The Indore Insider

CBSE Psycho-Social Counselling for Board Exam Students  The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to offer psycho-social counselling services to students and parents for the upcoming academic session 2025, aiming to reduce exam-related stress and promote mental well-being. Starting from February 1 to April 4, 2025, these free-of-cost counselling sessions will be conducted in two phases: before, during, and after the board exams, ensuring that students receive continuous support throughout this crucial period. Three Ways to Access CBSE Counselling Services CBSE will offer psycho-social counselling through three convenient methods to ensure that students have easy access to support: 1. Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) Students can call the CBSE toll-free helpline number: 1800-11-8004, available 24/7, to avail of the IVRS facility. This service offers a wide range of stress-relief resources, such as guidance on stress-free exam preparation, tips for time and stres...

World Wetland Day on Feb 2 Make a Splash with Wetland-Themed Fun: Water Filters, Pizzas, and More! TINA KHATRI Imagine a place where the air smells of fresh mud and the skies are alive with colourful birds—a place that silently keeps our water clean and our ecosystems balanced. Wetlands, often called nature's unsung heroes, play a vital role in filtering water, providing homes to countless species, and protecting us from floods. They are nature's sponges, soaking up excess water and ensuring our environment remains in harmony. This weekend, take a step into the world of wetlands with fun, hands-on activities that will spark your curiosity and creativity. From building a Water Filter to see how wetlands naturally purify water, to crafting a Wetland Themed Pizza that brings nature’s Flavours to your plate, there’s no better way to get involved! And if you’re a fan of adventure, the Magical Wetland Adventure will transport you to a lively wetland, full of frogs, fish, and fascina...

MP Schools Protest Government Policies, Appeal to Mahatma Gandhi Members of the MP Board Private Schools Association, Minority School Association Madhya Pradesh, and Khajrana Education Society staged a protest at Regal Square in Indore on Thursday. They gathered in large numbers to submit a letter to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, making a formal plea for intervention. In solidarity with the protest, all state-board schools across Madhya Pradesh remained closed that day. The protest was sparked by new government policies that the associations claimed threatened the survival of private schools in the state. Despite repeated requests and letters to the government in the past, the associations said they had received no support. Key Concerns Raised 1. Registered Lease Agreement for School Buildings One of the main issues raised by the associations was the government’s new requirement for registered lease agreements for school buildings. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, operate out...

Indian Newspaper Day on Jan 29 Newspapers improve 92% students’ academic scores, support holistic growth & foster responsible citizens TINA KHATRI In the cacophony of voices that make up a society, newspapers are the quiet architects—building informed citizens, fostering debate, and empowering the electorate. As the digital era dominates, we tend to forget that to learn better, to read and grow our intelligence, newspapers are still essential. This is reinforced by several national and international studies that show Newspaper in Education (NIE) improves academic performance and overall development. In a recent study, 92% of middle school and 66% of high schools indicated that NIE program has helped them to improve their academic performance. The study was conducted covering schools in various cities with notable ones as 2,000 schools in New Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Kolkata by Indian researchers Kavita Nagasampige and Man...

Leopard strays into Mansarovar Colony, Rescued by Forest Team A leopard strayed into Mansarovar Colony, behind the Devguradia hillock, on Thursday afternoon, sending locals into a state of panic. The incident, which unfolded around 3 pm, triggered a rapid response from the Forest Department's Ralamandal rescue team, led by Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) Yohan Katara. Upon receiving the alert at 3 pm, Katara immediately mobilized a rescue team of 15-16 officers, including rangers, and instructed them to rush to the scene. The team arrived at the spot around 4 pm, where they quickly assessed the situation and began implementing their rescue plan. The leopard was found hiding in a house named Nirmala Dheen. “We had to act quickly as the animal was hiding in a residential area. We could not afford to take any risks,” said Yohan Katara, SDO Forest. To contain the situation, the rescue team surrounded the area, carefully securing the perimeter with a large net. The forest team knew that...

India’s 76th Republic Day on Sunday!  Don’t miss the fun: Tricolour Snacks, Crafty Tigers, Lotus Origami & Criss-Cross TINA KHATRI This Republic Day, let’s get creative and celebrate India’s rich heritage with some fun activities that honour the spirit of January 26th! Whether you're a kid or a teen, these activities are a great way to engage with India’s history and culture while having fun. Start with a Tricolour Veg Roll – a simple, healthy, and tasty way to celebrate India’s national flag. With layers of green (spinach or avocado), white (paneer or cheese), and orange (carrots), this recipe lets you enjoy the vibrant colours of the flag in your food. It's a perfect blend of creativity and nutrition! Next, try making India's National Flower, the Lotus, with origami. The lotus represents purity and strength, values central to the spirit of Republic Day. This easy craft will not only test your folding skills but also connect you with one of India's most important s...

Can the Two-Stream System for English Bridge Madhya Pradesh's Educational Gap? TINA KHATRI Indore Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) is set to introduce a two-stream system for the English subject in classes 9 and 10, beginning the next academic session. Under this system, students will choose between General English and Specific English, tailored to different learning needs. While this reform aims to improve English proficiency, the question remains: will it be enough to bridge the significant educational gaps in the state? The Urgent Need for Reform Madhya Pradesh's educational system is facing a major crisis in language literacy. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), only 34.9% of class 8 students in the state can read basic English sentences. The disparity is more pronounced in government schools, where just 26.7% of students can read English compared to 61.6% in private schools. This glaring gap highlights the need for targeted interve...

