Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Vidyalaya will organise a Youth Parliament on August 2nd and 3rd, 2025, with participation from 165 students representing various states across the country.
The event will be inaugurated by the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Shri Vasudev Devnani.
The first session of the Youth Parliament will be held at Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha Bhawan at 9:30 AM on August 2nd, where young parliamentarians will deliberate on the motion “Combating Cross-Border Terrorism and Reclaiming Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).”
In the second session, students will discuss the constitutional motion on whether to retain or delete the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ from the Preamble of the Constitution.
On August 3rd, the agenda will include a discussion on establishing a transparent, independent, and robust system for the appointment of judges, free from political interference. Another key motion to be debated is the enactment of a law banning celebrity endorsements of products through misleading advertisements.
Jyoti Joshi, Principal of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Vidyalaya, shared that the event aims to empower youth by providing them with a platform to understand and engage with pressing national issues through democratic dialogue
India has achieved a significant milestone in its defense sector with the successful consecutive test-firings of the indigenously developed Pralay short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). Conducted on July 28 and 29, 2025, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, these tests mark a new chapter in India’s military prowess. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Pralay missile is designed for conventional battlefield scenarios, strengthening India’s ability to respond decisively to threats along its borders.
Pralay Missile Features and Capabilities
The Pralay missile, a state-of-the-art surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile, boasts a range of 150–500 kilometers and can carry a payload of 350–700 kilograms. Equipped with advanced navigation and high-accuracy guidance systems, it is engineered for precision strikes on high-value enemy targets, such as command centers, logistics hubs, and airbases. Its ability to perform mid-air maneuvers enables it to evade missile defense systems, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare. The missile’s solid-fuel rocket motor and sophisticated avionics further enhance its reliability and effectiveness.
Successful Trials Validate Pralay’s
PotentialThe first test on July 28, 2025, at 9:35 AM, saw the Pralay missile accurately hit its target, meeting all operational parameters. The second test on July 29 further validated the missile’s maximum and minimum range capabilities, confirming its precision and reliability. These user evaluation trials, conducted by the DRDO, demonstrate India’s growing expertise in indigenous defense technology and pave the way for Pralay’s integration into the Indian Army and Air Force.
Strengthening India’s Strategic
AdvantageThe successful tests of the Pralay missile enhance India’s military capabilities, particularly in the context of sensitive border situations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). With its high precision and evasion features, Pralay provides India with a strategic edge, enabling rapid and effective responses to potential threats. As the DRDO continues to refine this technology, the missile is poised to become a critical component of India’s defense arsenal, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
A Step Toward a Stronger, Self-Reliant India
The Pralay missile tests underscore the DRDO’s dedication to advancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities. By developing cutting-edge technology like Pralay, India is not only bolstering its military strength but also reducing its dependence on foreign defense systems. As efforts continue to enhance and integrate this missile into the armed forces, Pralay is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring India’s security and strategic dominance in the region.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016 as a free digital payment platform, has transformed the way financial transactions are conducted across the country. With an impressive record of processing over 18.39 billion transactions worth more than ₹24.03 lakh crore in June alone, UPI accounts for approximately 85% of India’s digital transactions and nearly 50% of real-time digital payments worldwide. This remarkable growth has positioned India as a global leader in fast and seamless payment systems.
RBI’s Call for Financial Sustainability
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently hinted at a significant shift in the UPI ecosystem. The RBI Governor emphasized the need to make the system financially sustainable, indicating that the era of completely free digital transactions may soon end. Currently, the government provides subsidies to banks and other companies to keep UPI transactions free for users. However, the Governor noted that this model is not viable in the long term, stating, “While we are committed to keeping digital payments secure and accessible, the costs of maintaining the system must be addressed.”
Balancing Accessibility with Economic Viability
The RBI Governor underscored the importance of ensuring the UPI system’s economic sustainability while maintaining its ease of use and security. “India is dedicated to making digital payments simple and safe, but we must also manage the expenses involved,” he said. This has fueled speculation that transaction fees may be introduced to cover the operational and infrastructural costs of UPI, potentially altering the way millions of users engage with the platform.
What Lies Ahead for UPI Users?
As UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payment landscape, the possibility of transaction charges raises questions about its future accessibility. While no official details on the fee structure or timeline have been disclosed, the RBI’s remarks suggest a move toward a more sustainable financial model. As India solidifies its position as a global leader in digital payments, the introduction of charges could mark a new chapter in the evolution of UPI, balancing innovation with economic practicality.
In the quiet corridors of Nagpur, where monsoon clouds often accompany afternoon chess sessions, a prodigy was born. Divya Deshmukh, now just 19, has catapulted herself into global stardom by clinching the FIDE Women’s World Cup, making her the first Indian woman to hold this title and earning her place as the 88th Grandmaster of India. Her story isn’t just about victory—it’s about tenacity, resilience, and bold ambition.
