The Indore Insider

Craft, Sip, and Celebrate: A Ram Navami Feast of Flavors and Fun! TINA KHATRI This Ram Navami weekend, engage in meaningful and fun activities with your family! Start with making a traditional Panakam drink, made with jaggery, ginger, cardamom, and lemon, perfect for staying hydrated and energized. Add a personal touch to your celebrations by creating a DIY Pom-Pom Bandhanwar, a colorful and festive decor to hang around your home. For a healthy treat, try the Cucumber Kosambari recipe, a refreshing salad with cucumbers, moong dal, and spices. Lastly, dive into the inspiring story of Jatayu’s sacrifice from the Ramayana with a fill-in-the-blank activity, learning about his bravery, selflessness, and his fight to protect Sita. These activities will not only keep you entertained but also deepen your connection to the spirit of Ram Navami. Make the most of this weekend by embracing traditions, crafting, cooking, and reflecting on meaningful stories. Celebrate with joy and create lasting me...

Indore Leads in Class 8, But Lags in Class 5: A Tale of Two Exams Indore’s performance in the Class 5 and Class 8 board pattern exams reveals a mixed outcome, with the division securing positions that reflect both areas of strength and potential for improvement, as shown in the results released by the Madhya Pradesh School Education Department on Friday. Indore’s performance in class 5 In the Class 5 exams, Indore achieved a pass percentage of 94.28%, ranking 4th among the 10 divisions of the state. This is above the state average of 92.70%, which represents a 2% increase over the previous year's result of 90.97%. While Indore’s pass rate is commendable, it is essential to note that several divisions, including Shahdol, Chambal, and Narmadapuram, recorded higher pass percentages, indicating that Indore's performance is not exceptional within the broader context of the state’s results. Regarding the percentage of students achieving A+ and A grades, Indore recorded 19.87%. This p...

Indore Passes the Test, But Struggles for Top Marks Indore's performance in the recently announced Class 5 and Class 8 board exams demonstrates mixed outcomes, revealing both strengths and areas for improvement. In the Class 5 exams, Indore achieved a pass percentage of 94.28%, ranking 4th among the 10 divisions of Madhya Pradesh. This is above the state average of 92.70%, but still lower than the top-performing divisions like Shahdol and Chambal, which recorded higher pass percentages. Additionally, Indore's performance in the A+ and A grade category stands at 19.87%, placing it 5th in the state, below the state average of 21.47%. This suggests a lower proportion of top achievers in the division compared to others such as Chambal and Jabalpur. In the Class 8 exams, Indore secured the top position with a pass percentage of 93.47%, surpassing the state average of 90.02%. However, the difference in pass rates between divisions is narrow, with Narmadapuram and Shahdol not far behi...

CBSE Parenting Calendar for Academic Session 2025-26 Though parents and educators both focus on growth of the child, the relationship is often complicated and sometimes even strained. In a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between parents and educators, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will launch of the CBSE Parenting Calendar for the academic session 2025-26. “This initiative is designed to foster a collaborative environment that enhances a child’s emotional, social, and academic development,” Himanshu Gupta, CBSE secretary said. He added that parenting plays a vital role in shaping a child’s future, and while schools provide academic knowledge and skills, the home environment lays the foundation for resilience, creativity, and critical thinking. The launch of this calendar aims to empower both schools and parents to work together in recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique strengths, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “The...

Celebrate Rajasthan Day on March 30! Cook, create, play, and learn! Rajasthan's rich heritage with us today and enjoy a fun-filled, educational experience. TINA KHATRI This weekend, let's take a journey through the royal state of Rajasthan, with activities that will let you explore its food, art, and fun traditions. We kick off with a delicious treat – Rajasthani Churma Ladoo! This mouthwatering snack is a traditional favourite, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while learning a bit about Rajasthani cuisine. Next, unleash your creativity with Lippan Art, a traditional Rajasthani craft that uses clay and mirror work. It’s easy to make and a great way to introduce yourself to the beautiful art of Rajasthan. You can create stunning designs and add a personal touch with bright colours. For a bit of outdoor fun, we have Khil Khilana, a balloon game that will have you hopping and laughing! Finally, test your knowledge of Rajasthan with our Rajasthan Quiz! Answer questions about...

