SUV rams truck on Mathura Road, man dies

Allahabad HC defers plea against ordinance for control of Bankey Bihari temple

The Allahabad High Court has postponed hearing a petition challenging the legality of an ordinance establishing a government trust to oversee the Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir in Mathura. The state raised an objection, stating that the ordinance is awaiting the Governor's approval after being passed by the state legislature.

Devotees throng temples across India to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami

Across India, devotees celebrated Shri Krishna Janmashtami with immense enthusiasm. Temples were filled with bhajans, mantras, and sacred rituals, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. From Delhi's ISKCON temples to Mathura's Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, special prayers and performances took place, with political figures and artists participating in the festivities.

Spirit of Krishnas selfless karma is our strength, making us invincible, says CM Yogi

LUCKNOW: Reiterating the purpose of the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Shree Krishna to safeguard the virtuous and to destroy evil, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said Lord Krishna turned the battlefield into the land of 'Dharma'. The inspiration of Shri Krishnas selfless actions gives us strength. The spirit of Shri Krishnas selfless karma is our power, making us invincible. As long as this inspiration will remain with us, no one can harm us, said the CM. He was participating in the Janmashtami celebrations to mark the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishan in Mathura on Saturday. Visiting the land of Lord Krishna for the 38th time during his tenure as CM, Yogi unveiled a Rs 30,000 crore master plan for the holistic development of the Braj region. The CM also inaugurated 118 projects worth Rs 646 crore. He said the master plan would connect pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Gokul with the memories of 'Dwapar Yuga'. He said, Our government is committed to enrich the Braj region, thereby, respecting the sentiments of revered saints. We are making possible the works which were once considered impossible. Citing the example of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he said that ten years ago, even imagining them seemed impossible, but today they have become a reality. In Kashi, where earlier not even 50 devotees could visit together, now 50,000 devotees can have darshan at once. In Ayodhya, the grand Ram Temple is reviving the memories of 'Treta Yuga'. Similarly, a grand corridor has also been completed at Vindhyavasini Dham. He also mentioned the ropeway facility in Barsana, calling it a great relief for the elderly. He said, This is the benefit of development, that we are continuously working for the convenience and safety of devotees. Later, addressing a gathering, Yogi said that Mathura reflected 5,000 years of ancient history and devotion. On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, devotees from across India and the world have converged here, he noted, adding that Lord Krishna resided in every particle of Mathuras sacred soil a devotion unparalleled anywhere else. I bow countless times to this holy land, he said. CM Yogi said he has had the privilege of joining celebrations like 'Rangotsav' and 'Janmashtami' in Mathura for several years. He stressed on Indias role to present spirituality blended beguilingly with modern development before the world. He added that the world was eager to study Indias spiritual legacy, which, in times of global crises, was the ultimate resort to lasting peace and harmony. The CM also mentioned the success of MahaKumbh-2025 which witnessed 67 crore devotees taking the holy dip in the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. Similarly, the double-engine government is working with full honesty for the uninterrupted flow and purity of Yamuna, he said. The Chief Minister noted that India has completed 78 years of independence, while highlighting PM Narendra Modis vision of new resolutions for the centenary in 2047. Referring to the recent 24-hour discussion in the UP Assembly, he said society and government must work together to make Uttar Pradesh prosperous and developed by 2047. CM Yogi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 118 development projects worth Rs 646 crore for Mathura-Vrindavan. These included the inauguration of 80 projects worth about Rs 273 crore, and the foundation laying of 38 projects worth Rs 373 crores. These projects included beautification of Parikrama paths, entrance gates, restoration of kunds facilities for devotees, connectivity, water conservation, and environmental protection. Yogi also honoured the saints of the Braj region during his visit.

The great Indian chapati tale

Chapati, a simple yet beloved staple, holds a timeless place on Indian plates. Its charm lies in its versatility, pairing effortlessly with vegetables, pulses, non-vegetarian dishes, or even sweet accompaniments, offering a balanced meal that is satisfying without being heavy. This bread travelled across regions and centuries, evolving into the soft, practical flatbread used in India today. More than just food, chapati stands for sustenance, adaptability, and the way culinary traditions have blended over time through history and everyday life. And like an oldest companion at the table, it has many stories to tell. Origins According to Britannica, chapatis name comes from the Sanskrit carpat, meaning thin cake, which is derived from the word carpata or flat. This refers to the traditional method of shaping chapatis by slapping them between the palms of the hands. It is said to be even mentioned in the Sanskrit texts. Historical references place its roots in the Indus Valley Civilisation, from where it spread to regions of Southeast and Central Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean. Some accounts suggest the journey may have been reversed, with chapati first appearing in East Africa and later reaching the Indian subcontinent via traders. Its simple shape and long shelf life made it an ideal travel food, helping it become a staple across diverse cultures. The chapati mystery In India, the legacy is not just limited to kitchens. In 1857, this everyday bread found itself at the centre of one of Indias most curious episodes in the Indian freedom struggle the Chapati Movement. What began as a baffling relay of flatbreads, passed from one village to the next, soon covered vast stretches of north India. Night after night, people carried fresh chapatis hundreds of kilometres, with no clear explanation. They appeared in towns, hamlets, and even police outposts, most of the time alone, sometimes alongside odd companions like lotus flowers. The first to pull at the thread of the mystery was Mark Thornhill, the magistrate of Mathura. His inquiries revealed that chapatis were travelling astonishing distances, sometimes up to 300km. From the banks of the Narmada in the south to villages near the Nepal border in the north, the flatbread was on the move, faster than the mail service of the time. The Brits were perplexed. Was it a warning, a secret code, or a strange ritual? Some believed it was a symbolic call to unite against colonial rule. There were rumours that notes of rebellion were being circulated through the chapatis. Whatever its purpose, the sheer speed and scale of distribution unsettled colonial officials and fed an atmosphere already thick with suspicion. By the time the Revolt of 1857 erupted, the chapati had already done its work. And in the Indian history of the freedom struggle, it carried a sense of unity, passing from village to village as if stitching the land together. Over time, the story of these travelling chapatis became a symbol of resilience and resistance. Keralas link The Chapati Movement of 1857 was not the only time the flatbread featured in a mass struggle. Nearly 70 years later, during the Vaikom Satyagraha (19241925), a landmark non-violent protest challenging caste-based barriers that prevailed at that time, the chapatis became a symbol of solidarity. In April 1924, a team led by Lala Lal Singh and Kripal Singh from Punjab arrived at Vaikom. Backed by the Punjab Prabandh Shiromani Committee, they set up a community kitchen that served chapatis with dal to protesters and the public. From April 28 to June 25, a 10-member team provided over 30,000 free meals, spending about `4,000. The kitchen closed when wheat stocks ran out, but the chapati stayed. Shrimp & pineapple naan Ingredients Naan: 2 Olive oil: 1 tbsp (plus more for brushing) Shrimp: 16/20, peeled and deveined Honey: 1 tbsp Adobo sauce/ chipotle sauce: 1 tbsp Salt: 1 tsp Chilli powder: 1 tsp Garlic: 2 cloves, minced Black pepper: To taste Lime: 1, juiced Cheese: 220 gm Pineapple: 1 cup, diced Sour cream: 1/2 cup Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp Avocado: 1 medium, halved, pitted and peeled Coriander leaves: 1/4 cup Method Preheat the oven to 218 degrees C. Put the naan on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake until slightly browned. Set aside. Keep the oven on. Add the shrimp, olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, salt, chilli powder, garlic, some pepper and half of the lime juice to a bowl. Mix everything. Now, saute shrimps in a pan over medium heat for 3 minutes, until cooked. Layer some of the cheese on the naan. Now, place the pineapple and shrimp between two. Sprinkle some more cheese on top. Bake until the cheese melts, around 3 minutes. Add sour cream, cumin, avocado and remaining lime juice to the bowl in a blender and mix until smooth. Garnish the naan with feta cheese or the remaining cheese. Add the avocado mixture and the coriander leaves. Chicken-yoghurt tacos Ingredients Flatbreads: 2 Limes: 2 Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp Yoghurt: 2 1/2 cups Salt: To taste Black pepper: To taste Chicken tenders: 8 Oil: For the grilling pan Olive oil: 2 tbsp Cucumber: 1/2, sliced Cherry tomatoes: 8, sliced Feta cheese: 1/4 cup Onion: 1/4, small and thinly sliced Coriander leaves: 1/4 cup Method In a bowl, take juice of 1 lime, add cumin, turmeric, 1 cup yoghurt, 1 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Mix well. Add chicken tenders, toss until well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. In another small bowl, add juice of half of a lime, 1/2 cup yoghurt and 1 tablespoon water. Mix well and refrigerate. Cut the remaining lime into wedges and set aside. Add the marinated chicken pieces to a pan for grilling after removing some of the batter. Cook about four minutes per side, till well-cooked. Spread each flatbread with a tablespoon of the yoghurt sauce kept in the fridge. Add 2 chicken tenders onto the bread, a little bit of cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, onion and coriander. Pour a bit of the remaining yoghurt sauce and add salt and pepper. Fold the bread like a taco and serve immediately with lime wedges. Chapati egg roll Ingredients Leftover chapati - 1 Egg- 1 Small onion 1 finely chopped Green chilli 1 finely chopped Coriander leaves 1 tbsp chopped Salt to taste Pepper to taste Oil or butter - 1 tsp Method In a bowl, beat the egg with salt, pepper, onion, chilli, and coriander leaves. Heat a tawa or non-stick pan, add oil or butter, and pour the egg mixture onto it, spreading it evenly. Immediately place the leftover chapati over the wet egg so it sticks. Press gently with a spatula. Once the egg side is cooked, flip it to toast the chapati slightly. Remove from the pan, roll it tightly, and cut it in half if you like. Chapati roll with a twist Ingredients Capsicum: 1 cup, red & green, finely chopped Spring onions: 2 tbsp, chopped Carrot & cucumber sandwich spread: 4 tsp Chapati: 3 Lettuce: cup, chopped Method Take 1 cup of capsicum and 2 tablespoons of spring onions in a bowl. Add four teaspoons of carrot and cucumber sandwich spread and mix well. On the chapati, spread a tablespoon of the prepared spread. Add three tablespoons of lettuce on top. Roll it tightly. Repeat and prepare two more rolls. Wrap with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Unwrap it and cut into slices. Now, serve the rolls. Change the stuffing as per interest by adding more veggies, etc. ChapatiNoodles by Ammu Jinto Ingredients Leftoverchapatis: 3 Eggs: 3 (scrambled) Butter: 1 tbsp Garlic: 1 tbsp, finely chopped Carrot: cup, thinly sliced Capsicum: cup, thinly sliced Beans: cup, thinly sliced Onion: cup, thinly sliced Tomato: cup, thinly sliced Pepper: tsp Tomato sauce: 1 tbsp Soy sauce: 1 tbsp Salt: To taste Method Roll up thechapatisand slice them into thin strips, resembling noodles. Heat butter in a pan. Add chopped garlic and saut for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced carrots, capsicum, beans, onion, and tomato, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the scrambled eggs to the pan along with thechapatistrips. Pour in the tomato sauce and soy sauce. Increase the heat and stir-fry everything together on high flame for about 2 minutes, ensuring thechapatistrips are well-coated with the sauces. Serve hot.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami wishes, images, quotes, greeting to share with your loved ones