Early Sparks in Nagpur
Divya’s journey began humbly at the age of five, when her father introduced her to chess not with grand aspirations, but as a way to shape discipline and patience. What followed was anything but ordinary. By age seven, she had already clinched her first national title. Her talent burned bright, winning her global recognition with World Youth Championship titles in the under-10 and under-12 categories.
Climbing the Ranks, One Move at a Time
As adolescence settled in, Divya sharpened her mind like a blade. At 15, she became a Woman Grandmaster, and by 17, she earned the International Master title—a rare distinction for anyone, let alone a teenager. But she wasn’t done yet. In 2025, in the ancient city of Batumi, Georgia, she achieved her biggest milestone.
Facing off against none other than Koneru Humpy, a chess legend and two-time World Rapid Champion, Divya showed nerves of steel. After drawing both classical games, she clinched victory in the rapid tie-break with precise calculation and fearless intuition. Her final move—a rook lift that looked subtle on the surface—was a tactical masterpiece that forced resignation from Humpy. With this, she became a world champion.
Passion with Purpose
What separates Divya from mere prodigies is her unapologetic voice. In 2024, she confronted sexism in chess, calling out how women players are often judged by their appearance rather than their skill. Her stand sparked conversations across the sporting world, positioning her as both a champion on the board and a reformer off it.
“I think it was fate,” she said, tears in her eyes after her triumph. “Before the tournament, I didn’t even have one GM norm—and now I’m a Grandmaster.” Her humility hides an unstoppable spirit. Her style is often compared to MS Dhoni’s cool-headed intensity, a fitting parallel for someone who dismantles reputations with calm precision.
An Inspiriton for a Generation
Divya’s win is more than a personal achievement—it’s a seismic shift in India’s chess narrative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “phenomenal day for Indian chess,” while Maharashtra celebrated her as a “true chess queen.” She has already inspired a wave of young players, especially girls, to take their dreams seriously. With her roots firmly in Indian soil and her gaze set on the world stage, Divya Deshmukh is not just rewriting the rules—she’s redesigning the board itself
Nestled on the serene banks of the Shivna River in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, lies the unique Pashupatinath Temple, home to India’s only eight-faced (Ashtamukhi) Shivling. Dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is steeped in history, mysticism, and architectural splendor. Renowned for its distinctive idol and spiritual significance, the temple attracts devotees and historians alike. This article explores the temple’s rich history, unique idol, and the fascinating legend associated with its origin.
A Glimpse into the Temple’s Ancient History
The Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur is believed to have roots dating back to the 5th–6th century BCE, during the reign of the Gupta Empire, a golden era of Indian art and architecture. While the current temple structure was constructed around the 1940s, the sanctity of the site and its divine idol are considered far older. The temple stands as a testament to the enduring devotion to Lord Shiva and the cultural heritage of the region.
The Magnificent Eight-Faced Shivling
The centerpiece of the Pashupatinath Temple is its extraordinary Ashtamukhi Shivling, a rare and awe-inspiring creation. Crafted from a smooth, dark, copper-like igneous rock, this iconic idol weighs an impressive 4,600 kilograms.
The Shivling stands at a height of 7.25 feet in its curved form and 11.25 feet when measured straight. Its most striking feature is its eight faces, divided into two sets of four. The upper four faces are finely carved, exuding clarity and refinement, while the lower four remain unpolished, symbolizing raw, primal energy.
The idol’s western face is particularly striking, portraying Lord Shiva in his fierce form. Adorned with matted hair shaped like a topknot, it features venomous serpents, a prominent third eye, and an open lower portion, embodying three distinct rasas (emotions). The serpents entwined in the hair symbolize the destructive power of the Omkara, the Vedic chant representing the supreme divine.
The temple itself is designed with four entrances, one in each cardinal direction, though the primary entrance lies to the west. This architectural choice enhances the temple’s spiritual and aesthetic appeal, drawing devotees into its sacred precincts.
The Legend of the Dhobi and the Divine Shivling
The origins of the Pashupatinath Temple are intertwined with a captivating legend that underscores its divine significance.
According to local lore, a washerman named Udaji discovered a large stone on the banks of the Shivna River, which he used for washing clothes. One night, Lord Shiva appeared in Udaji’s dream, revealing that the stone was no ordinary rock but an Ashtamukhi Shivling, a sacred representation of the deity.
The next day, Udaji shared his divine vision with the villagers, who collectively decided to retrieve the idol from the river. Despite its immense weight, which even sixteen pairs of oxen struggled to move, the community’s devotion and effort succeeded in bringing the Shivling ashore. As they attempted to transport it to a suitable location, the idol mysteriously halted at its current site, refusing to budge further.