Important Days in April 2025: Global and Indian Observances April 2025 is packed with a variety of important observances and celebrations that are significant both in India and around the world. From cultural festivals to global health awareness days, there's something for everyone this month. This guide highlights key dates, including well-known events like World Health Day , Earth Day , and National Maritime Day , as well as traditional festivals such as Vaisakhi , Tamil New Year , and Hanuman Jayanti . Whether you're interested in global events or regional observances, this comprehensive list ensures you stay updated on the key dates for April 2025. 1 April Odisha Foundation Day (India) April Fools' Day (Global) Prevention of Blindness Week (India, starts from 1st April) Mahavir Jayanti (India) 2 April World Autism Awareness Day (Global) 4 April International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (Global) International Day of ...

MP Schools Say ‘Salut’ to Multilingualism: 4th in Primary, 6th in Secondary! TINA KHATRI Madhya Pradesh ranks 4th in India for offering three languages at the Upper Primary stage and 6th at the Secondary stage in a update shared with the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. In the update, Union Ministry of Education revealed comprehensive data on language offerings across India’s vast school system. The data highlights the multilingual education approach followed by Indian schools and how it caters to the language needs of the country's student population. According to the report, out of the total 1.47 million schools in India, the majority follow a multilingual framework, with a significant portion offering students a diverse set of language options. While the state is leading in rural education, especially in terms of offering diverse language options to students, there is room for improvement in urban areas and at the secondary school level. By focusing on these areas, Madhya Pradesh can furth...

Water You Waiting For? Dive Into Fun Water-Saving Activities! Celebrate World Water Day on March 22 with exciting, hands-on activities that make water conservation fun! From crafting your own Water-Saving Sprinkler to making Chilli Paneer in the microwave, there’s something for everyone. Join Emily and Max on a thrilling water-saving adventure in an interactive story and explore how simple actions can help save water! It's the perfect day to learn, create, and inspire others to conserve water—while having a blast. Let’s make a difference, one drop at a time! Water-Saving Sprinkler Materials Needed: • 2-liter plastic bottle (or any other empty bottle) • Nail or sharp object (to create small holes) • Plastic hose • Tape or glue • Scissors • Small bucket (optional) Steps: Take a 2-liter plastic bottle, remove the label, and clean it thoroughly. Use a nail or sharp object to create small holes around the bottom and sides of the bottle. Cut the bottom off the bottle. Attach the p...

Over 300 Schools Drop Out of RTE Scheme in Indore, Severely Impacting Access to Free Education TINA KHATRI The number of schools participating in the RTE program dropped sharply from 1,739 in the 2024-25 academic session to just 1,415 in 2025-26, a significant reduction of 324 schools. This sharp decline threatens to limit access to education for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, undermining the very purpose of the RTE Act. The recent decline in RTE (Right to Education) school allocations in Indore will leave thousands of underprivileged children with fewer options for free education. The primary reason behind this alarming drop is the mounting regulatory challenges faced by private schools, particularly smaller institutions that form the backbone of the RTE program. Several newly introduced rules and fees are pushing these schools to their breaking point. Private schools in Madhya Pradesh face several challenges under new regulations. These include a mandate for re...

International Day of Happiness  today, i.e. March 20 MP’s happiness turns frowny, credit poor healthcare & education gaps TINA KHATRI Indore On the frowny side, Madhya Pradesh happiness rankings stands well below the national leaders, primarily due to significant challenges in healthcare and education in Happiness report 2024. While some states have surged ahead, MP finds itself mired in deep-rooted issues that continue to impact the well-being of its residents. On this International Day of Happiness, we delve into the state's ranking and the key factors holding it back, based on the latest happiness indices and reports. Key Reports and Data Sources: • India Happiness Report 2020: MP lagged behind top states like Mizoram and Gujarat due to weaknesses in healthcare, education, and high unemployment. • Ipsos India Happiness Report 2024: MP's score fell below the West Zone average, with challenges in healthcare and education. • World Happiness Report 2024: India's global r...

