Miss Madhya Pradesh 2008 Kanika, first runner-up Richa and second runner-up Parul posing at a beauty contest in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Haj conference

Bhopal, Jan 16: Under the aegis of Madhya Pradesh State Haj Committee, state-level Haj conference of district Haj committees and secretaries and felicitation function would be held in Bhopal on January 23 at 4 pm.

Road Improvement

Bhopal, Jan 16: Under the State Road Improvement Project, 1509.12 km long roads would be improved in Sagar and Rewa circles. In all, 718.70 km long 54 roads have been sanctioned to be improved in Sagar circle while 790.42 km long 116 roads would be improved in Rewa circle.

Red Ribbon Express

Gwalior, Jan 16: The Red Ribbon Express which has been started to create awareness among the people against the HIV and AIDS reached Gwalior on Wednesday morning. The state BJP president Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated exhibition of Red ribbon express.

All eyes on Betul by-election

Bhopal, Jan 16: All eyes are on Betul now, as it is going be the last major trial of strength between ruling BJP and Congress before assembly polls. This by-election would indicate course of future politics in Madhya Pradesh. Betul Lok Sabha by-election is important as it has everything- a traditional stronghold of the BJP, traditional tribal and dalit votes of Congress, sizeable minority votes and Kunbi caste equation.

Congress bags panchayat president post

Bhopal, Jan 16: Lakhan Meena of Congress won the election of district panchayat president, with the cross voting by BJP panchayat member. Union Minister Suresh Pachouri once again emerged stronger in the election. The election for district panchayat president was orgnaised after former president Chetan Patidar had to step down. There are 10 members in the panchayat and all of them participated in the process.

Implementation of Forest Right Act

Bhopal, Jan 16: State government has issued detailed instructions for time-bound implementation of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 and Rule 2007. The instructions issued to all the district collectors and Chief Executive Officers of District Panchayats lay down that the process of the Act's implementation should be completed within the deadline. This process is to be completed between January 26 and September 2008.

HC asks govt to reply on pardhi community

Bhopal, Jan 16: Jabalpur High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to reply within three weeks on the matter of interim relief demanded for the Pardhis who were ousted from Chothia village in Multai tehsil last year. The bench of Chief Justice AK Patnaik and Justice Ajit Singh while hearing the plea concluded that enough time has been given and now the government should submit the reply.

EOW files case against officer

Bhopal, Jan 16: Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) has registered a case against sales officer of MP Bunkar Sahkari Sangh Satna for embezzlement of funds. The accused has been booked under various sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act. He has allegedly misused about Rs 10 lakh received from the Collector's office as payment in return of the services rendered by the government's department.