace safety on employers.

Establishment owners will have to ensure proper cleanliness, safety equipment, fire-prevention arrangements and emergency-response measures at the workplace. Authorities will have the power to inspect establishments and take action where safety risks or violations are found.

The provisions also include safeguards aimed at ensuring a safe working environment for women employees, particularly in establishments operating during extended or night hours.

Social Security for Unorganised Workers

The framework also focuses on extending social-security and welfare benefits to workers in the unorganised sector.

Rickshaw drivers, domestic workers, construction labourers and other workers outside the formal employment system are expected to be brought within the ambit of government welfare schemes.

The framework seeks to facilitate access to benefits related to healthcare, education, housing, transportation and social security.

Easier Complaints and Inspections

The new system provides for administrative mechanisms and committees to address workers' complaints.

Labour department officials will be able to inspect establishments when required and seek relevant records and documents. Violations of prescribed provisions can result in action against the establishment.

24x7 Business, But Not 24x7 Work

The key distinction under the new system is that businesses may operate round the clock, while individual employees remain protected by working-hour limits.

For consumers, the changes could mean greater availability of shops, restaurants, hotels and malls during late-night hours. For businesses, the framework provides greater flexibility in operating hours while retaining requirements relating to employee consent, overtime, workplace safety and weekly working limits.

The new provisions therefore combine extended commercial operating hours with regulations intended to protect workers from excessive working hours and unsafe working conditions.

Three days of rain have exposed the poor condition of several roads across Bhopal, with damaged stretches, potholes and loose asphalt creating problems for motorists and pedestrians. Major roads such as Atal Path, Link Road No. 2, MP Nagar and New Market, along with several internal roads in residential areas, have reportedly deteriorated following the recent rainfall.

In several places, the bitumen has come off completely, while large potholes have appeared on roads used by commuters every day. The condition has also triggered criticism from the Congress, which has questioned the quality of road construction and maintenance work and warned of protests against those responsible.

Flyover Road Also Damaged

The condition of the road surface on the Dr Ambedkar (GG) Flyover, one of the city's major elevated road projects, has also come under scrutiny. At some locations, reinforcement bars are reportedly visible through the damaged road surface.

The flyover was constructed at a reported cost of around ₹154 crore. The deterioration following a few days of heavy rainfall has raised questions about the quality and durability of the road work.

Several other roads in the city have also suffered damage. Internal roads in areas including Ashoka Garden, Kailash Nagar, Semra, Shiv Nagar, Ayodhya Bypass, Patel Nagar, Anand Nagar, Arera, Rajiv Nagar, Aishbagh and Bagh Umrao Dulha have reportedly developed potholes and lost portions of their asphalt.

In parts of Ashoka Garden, residents say damaged stretches can be found at frequent intervals, making daily commuting difficult.

Major Roads Show Damage

The condition of some of Bhopal's prominent roads has also deteriorated.

Atal Path, also known as Boulevard Street, was constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹40 crore. The road has reportedly developed damage repeatedly, with maintenance work being undertaken periodically.

On Link Road No. 2, several stretches between Energy Bhawan and Seven Number Square have reportedly developed cracks and damaged surfaces.

Roads around New Market have also deteriorated, with loose gravel visible on the surface. The damaged stretches could increase the risk of vehicles skidding, particularly during wet conditions.

In MP Nagar, large potholes have reportedly appeared beneath and around the metro station area, creating difficulties for commuters.

Kolar Residents Raise Concerns

Road conditions in Kolar have also become a source of public concern.

The Kolar Congress held a protest on Tuesday over the condition of internal roads in Ward 82. Rahul Singh Rathore, president of Kolar Congress, released photographs and videos of the roads in Sarvadharm B Sector and alleged that repeated complaints to municipal officials had not resulted in repairs.

According to Rathore, the main road in the area has developed so many potholes that portions of the road surface are difficult to identify. The potholes have reportedly become deep enough for vehicle wheels to get stuck.

