The Indore Insider

Indore Leopard Rescue: Sanawadiya Leopard Captured | Reported by Tina Khatri Breaking News: Wildlife Update Sanawadiya Leopard Captured: Forest Dept Ends 5-Day Search in Indore By Tina Khatri January 31, 2026 I ndore residents can finally sleep soundly. After a high-stakes, five-day operation that saw forest officials and drones scouring the outskirts of Sanawadiya, a female leopard has been successfully captured and moved to safety. The leopard, which had been linked to several livestock killings in the area, was trapped in a specialized cage late Friday night. The operation was a masterpiece of coordination, involving thermal drone surveillance and strategic baiting. Medical Status: "Healthy and Fit" Following her capture, the animal was immediately transported to the Indore Zoo (Kamala Nehru Zoological Museum) . Spea...

Gilded glass and grain: A February Student Guide | Tina Khatri Gilded glass and grain By TINA KHATRI The arrival of February marks a soft transition as the winter’s bite yields to the first amber whispers of spring. This season of Basant brings an invitation to swap heavy layers for the brightness of marigolds and the clarity of new light. For the student creator, it is a period to experiment with the physics of transparency and the chemistry of floral infusions. By blending ancient seasonal traditions with futuristic design, one transforms a simple study space into a sanctuary of innovation, proving that the return of the sun is best celebrated through a lens of curiosity and a palate of gold. Sunbeam lemon and semolina bars A local culinary instructor stated that semolina provides the structural integrity needed for a portable snack. Ingredients: 1 cup semolina, 1/2 cup...

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Begins in Indore: Paper Analysis and Student Trends JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Begins in Indore: Over 1.1 Lakh Students Appear in Madhya Pradesh Indore, Jan 21: The first session of JEE Main 2026 commenced on Tuesday, January 21, with over 1.1 lakh students appearing across Madhya Pradesh. Indore emerged as a key hub for engineering aspirants, hosting between 28,000 and 32,000 candidates, including students from nearby districts such as Ujjain, Dewas, and Dhar. This year marks a record registration for JEE Main January session, with 14.5 lakh candidates appearing nationwide, reflecting growing interest in engineering courses. Paper Analysis: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics According to candidates and experts, the paper followed a similar pattern to previous sessions: Physics: Moderately challenging, tested conceptual understanding and problem-solving speed. Topics such as mechanics, current electricity, and modern physics f...

Restoration & Rejuvenation of Datuni Hills Begins in Indore Restoration & Rejuvenation of Datuni Hills Began on Wednesday Indore: Restoration and rejuvenation work at Datuni Hills began on Wednesday as the Forest Department initiated plantation and ecological recovery measures in coordination with the Police Department and local citizens. The programme marked the start of planned intervention to protect hill ecology near Indore city. Datuni Hill formed part of a hill range that included Devguradiya, Ralamandal, Rann Bhawar and Renuka Hills. The hills lay close to Indore’s urban boundary and supported groundwater recharge, soil stability and biodiversity. The Datuni Hills area fell under the Datuni Firing Range managed by the Police Department and covered about 83 hectares. In the first phase, restoration and plantation work was taken up on 25 hectares under the Forest Department’s Hill Conservation Project. The project focused on degrad...

Campus goes green as institute branches out into forestry By Tina Khatri Indore IIT Indore is set to develop a 50-hectare urban forest under the Nagar Van Yojana, as the Indore Forest Division initiates a project aimed at integrating conservation, research, and public engagement within an academic campus. The project, funded with 1.98 crore under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, will convert a significant portion of the grounds into a managed forest ecosystem. Pradeep Mishra, divisional forest officer for Indore, stated that the site is planned as a functional forest rather than a recreational park. "This Nagar Van is planned as a functional forest, not a recreational park," Mishra said. "It will support biodiversity, conservation research and environmental education." ...

