31 अगस्त को बीएमसी ने कर वसूली में बनाया रिकॉर्ड, एक दिन में 19.85 करोड़ जमा

भोपाल नगर निगम (बीएमसी) ने रविवार को कर वसूली में ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि हासिल की। 6% की छूट (रीबेट) योजना की अंतिम तिथि होने के कारण हजारों करदाताओं ने बकाया चुकाने के लिए वार्ड और जोनल कार्यालयों का रुख किया। नतीजतन, निगम ने एक ही दिन में कुल 19.85 करोड़ रुपये का रिकॉर्ड संग्रह किया। निगम अधिकारियों के अनुसार, इस राशि में 14.10 करोड़ रुपये संपत्ति कर और 2.99 करोड़ रुपये जलकर से प्राप्त हुए। सुबह से ही नगर निगम के 85 वार्ड कार्यालय और 21 जोनल कार्यालय खुले रहे, जहां देर रात तक करदाता पंक्तिबद्ध होकर बकाया कर जमा करते रहे। करदाताओं की सुविधा के लिए कॉलोनियों और रिहायशी इलाकों में विशेष शिविर भी लगाए गए। बीएमसी की इस पहल से 29 हजार से अधिक लोगों ने अपने बकाए का भुगतान किया। राजस्व विभाग के एक अधिकारी ने बताया कि अगस्त माह में अग्रिम भुगतान करने वाले करदाताओं को 6% की छूट का लाभ दिया गया। सितंबर से भुगतान करने पर अतिरिक्त अधिभार (सर्चार्ज) लगाया जाएगा। कर संग्रह का ब्यौरा (31 अगस्त, रविवार): कुल संग्रह: ₹19.85 करोड़ (29,642 रसीदें)

Rahul Dravid Parts Ways with Rajasthan Royals After One Season as Head Coach

Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday confirmed the departure of Rahul Dravid as head coach, bringing his tenure to an end after just one season. The move comes on the back of a structural review following the franchise’s disappointing ninth-place finish in IPL 2025 — their worst season since 2021, with only four wins in 14 matches. In its statement, RR revealed that Dravid had been offered a broader role within the franchise, but the former India coach opted not to take it. “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise,” the Royals said in a statement, while thanking him for his “remarkable service.” Key Factors Behind Exit Dravid’s Royals Legacy Wider IPL Coaching Shuffle Dravid’s departure leaves two franchises without head coaches ahead of IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals’ coaching structure currently features Kumar Sangakkara (Director of Cricket), Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach), and Shane Bond (Bowling Coach). The team last lifted the IPL trophy in 2008 and finished runners-up in 2022.

India’s E20 Ethanol Blending Program: Stakeholders Reaffirm Benefits, Address Concerns

At a high-level press conference on Friday, key stakeholders of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Program — including oil companies, automakers, distilleries, certification agencies like ARAI and iCAT, and regulatory bodies such as BIS — came together to highlight the country’s progress toward 20% ethanol blending (E20) and reaffirm its transformative benefits for the economy, environment, and farmers. The joint session stressed that India’s E20 journey is a calibrated, standards-backed process spanning two decades, designed to reduce crude oil import dependency, save foreign exchange, cut carbon emissions, and boost farmers’ incomes without compromising on vehicle safety or performance. Key Outcomes and Benefits Technical Advantages Ethanol has a higher octane rating (108.5 vs petrol’s 84.4), enabling modern high-compression engines to deliver better acceleration and efficiency, especially in urban driving conditions. With E20, India’s petrol now achieves RON 95, improving anti-knock performance. Concerns about drastic mileage loss were dismissed. Testing on older vehicles showed only a marginal drop in fuel economy, while real-world mileage remains more dependent on driving practices, vehicle condition, and AC usage. Clarifications on Rumours Global Lessons and Domestic Commitment Stakeholders noted that India’s program draws heavily from Brazil’s successful ethanol adoption model, but has been adapted after detailed studies under Indian conditions. The government and industry reiterated their shared commitment to expanding ethanol use as part of India’s energy security and climate goals. “This is not just a fuel transition, but a national mission benefiting the economy, the environment, and millions of farmers,” said representatives from ARAI and oil marketing companies.