Happy Krishna Janmashtami wishes Images messages, greetings: Janmashtami, Lord Krishna's birth celebration, spans two days this year. Celebrations are on August 15 and 16. Mathura and Vrindavan prepare for large festivities. Mathura expects over three million devotees. Homes and temples are being decorated. Devotees will fast and offer special prayers. Dance and drama performances will depict Krishnas life. Maharashtra will feature Dahi Handi events.

Mathura turns fortress; UP CM Adityanath to visit on Janmashtami

Mathura heightened security measures for Shri Krishna Janmashtami, deploying thousands of police personnel to manage the influx of devotees. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to participate in the celebrations, inaugurate development projects, and offer prayers at Sri Krishna Janmasthan.

Mathura Preps For Janmashtami: Vehicle Entry Banned, Over 5,000 Personnel Deployed

Mathura and Vrindavan fortified for Janmashtami: 5,000 police deployed, 300+ CCTV cameras installed and heavy vehicles banned.

Raj Kundra offers kidney to Premanand Maharaj in Mathura, Shilpa Shetty left surprised

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and businessman Raj Kundra visited Mathura. They met spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. Raj Kundra emotionally offered his kidney to the guru. This happened after learning about the guru's health condition. The guru acknowledged Kundra's goodwill. The couple's visit occurs amidst ongoing legal issues. They face allegations related to a financial dispute.

Watch: 2 BJP MLAs Rajesh Chaudhary, Saurabh Srivastava clash inside UP assembly; Akhilesh Yadav shares viral video

A video capturing a heated argument between BJP lawmakers Rajesh Chaudhary and Saurabh Srivastava during the Uttar Pradesh assembly's monsoon session has gone viral. The clash erupted when Chaudhary, representing Mathura, was denied his allocated speaking time due to extended speeches by others. Srivastava, acting as chief whip, engaged in a verbal exchange with Chaudhary, prompting intervention from other members.

Video: 2 BJP MLAs Clash Inside UP Assembly, Akhilesh Yadav Reacts

Rajesh Chaudhary, a BJP MLA from Mathura, engaged in a heated argument with his party colleague from Varanasi, Saurabh Srivastava, during a discussion on 'Vision 2047'.

MathuraVrindavan gear up for Janmashtami festivities

Preparations are in full swing for Braj regions grandest religious celebration Shri Krishna Janmashtami on August 16.

UP govt tables Shri Banke Bihari Temple Trust bill in UP Assembly

LUCKNOW: Advancing its plan for the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan to manage the overwhelming crowds at the historic temple, the Uttar Pradesh government introduced the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Trust Bill on the third day of the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly on Wednesday. The bill stipulates the formation of a temple trust with complete authority over all offerings, donations, and both movable and immovable assets of the temple. This includes the idols housed within the premises, gifts and offerings made to the deities, assets provided for worship, rituals and ceremonies, and all cash, bank drafts, and cheques received for temple use. Additionally, temple property will include jewellery, grants, contributions, hundi collections, and associated assets. It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court of India, on Friday (8 August 2025), stayed the operation of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance issued by the state government earlier this year. The ordinance, dated 26 May 2025, sought to place the administrative control of the temple under the newly-formed trust, pending a final decision by the High Court on its validity. The Supreme Courts August 8 order also proposed to amend its earlier 15 May judgement, which had permitted the UP government to use temple funds to acquire five acres of land around the temple for corridor development. Nonetheless, the state government proceeded to table the bill in the Assembly on Wednesday at 11 am, underscoring its intent to create a trust that honours the spiritual legacy of Swami Haridas. The government assured that all religious customs, festivals, rituals, and ceremonies would continue unchanged. The trust will be responsible for setting darshan timings, appointing priests, deciding their remuneration, ensuring the safety of devotees, and managing the day-to-day administration of the temple. Improved Facilities for Devotees The bill outlines the objective of providing world-class amenities to devotees. Proposed facilities include: Prasad distribution centres A dedicated darshan path for senior citizens and persons with disabilities Drinking water stations and resting benches Queue and access management kiosks Cow shelters, an Annakshetra , kitchens, hotels, inns, exhibition halls, canteens, and waiting rooms Structure of the Temple Trust As per the bill, the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Trust will consist of 18 members, 11 nominated and 7 ex-officio. Nominated Members: Three eminent representatives from Vaishnav traditions, sects, or peeths (sadhus, saints, gurus, scholars, mahants , acharyas , or swamis) Three eminent representatives from other Sanatan Dharma traditions (same criteria as above) Three distinguished individuals from any branch of Sanatan Dharma (such as scholars, educationists, entrepreneurs, professionals, or social workers) Two representatives from the Goswami tradition, direct descendants of Swami Haridas Ji (one each from Raj-Bhog Sevadaars and Shayan-Bhog Sevadaars ) All nominated members must be Sanatani Hindus and will serve a term of three years. Ex-Officio Members: District Magistrate of Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police, Mathura Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation CEO of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Kshetra Vikas Parishad CEO of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust One nominated representative of the state government In the event that any ex-officio nominee is a non-Hindu or does not subscribe to Sanatan Dharma, a junior officer will be appointed in their place. The trust is required to meet at least once every three months, with a minimum of 15 days' prior notice. Members will not be held personally liable for any decisions taken in good faith. The trust may independently purchase movable or immovable property up to a value of 20 lakh. Any acquisition exceeding this limit will require government approval. The Chief Executive Officer of the trust will be an officer of ADM (Additional District Magistrate) rank. This bill formalises the temples administrative framework while safeguarding its centuries-old religious traditions, offering a roadmap for improved governance and an enhanced experience for devotees.

Bill to form trust for Mathura's Banke Bihari temple introduced in Uttar Pradesh Assembly

The House was informed that devotees and visitors face great inconvenience due to the very narrow path leading up to the temple

RLD seeks removal of UP minister from Yogi cabinet after he calls party 'spoiler' of alliances

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh sugarcane development and sugar industry minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, an MLA from Chhata assembly constituency in Mathura, presented an embarrassing situation for his party and the state government by calling ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) a spoiler and saying any party that formed an alliance with it lost power. Consequently, the Jayant Chaudhary-led party upped the ante against the minister, demanding his removal from the Yogi cabinet. Notably, addressing a gathering in Mathura on Sunday, Chaudhary said any party that allied with the RLD was doomed and faced defeat in elections. In 2002, when the BJP, led by Rajnath Singh, formed an alliance with the RLD, it lost the Uttar Pradesh assembly election, Chaudhary claimed. Earlier, when the RLD joined the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, the Narasimha Rao (Congress) government, or the VP Singh (National Front) government, all lost power in the subsequent elections, he added. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 240 seats despite setting a target of 400, he remarked. The BJP had joined hands with a jinxed party, the RLD, in 2024, said the minister. Reacting to the statement on Tuesday, state minister Anil Kumar, an RLD MLA, said the statement of the senior BJP leader and a cabinet minister was baseless, unfounded and improper. The decision to stitch an alliance is the right and ambit of the central leadership of both the parties. Raising questions on alliance is not proper, said the minister, who joined the Yogi cabinet in 2024 after the RLD and BJP came together in UP and at the Centre. Similarly, RLD national general secretary Anil Dubey accused Chaudhary of trying to break the BJP-RLD alliance. He has no authority to speak on the alliance between the two parties. Its a matter between RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary and the BJP leadership. Rather than speaking on the political alliance, he should focus on the sugarcane farmers. He should ensure that farmers get arrears and the price of their crop, Dubey said. Chaudhary should be immediately sacked as minister, senior RLD leader and former minister Tejpal Singh said at a press conference. Singh said Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary started his political career in Lok Dal and was groomed by Chaudhary Charan Singh. He won an assembly election on the Lok Dal ticket but later defected to Congress in 1996, to the BSP in 2002, and to the BJP in 2017. He is a party hopper, Singh said. An influential Jat leader from west Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary has represented the Chhata assembly constituency in Mathura district for five terms. Asked why Chaudhary attacked the RLD, a BJP leader said Chaudhary was irked after the RLD staked claim to his Chhata seat for the 2027 assembly election. Chaudhary is around 74 years old and may lose his claim to the party ticket in the 2027 assembly election, as the BJP has an unwritten rule about MPs and MLAs retiring at the age of 75, the BJP leader said, adding that he wants to promote family members from his traditional assembly seat.

Farmer who was set ablaze by land mafia in Mathura dies

An 80-year-old farmer, Satyabhan Singh, has died from severe burns after allegedly being set on fire during an eviction drive in Mathura. The incident, involving a land-grabber and accomplices, prompted the suspension of two revenue officials, with a third facing suspension. An investigation is underway, and the victim's family has requested a judicial probe from the Chief Minister.