Engineering students drive away with top presentation honours PITHAMPUR GS Racers, the student engineering team from Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science, secured first prize in the validation presentation category at E-BAJA SAE India 2025. The national competition, held at NATRAX, requires teams to design, manufacture, and test electric off-road vehicles. Participants undergo evaluation regarding engineering design, safety compliance, performance, cost, and innovation. After clearing technical inspections and brake tests on the first attempt, the team completed suspension, traction, and maneuverability trials. Despite a disruption during the endurance race, the group maintained its position in the competition. Organisers confirmed that the validation presentation award was granted based on the team’s engineering calculations, testi...

Sovereignty and science: Republic Day Special | Tina Khatri Sovereignty and science By TINA KHATRI As the calendar turns toward the year's first grand assembly, the morning mist carries a distinct melody of brass bands and fluttering khadi. Republic Day is more than a date in a textbook; it is a live performance where every citizen holds a leading role in a story of shared destiny. This weekend, the challenge for the student creator is to translate the profound geometry of the chakra and the vibrant hues of the tricolour into personal expressions of pride. By weaving heritage into our experiments and recipes, we do more than just celebrate history—we become the active architects of a modern, colourful, and spirited democracy. Tricolour paneer tikka skewers The Method: Marinate paneer cubes in three separate batches: Tandoori (Saffron), Garlic-Salt (White), and Mint Chutney (Gr...

Where Imagination Met the Canvas: Free Press ‘On The Spot’ Painting Competition Indore Where Imagination Met the Canvas: ‘On The Spot’ Free Press Painting Competition By Our Staff Reporter | Indore [Main Event Image: Thousands of children painting at Free Press premises] On a lively Sunday morning, the Free Press premises bloomed into a world of colour as thousands of young artists arrived with crayons, brushes and boundless imagination. Laughter floated through the air, paint pots clinked, and blank sheets slowly transformed into stories, dreams and powerful ideas at the Annual ‘On The Spot’ Free Press Painting Competition . Organised by Free Press, Central India’s premier English daily, in collaboration with DHL Infrabulls and powered by Indian Oil , the event transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of talent and inspiration. Bright splashes of paint, bold strokes of creativity and infectious enthusiasm made ...

Founders and folds: Student Startup Guide 2026 | Tina Khatri Founders and folds By TINA KHATRI The first weeks of January serve as a blank blueprint, inviting students to sketch out their most ambitious dreams. Beyond the frost on the windows lies the electric energy of National Startup Day, a moment to trade the role of a quiet learner for that of a bold creator. Every great venture begins with a single spark of curiosity and the courage to build something new from scratch. By turning a study desk into a mini boardroom, one transforms abstract ideas into tangible reality, proving that the future belongs to those brave enough to start today. Masala mac and cheese bites Ingredients 200g macaroni 150g sharp cheddar 50g mozzarella 200ml milk 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp flou...

Leopard trapped in well; rescued by Indore team | Wildlife Conflict Management Leopard trapped in well; rescued by Indore team By Tina Khatri The female leopard was safely extracted from the well in Jamnia Khurd. A three-year-old female leopard that fell into an open, parapet-lined well near Crescent Water Park in Gram Panchayat Jamnia Khurd was safely rescued on Saturday afternoon, reflecting the effectiveness of Indore’s human–wildlife conflict management system. Pradeep Mishra, divisional forest officer, Indore, said that the Ralamandal regional rescue team received information about the incident at around 12:30 pm and immediately rushed to the spot. The rescue operation was carried out as per established protocols, and the animal was safely extracted from the well without injury. “This rescue shows that human–wildlife conflict man...

Regional Report | Indore Village voices: rural women lead grassroots revolution A new wave of community leadership is emerging from central India as young women increasingly occupy roles traditionally held by men. Data from the Transform Rural India (TRI) State of Rural Youth Employment report indicates that while 378 million young people represent the nation's future, rural youth contribute only 46 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product. Sarita Bhuriya In Bhagsur, Madhya Pradesh, Sarita Bhuriya reported that her life was once confined to agricultural labour and domestic duties. After joining a Self Help Group and training as a Change Vector, she began influencing local administrative decisions. "I didn’t just want to help people survive; I intended to empower them," Bhuriya stated. She now operates a Common Service Centre, providing banking services to her community. She noted that her journey has...