​​Renewing beacon of hope for young athletes in Madhya Pradesh TINA KHATRI Indore Coming from a small, humble town in Madhya Pradesh, where dreams seemed distant and survival was the only focus, over 200 talented sportspersons have defied the odds and transformed their lives in the last decade. They didn’t just change their own futures, but also reshaped the destinies of their families, villages, and even the entire state. How did this incredible shift happen? The answer lies in a magical 11.2-acre land—Nehru Park. Once forgotten, deteriorating and crumbling, this land, which had lost its vibrancy over the years, has now become a beacon of hope. This park has become a sanctuary for every child with talent, nurturing them into champions, regardless of their background. The good news is: Nehru Park is under a transformation, rejuvenation and repair. Here is a bird view of the historic park’s transformation with a peak into its impact. Nehru Park Renovation project Cost: 4 crore Tim...

Indore's Free Press Campus Comes Alive with Colour, Creativity, and Talent! Over 5,000 little artists @ the 37th ‘On The Spot’ Annual Painting Competition TINA KHATRI  A kaleidoscope of colours, creativity, and boundless energy filled the air as students unleashed their imaginations at the much-awaited ‘On The Spot’ Free Press Annual Painting Competition! The 37th edition of the competition was organised by Free Press, Central India’s premier English daily, in collaboration with DHL Infrabulls and powered by Indian Oil, the event on Sunday turned the Free Press premises into a vibrant hub of talent and inspiration. From bright splashes of paint to bold strokes of creativity, it was a celebration of youth, dreams, and artistic brilliance! A day of fun, laughter, inspiration and talent was re-created when little stars painted their imaginations at the annual painting competition. With the world as canvas, more than five thousand school children arrived at the venue as early as 9:30 a...

Spread your wings, dive into creativity with ‘On the Spot’ painting competition! Free Press in association with DHL Infrabulls and Indian Oil invite them to ‘On The Spot Painting Competition’ on Sunday, January 19, 2025 to Free Press campus: 3/54, press complex, AB road. The competition will be held from 10 am to 12 pm on Sunday. Further, the competition will be followed by annoucement of winners and prize distribution ceremony. The open and free competition gives an unbiased platform to all the students. The competition will be organised for students of Classes I to XII. It will be held in three categories: • Group A for Class I to Class III • Group B for Classes IV to VII • Group C for Classes VIII to XII students For Group A, students will be given a printed picture, which they must colour. Their abilities, imaginations and creative colouring will be analysed. For Group B and Group C, three topics will be given. Participants must choose one topic and create a drawing/painting on the...

​From the Land of Tripura: Weekend of Fun, Culture & Learning!   TINA KHATRI Hey there, students! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tripura as we celebrate Kokborok Day this weekend, on January 19th. Kokborok, the official language of Tripura, is not just a language—it’s a doorway to the traditions, festivals, and colorful celebrations of the indigenous Tripuri people. Let’s make this day extra special by diving into activities that connect us with the beauty and history of Kokborok culture! Whether you're a budding artist, a food lover, or just curious about the traditions of Tripura, this weekend is full of exciting opportunities to learn, create, and have fun! Check out the awesome activities below and get ready to connect with Kokborok like never before. Poro (Rice Pancakes) – A Traditional Breakfast Dish Materials Needed: 1 cup rice flour 1/4 cup grated coconut 1/2 cup water 1 tbsp sugar (optional) Ghee for frying Steps: 1. In a mixing b...

Celebrate the Harvest SeasonFun Crafts, Recipes, and Quizzes for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal! TINA KHATRI As the winter chill fades away and the harvest season begins, it's the perfect time to celebrate Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal with some fun, creative activities! These festivals are all about joy, renewal, and togetherness, so why not make the most of your weekend by diving into a few easy crafts and treats? Whether you're crafting colourful paper lanterns, making a unique dessert, or testing your festive knowledge with a fun quiz, there's something for everyone. Get ready to embrace the season with these exciting ideas! Brighten up your home with Colourful Paper Lanterns—a wonderful craft to celebrate Lohri and Makar Sankranti! These lanterns symbolise the warmth and light that guide us through winter into the harvest season. Ready to test your knowledge? Complete this festive quiz to learn more about the traditions, foods, and fun customs that make Lohri,...

Class 12 CBSE Board Exams: Smart Study Tips for English, Computer Science & Physical EducationUnlock the best strategies for tackling these subjects effectively and efficiently. TINA KHATRI As the Class 12 CBSE board exams approach, students often find themselves juggling multiple subjects, each requiring a distinct approach and strategy. Among these, English, Computer Science, and Physical Education stand out as essential subjects, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. In this guide, we will share expert tips on how to approach these three subjects, ensuring that students not only perform well but also manage their time and efforts effectively. Whether you're preparing for the literature-based English exam, diving deep into the technicalities of Computer Science, or focusing on the practical aspects of Physical Education, our tips will help you streamline your revision and boost your confidence. English: Often perceived as a subject that requires constant prac...

TINA KHATRI National Bird Day on Jan 5 Get Crafty, Get Cooking, Get Active: Your Ultimate Fun Weekend Guide! Hey there, future birdwatchers, chefs, and crafters! This weekend, it’s time to spread your wings and join in the National Bird Day fun! Whether you’re looking to cook up something tasty, get crafty with origami, or race through a bird-inspired obstacle course, we’ve got the perfect activities for you. Ready to turn your weekend into an avian adventure? Let’s get started with these awesome bird-themed activities that will have you flapping, hopping, and even flapping your wings (literally)! Vegetarian Savory Bird's Nest Ingredients: • 2 medium-sized potatoes (or 1 ½ cups frozen hash browns) • 4 eggs • ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional) • Salt and pepper to taste • Olive oil or butter for greasing Instructions: 1. Prepare the Potatoes: o Grate the potatoes (or use frozen hash browns). o Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel. 2. Form the Nests: o Heat a little olive oi...