Independence Day Long Weekend Trips: Top getaways near Delhi NCR for a quick escape

Independence Day 2025 Best Places to Visit Near Delhi Delhi NCR: This Independence Day long weekend offers a perfect opportunity to escape Delhi's hustle. Explore nearby destinations like Mathura-Vrindavan for spiritual retreats, Agra for historical sites, or Neemrana for luxurious stays. Jaipur's royal charm and Rishikesh's blend of adventure and spirituality provide diverse options for a memorable getaway, catering to varied interests and preferences.

Over 5 million devotees expected in Mathura for Janmashtami, security stepped up

Mathura (UP), Aug 10: The 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna will be celebrated at midnight on August 16 in all major temples of Mathura, including the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, and at the Thakur Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan. Nandgaon will mark the festivities on the night of August 17, officials said here on Sunday. District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said that while around 4.2 million devotees visited Mathura during Janmashtami last year, [] The post Over 5 million devotees expected in Mathura for Janmashtami, security stepped up appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Supreme Court stays UP's Bankey Bihari temple ordinance, forms panel led by ex-HC judge

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has put on hold parts of the Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, and directed the Allahabad High Court to quickly decide on petitions challenging the law, preferably within a year. A two-judge bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, declined to directly rule on the Ordinance but stayed its provisions that allow the state to form a trust to manage the temple. The court said affected parties should approach the high court instead. To ensure smooth temple operations, the Supreme Court set up a 12-member committee headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Ashok Kumar. This panel will oversee the daily functioning of the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura. The committee will handle essential services like clean drinking water, washrooms, seating, crowd management, and special facilities for the elderly, women, children, and disabled visitors. It will also plan the temples overall development and may negotiate land purchases for expansion. If needed, the state government must legally acquire the required land. The order came after Devendra Nath Goswami challenged the Ordinance, including a provision allowing the UP government to use temple funds to buy land for a corridor project. The courts decision ensures the temples management remains under judicial oversight until the high court decides on the case.

Video : Right-Wing MAGAstanis Go DotBuster Over An American Lady With A Bindi

While the Hinduphobic left-wing WOKEistanis are taking a nap, the right-wing Hinduphobic MAGAstanis have gone Dotbuster mode like in the 80s/90s over an Indian American Hindu lawyer, Mathura Sridharan, who has been appointed as solicitor general for the United States of Americas Ohio state by its Attorney General Dave Yost on Thursday, July 31. This []

Shahi Idgah dispute: Application in HC against its order on representative suit

Prayagraj: An application has been filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking quashing of the recent order declaring Suit No 17 filed on behalf of Lord Krishna Virajman as representative suit of all Hindu parties in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah dispute of Mathura. The petition filed on behalf of Kaushal Kishore Thakur Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

After SC rap, UP government says Banke Bihari Temple ordinance for better administration

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that its objective for enacting an ordinance for Banke Bihari Temple trust was aimed at better administration of the religious place at Vrindavan in Mathura. On August 4, the top court said it would keep in abeyance its May 15 nod to the ambitious scheme to develop the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor at Vrindavan in Mathura for the benefit of devotees as key stakeholders were not heard. Appearing before a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj said the 2025 ordinance had nothing to do with the pending litigation of ownership of the temple administration. Let me clarify at the outset that the ordinance has nothing to do with the pending writ petition. There was a PIL filed for better administration of the temple before the high court and directions were passed, Nataraj said. He said the ordinance was issued for better administration of the temple which witnesses about two-three lakh devotees every week. The bench then told Nataraj that his arguments might be good, but could be made when the challenge to the ordinance is relegated to the high court. Nataraj handed over the proposal of the state government to the bench, which upon examination was found to be the same as suggested by the court on August 4. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, urged the bench to be allowed to give a proposal and suggestions on the issue of administration of temple by August 8. The petitioners have challenged the validity of Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, for reportedly taking over the management of the ancient temple and the recall of the top court's May 15 order. On May 15, the top court allowed an impleadment application filed by the state while paving the way for a Uttar Pradesh government scheme to develop the corridor. It allowed the state's plea to utilise the funds of the Banke Bihari temple only for the purchase of a five-acre land around the temple to create a holding area. The top court, however, said the land to be acquired for the purposes of development of the temple and the corridor should be in the name of the deity or the trust. The bench posted the matter for August 8 while allowing the petitioners to give their suggestions on the issue. On August 4, the bench deprecated the approach of the state government in moving the court in clandestine manner and questioned the hurry for enacting an ordinance. The top court has said that it would appoint an interim committee headed by a retired high court or district judge to manage the affairs of the temple in the interest of lakhs of devotees besides including the main stakeholders in the managing committee. It asked Nataraj to seek instruction and submit a proposal for administration of the temple and clarified that the court was at present not adjudicating the constitutionality of the ordinance and the high court will look into it. The plea before the bench, filed through advocate Tanvi Dubey, of the management committee of the Thakur Shree Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple in Mathura, challenges the ordinance, which vested the control of the shrine's administration with the state.

Major rivers flowing above danger mark in UP as incessant rains claim a dozen lives

LUCKNOW: At least five rivers in Uttar Pradesh are flowing above the danger mark and many others are in spate owing to the incessant heavy rains during the last 50 hours, which have claimed over a dozen lives so far. Continuous rainfall and overflowing rivers have triggered a major flood crisis affecting at least 20 districts, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Jhansi, Agra, Kanpur Dehat, and Kanpur Nagar. Rising water levels in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Chambal rivers have inundated hundreds of homes and cut off villages. Relief and rescue teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and PAC have been pressed into service in the worst-hit areas. The monsoon remains active in both eastern and western parts of UP due to a strong monsoon trough. Heavy rainfall has been reported in Lucknow prompting the District Magistrate to declare all schools from Classes 1 to 12 closed on Monday. Similar orders were issued in Sultanpur, where government and private schools up to Class 8 were shut. Eastern Uttar Pradesh recorded 18.4 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, nearly 146% above the normal level of 7.5 mm. Western UP saw 8.2 mm of rainfall compared to an expected 7.2 mm, 14% above normal. The IMD has issued warnings of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall for over 60 districts. The Met department issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Sambhal, and Badaun. Alerts for heavy rain have also been issued in 40+ additional districts, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ayodhya, Moradabad, and Etawah. Lightning warnings are in effect for nearly the entire state. The flood situation is grim across the state with the Team 11, constituted by UP CM Yogi Adityanath, comprising ministers, on ground zero to oversee the rescue and relief. With the CM personally monitoring the situation, the flood relief and rescue operations intensified across the state. Varanasi, Prayagraj and Kanpur are among the worst-affected divisions. In Varanasi, families have been waiting for hours for their turn to perform the last rites of their near and dear ones at the ghats as rising waters of the swollen Ganga spilled on to the streets on Monday leaving the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghat cremation grounds completely inundated. While pyres were being laid at the upper platform at Manikarnika Ghat, cremations took place in the streets near Harishchandra ghat. With the majority of the 84 ghats along the Ganga submerged, flood waters had been flowing on roads especially in upstream areas. The fury of the Ganga is not only gripping Kashi but also affecting the lives of thousands in neighbouring Ballia district as well. The fields with ready paddy crops are completely marooned in Ghazipur and Chandauli districts. In Prayagraj, with water levels of Ganga and Yamuna having breached the danger mark by around 50 centimetres at Naini, Phaphamau and Chhatnag, more than 107 wards of the district stood flooded forcing more and more residents to take refuge at makeshift flood relief camps. Over 1747 families, comprising 7500 people, have already moved to 18 relief camps, which are getting crowded by the day. The administration has deployed over 168 boats and one motorboat to rescue and assist flood victims. While the Ganga breached the danger mark in Ballia and Ghazipur, the Yamuna is above the danger mark in several areas, including Auraiya, Jalaun, Hamirpur, and Banda. The Betwa River is also overflowing in Hamirpur. According to Relief Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami, 40 tehsils and 694 villages in 17 districts were in the grip of floods impacting over 1.16 lakh peopleall of whom have received assistance and moved to relief camps. Over 25,000 people and 4,682 cattle have been relocated. However, 11,386 hectares of land lie flooded. Relief is being delivered via 738 active boats, with 4,867 kept on standby. So far, 9,467 food packets and 1.18 lakh lunch packets have been distributed, while 39 langars (community kitchens) continue to serve fresh meals to those hit by rains and flood fury, added Goswami. With senior officials holding ground in sensitive and hypersensitive districts, 14 NDRF teams, 15 SDRF teams, and 48 PAC teams have been deployed across 57 districts to aid affected populations. Goswami said that a total of 924 flood shelters were housing 18,772 displaced individuals, all being attended to by 778 medical teams. Additionally, 1,193 flood posts were monitoring the situation, and 25,586 people were relocated to safer areas. The most-affected districts include Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Agra, Auraiya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Banda, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Jalaun, Kanpur Dehat, Hamirpur, Etawah, and Fatehpur. Relief operations are underway at a rapid pace, with NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams conducting continuous patrolling in affected areas.

Mathura Sridharan, Ohio's newly appointed Solicitor General, racially abused, targeted for her 'bindi'

Mathura Sridharan, an Indian-origin lawyer, has been appointed as Ohio's Solicitor General, marking her as the state's top appellate lawyer. Attorney General Dave Yost praised her legal acumen and Supreme Court success. However, Sridharan faced racist online attacks due to her heritage, prompting strong defense from Yost, who affirmed her American citizenship and qualifications.

Indian-origin lawyer named Ohios new solicitor general

NEW YORK, Aug 4: Indian-origin lawyer Mathura Sridharan has been named Ohios 12th solicitor general, the states top attorney for appeals in state and federal courts. Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement last week that he proudly selected Sridharan for the role following the departure of her predecessor, Elliot Gaiser, who President Donald Trump tapped to lead the US Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel. Mathura is a relentless defender of Ohioans, a champion of federalism and [] The post Indian-origin lawyer named Ohios new solicitor general appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Who is Mathura Sridharan? New Indian-origin solicitor general of Ohio being trolled for...