Interpreting this as a divine sign that the Shivling wished to remain close to the Shivna River, the villagers constructed the temple at that very spot. This event, believed to have occurred in the 1940s, marked the formal establishment of the Pashupatinath Temple.
A Unique Spiritual Destination
The Pashupatinath Temple of Mandsaur stands as a unique spiritual landmark in India, distinguished by its rare eight-faced Shivling. Its location on the banks of the Shivna River, coupled with its ancient history and divine legend, makes it a place of profound reverence.
The temple’s architecture, with its four directional entrances and the striking idol of Lord Pashupatinath, reflects a harmonious blend of artistry and spirituality.For devotees and travelers, the temple offers a glimpse into the mystical and cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Whether drawn by faith, history, or the allure of its unique Shivling, visitors to the Pashupatinath Temple are sure to be captivated by its divine aura and timeless legacy.
In the heart of India, where myths still whisper through sal forests and pawprints etch tales of survival—Madhya Pradesh roars louder than ever. On World Tiger Day, as the planet turns its gaze to one of nature’s most iconic creatures, Madhya Pradesh stands tall—not just as a haven for stripes and shadows, but as the pulse of India’s tiger resurgence. From the haunting silence of Panna’s revival to Pench’s timeless jungle lore, the state weaves a saga of courage, community, and conservation.
Celebrated every July 29, International Tiger Day (also known as Global Tiger Day) was established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit. The goal? To double the global wild tiger population by 2022 under the Tx2 initiative. It’s a day to raise awareness about the threats tigers face—habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict—and to celebrate conservation successes.
Madhya Pradesh: India’s Tiger State Madhya Pradesh isn’t just participating—it’s leading the charge. Here’s how:
With a staggering 785 tigers as of 2022, Madhya Pradesh tops India’s tiger census. The state’s commitment is deeply embedded in its geography and governance, boasting nine tiger reserves that serve both ecological and symbolic roles.
Conservation Achievements
Kanha – Known for barasingha conservation and lush sal forests.
Bandhavgarh – Famous for high tiger density and mythological heritage.
Pench – Inspiration for The Jungle Book and winner of the TX2 Award.
Satpura – Offers walking safaris and rich biodiversity.
Panna – A comeback story after tiger extinction in 2009.
Sanjay-Dubri, Ratapani, Veerangana Durgavati, and Madhav – Expanding the conservation frontier.
Project Tiger & MP Tiger Foundation
Project Tiger, launched in 1973, laid the foundation for India’s tiger conservation.
MP Tiger Foundation Society (est. 1997) mobilizes public support, conducts research, and mitigates human-animal conflict.
Innovative Strategies
Community engagement: Programs like Bagh Sakha and Wild Scouts educate locals and reduce conflict.
Technology use: AI-powered monitoring, camera traps, and mobile apps like M-Stripes enhance protection.
Habitat connectivity: Green corridors link reserves to ensure genetic diversity and safe movement.
Why It Matters
Tigers are apex predators and keystone species. Their survival ensures:
Balanced ecosystems
Healthy forests that store carbon
Water security for millions
Madhya Pradesh’s tiger story is not just India’s pride—it’s a blueprint for global biodiversity preservation.
In the sacred city of Baba Mahakal, Ujjain, Nag Panchami is being celebrated with profound reverence and grandeur. At the iconic Mahakaleshwar Temple, the sanctum housing Lord Nagchandreshwar was ceremonially unveiled at midnight, as per age-old tradition. Following the ritualistic worship, devotees began their pilgrimage for darshan, a spiritual procession that continues uninterrupted for 24 hours.
Rare Darshan of Divine Serpent Deity
The significance of this occasion is deeply rooted in belief and tradition. Situated atop the Mahakaleshwar temple, the ancient shrine of Nagchandreshwar houses an extraordinarily rare idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated upon a serpent—a divine depiction that embodies both protection and power. It is believed that those who witness and worship this idol are blessed by both deities and liberated from the fear of serpents. Offering milk to serpent idols on Nag Panchami is a customary practice, and devotees perform this ritual with faith and devotion.
Historic Reverence & Architectural Grandeur
The Nagchandreshwar Temple’s idol dates back to the 11th century Parmar dynasty and features an exquisitely crafted tableau: Lord Shiva and Parvati reclining on the coiled bed of Sheshnag, accompanied by Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. Legend suggests the sculpture was transported from Nepal, enhancing its mystique and cultural richness. Fortified Arrangements for Devotees
Acknowledging the overwhelming turnout, the administration has enforced robust security and comfort measures. Barricades streamline crowd movement, while CCTV and drone surveillance ensure safety. Since this sacred shrine opens only once a year, devotees queue up an entire day in advance, driven by unwavering faith.