Heatwave Heroes: Cool Tips for Beating the Summer Burn in Indore TINA KHATRI Indore Indore experiences intense summer heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), starting from April and peaking in May and June. Combined with humidity and pollution, this weather can cause various skin, hair, and health issues. Here’s a guide with expert tips to help you manage the challenges of summer in Indore: 1. Skin Deep: Shielding Your Glow from the Sun’s Scorch Challenges: The extreme heat and high UV radiation, often exceeding 10 during afternoons, can lead to sunburn, tanning, and dehydration. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, prolonged sun exposure without protection can cause premature aging and pigmentation. Expert Tips: Dr. Vini Jhariya, a health-conscious professional, advises: “Summer requires extra hydration. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. UV rays penetrate indoors, so don’t skip sunscreen. Aloe vera and cucumber can help soothe...

Gearing up for new session with celebrations @Govt schools The new academic session in Indore district will officially begin on April 1st, 2025, as per the schedule set by the state government. On the first day, an entrance ceremony will be held across all government schools to welcome students. The event will mark the beginning of a new educational journey for students, with special arrangements made to ensure a smooth transition. Collector Ashish Singh has issued instructions for the completion of 100% student enrolment by March 25th. This includes students from class 1 to class 7, who will be promoted to classes 2 to 8, and students from class 8 to class 11, who will be advancing to classes 9 to 12. To ensure no student is left behind, a door-to-door campaign will be carried out at every school level to identify and enrol school dropouts. In addition to enrolment, the distribution of textbooks will begin promptly when the session starts, ensuring students have the necessary material...

Rebooting Education: CISCE’s Bold Reforms for a Smarter Future TINA KHATRI CISCE is kicking off a new era in education with the groundbreaking introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics into the senior curriculum for the 2025-26 academic year. These cutting-edge subjects will equip students with the tech skills necessary for tomorrow’s world, setting the stage for a curriculum overhaul that goes beyond traditional learning. Alongside this tech-driven shift, CISCE will roll out competency-based assessments to foster critical thinking, introduce holistic progress cards to evaluate students more comprehensively, and implement digital assessments for younger grades. With these major reforms, CISCE is aligning itself with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promising a forward-thinking approach to shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. Tech, Talent, and Transformation: AI and Robotics Take Centre Stage One of the most exciting updates is the introduction...

Indore Ki Holi: Dhol, Colors, and Full-on Celebration! In Indore, the festival of Holi was celebrated with great zeal and excitement. From as early as 7 AM on Friday, children enjoyed themselves with colours, while the youth attended DJ parties and Holi Milan events. Grand processions were held in various parts of the city, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Vibrant Processions in City Streets In areas like Rajwada, Malharganj, and Old Indore, the streets bustled with energy, and the joy of Holi was in full swing. Though Rang Panchami is traditionally celebrated with more grandeur, this year, the celebrations in Indore were vibrant, with magnificent processions making their way through the city. Hundreds of people came together to participate in the festivities at popular spots like Rajwada and Chappan Dukan. A Special Celebration at Collector Ashish Singh’s Residence Collector Ashish Singh also hosted a special Holi celebration at his bungalow. In addition to vibrant colours and gul...

World Panda Day on March 16 & World Sleep Day on March 14 Craft Your Panda, Experiment with Foods, and Enjoy a Delicious Quesadilla! TINA KHATRI As we approach two fun and interesting celebrations this March, we have some exciting activities for you to try! March 16 is World Panda Day, a day to celebrate these adorable creatures, and March 14 is World Sleep Day, dedicated to the importance of rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into these special days with a fun mix of creativity, science, and food! In this edition, we have a delightful DIY Panda Craft that will let you create your very own cute panda using simple materials you probably have at home. Plus, we’ll explore how different foods can either make you feel sleepy or active with a fun experiment! And lastly, we’ve included a quick and easy recipe for a Microwave Veggie Quesadilla, perfect for a snack that’s both delicious and energizing. Get ready to have fun, learn new things, and celebrate these special days with us! Make Your...