Indian-origin lawyer Mathura Sridharan has been appointed the 12th solicitor general for the US' Ohio state. This means Sridharan will represent the state in key cases before state and federal courts across the country, including the United States' Supreme Court. Read on to know more about her.

IAS officer, who did sit-ups amid lawyer stir, shunted

LUCKNOW: A video clip purportedly showing IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi doing sit-ups while holding his ears amid a protest by lawyers in Shahjahanpur went viral on social media on Tuesday. It sparked not only a buzz in administrative but also culminating in his removal from the post of SDM and getting attached to Revenue Board in Lucknow late Wednesday evening. The incident took place after the 2022-batch IAS officer who was transferred to Punwayan tehsil in Shahjahanpur as SDM on July 24 from Mathura had spotted a lawyers clerk urinating in the open. Offended by the act, the officer allegedly reprimanded the clerk and made him do sit-ups, triggering a backlash from the lawyers who gathered in protest and allegedly forced Rahi to do the same. However, taking cognizance of the alleged theatrics by the IAS officer, the state government in a late Wednesday evening decision shunted him and attached with Revenue Board in Lucknow. Rahi could remain on the post of SDM, Punwayan tehsil, for a little over 24 hours after joining on Tuesday afternoon. He had joined as SDM at 2 pm on Tuesday and set on an inspection immediately. The protesting lawyers said the clerk had no choice but to relieve himself in the open due to the deplorable condition of the tehsils public toilets. The SDM approached the lawyers and said while protests and demonstrations were allowed, the sound from loudspeakers should not reach the office. During this interaction, the lawyers raised the issue of the clerk being made to do sit-ups and questioned: If the toilets are in such a filthy condition, where are the lawyers and clerks supposed to go? As tensions rose, Rahi acknowledged the fault of the administration and took an extraordinary step. In front of the protesting lawyers and staff, he held his ears and performed five sit-ups, declaring: I, too, will not urinate in the open. I must follow the rules myself.

Allahabad HC adjourns hearing in ordinance on Mathura Bankey Bihari temple case

The Allahabad High Court has adjourned the hearing regarding the Uttar Pradesh government's ordinance to create a trust for the Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir in Mathura, setting the next hearing for August 6. The court suggested amending the ordinance due to concerns about government control over the temple, potentially violating Article 25 of the Constitution.

Kavach 4.0 to be commissioned on Mathura-Kota route

New Delhi: The advanced version of Kavach 4.0 on 324 km of the Mathura-Kota section has been approved by an independent safety assessor and is ready for commissioning, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. Asked to give an update in the Lok Sabha on the installation status of Kavach in the Indian Railways by June Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Mathura Merchant Robbed Of 70 Kg Of Silver While Returning From Agra

Unidentified assailants allegedly robbed a Mathura-based merchant of 70 kilograms of silver in the Farah area of the district on the night of July 29-30.

Delhi drowns again as rain throws life out of gear; commuters stuck for hours

Heavy rain triggered widespread traffic chaos in Delhi, turning roads into parking lots and frustrating commuters. Key routes like Aruna Asaf Ali Marg and Mathura Road experienced severe slowdowns due to waterlogging and malfunctioning traffic signals. The absence of traffic management personnel exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread complaints and highlighting the city's lack of preparedness for monsoon rains.

Sewayats deny UP minister darshan at Banke Bihari temple amid protest over corridor project

LUCKNOW: UP Power Minister and close confidante of PM Narendra Modi, AK Sharma, faced a massive protest from the Sewayats of the Banke Bihari temple against the proposed corridor in Mathura-Vrindavan on Saturday. The protesting Sewayats, Goswamis, did not let the minister take darshan of the deity and pulled the curtain down on the idol as soon as Sharma reached in front of it inside the temple. As per local sources, when the minister arrived at the temple, the Sewayats, who are opposing the Rs 600-crore Banke Bihari Corridor proposed by the state government and approved by the Supreme Court, were prepared to protest his visit. The minister was not even given prasad. The Goswami community members are hereditary priests who have been engaged in prayers and priestly duties at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan for centuries. With the arrival of the minister, around 1520 women, belonging to the family of Goswamis, thronged the temple premises wearing black bands. They surrounded the minister and started shouting Hai hai and Mantriji go back, said a local source. In the wake of the rising build-up, the officials present on the spot escorted the minister out of the temple from Gate Number 4. The Supreme Court has given the go-ahead for the Banke Bihari Corridor, an ambitious plan to ease crowd congestion and enhance the pilgrimage experience around the shrine. The state government has brought an ordinance to create a Trust to run the temple and oversee work on the proposed corridor. Significantly, the Supreme Court has allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to use temple funds for land acquisition to build the corridor - a project envisaged to ease crowd pressure around the temple. While the state government claims it will help pilgrim movement and improve their safety by avoiding stampede-like situations, locals fear the project will damage Vrindavans spiritual and cultural heritage. Over 250 buildings would have to be demolished to carve out the corridor. The Supreme Court allowed the state government to use Rs 500 crore from the temples funds to acquire land. The acquired land will be in the name of the deity or the temple trust. The apex court also permitted authorities to acquire up to five acres of land around the temple for the project. The division bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, said in the order that the land acquired for the corridor would be registered in the name of the temple deity, that is, Banke Bihari, or the managing trust. The court made it clear that the approval for the corridor project was being given keeping the stampede of 2022 in mind. Meanwhile, on Saturday, after exiting the temple without having darshan of Banke Bihari, Power Minister AK Sharma reached the Gaddi of Jugal Goswami at VIP Road. There, too, he was thronged by protesting women, four of whom were called to meet the minister. While meeting the protesting women, the minister made the state governments stand on the corridor clear, saying that the government always worked with public welfare as its priority. You can see for yourself, the unmanageable crowd here. The state government is sensitive to such a scenario as it could lead to some mishap. The state government will keep the interest and welfare of the local people in mind and the authorities will go ahead with the proposed project taking everyone along, assured the minister. I am also a part of the same government which has worked for Sanatan values by rendering services to Shree Krishna, Shree Ram, Lord Kashi Vishwanath and Goddess Vindhyavasini. We do not intend to hurt the sentiments of anyone, added Sharma.

Allahabad HC allows plaint to represent suits of Hindu side in Krishna Janmabhoomi Mathura case

The Allahabad High Court has designated suit number 17 as the representative suit for all cases related to the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. This decision means suit 17 will be the primary focus, with its outcome binding on the other 17 suits. The court has set August 22 for framing issues in the case.

BJP MP Hema Malini performs at Thakur Radha Raman Lal Ji's Raas Sthal in Mathura

Stakeholders' interests will be protected: Hema Malini after facing flak over temple corridor remark

Mathura MP Hema Malini is facing backlash over a resurfaced video where she purportedly discusses the Bankey Bihari corridor project, suggesting those opposing it might have to leave. Local residents and priests have expressed outrage, fearing displacement and disruption to Vrindavan's heritage.

Hema Malini under fire for alleged remark asking locals to leave over Bankey Bihari corridor plan

Mathura MP Hema Malini's comment on the Bankey Bihari corridor project faces backlash. Locals and priests express anger over her statement. They fear displacement and disruption to Vrindavan's heritage. A priest criticizes her for not consulting those affected. A BJP leader also disapproves of her remark. She emphasizes the deep roots of the local residents.

HC dismisses plea for use of disputed structure in place of Mathuras Shahi Idgah Mosque

PRAYAGRAJ (UP), Jul 4: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction that the word disputed structure be used in place of Shahi Eidgah Mosque of Mathura. The application was moved with a prayer to direct the stenographer concerned to use the word disputed structure in place of Shahi Idgah Mosque in the entire further proceedings of this original suit along with other connected matters. The application was supported by an affidavit of advocate Mahendra Pratap [] The post HC dismisses plea for use of disputed structure in place of Mathuras Shahi Idgah Mosque appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

12 Alvar Sculptures Found At Yerragondapalem

A few names were mentioned, such as Pey Alvar, Kulasekara Alvar, Thirumangai Alvar, Mathurakavi Alvar, Thondaradippodi Alvar, and Tirumalisai Alvar.

Krishna Janmabhoomi case: Allahabad HC rejects plea to declare Shahi Idgah Mosque as 'disputed structure'

LUCKNOW: In the ongoing legal battle over the Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura, the Allahabad High Court on Friday rejected the Hindu sides plea to declare the Shahi Idgah Mosque, situated on Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi premises, a disputed structure. The petition had sought an official designation of the mosque as a disputed site in court records and all further proceedings. The single-judge bench, comprising Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, dismissed the plea orally, saying the application filed by the Hindu side in this regard is being dismissed at this stage. The judgment, which was reserved on May 23, is being seen as a significant relief for the Muslim litigants in the long-standing legal battle. Notably, advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, appearing for the Hindu side, had filed an application on March 5 this year, urging the court to declare the Shahi Idgah Mosque as a disputed structure. The contention of the petitioner was that the mosque was built through encroachment and lacked legal documentation proving ownership or religious designation. The Hindu side asserted that the structure could not be called a mosque in the absence of land ownership documents, municipal records, or tax filings. So far, four hearings have taken place in the single-judge bench. Besides this petition, 18 other related petitions filed by the Hindu side have been clubbed by the High Court, and they remain pending before it. All the petitions primarily seek the removal of alleged illegal encroachments from the premises of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, currently referred to as the Shahi Idgah Masjid. The Hindu petitioners claimed that the land where the mosque stands was originally the site of a Krishna temple. They argued that symbols and motifs of Hindu deities were still visible on the mosques walls. They further contended that merely occupying a land illegally did not establish ownership and drew parallels with the Ayodhya dispute. They requested that, similar to the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, the Shahi Idgah should be declared a disputed structure before further legal decisions are made. On the contrary, in response, the Muslim side filed objections, describing the Hindu petition as entirely baseless. They emphasized that the Shahi Idgah had been existing for the last over 400 years. They also argued that the demand to declare it a disputed structure should not only be dismissed but also that the petitioners should be penalized. The Shahi Idgah Mosque is located adjacent to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple complex in Mathura. The dispute has drawn national attention, with similarities drawn to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case in Ayodhya.