A car was also reported to have become stuck in one of the damaged stretches on Tuesday.

The Congress leader alleged that both elected representatives and officials responsible for the area had failed to address the problem.

Rain Brings Fresh Road Challenges

The road damage comes after heavy rainfall across Bhopal. According to the report, the city received around seven inches of rain in 24 hours, the highest single-day rainfall recorded in the season so far.

The heavy rain brought relief from the prolonged dry spell but also created problems in several parts of the city. More than 50 areas of the old city were reportedly affected by waterlogging, while the Berasia Road was closed temporarily.

Waterlogging was also reported on stretches of VIP Road and the Minal area, while fallen trees added to difficulties for residents.

With more rain possible during the monsoon season, the condition of damaged roads is likely to remain a concern for commuters and civic authorities. The immediate challenge for the municipal administration will be to repair potholes and damaged surfaces while ensuring that temporary patchwork does not deteriorate again with subsequent rainfall.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is likely to visit Ujjain in September as part of an organisational outreach programme with party workers from the Ujjain division.

The proposed visit will bring together Congress office-bearers and workers appointed through the party's organisational restructuring exercise. Leaders and workers from Ujjain, Ratlam, Shajapur, Dewas, Agar Malwa, Mandsaur and Neemuch districts are expected to participate in the programme.

Congress Begins Preparations

Following reports of Gandhi's proposed visit, the Congress organisation in Ujjain has started preparations for the programme. District Congress president Mahesh Parmar and city Congress president Mukesh Bhati are understood to be working on the arrangements and strategy.

However, the local leaders have so far avoided making detailed public statements about the proposed programme.

Two Venues Under Consideration

Kshirsagar and Kartik Mela Ground are reportedly being considered as possible venues for the event. The final venue will depend on administrative permission. Once permission is granted, arrangements, including the installation of a dome structure, are expected to be made at the selected location.

During the proposed programme, Gandhi is expected to interact with Congress workers and office-bearers from across the Ujjain division. The meeting is likely to focus on the party's organisational structure and its grassroots presence.

Focus on Grassroots Organisation

The proposed interaction is expected to include district presidents, block presidents, district and block executive members, Mandalam presidents and their executive committees, Gram Panchayat committee presidents, BLA-2 representatives and other party workers.

Gandhi is also expected to hold discussions with Panchayat Committee presidents and Mandalam-level office-bearers. The interaction could cover strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level, the role of workers and preparations for upcoming political activities.

Ujjain Date Yet to Be Finalised

Although September has been proposed for Gandhi's visit, the exact date has not yet been finalised.

A similar organisational programme is also being proposed in the Rewa division after the Ujjain visit. However, the date and other details of the Rewa programme are yet to be decided.

Mahakal Temple Visit Likely

Gandhi has previously visited Ujjain and offered prayers at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple. During the proposed September visit, Congress workers are also expecting him to visit the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Mahakal.

It is not yet clear whether the temple visit will take place before or after the organisational meeting. A final schedule is expected to be announced once the details of the visit are confirmed.

Retired Bhopal district and sessions judge Giribala Singh, who is currently in custody in connection with the suspicious death of model and actress Twisha Sharma, has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking bail. Her petition is likely to be heard on Wednesday.

The bail application comes after a district and sessions court rejected her earlier plea in the case, in which she has been accused of dowry death along with her son Samarth Singh.

Health, Age Cited in Bail Plea

In her petition before the High Court, Giribala Singh has cited her advancing age, health problems and responsibility for looking after her elderly mother as grounds for seeking relief.

She has also claimed that her relationship with her late daughter-in-law was cordial and that there were no disputes between the two.

The case concerns the death of Twisha Sharma, who died under suspicious circumstances within months of her marriage to Samarth Singh.

Twisha Died Months After Marriage

Twisha Sharma married Samarth Singh on December 9, 2025. She died during the night of May 12-13, 2026, around five months after the marriage.