Trump Drops Plans to Visit India for Quad Summit, NYT Reports Strain in Modi-Trump Ties

United States President Donald Trump has “no longer plans” to travel to India later this year for the Quad Summit, The New York Times (NYT) has reported, citing people familiar with his schedule. The Quad — comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia — was expected to meet in New Delhi this fall, but growing strains in Indo-US relations appear to have derailed the plan. Report Highlights Breakdown in Ties According to NYT’s report “The Nobel Prize and a Testy Phone Call: How the Trump-Modi Relationship Unraveled”, Trump initially told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he would attend the summit in India, but has since dropped the plan. The publication detailed how the relationship between the two leaders has soured in recent months. The paper notes Trump’s frustration over New Delhi’s continued import of Russian oil, refusal to open agricultural and dairy markets to US exports, and lack of progress on trade talks. His administration recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, half of which was described as a penalty for India’s Russian oil purchases. US Pressure, Nobel Prize Angle The report also claims that Trump has been touting his administration’s alleged role in brokering a temporary ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May, presenting it as an achievement to bolster his Nobel Peace Prize aspirations. New Delhi, however, has strongly refuted suggestions that Washington mediated any such settlement. Implications for Quad The uncertainty around Trump’s visit adds to speculation over whether India will go ahead with hosting the Quad summit this year. On Friday, PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Quad cooperation, but a US withdrawal of interest could undermine the grouping. Strategic experts warn that if Washington disengages, the Quad mechanism — seen as a counterweight to Beijing’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific — could lose momentum. In such a scenario, China would emerge as the key beneficiary.

Gold Prices Hit Record ₹9,535 per Gram in Chennai Amid Rupee Fall and US Tariff Impact

Gold prices surged to a fresh all-time high in Chennai on Friday, driven by uncertainties over U.S. export tariffs and the sharp depreciation of the rupee against the dollar. In the Chennai market, the price of 22-carat gold rose to ₹9,535 per gram and ₹76,280 per sovereign, up from the morning rate of ₹9,470 per gram and ₹75,760 per sovereign. The intra-day rally marked an increase of ₹65 per gram and ₹520 per sovereign. The precious metal has been on a record-breaking run in 2025. On January 1, 22-carat gold was priced at ₹7,150 per gram. It crossed ₹8,000 for the first time on February 9, touching ₹8,060, and surpassed the ₹9,000 mark on April 21 at ₹9,015. On August 19, the price stood at ₹9,235 per gram and ₹73,880 per sovereign—meaning prices have jumped ₹300 per gram and ₹2,400 per sovereign in just 10 days. Santha Kumar S, secretary of The Jewellers and Diamond Traders’ Association – Madras, said U.S. tariffs have temporarily frozen new shipments, while the weak rupee pushed prices higher. “If export duty is removed, rates could stabilise or increase further,” he said, noting that strong domestic demand during the upcoming festival season could push gold beyond ₹10,000 per gram. Meanwhile, in Delhi, bullion prices surged ₹2,100 to hit a fresh record of ₹1,03,670 per 10 grams on Friday. The All India Sarafa Association attributed the rise to persistent buying by stockists and the rupee’s continued weakness. “The Indian rupee hit an all-time low, raising concerns about the impact of 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on the country’s GDP,” explained Saumil Gandhi, senior analyst (Commodities) at HDFC Securities, highlighting the factors behind the latest spike.

Bhojpuri Actor Pawan Singh Apologises to Anjali Raghav After On-Stage Incident, Actor Quits Industry