Can't rename Shahi Idgah mosque as disputed structure: HC

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a plea seeking the use of 'disputed structure' instead of 'Shahi Eidgah Mosque' in Mathura case proceedings.

Allahabad High Court rejects plea seeking use of disputed structure for Shahi Idgah mosque

PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction that the word disputed structure be used in place of Shahi Eidgah Mosque of Mathura. The application was moved with a prayer to direct the stenographer concerned to use the word disputed structure in place of Shahi Idgah Mosque in the entire further proceedings of this original suit along with other connected matters. The application was supported by an affidavit of advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh. On the other hand, a written objection was filed on behalf of defendants. The order was passed by Justice Ram Manohar Narain Mishra hearing a bunch of original suits relating to Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. The Hindu side has filed 18 suits for possession of land after removal of the structure of Shahi Idgah masjid as well as for restoration of the temple and for permanent injunction. Earlier, at one stage on August 1, 2024, the high court had rejected applications of the Muslim side challenging maintainability of suits of Hindu worshippers and held that all suits of Hindu worshippers are maintainable. In the August 1 order, the court had also held that these suits are not barred by Limitation Act, Waqf Act and Places of Worship Act,1991, which prohibit conversion of any religious structure as existed on August, 15, 1947. At another stage, on October 23, 2024, the high court had rejected an application moved by the Shahi Idgah mosque committee to recall the high court's January 11, 2024 order consolidating all suits filed in connection with the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute at Mathura. The controversy is related to the Aurangazeb-era mosque which is alleged to have been built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Allahabad HC Rejects Plea to Call Mathura's Shahi Eidgah Mosque Disputed Structure

A bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra orally said that the application was being dismissed at this stage.

Builder tied to house collapse that killed 3 slapped with NSA

In Mathura, builder Sunil Chen faces serious repercussions as the National Security Act (NSA) is invoked against him following a tragic incident on June 15. Unauthorized excavation led to the collapse of five houses in Maya Tila, resulting in the deaths of Totaram, Yashoda, and Kajal.

NHAI will tie up with Google Maps to chalk out routes with low toll charges

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working with Google Maps to introduce a new feature in its Rajmargyatra mobile application, which will suggest different routes, including an alternative with lowest toll charges to the motorists. This service will be available from next month. Officials said that the highway users would be at liberty to choose a route to reach a destination as per their convenience to save travelling time or toll fee. There are two best possible routes to reach Agra from Delhi. One can take the Yamuna Expressway or National Highway 44 (Mathura Road). The app will inform users which route will attract a lower toll, said officials. Google Maps provides live traffic data and real-time GPS navigation for driving, walking, cycling and public transport. It also suggests routes with estimated toll charges. Moreover, it offers options to avoid tolls entirely or prioritise routes based on the preferences of the user. The move is being seen as another strategic attempt by the NHAI to increase downloads and usage of the Rajmargyatra app. A dedicated link for activation and renewal of annual FASTag pass for non-commercial private vehicles will also be made available on the app next month. In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, Union Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari last month announced the plan to launch a pass that will cost `3,000. It will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever is earlier. Adding annual pass activation and renewal link to Rajmargyatra is also to encourage people to download the app. The number of downloads has never been as per our expectations. With this new addition, we are hoping that more users will have the app in their mobile phones, said officials. According to the ministry, till February, the Rajmargyatra App had a 4.4-star rating based on 12,000+ reviews with 3.48 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store and more than 74,000 phone users have downloaded through Apple Store. The app was introduced about two year ago as a one-stop repository to improve user traveling experience as it offers real-time weather conditions, timely broadcast notifications, and access to details about nearby toll plazas, petrol pumps, hospitals, hotels, and other facilities for national highway users. The app is also equipped with an inbuilt complaint redressal and escalation mechanism. Users can easily report highway-related issues, attaching geo-tagged videos or photos for better clarity. Link to activate, renew FASTag passes A link for activation and renewal of annual FASTag pass for non-commercial private vehicles will be available on the app next month. It is also equipped with an inbuilt complaint redressal and escalation mechanism.

MP: In a First, BJP Chooses a Sitting MLA to Head Party in MP, Khandelwal Takes Charge of Post

Mr. Khandelwal who was born in Mathura in 1964 in Uttar Pradesh had made debut in electoral politics by winning the Lok Sabha by-elections in Betul in 2008

Rajmargyatra app to help motorists choose best route available to reach destination

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working with Google Maps to introduce a new feature in its Rajmargyatra mobile app. The feature will suggest different routes, including the alternative with the lowest toll charges to the motorists. This service will be available from next month. Officials said that with the launch of the new feature, the highway users would be at liberty to choose a route to reach a destination as per their convenience to save travelling time or toll fees. There are two best possible routes to reach Agra from Delhi. One can take the Yamuna Expressway or National Highway 44 (Mathura Road). The app will inform users which route will attract a lower toll, said officials while explaining the purpose of the feature. Google Maps provides live traffic data and real-time GPS navigation for driving, walking, cycling and public transport. It also suggests routes with estimated toll charges. Moreover, it offers options to avoid tolls entirely or prioritise routes based on the preferences of the user. The move is being seen as another strategic attempt by the NHAI to increase downloads and usage of the Rajmargyatra app. A dedicated link for activation and renewal of annual FASTag pass for non-commercial private vehicles will also be made available on the App next month. In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari last month announced the plan to launch the pass that will cost Rs 3,000. It will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever is earlier. Adding annual pass activation and renewal link to Rajmargyatra is also to encourage people to download the app. The number of downloads has never been as per our expectations. With this new addition, we are hoping that more users will have the app in their mobile phones, said officials. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, till February, the Rajmargyatra App had a 4.4-star rating based on 12,000+ reviews with 3.48 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store, and more than 74,000 phone users have downloaded it through the Apple Store. The app was introduced about two years ago as a one-stop repository to improve user travelling experience as it offers real-time weather conditions, timely broadcast notifications, and access to details about nearby toll plazas, petrol pumps, hospitals, hotels, and other facilities for national highway users. The app is also equipped with an inbuilt complaint redressal and escalation mechanism. Users can easily report highway-related issues, attaching geo-tagged videos or photos for better clarity.

GOC-in-C reviews operational readiness of Strike One Corps

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 28: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, today reviewed the operational readiness of Mathura-based Strike One Corps, the Army said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, visited Strategic Strikers and reviewed the operational preparedness, Northern Command said on X. The Army Commander complimented the formation for its integrated and synergised training and high level of preparedness. He emphasised dynamic planning and situation-based [] The post GOC-in-C reviews operational readiness of Strike One Corps appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Northern Army Commander Reviews Operational Readiness Of Mathura-Based Strike One Corps

Jammu, June 28: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Saturday reviewed the operational readiness of Mathura-based Strike One Corps, the Army said. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, visited Strategic Strikers and reviewed the operational preparedness, Northern Command said on X. The Army commander complimented the formation for its integrated and synergised training and high level of preparedness. He emphasised dynamic planning and situation-based preparedness to cater to any eventuality. The post Northern Army Commander Reviews Operational Readiness Of Mathura-Based Strike One Corps appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Police thwart womans self-immolation attempt in Mathura; Opposition questions redressal mechanism

The incident occurred on June 26, in the evening, over a land dispute, when the father of the victim and the other side were brought to the police station for legal action

CPI (Maoist) NR bureau terror revival case: NIA nabs one more accused from Delhi

NEW DELHI: The anti-terror federal probe agency NIA has arrested another key accused, identified as Vishal Singh, in connection with its probe into the CPI (Maoist) Northern Region Bureau (NRB) terror revival conspiracy, officials said on Sunday. Following the arrest, the agency conducted a search at his residence in West Delhi and seized devices including hard drives, pen drives, mobile phones, and other incriminating material, they said. Singh, originally from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, has been found to be a member of the CPI (Maoist), the officials said, alleging that he had delivered a drone to leaders of the banned outfit in the Chhakarbanda/Panchrukhiya forest area of Bihar to further its violent anti-national activities. He had imparted technical training to other cadres of the CPI (Maoist) and had also attended meetings with its central committee members in the deep forest areas of Bihar in 2019, a senior NIA official said. In August 2024, the NIA had arrested another accused, Ajay Singhal alias Aman, who was the in-charge of the State Organising Committee (SOC) for Haryana and Punjab of the CPI (Maoist). The case pertains to the banned Naxal outfits conspiracy to re-energise its depleting influence in the Northern Regional Bureau (NRB) area, which comprises Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The conspiracy involves recruitment of cadres and strengthening of the organisation in the region through underground operatives working in urban areas, along with some Over Ground Workers (OGWs) operating under the guise of activists, the official said. Several front organisations and student wings have allegedly been used to prepare the ground for promoting the conspiracy aimed at waging war against the Government of India, the officials said, claiming that such Naxal operatives were receiving funds from the outfits Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB), particularly from Jharkhand.

Anti-terror agency nabs one more in Maoist revival conspiracy case

The agency also seized digital devices, including hard drives, pen drives, and mobile phones, as well as other incriminating material during a search in the West Delhi house of the accused person identified as Vishal Singh, originally from Uttar Pradeshs Mathura.

Two sanitation workers die after inhaling poisonous gas in Uttar Pradesh

MATHURA: Two sanitation workers died after inhaling poisonous gas while cleaning a sewer tank of a guest house in Vrindavan city, police said on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday evening and the contractor has been detained, police outpost in-charge Kulveer Singh said. Two workers fell unconscious after inhaling the gas and were rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Family members of the deceased created ruckus in the hospital and were pacified after officials assured them of proper compensation. Singh said the deceased have been identified as Narendra (38) and Chhotelal (40). Eyewitnesses have told police that both the labourers descended into the sewer tank without any safety equipment.