The prosecution has relied on legal provisions concerning unnatural deaths of women occurring within seven years of marriage. During the earlier proceedings, the state argued that such circumstances bring the husband and members of the matrimonial family under scrutiny, subject to the facts and evidence of the case.

Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh have both been named as accused and are currently in custody.

District Court Had Rejected Bail

Giribala Singh had first sought bail from the district court, but the application was rejected. She subsequently moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Madhya Pradesh Advocate General Prashant Singh had appeared for the state while opposing her anticipatory bail plea. The state had referred to the legal provisions concerning unnatural deaths occurring within seven years of marriage as well as the circumstances surrounding Twisha's death.

The High Court's decision on the latest bail petition will now be closely watched.

CBI Court Proceedings Continue

The case is also being heard before the CBI court. According to the information provided by the victim's side, both accused were produced through video conferencing on Tuesday as their previous period of judicial custody was nearing completion.

Twisha's counsel Shubhang Dixit said the court has directed that the charge sheet be filed by August 17.

Accused Yet to Give Voice Samples

During another hearing, the CBI reportedly informed the court that Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh had not yet provided their voice samples.

The investigation is continuing, with several aspects of the case, including forensic evidence and other material, being examined by the investigating agency.

The High Court hearing on Giribala Singh's bail plea is expected to provide the next significant development in the case.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Bhojshala case on Wednesday, August 12, concerning the historical site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district. The hearing will take place on five petitions filed by representatives of the Muslim community challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore Bench verdict on the religious status of Bhojshala.

The matter was earlier listed for August 5 and 6, but the hearing could not take place on those dates.

Challenge to High Court Verdict

On May 15, 2026, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and permitted Hindus to conduct daily worship at the site.

Muslim representatives have challenged the verdict before the Supreme Court through five separate petitions. The petitions seek relief against the High Court's order and raise concerns over the arrangements for Muslim worship at the disputed site.

Supreme Court's July 14 Order

The Supreme Court had passed an interim order in the matter on July 14. The court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to arrange an alternative vacant location near Bhojshala where members of the Muslim community could offer Friday prayers.

Following the order, the district administration held discussions with representatives of the Muslim community. Officials proposed using vacant land near the Chalis Peer Dargah for Friday prayers and also prepared the site for the purpose.

However, Muslim representatives objected to the arrangement, arguing that the proposed location was too far from Bhojshala. They maintained that the Supreme Court's direction required an alternative prayer site immediately adjoining Bhojshala.

Prayers Shifted to Khasra 612

Following the objections, the matter was taken back to the Supreme Court. The administration subsequently identified land bearing Khasra No. 612, located behind and to the right side of Bhojshala, as the designated place for Friday prayers.

Muslim community members have offered Friday prayers at this location for the past two Fridays. Security arrangements have been put in place by the district administration during the prayers, and both gatherings were held peacefully.

The administration also carried out preparations at the site before allowing the prayers.

August 14 Prayer Arrangements

The Supreme Court's Wednesday hearing assumes significance as August 14 falls on a Friday, immediately after the hearing.

The district administration may have to review the arrangements for Friday prayers depending on the directions issued by the Supreme Court on August 12.

For now, the next course of action regarding Friday prayers will depend on the court's directions.

Case Closely Watched

The Bhojshala dispute has remained a sensitive matter involving competing religious claims over the historical site. The Supreme Court's interim directions have so far focused on maintaining arrangements for Friday prayers while the broader legal challenge to the High Court verdict remains pending.

The proceedings on Wednesday are therefore expected to be closely watched by both communities as well as the local administration.

• CM Mohan Yadav Leads Investment Drive in Ahmedabad

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• Monsoon Weather Alert and Rainfall Forecast

  Bhopal is set to experience light rain and thunderstorms today, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C; civic authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable areas like VIP Road and Ayodhya Bypass for potential waterlogging and traffic congestion.