Lucknow/Mumbai, Aug 31: Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh has issued a public apology to actress Anjali Raghav, after she announced her decision to quit the Bhojpuri film industry. The development comes after videos from a promotional event in Lucknow showed Singh repeatedly touching Anjali’s waist on stage without her consent, leaving her visibly uncomfortable. Pawan Singh’s Apology Responding to the backlash, Singh shared a note on Instagram Stories in Hindi. “Anjali ji, vyasth schedule ke kaaran main aapka live dekh nahi paaya. Jab mujhe iss baat ki jaankari huyi, toh mujhe bura laga. Mera aapke prati koi bhi ghalat intention nahi tha kyunki humlog kalakaar hai. Iske bawajood, agar aapko humari kisi bhi byawahaar se taqleef huyi ho toh uske liye main shama prarthi hoon (Anjali, due to my busy schedule, I could not see your live. When I came to know about the matter, I felt very bad. I had no wrong intention as we are artists. Even then, if you were hurt by my behaviour, I apologise).” Anjali Raghav’s Reaction Earlier, Anjali had taken to Instagram to share her ordeal, saying she felt humiliated during the event. “Do you think I would feel happy or enjoy being touched in public like that? Later, when I asked my team if anything was stuck, they said nothing was there. That’s when I felt really bad—I was angry, I even felt like crying… But I didn’t know what to do because everyone there was his fan, calling him God,” she said. Condemning the act, Anjali declared she would no longer work in Bhojpuri films: “I absolutely do not support touching any girl without her permission. To touch someone in this manner is extremely wrong. Main Bhojpuri industry mein ab kaam nahi karungi (I will no longer work in the Bhojpuri industry).” Family Turmoil The controversy has also triggered turmoil in Singh’s personal life. His second wife, Jyoti Singh, posted a strongly worded note on Instagram accusing him of neglect and threatening self-immolation. She wrote, “If I am not deserving of you, then you could have just left me. There was no need to give me false hope during the Lok Sabha elections… Today, you have given me no other choice than to self-immolate.” About Pawan Singh One of the biggest stars of Bhojpuri cinema, Singh is known for films like Pratigya (2008), Satya (2017), Crack Fighter (2019), Raja (2019), Sher Singh (2019), and Har Har Gange (2023). As a singer, he gained nationwide fame with hit tracks, including “Lollypop Lagelu,” and recently lent his voice to Bollywood’s Stree 2 songs Aayi Nai and Lagavelu Lipstick.

India Creates History at Asian Shooting Championship with Record 50 Golds

Shymkent, Kazakhstan: Curtains came down on the 16th Asian Shooting Championship with India scripting history, topping the medals tally for the first time ever. After 12 days of competition, the Indian contingent registered its best-ever performance, bagging an unprecedented 50 gold, 26 silver, and 23 bronze medals—just shy of the 100-medal mark. Hosts Kazakhstan finished second with 70 medals, including 21 golds, while China stood third overall with 15 golds and 37 medals. Particularly impressive was the senior team’s performance in the 15 Olympic events across rifle, pistol, and shotgun, where India secured six gold, two silver, and three bronze medals. Global powerhouse China took eight golds in these categories, while hosts Kazakhstan picked up one. “It is a spectacular performance… The confidence of the shooting ecosystem is sky-high and significantly boosted by our Paris Olympics performance. The juniors’ dominance shows Indian shooting has only just begun, and greater things are sure to come,” said Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Standout Performances Junior Dominance India’s junior shooters stole the show, sweeping across Olympic events with 10 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals, underlining the depth and strength of the next generation. The championship confirmed India’s rising stature in global shooting, with the performance hailed as a turning point for the sport in the country.

Actress Priya Marathe of Pavitra Rishta Fame Passes Away at 38

Television actress Priya Marathe, best known for her role as Varsha in the popular TV show Pavitra Rishta, passed away at the age of 38 on Sunday. According to media reports, Marathe breathed her last at her residence in Mira Road, Mumbai, on August 31, 2025. She had been battling cancer for the past year and despite treatment, she could not recover. Born on April 23, 1987, in Mumbai, Marathe began her artistic journey as a stand-up comedian before moving into television. She made her debut with the Marathi serial Ya Sukhanoya and later appeared in Char Divas Sasuche. Her portrayal of Varsha in Pavitra Rishta earned her widespread recognition. She also featured in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain as Jyoti Malhotra, essayed a negative role in the Marathi serial Tu Tithe Me, and in 2017 joined Saath Nibhaana Saathiya as Bhavani Rathod. In her personal life, she married actor Shantanu Moghe on April 24, 2012. Moghe is known for his role in the historical series Swarajya Rakshak Sambhaji. Colleagues and fans have expressed grief at her untimely demise, remembering her as a talented performer and a warm, kind-hearted individual. Priya Marathe’s passing marks a significant loss to both the Marathi and Hindi television industries. Her contribution and legacy in entertainment will be fondly remembered.

Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya Make Their Relationship Instagram Official

If there’s one Bollywood couple that has long been the subject of speculation, it’s actors Veer Pahariya and Tara Sutaria. Fresh from his debut in Sky Force alongside Akshay Kumar, Veer—the younger of the Pahariya brothers—has often been spotted supporting Tara at her fashion week appearances. The two were also seen together at the airport, though nothing was confirmed at the time. Now, however, the whispers seem to have found their answer, as the pair appear to have made their relationship Instagram official. Tara shared glimpses of her Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Instagram, where she looked elegant in a sage-and-gold saree with her hair neatly styled. Standing beside her was Veer, who, despite looking a little casual, made for a dashing partner. Tara captioned the post: “Devotion, faith and celebration.. 🪷🕉️🪷 Ganpati Bappa Morya ✨.” Rumours about their relationship had already been making rounds. During her appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s (BeerBiceps) podcast, Tara spoke about love without naming anyone. “I’m very happy right now! Yes! I’m elated, over the moon,” she said. When asked if she ever indulged in moon-gazing with her partner, she playfully admitted, “Yeah, it’s actually a fun experience. Chaudhvin Ka Chand vibes.” She went on to add, “I’m lucky in that department. Because if I didn’t love love as much as I do, and did, and always will… I mean, anyone who loves it as much as I do will be a good partner because you prioritise that above all. It’s the important thing for me, undoubtedly.” The dating buzz grew stronger earlier this month when both Tara and Veer posted pictures from what seemed like the same Italian vacation. Their first public Instagram exchange further fueled the talk—when Tara shared a picture with singer AP Dhillon, Veer commented, “My 🌟❤️,” to which Tara replied, “@veerpahariya Mine🧿❤️.” On the professional front, Tara is rumoured to be shooting for Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, a bilingual film in Kannada and English slated for release in 2026. She has previously starred in Student of the Year 2 (2019) and Heropanti 2 (2022). Veer, meanwhile, recently made his silver screen debut with the action-thriller Sky Force, alongside Akshay Kumar.

Hamas Confirms Death of Gaza Military Chief Mohammad Sinwar

Months after Israel’s claim, Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its Gaza military chief, Mohammad Sinwar. The Palestinian militant group announced his death by publishing photographs of Sinwar alongside other deceased leaders, referring to him as a “martyr,” but did not provide details on when or how he was killed. Following Sinwar’s death, Izz al-Din Haddad, who currently oversees operations in northern Gaza, is expected to assume leadership of Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Who was Mohammad Sinwar? Mohammad Sinwar was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas chief in Gaza and one of the key masterminds behind the October 7 attacks on southern Israel. Mohammad became the seventh commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades in July 2024, following the death of previous commanders. Known as the “shadow” by Israeli security services due to his secretive operations, Sinwar was believed to have worked largely behind the scenes. He reportedly played a central role in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner swap that included his brother Yahya Sinwar. Over the years, Israel launched multiple assassination attempts against him—first in 2000 during the Second Intifada, and again in 2006, 2008, 2019, and 2021. During the 2014 Gaza war, Hamas even faked his death to conceal his whereabouts, leading Israeli intelligence to wrongly believe he had been killed until evidence of his survival emerged nearly a decade later. Israel’s May Strike Israel said it eliminated Sinwar in May 2025 during a targeted strike on an underground compound beneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza. The operation reportedly involved bunker-busting bombs and the sealing of tunnel exits. Soon after, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Sinwar had been killed, grouping him with other slain militant leaders such as Mohammad Deif, Hassan Nasrallah, and Yahya Sinwar. “We eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists… We’re taking control of their food distribution and money machine. This is what destroys their governing capabilities. That’s what we promised,” Netanyahu said. With Hamas’ confirmation, Israel’s claim of Sinwar’s death stands validated, marking the loss of yet another senior figure in the group’s leadership.

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