CBI Arrests Man From UP For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Children

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested a man in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district in connection with a case involving the sexual assault of children and the possession and dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Mathura building collapse: Locals hold protest; authorities promise financial aid, alternative accommodation

Following a building collapse in Mathura's Masani area that tragically killed three people, including two children, local residents protested on Monday. City Magistrate Rakesh Kumar assured that the affected families will receive financial aid and alternative housing. Authorities have evacuated five buildings and are conducting an investigation into the incident.

3 Feared Trapped as Building Collapses in Mathuras Kachchi Sadak

NDRF, SDRF teams join rescue operations; one person rescued, nearby houses also damaged

From Heritage To High-Tech: CM Yogi Pushes For Development Of Mathura And Kanpur As Model Cities

Mathura district administration offers luxury flats to temple priests amid corridor project opposition

LUCKNOW: As the survey of residences and shops in the 22 Kunj Galis (narrow lanes) leading to the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan continues, 30 per cent of it already completed, the Mathura district administration has prepared an elaborate plan to rehabilitate the sevayats , the Goswamis, who have been openly opposing the Banke Bihari Corridor project. The plan includes relocating the sevayats to Rukmani Vihar in Vrindavan. The Goswami community, comprising hereditary priests, has been performing religious and priestly duties at the Banke Bihari temple for centuries. The Supreme Court recently gave the green light to the Banke Bihari Corridor, an ambitious initiative aimed at easing crowd congestion and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience around the revered shrine. Following this, the state government brought in an ordinance to create a Trust to run the temple and oversee the development of the proposed corridor. After a visit by Awanish Kumar Awasthi, the special advisor to the Chief Minister, to Vrindavan on June 6, the project gained momentum. The Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) is working on a two-pronged strategy: first, conducting a survey of Kunj Galis comprising 286 houses and shops, and second, accelerating the rehabilitation of residents from 188 houses to new luxury flats at Rukmani Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar. The administration hopes that offering better accommodation will help pacify the sevayats . According to Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, the development of the Banke Bihari Corridor, intended to improve facilities for the lakhs of devotees visiting the temple, is being expedited. He stated that physical verification is underway for 5.5 acres of land required for the corridor, alongside planning schemes to rehabilitate those displaced by the project. The DM added that landowners affected by the corridor will be resettled in Rukmani Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar. The land for the residential project has been identified, and the flats will be developed by the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority, he said. He mentioned that out of the 275 landowners affected by the project, 200 are shopkeepers who will be allotted shops within the new corridor. They will also receive compensation based on the extent of land and shop area affected. MVDA Vice-Chairman Shyam Bahadur Singh stated that between 325 and 350 flats, both 1 BHK and 2 BHK, will be built on four expansive land parcels under the Rukmani Vihar Residential Scheme. If required, additional flats will be constructed by marking out adjoining land. Additionally, 3.5 acres of land has been earmarked at Sunrakh Bangar for residential purposes. Singh noted that plots at Rukmani Vihar Group Housing Scheme will be divided into four size categories: 3924.91 square metres, 2844 square metres, 1800 square metres, and 1504 square metres. Meanwhile, Rajat Goswami, former vice-president of the now-defunct managing committee of the Banke Bihari temple, claimed that the district administration has not shared any such rehabilitation plan with them. We are not in a position to react, he said. He added that the administration should take all stakeholders into confidence before making such plans public. On 15 May, the Supreme Court approved the state governments project to develop the Banke Bihari Corridor for the benefit of devotees. The apex court also allowed the government to utilise temple funds to purchase five acres of land for the corridor. Subsequently, on 27 May, the state government established a Trust to manage the Banke Bihari temple and oversee the development of the proposed corridor.

Objectionable photos found in phone of Mathura youth arrested over 'provocative' online post

Police said the youth allegedly lured the women into relationships by pretending to be a Hindu, filmed them in compromising situations and circulated online

Mohan Bhagwat To Attend Workers Development Camp In Mathura

Mathura (UP), Jun 12: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will participate in a special training camp for workers during his three-day visit to Mathura beginning Thursday. Bhagwat will take part in the ongoing 20-day Karyakarta Vikas Varg Pratham Camp at the Deen Dayal Gau Vigyan Anusandhan Evam Prashikshan Kendra in Parkham, Farah, according to a release issued by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The camp is focused on skill development of pravasi (migrant) RSS workers. During his stay, the RSS chief [] The post Mohan Bhagwat To Attend Workers Development Camp In Mathura appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Railway Ministry Permanently Closes Rs 402 Crore Mathura-Vrindavan Railway Line

It further said the decision has been taken with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways and asked the zone to initiate necessary action.

Ashram to Badarpur: Why this 8 km Delhi stretch takes 45 mins instead of 15; Key reasons behind Mathura Road chaos

The 8km stretch from Ashram to Badarpur on Delhi's Mathura Road often takes up to 45 minutes to cross due to flawed road design, multiple intersections, merging traffic from Noida and Faridabad, and unregulated vehicle movement. Despite past efforts to ease congestion, chaos persists, prompting calls for NHAI intervention to develop a signal-free corridor.

Meat pieces found in Mathura, locals suspect cow slaughter

In a separate incident in the Mant area of the district, the recovery of a burnt cow carcass on the Yamuna Expressway service road on Saturday also led to protests by Hindu activists.

Protests erupts after beef pieces found near eidah in Mathura; 11 arrested

MATHURA : Pieces of meat suspected to be beef were found in an empty plot near an eidgah on Barsana Road in Mathura district, sparking protests by members of some right-wing outfits, police said on Sunday. The meat pieces were found in Govardhan area on Saturday night, they said, adding 11 accused have been arrested. In a separate incident in the Mant area of the district, the recovery of a burnt cow carcass on the Yamuna Expressway service road on Saturday also led to protests by Hindu activists. An FIR was registered in the Barsana Road incident under various sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act against 24 named individuals and 50 unidentified persons, police said. Locals alleged that it was cow meat, samples of which have been sent to a forensic laboratory for examination, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said. Kumar said that after receiving information about the meat pieces near the eidgah late Saturday evening, members of the Gorakshak Dal and some Hindu organizations gathered at the site and started protests. We reached the spot and pacified the crowd. An FIR has been registered against 24 named individuals and 50 unknown persons. Strict action will be taken against the culprits, the SSP said. On the basis of CCTV footage, police have arrested 11 accused in this case. All the accused have been sent to jail, police said. The arrested accused were identified as Saqir, Sohil, Intezaar, Ansar, Pintu, Asin, Sunny, Usman, Firoz, Farukh and Shekhar, all residents of Jain Gali, Govardhan. Two knives, two axes, horns and animal skin kept in a sack were recovered from their possession, police said. The accused allegedly carried out slaughter of an animal belonging to cow family in an empty plot on Saturday evening, after which people found an animal's head and pieces of meat lying there, police said. In the Mant area, the finding of a burnt cow carcass enraged Hindu activists. Mant Circle Officer Gunjan Singh said that some Hindu activists protested over the incident and demanded an FIR. According to police, locals informed them that the cow's body had been lying there for two-three days before someone set it on fire on Saturday. Local BJP leader Ashok Saraswat has filed a complaint on behalf of the Radharani Gauseva Trust in connection with this incident, police said. Mant police station SHO Jasbir Singh said that the remains of the cow's carcass were cremated. Efforts are underway to identify individuals who were present near the incident site, Singh said.

UP: Two held for posing as fake bouncers at Bankey Bihari Temple, extorted money for VIP darshan

In Mathura, two individuals, Rohit and Lucky alias Chhotu, were apprehended for allegedly posing as bouncers and extorting money from devotees at the Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Operating under the name Madhav Bouncer Group on social media, they offered VIP darshan services for a fee. Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation into their activities.

Judge's mangalsutra snatched from Mathura temple, 10 women thieves arrested

Police recovered several stolen purses belonging to both men and women, containing cash, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, debit cards, driving licenses, and other important documents, along with a total of 18,652 in cash

Judge's Mangalsutra Snatched From UP Temple, 10 Women Thieves Arrested

A gang of women thieves who targeted female devotees at temples in Mathura was busted in a police crackdown after a judge's mangalsutra was snatched, officials said on Sunday.

Nr Commander reviews operational preparedness

Jammu, Jun 6: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited the headquarters of Strike One, also known as 1 Corps, in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura and was briefed on the operational preparedness of the formation, the Army said on Friday. He also visited a transit camp of the Northern Command in Jammu, Udhampur [] The post Nr Commander reviews operational preparedness appeared first on Northlines .

'Suffered For 3 Hours': Medical Aid Delayed, Differently Abled Cricketer Dies On Gwalior Train

Shortly after the train departed, Vikram Singh started complaining of intense pain. His condition deteriorated rapidly as the train approached Mathura.

Army's northern commander visits Strike One corps; reviews operational preparedness

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, reviewed the operational readiness of Strike One Corps in Mathura. He commended the formation's dedication and innovative approach. Sharma also visited a Northern Command transit camp, praising their commitment to providing seamless facilities, and the Udhampur Air Force Station, acknowledging their high morale and dedication.