MPBSE begins Assessment Process with Over 35,000 Teachers Engaged Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) began its assessment process for the Class 10 and 12 board exams on Thursday. Over 35,000 teachers from across the state were enlisted to evaluate the answer sheets. The board has distributed the answer sheets to different districts to ensure a timely and accurate evaluation, implementing strict guidelines to maintain fairness throughout the process. The evaluation will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, answer sheets from exams held until March 6 will be assessed. For Class 10, subjects such as Hindi, English, Urdu, Marathi, Physics, Economics, Animal Husbandry, Elements of Science, History of Indian Art, and Biotechnology will be evaluated. For Class 12, subjects including Hindi, Urdu, NSQF, and Sanskrit will be assessed first. The board has roped in over 35,000 teachers across the state for the evaluation work. The process started on March 13, and teache...

Enrolment Drive for New Academic Session 2025-26 District education authorities launched a major enrolment drive for the new academic session of 2025-26 on Thursday. The session is scheduled to start on April 1, 2025, and the district aims to complete the enrolment process by March 25, 2025. The focus is on enrolling all students currently studying in classes 1 to 7 into classes 2 to 8, and those in classes 8 to 11 into classes 9 to 12. Indore has 1,053 government schools, and the education department worked hard to increase the enrolment numbers, especially in Pre-Primary and class 1. Sushma Vaishya, District Education Officer, highlighted the importance of the enrolment process and said, "We aimed to ensure that all students were properly enrolled in the new academic session. Activities like children's meetings, school management committees, parent interactions, and special enrolment events were part of the plan." The authorities also focused on identifying out-of-schoo...

Historic Holika Dahan Lights Up Indore with Tradition & Unity Indore marked a vibrant and historic celebration on the evening of March 13, 2025, with the official Holika Dahan ceremony held at the iconic Rajwada. The city, despite the sweltering heat of 103°F (39°C) during the day, was aglow with the warmth of tradition and community spirit. Shivaji Rao Holkar, a descendant of the Holkar dynasty (also known as Richard Maharaj), participated in the event along with around 40 distinguished guests, including several international visitors. This year’s Holika Dahan ceremony took on special significance, as it was the first time Shivaji Rao Holkar visited the deity at Rajwada and offered flowers to the statue of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. This ceremonial act was followed by the formal start of the Holika Dahan pooja at exactly 7 PM, in accordance with auspicious timing. As the bonfire blazed, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, and devotees gathered at Malhari Martand Temple for pr...

Colour Your World, Not Your Hair: Holi Tips for a Beautiful Afterglow TINA KHATRI As the festive spirit of Holi fills the air, preparations for the colourful celebration are underway. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to protect your skin and hair from potential damage caused by the vibrant colours. To ensure a safe and joyful celebration, experts and women across various communities shared their advice on keeping skin and hair healthy during the festival. Pre-Holi Skin Care Before stepping out to enjoy the festival of colours, skincare was essential to prevent lasting damage. Seema Soni, an experienced skincare expert, advised, “Apply a generous layer of moisturiser or oil before heading out. Coconut oil or almond oil worked well, creating a protective layer on the skin, making it harder for colours to stick.” For those with sensitive skin, she recommended using sunscreen with a high SPF. “The added UV protection made a big difference, especially in the heat of the day,...

Kashmir Flycatcher Makes its Debut in MP TINA KHATRI Indore In a feathered surprise that’s bound to raise eyebrows, the Kashmir Flycatcher has made its debut in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant first-ever sighting in the heart of Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR). Known for its migratory journey from the chilly landscapes of Kashmir, this delicate bird has now added a new chapter to the avian story of the reserve. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Alongside this rare visitor, other first-time sightings such as the White Cheeked Barbet, Mallard, and Red-Headed Vulture/Asian King Vulture also graced the survey, further enriching the ever-evolving birdlife of STR. This year’s survey proves that the skies of STR are far from static—they are alive with new wonders waiting to be discovered. Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR) has recorded a modest increase of four bird species this year, with the seventh annual bird survey documenting over 260 species. This marks a slight rise from the 256 specie...

