The Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain has landed in a controversy after Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde, the son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum, which has been banned for a year. An investigation has been ordered and action will be taken against those responsible. The incident has sparked criticism from the opposition and has raised questions about VIP treatment in religious places, while common citizens have to wait for hours for darshan. Meanwhile, noted filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Vijay Varma discuss the impact of the pandemic on cinema and the importance of creative instincts over box office numbers.
Congress Committee President Jitu Patwari's visit to meet CM Mohan Yadav in Ujjain comes amidst the ongoing row over a viral video showing a woman being raped in the city. The BJP and Congress have engaged in a bitter battle over the incident, with both parties trading accusations and targeting each other. While the Congress has criticized the state government's handling of the situation, the BJP has accused the Congress of politicizing the issue. Despite the backlash, Patwari has continued to speak out, highlighting the need for stricter action against the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
The disturbing video of a woman being raped on a footpath in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district has sparked a heated political debate between the Congress and the ruling BJP. The Opposition has criticized the BJP government for the incident, while the BJP has accused the Congress of politicizing the issue. Meanwhile, the police have arrested the accused and the victim's statement has been recorded in court. The growing incidents of rape and crime against women in Madhya Pradesh have raised questions on the state government's ability to maintain law and order, especially in the Chief Minister's constituency.
As India celebrates its Independence Day, a recent survey shows that the country's youth are politically aware and keen to effect change through democratic means. With over half of India's population consisting of young people, their aspirations and expectations for the government's third term are at the forefront of national discourse. From casting informed votes to actively working at the grassroots level, the youth are determined to shape the future of their country. This sentiment is shared by Madhuwanti Banerjee, a former professor of sociology, who believes that the youth will never compromise on democracy. This is evident from their participation in various movements and protests for justice and against unjust or undemocratic policies. However, the biggest challenge for the youth is to navigate through the noise of caste and religion-based politics and focus on pressing issues like climate change and environmental conservation.
The latest market rates show a significant increase in Soyabean prices in Ujjain, with the average price reaching an unprecedented ₹4700/Quintal. The lowest market price stands at ₹2806/Quintal, while the highest is a whopping ₹5840/Quintal. This price hike is likely to have a significant impact on the agricultural sector and could spell trouble for farmers and consumers alike.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, will take a break for the former Congress chief to fulfill his commitments at Cambridge University and attend important meetings in New Delhi. This comes after already planned rest days on February 22 and 23. The yatra will resume on February 24 and continue through two states before Gandhi visits a temple in Ujjain.
Madhya Pradesh government has announced a half-day closure of all government offices and institutions on January 22 to observe the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. The decision comes after the Centre's order for its employees. Public sector banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions across India will also observe a half-day closure, while private sector banks have not announced any holiday. Additionally, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has flagged off five trucks carrying five lakh 'laddus' from Ujjain to Ayodhya for the ceremony.
Several Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, and Tiger Shroff, are promoting tourism in India amidst the recent controversy surrounding celebrities vacationing in the Maldives. This comes after Anupamaa star Rupali Ganguly attended the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. In a related incident, a tweet by actor Uday Chopra about the legalisation of marijuana in India received a response from the Mumbai Police.