Following the vibrant festivities of Sawan Teej, Nag Panchami was celebrated with religious fervor across Jaipur. Special worship ceremonies were held at the Mansa Mata temple in Amer, where folklore says the serpent god himself once came to worship Lord Shiva at the Mahadev temple.
Before independence, a grand fair dedicated to folk deity Hardevji Maharaj was organized in the grounds near Jobner Bagh and Police Line. After lavish havelis were constructed on the site, the fair ceased to exist. Yet, the memories remain vivid in the minds of older generations. Prahlad Atwal of the Valmiki community recalls accompanying his father to the fair as a child. Snake charmers displayed their skills, and people offered bowls of milk and food to snakes in bamboo enclosures as part of the rituals.
Traditionally, people living within the old city walls used to buy snakes from Kalbelia tribals and later release them into the forests. The Mangaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Gopalji Ka Rasta served as the main hub for this unique practice. On Nag Panchami, Kalbelias would bring snakes, which devotees placed in pots and carried to sacred hills like Galta for ceremonial release. Renowned BJP leader Bhanwarlal Sharma was known to accompany groups for this ritual. Gopal Lal Paanwala was once the head of this longstanding effort.
This act of freeing snakes is deeply rooted in the belief that it relieves individuals of Kaal Sarp Dosh and Rahu-Ketu Dosh, as mentioned in Hindu scriptures. It is also customary to float silver or copper snake idols in water for this purpose.
In Valmiki-dominated localities such as Kagdiwada, Nahari Ka Naka, and Char Darwaza, devotees worship Hardev Baba, a revered saint believed to cure venomous bites from snakes and scorpions.
A unique tradition still observed in homes is the preparation of snake idols from cow dung on Nag Panchami, which are worshipped with offerings of kheer.
These ancient customs not only highlight Rajasthan’s rich cultural tapestry but also reflect the enduring faith of its people in age-old beliefs.
(By Jitendra Singh Shekhawat who has been writing for Rajasthan Patrika)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu has brought national focus back to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty. Held on the occasion of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, the visit also marked 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I’s famed maritime expedition to Southeast Asia.
During his visit, PM Modi released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I and announced the installation of grand statues to celebrate the legacy of the Chola rulers. The event spotlighted the empire’s architectural excellence, naval dominance, and cultural legacy.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram – A Marvel of Chola Architecture
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built around 1030 AD by Rajendra Chola I. Intended to surpass the grandeur of the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur built by his father, Rajaraja Chola I, the temple is renowned for its softer curves, refined carvings, and majestic design. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it continues to be a spiritual and cultural hub, especially during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival.
Rajendra Chola I – Naval Conqueror and Visionary Ruler
Rajendra Chola I, who ruled from 1014 to 1044 AD, was one of India’s greatest emperors. He extended the Chola Empire beyond South India, launching a victorious expedition to the Ganga river, defeating the Pala dynasty, and establishing Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his new capital. His naval expeditions reached far into Southeast Asia — including Sumatra, Malaysia, and Myanmar — solidifying the Cholas as a dominant maritime power.
Aadi Thiruvathirai – A Festival of Heritage and Devotion
Celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi, the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival coincides with the birth star of Rajendra Chola I. The celebration features traditional therukoothu performances that reenact the king’s heroic deeds. Rituals like offering silk robes to the king’s statue blend religious reverence with historical pride, keeping the Chola legacy vibrant in Tamil cultural memory.
As the world celebrates the Global Tiger Day on July 29. 2025, India is celebrating the day differently basking under pride. The reason is that it has emerged as the global leader in tiger conservation, proudly holding the highest number of wild tigers in the world. According to the latest figures released by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), India is home to 3,682 wild tigers — a staggering 64% of the total global tiger population of 5,711.
This remarkable figure puts India far ahead of all other tiger-range countries. The next closest is Russia with 586 tigers, followed by Indonesia (393), Nepal (355), and Thailand (201). Some countries, like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, have reported zero wild tigers left in their forests.
The data reflects the effectiveness of India’s long-term conservation efforts, including the flagship Project Tiger, launched in 1973. Over the years, India has expanded its network of tiger reserves to over 50, covering critical habitats across states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra.
On the eve of the Global Tiger Day, we take this opportunity to inform that wild tiger numbers have increased by 78% since the inception of the GTRP in 2010. Regionally skewed, but re-assuring ! Kudos to TRCs and partners #globaltigerday#internationaltigerdaypic.twitter.com/kEIPprdff5
— Global Tiger Forum (@Unitedfortigers) July 28, 2025
Union Environment Minister hailed the achievement, saying, “This is not just a number, it’s a symbol of India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife protection. Our forest staff, scientists, and communities deserve full credit for this global leadership.”