• Hariyali Amavasya Celebrations and Afforestation Drive

  Devotees are gathering at Bhopal's Shiva temples and river ghats to mark Sawan’s Hariyali Amavasya, with widespread calls from political leaders and institutions encouraging public participation in tree plantation and environmental conservation.

• Total Solar Eclipse Occurring Today; Invisible in India

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• Delhi Train Parcel Services Suspended for Independence Day

  From August 12 to 15, parcel booking and handling will be completely paused across five key Delhi stations—including New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin—impacting cargo dispatches originating from Bhopal Junction and Rani Kamlapati stations.

• Bhopal Hosts Sports, Shopping, and Cultural Events

  The city is featuring multiple events today, including the Raja Bhoj Multiclass Sailing Championship 2026 at the Upper Lake Boat Club, a Rakshabandhan special exhibition at Raag Bhopali, and the patriotic Bharat Vandan Kala Mahotsav.

• ₹1,757 Crore Sanctioned for Bhopal-Vidisha Highway Expansion

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• Mandatory Closure of Meat Shops on August 15

  Administrative directives mandate that all meat shops and slaughterhouses across Bhopal remain closed on Independence Day (August 15), with municipal authorities warning of strict legal action against non-compliant vendors.

YouTube link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH1-mFZ0ab0

Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of north and central India over the past 24 hours, triggering waterlogging and flood-like conditions in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Several areas reported severe waterlogging, overflowing rivers and disruption to normal life as monsoon systems remained active over the region.

Bhopal Gets Over 7 Inches

Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past two days. The city recorded more than 7 inches of rain in 24 hours, leading authorities to keep schools closed for two days.

Water reportedly accumulated to nearly 5 feet in some parts of the city, affecting more than 1,000 houses and disrupting movement in several neighbourhoods.

A low-pressure area is currently active over Madhya Pradesh, while the monsoon trough is passing through the Gwalior region. The weather system is drawing moisture into the state and is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in 11 districts.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as water levels continue to rise in several locations.

Orange Alert in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has also witnessed intense rainfall, particularly across the Hadoti region.

The weather department has issued an orange alert for six districts and a yellow alert for 17 districts amid the possibility of further heavy rain.

Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar recorded up to 12 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

The situation worsened after the gates of the Kalisindh and Chhapi dams were opened, resulting in flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas.

Cars Swept Away in Bundi

Heavy rainfall caused extensive waterlogging in Bundi, where vehicles parked along roads were reportedly swept away by rapidly moving floodwater.

The incident highlighted the dangers posed by sudden water accumulation and strong currents in urban areas following intense rainfall.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable locations and assessing the impact of the continuing downpour.

Flood Risk Rises in UP

Parts of Uttar Pradesh have also been affected by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

In Saharanpur, a bridge built over the Gangrao River was damaged after a sudden rise in the river's flow.

The rising level of the Ganga has also increased concerns in low-lying areas. Reports said water entered around 25 houses, forcing residents to remain alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

Two Rescued in Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district, two young men were swept away by strong currents near Narhara Waterfall during heavy rainfall.

Local residents managed to rescue both men.

Authorities have repeatedly warned people against entering rivers, waterfalls and other water bodies during periods of heavy rain because water levels can rise rapidly without warning.

Families Move to Safer Areas

In Bihar's Khagaria district, residents of the Diyara region have started moving towards safer locations amid concerns over rising water levels.

Several families were seen relocating along with their livestock as a precaution.

The Diyara areas, which are situated close to river channels, are particularly vulnerable to flooding when rivers swell during the monsoon.

Waterlogging in Haryana

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in Haryana's Gohana, where Jind Road was waterlogged.

Accumulated rainwater affected traffic movement and created difficulties for commuters.

With monsoon systems remaining active across several states, authorities are keeping a close watch on rainfall, river levels and vulnerable low-lying areas.

The coming hours will be crucial for Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where further heavy rainfall could worsen waterlogging and flood conditions.