Yogi cabinet approves 20% quota for Agniveers in UP police, highest in any state

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced 20% reservation for Agniveers in the direct recruitment process for various positions in government jobs including police constable, mounted police, fireman, and PAC constable. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, presided over by UP CM Yogi Adityanath here. The Agniveers, after completing their stint in the Indian Army, will also get a relaxation of three years in age while applying for these jobs. However, only those who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh will be eligible for this benefit. Briefing media persons after the cabinet meeting, UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said that other states like Haryana and Odisha, and forces like CISF and BSF, had the provision of 10% reservation for Agniveers, making UPs offer the highest so far. The first batch of Agniveers is expected to be available for recruitment by 2026. Highlighting the state's efforts to provide meaningful post-service opportunities to Agniveers completing their four-year term under the Agnipath scheme, Khanna explained that the reservation would be applicable across all categories, including general, SC, ST, and OBC. This is a significant decision. The reservation will be applicable across categories general, SC, ST, and OBC. If an Agniveer belongs to the SC, the reservation will apply within SC category; if OBC, then within OBC category, he elaborated. Recruitment under this new reservation policy will cover four categories: constable police, constable PAC, mounted police, and fireman. The first batch of recruits through this reservation system is expected to be inducted by 2026. Khanna said this initiative seeks to ensure that Agniveers continued to contribute significantly to the state's security infrastructure even after their military service. The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the central government in 2022, aimed at short-term induction of personnel into the Army, Navy and Air Force, seeks to reduce the age profile within these services. Uttar Pradesh's new policy is in alignment with this central scheme, further facilitating the continued contribution of Agniveers. This reservation move would provide Agniveers concrete opportunities to integrate into civilian roles within the state's security apparatus. Khanna added that it not only recognised their service but would ensure that they continue contributing to the nations security infrastructure after their military stint. The policy is expected to set a precedent and possibly influence other states to reassess their approaches towards reserving positions for former Agniveers, said the UP Finance Minister. The other major decisions taken at the cabinet meeting included Uttar Pradesh Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Homestay Policy 2025 to boost religious and heritage tourism. Under this policy, residences with 1 to 6 rooms could be licensed for homestays. Moreover, a district-level committee headed by the district magistrate will handle the licensing process. Visitors can stay up to seven days at a time, with a longer stay requiring notification. Licence fees would range from Rs 500 to Rs 3500. The scheme will be implemented in major religious and tourist cities like Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan and Varanasi. Annapurna Bhawans for ration distribution To improve the Public Distribution System (PDS), the cabinet approved the construction of Annapurna Bhawans across all districts. These 484 sq. ft. buildings will be vehicle-accessible and allow ration dealers to sell additional food items. So far, 3,524 buildings have been built in rural areas and another 2,000 are under construction. The target is to construct 75 buildings in each district annually. A budget of Rs 266 crore has been allocated. Khanna said the funds would come from MGNREGA, MP/MLA funds, and development schemes like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal Funds.

Woman Insists For Further Studies For Daughter, Beaten Up By Husband: Cops

A woman in Mathura has filed a domestic violence case against her husband and in-laws for allegedly beating her because she insisted on allowing her daughter to continue studying after Class 10, police said on Tuesday.

Following SC's approval of Banke Bihari corridor project, Uttar Pradesh Governor gives assent for temple trust

LUCKNOW: After the Supreme Courts nod to the Banke Bihari Corridor project proposed by Uttar Pradesh government in Vrindavan and Mathura, State Governor Anandiben Patel gave her assent to an ordinance to set up the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas Trust here on Tuesday. The Yogi Adityanath cabinet had cleared the proposal for setting up of the trust last week. This Trust will be responsible for ensuring that the religious rituals, practices, festivals, puja at Banke Bihar Temple continue without any interference or changes besides overseeing the appointment of priests, ensuring security of devotees, and supervising work on the proposed corridor. The board will have total 18 members with 11 nominated ones and seven ex-officio members, including two representatives from the temples traditional Goswami community. No non-Hindu will be allowed to be on the Board. Notably, the apex court on May 15 had given its approval to the proposed corridor, which had been facing strong opposition from local people as they feel that the proposed project would compromise the religious antiquity of the place. The apex court, however, had allowed the state government to acquire five-acres of land around the temple by spending money offered by the devotees at the temple. The land shall be purchased in the name of the presiding deity Shree Banke Bihariji. The proposed corridor, more or less like Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, will have all public amenities, including the parking lots. The project aims at ensuring the safety of pilgrims who currently have to wade through extremely narrow lanes, as narrow as 3 ft -14 ft, to reach the temple. These narrow lanes, called Kunj Galiyan, become packed to the brim during the weekends when footfall exceed 5 lakh, leading to a stampede-like situation. The state government came up with the idea of the corridor, keeping in mind the tragedy of 2022, when two persons had suffocated to death due to a stampede. Now, with the corridor in place, the courtyard of the temple premises would be able to accommodate 10,000 people at the same time. The trusts first task will be to oversee temples arrangements, worship, and security arrangements on the Teej festival which falls on July 27 this year. The newly formed trust will include 18 members, comprising seven ex-officio officials, 11 senior nominated members, and a CEO will soon be appointed to supervise the trusts operations and ensure efficient governance. As per the plan, the corridor will connect Banke Bihari Temple with other major religious attractions such as Radha Raman temple and Madan Mohan temple while facilitating smoother routes under the larger Braj Teerth Vikas plan. The plan also has a suspension bridge proposed over the river Yamuna, directly in front of the new corridor. This bridge will link the Yamuna Expressway side of Vrindavan to the temple, enabling pilgrims to park across the river and travel via e-rickshaws or small vehicles to the temple.

Allahabad High Court rejects plea seeking Radha Rani's inclusion as party in Mathura case

The Allahabad High Court dismissed an application to include goddess Radha in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute, deeming Puranic illustrations as hearsay. The applicant claimed joint ownership of the disputed land with Lord Krishna, citing references in Purans and Sanhitas. The court stated that the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting her claim of joint ownership.

HC rejects plea to implead goddess Radha in Mathura case

The Allahabad High Court has rejected an application to implead goddess Radha Rani as a party in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute. The court ruled that puranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence and the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting the claim of joint ownership.

Allahabad HC rejects plea to implead Radha Rani in Krishna Janmabhoomi title suit

LUCKNOW: In the Krishna Janmabhoomi - Shahi Eidgah title dispute case, the Allahabad High Court has rejected the Hindu sides plea to implead deity Shriji Radha Rani in the case on the grounds that Pauranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence. The Court said that Shriji Radha Rani was not a necessary or proper party to be impleaded in the case, and if she was included, it would change the basic nature of the title suit. The plea was filed under Order 1 Rule 10 of the Civil Procedure Code by advocate Anil Kumar Singh Bishen, who represented Shriji Radha Rani through her next friend Reena N Singh. The applicant had urged the court to make Shriji Radha Rani a joint plaintiff in Original Suit No. 7 of 2023, which was filed by Shri Bhagwan Shrikrishna Lala Virajman and others against the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shahi Idgah Masjid Committee. The suit pertains to 13.37 acres of land in Mathura, which the plaintiffs claim is Lord Krishnas birthplace. They claim that the Shahi Idgah Masjid was illegally built during the Mughal period by demolishing this holy site. The plaintiffs have presented historical records, reports from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and references of Hindu scriptures to support their claim demanding the removal of the structure. In her plea, Shriji Radha Ranis side argued that she was deeply connected with Lord Krishna and was his eternal consort; she also had the rights over the disputed land. They referred to religious texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Narada Pancharatra Samhita, and Skanda Purana to substantiate their argument that she was the soul of Lord Krishna and therefore she should be considered a co-deity with equal ownership. However, the bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra did not accept this religious argument as a legal right. The Court made it clear that religious stories cannot prove legal ownership over land in the court of law. The court said: The Pauranic illustrations are generally considered as hearsay evidence in a legal context. In the case of Pauranic illustrations, these are graphic representations of story and events and the truth of events they depict is usually based on narrative and not on direct observation or testimony. There is no evidence in support of the claim raised by the applicant that the applicant is entitled as a joint holder of said land of 13.37 acres and the property of the applicant is also involved in the suit property claimed by the plaintiff no. 1 as birth birthplace of lord Krishna. The Court also noted that there was no temple of Radha Rani on the disputed land, and there is no legal proof to show that she had any ownership or share in the property. Interestingly, while Plaintiff No. 1, represented by Kaushal Kishor Thakur, did not oppose Shriji Radha Ranis addition to the case, the other plaintiffs were against it. They said that including her would go against the main purpose of the suit, which is only focused on Krishna Janmabhoomi and not about Radha Rani. They also told the Court that Radha Rani is already included in a different ongoing case in the civil court, so she should not be made a party again in this matter. The Court agreed and said that adding Radha Rani to the case would only make the issue more complicated and might delay the proceedings. It stressed that unless there was a clear legal or ownership claim, such applications cannot be allowed. With that, the High Court dismissed the application and posted the matter for next hearing of the main suit for July 4, 2025.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Visit Ram Temple In Ayodhya

AYODHYA, May 25: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, visited Ayodhya with their family on Sunday, praying at both the Ram Temple and the Hanumangarhi Temple. Hanumangarhi Temple Mahant Sanjay Das confirmed that the celebrity couple came to the temple this morning before proceeding for the Ram Temple. The cricketer and actress avoided interaction with the media. The visit is part of the recent spiritual spree of the couple, which has visited Mathura at least twice [] The post Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Visit Ram Temple In Ayodhya appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

After SC nod to Banke Bihari Corridor, religious antiquity of Vrindavan at stake, feel Brajwasis