JEE Main 2026 Session 1: City Slip Out for Indore & MP Students JEE Main 2026: Session 1 Live Updates City Intimation Slips Released • New Centers in MP • Record Registrations The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially triggered the countdown for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 . With city slips now available, students in Madhya Pradesh are preparing for what is officially the most competitive session in history. 14.5 Lakh National Registrations 32,000+ Aspirants from Indore Jan 21 Exam Start Date Indore & MP Hub: What’s New? Indore remains the academic heart of the state, with approximately 32,000 students appearing from the city and nearby areas like Ujjain and Dewas. To manage this load, NTA has activated major hubs at Nipania and Rau. New Center: For the first t...

Early detection system keeps forest damage low despite surge in fire points Satellite sensors spark detection surge while forest damage stays grounded By Tina Khatri Season Madhya Pradesh (Statewide) Indore Forest Division Dewas Forest Division 2022 26,831 367 1,304 2023 14,914 230 929 2024 26,831 287 1,152 ...

Charred and chilled: Tandoori Pineapple & Hindi Day Craft 2026 Charred and chilled By TINA KHATRI The integration of traditional harvest flavours with modern outdoor cooking techniques has redefined January celebrations. Culinary experts have observed that the tactile nature of barbecue and baking serves as a primary draw for students looking to bridge cultural heritage with contemporary lifestyle. "The act of gathering around a flame remains the central tenet of the harvest season," a local chef stated. They explained that transitioning from a traditional bonfire to a structured barbecue allows for a more controlled experience. Tandoori pineapple skewers Ingredients One fresh pineapple, wedged 200g Greek yoghurt 2 tbsp tandoori masala ...

Breaking News Top flight: Madhya Pradesh secures national lead in birding records Madhya Pradesh claimed the first position in India for the highest number of bird checklists submitted, according to the latest figures from the eBird platform. The state recorded 2,257 submissions , establishing a wide lead over Karnataka, which recorded 1,300. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra followed with 1,266, 1,229, and 1,193 logs respectively. While the state dominated the participation volume, it secured the tenth position for species diversity with a total of 302 varieties. National Leaderboard State Checklists Species Madhya Pradesh ...

Pre-board exams to begin from tomorrow for 10th and 12th grade board practice Indore: With just one month remaining for the 10th and 12th board examinations, pre-board exams are set to begin from January 5 in Indore. These examinations are being conducted as a preparatory exercise and will continue till January 12 . According to the education department, question papers for the pre-board exams have already been dispatched from Bhopal and delivered to cluster principals through the District Education Office . More than 44,200 students from Indore district, appearing for the 10th and 12th board examinations, will participate in the pre-board exams starting Sunday. Exam schedule and arrangements Pre-board exams will be held from January 5 to January 12 Exam timing: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Question papers supplied via the District Education Office Applicable for both Cl...

Ralamandal wildlife sanctuary sets new records in 2025, earns over Rs. 6.4 million Highest tourist footfall and revenue recorded compared to previous years Indore: The Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary achieved historic success in 2025, recording its highest-ever tourist footfall and revenue since its establishment. According to the Forest Department, the sanctuary welcomed 165,325 tourists between January 1 and December 31, 2025, generating a total revenue of Rs. 6,406,962 . Divisional Forest Officer Pradeep Mishra stated that both tourist arrivals and earnings surpassed all previous records, making 2025 a milestone year for the sanctuary. Technology and conservation initiatives To strengthen wildlife protection, the Forest Department deployed high-tech aerial drones for tracking and rescuing leopards. A special cyber cell was also established to analyze Call Detail Records (CD...