CBSE Affiliation Open for the 2026-27 Session under SARAS 6.0  TINA KHATRI The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) officially opened the online application window for various categories of school affiliation for the 2026-27 academic session on Tuesday. Schools seeking affiliation across multiple categories can now submit their applications via the automated system, SARAS 6.0, which will remain open until June 30, 2025. Himanshu Gupta, CBSE secretary, urged schools to carefully follow the guidelines outlined in the SARAS Manual 6.0. He emphasized, "We strongly advise all applicant schools to carefully review the manual to ensure their applications meet the required standards." Key Requirements for Schools For existing schools, it is crucial that their OASIS data is accurately updated. No incorrect or misleading information should be submitted. Additionally, all schools are required to upload prescribed documents, including details of teachers and their qualifications, ...

CBSE's Bold Shift: A New Era in Class 10 Evaluation TINA KHATRI The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to revolutionize the way Class 10 board exams are conducted, introducing a biannual examination system starting in 2026. This bold move aims to ease the burden on students, reduce exam stress, and provide more opportunities for academic success. But what does this mean for the students and the future of evaluation? Here’s a closer look at the exciting changes ahead. Twice the Opportunity, Twice the Confidence: The Dual-Phase Exam System In a significant departure from the traditional single exam format, CBSE will now conduct board exams in two phases each year. The first phase will be held in February-March, while the second phase will take place in May. A game-changer for student well-being, the “best of two” system means that only the higher of the two scores will count toward the final result. This flexible structure is designed to ease exam-related stress and ...

Grading and Evaluation System for 2025 No Toppers This Year: CBSE Levels the Playing Field TINA KHATRI In a significant shift from tradition, there will be no toppers declared for Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 2025 board exams for Class 10 and 12. This decision is part of CBSE's effort to create a more inclusive and stress-free environment for students, focusing on individual achievements rather than ranking them in a competitive race for the top spots. Why the Change? By eliminating the announcement of state and national toppers, CBSE aims to reduce the pressure and unhealthy competition that often accompanies the board exams. “This move will help foster a more holistic learning experience where students are evaluated based on their personal growth and subject performance, rather than being compared with others,” UK Jha, CBSE coordinator, said. He added that the focus will now be on individual accomplishments rather than public recognition of top scorers. Grading Sys...

MPBSE Introduces Single Attempt for Improvement in High School Examination Results  Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has recently introduced a policy that allows students to improve their High School Examination results with only one opportunity in the subsequent examination. This new initiative provides students the chance to enhance their division or overall marks, but now they are allowed only a single attempt to improve their results. In the past, MPBSE allowed students two attempts for improvement, but this policy has since changed. Now, candidates have only one chance to improve their results. This change was introduced in response to the board's efforts to streamline the improvement process and ensure fairness and efficiency in the examination system. This new policy gives students a chance to enhance their academic performance, but it is important that they meet the required improvement criteria and follow the guidelines carefully. The board offers studen...

Celebrating Her A Women's Day DIY Weekend Special for Kids and Teens! TINA KHATRI Welcome to our special Women’s Day DIY Weekend Edition! This weekend, we’re celebrating the incredible women who’ve made a difference. What better way to honour them than by getting creative and making something meaningful? A DIY Photo Bulletin Board is the perfect project to showcase memories and the love shared with the women who inspire you. Women often preserve family moments, and this craft lets you create a personalized space for those cherished memories. Women juggle many roles, so ensuring they feel nourished is key. Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bake is a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that provides lasting energy and is perfect for this special occasion. Celebrate the joy and creativity of Women’s Day by hosting a Family Talent Show! It’s a chance for everyone to showcase their unique talents, from singing to comedy, fostering fun, laughter, and togetherness. Finally, challenge your f...