LUCKNOW: The Rs 600 crore Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan for which the Uttar Pradesh government got the go-ahead from Supreme Court of India recently, is still facing opposition. Locals fear that the project will compromise heritage and religious antiquity of Vrindavan. The Supreme Court has allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to use temple funds for land acquisition to build the corridor, a project envisaged with an aim to ease crowd pressure around the temple. While the state government claims it will help pilgrims' movement and improve their safety saving them from stampede like situations, locals fear the project will damage Vrindavan's spiritual and cultural heritage. Over 300 buildings may have to be demolished to carve out the corridor, say the locals. The Supreme Court allowed the state government to use Rs 500 crore from the temples funds to acquire land. The acquired land will be in the name of the deity or temple trust. The apex court also allowed the authorities to acquire up to five acres of land around the temple for the project. The division bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, said in the order that the land acquired for the corridor would be registered in the name of the temple deity, that is, Banke Bihari, or the managing trust. The court, in the order, made it clear that the approval for the corridor project was being given, keeping the stampede of 2022 in mind. It may be recalled that two devotees had died due to suffocation and several others were left injured after being caught in the crowd, which had swollen much beyond the capacity of the temple premises during Janmashtami celebrations on the night of August 19, 2022. At the same time, the Supreme Court, while delivering its order, appreciated the good work done by UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and laid stress on a coordinated effort by the trust, state government and the local residents of Vrindavan. Banke bihari temple crowd The court also observed that both Mathura and Vrindavan were ancient pilgrimage towns which needed wider roads, adequate parking slots, guest houses and improved public amenities. Meanwhile, after the SC nod, the officials have started a survey of nearly 300 houses and 100 shops around the temple. After property valuation, notices will be issued, and the affected families will be compensated. The demolition process is expected to begin within the next five months. As per the sources, the project design includes three new access routes, parking space as expansive as over 37,000 square metres, and an area of 800 square metres would be reserved for shops selling Puja items. However, diverse voices have been emanating from Vrindavan over the project. While some look at it as a necessity, others believe that the corridor would threaten Vrindavans heritage and originality. Priest Rajkumar Gautam says the corridor would be a reality despite opposition. He feels it would benefit crores of pilgrims who throng Banke Bihari ji without affecting Kunj lanes much, as many have already built platforms or planted trees. Market outside Banke-Bihari temple in Vrindavan Similarly, a local trader, Govind Khandelwal, is also of the view that the main objective of the corridor should be to widen the pathways approaching the temple while preserving the Kunj lanes. Vrindavans religious essence should remain intact. We cannot lose it to the corridor in the name of crowd management, says Khandelwal. Neeraj Gautam, head of Banke Bihari Market Association, feels that the corridor project will cut locals off from the temple. The project could harm businesses and Brajs culture will vanish, he fears. The traders are preparing to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. Temple priest Mohan Goswami agrees to the fact that temple funds will be used in land purchase, but and not for infrastructure development like having parks and roads. Thakurjis money should not be used for development, he says. Sevayat Gyanendra Goswami also expresses concern over the potential loss of ancient Kunj lanes. Opponents warn that the corridor could damage Vrindavans soul. With 5,500 temples in the town and Thakurji believed to reside in every home, any destruction affects its deep spiritual fabric. Selfie spots will not preserve sanctity, and crowd management should be done without disturbing heritage, says Sevayat Gyanendra Goswami. Those who may lose their dwellings to the project are sceptical about their future. If were removed, well be forced to sing bhajans by the Yamuna, says Rajmohan Sharma, a local resident. The saints and seers also back the project, but with the rider of demanding adequate compensation for those who will give up their shops and houses to the corridor. At the same time, they feel that such a corridor is the need of the hour to manage the ever-swelling crowd. Vrindavans narrow lanes the Kunj galiyan -- are of great religious value. Some are 500 years old, with historical roots dating back over 5,000 years to the era of Lord Krishna. Devotees believe these lanes are where Krishna played and performed Raas Leela, a practice which the deity still follows. The dilemma is that there are around 120-150 narrow lanes in Vrindavan. They get jam-packed on the days of heavy footfall, which is now a regular feature of Vrindavan as lakhs of devotees throng the land of Lord Krishna during weekends. Near the Banke Bihari temple, there are 22 kunj lanes, the width of which ranges between 3 ft and to maximum of 14 ft. Each Kunj lane around Banke Bihari temple has a name Daan, Maan, Prem, Holi , Seva, Bhoot Govind, Yugal, Chhippi, Raja, Gopi and others. While over 200 buildings in the vicinity have already been surveyed, the residents have protested with some having written letters in blood to CM Yogi. The community remains concerned about the unique identity of Vrindavan.

UP: Dalit wedding disrupted by Jat community, armed men hurl casteist slogans

A marriage function in a Dalit family in Mathura was disturbed late Tuesday night, May 20, when some members of the Jat community allegedly objected to the DJ music played during the baarat procession. According to the complaint, a group led by Krishna, Manish Kumar, and Ankur, along with around 20-25 unidentified people, stopped the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Once Neglected, Mathura's Govardhan Station Gets Parking, Footbridge After Inauguration By PM Modi

Yogi government to revamp religious, heritage sites with Rs 4,560 crore investment

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government has chalked out an ambitious plan to revamp and strengthen roads connecting sites of historical, mythological, and spiritual significance with an investment of Rs 4,560 crore. The initiative aims not only at ensuring safer and more convenient travel for pilgrims but to firmly establish Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination on the global religious tourism map, the state government spokesman, here on Tuesday. The UP CM has issued clear instructions that the beautification, restoration, and enhancement of religious and heritage sites remain among the top priorities of the state government. The state government spokesman said that the project would focus mainly on improving connectivity and enhancing the beauty of sacred routes linking major pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, and Mirzapur. Priority was being accorded to widening, strengthening, and constructing those key routes during the financial year 2025-26, he added. According to the Public Works Departments plan, 272 projects will be completed under this initiative, with a total budget allocation of Rs 4,560 crore. The Public Works Department and the Religious Works Department would work in tandem to ensure comprehensive development and seamless execution of the project. According to the plan prepared by the Public Works Department, the strengthening of roads connecting significant religious sites across the state is approved by the Principal Secretary, Religious Works Department. Priority is being given to developing, reconstructing, and strengthening those roads that have the highest footfall. Once this plan is implemented, devotees and travellers will benefit from better transportation facilities. This will reduce their travel time and make their journeys easier, safer, and more organised, said a senior PWD official. For the 272 planned projects, the main focus is on roads that see an average annual traffic of around 5 lakh devotees. The projects include widening roads, repairing surfaces, building sidewalks, strengthening carriageways, lane marking, beautification, expansion, improving traffic management, and promoting road safety standards. Special attention is being given to routes where land acquisition can be minimised to ensure smoother progress.

22 kids among 90 from Bangladesh held in Mathura

In Mathura, authorities detained 90 Bangladeshi nationals, including children, for allegedly residing illegally in India, seizing documents and mobile phones. They were found working at brickyards, having crossed borders years ago. Simultaneously, Uttarakhand police arrested a US citizen and a Bangladeshi woman for lacking valid residency documents, highlighting ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration.

IPL-Style Cricket League Organised for Inmates at Mathura Jail

Divided into eight teams, 130 inmates, including convicts and undertrials, participated in the tournament.

UP man forced to chant Jai Shri Ram, faces religious harassment

Mathura: A Muslim man was allegedly forced to chant Jai Shri Ram and subjected to religious harassment by a group of Hindutva men in Mathura, police said on Wednesday, May 14. The accused also recorded a video of the incident and circulated it online. A case has been registered based on a complaint filed by Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Red alert announced in Uttar Pradesh, mock drills conducted across state

LUCKNOW: A red alert was issued in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, with the administration conducting mock drills across the state to prepare for any eventuality. The move follows air strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor, in which Indian defence forces targeted and destroyed terrorist camps and infrastructure at nine locations inside Pakistan. UP DGP Prashant Kumar, while announcing red alert, asked the state police authorities to work in tandem with Army and the India Air Force to ensure security of significant installation in the state. Claiming that state police were in alert mode and ready to provide security to citizens, the DGP said that the security of important religious and other establishments was spruced up in the state. While security was enhanced with the deployment of over 600 police personnel in and around Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, the police authorities increased patrolling and vigilance at Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and around the upcoming Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Babri litigant Iqbal Ansari prayed for Indian Army saying that with the grace of Allah, the Indian forces would answer the evil designs of Pakistan and name it as Hindustan. For the demonic forces like Pakistan, Lord Ram is needed. Pakistan has been responded in such a language that it will never forget, said Ansari. Additionally, security was heightened at key locations including Varanasi Airport, Kanpur Central Railway Station, and the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, with intensive vehicle checks underway. This marks the first red alert issued in the state in decades. It was during 1971 war that the state was kept on red alert. After that, it is the first such occasion when a red alert has been declared, says former UP DGP Sulkhan Singh. As per UP police authorities, red alert is warning system which indicates at emergency situation. People are asked to be alert and follow administrations instructions during a terror threat or war like situation. It is mandatory to follow the Red Alert as it is meant for the security of citizens, says a senior police official. Meanwhile, reacting to the Operation Sindoor, UP CM Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Armed Forces , SP chief Akhilesh Yadav took to X to post in Sanskrit: Parakramo Vijyate (courage wins). On the other, former CM and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati called Operation Sindoor, a commendable act of pride. However, post-Operation Sindoor, celebrations were reported from different districts across UP. While fireworks were seen in Sambal and Chandausi, people played Holi with colours and distributed sweets in Gonda. In Varanasi, locals , traders and businessmen posed with lemon and chillies to keep the countrys army safe from evil eye and burst firecrackers. At the same time, the mock drill was conducted in various districts, including Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Ghaziabad and Moradabad, of the state on Wednesday. Residents of Varanasi were trained on how to protect themselves during an attack, with sirens sounding to simulate real-time emergency alerts. Civilians were also trained in dousing the fire. Scenes of a stampede were recreated during a mock drill, and people were told how to save themselves in such a situation. They were also imparted training in giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in case of an emergency. In Chitrakoot, scenes of air strikes were recreated and the people were told how to cope with it. In Ghaziabad and Moradabad, people were told to lie down on the ground covering their ears, soon after hearing the sirens. While the Union government had identified 19 districts of UP for mock drill but the state administration decided to conduct it across all the districts.

Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill

LUCKNOW: A day before the scheduled mock drill mandated by the Union government, civil defence volunteers conducted a rehearsal at the Lucknow police lines on Tuesday to strengthen emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, UP DGP Prashant Kumar, on Tuesday, said that comprehensive civil defence mock drills would be conducted across all districts on Wednesday in compliance of the instructions received from the Government of India. The exercise, which involved around 200 civil defence volunteers, was aimed at training volunteers in managing large-scale emergencies and responding effectively to potential missile or air attacks. According to Chief Warden, Civil Defence Lucknow, Amarnath Mishra, the participants demonstrated coordinated responses to sirens, evacuation procedures, and protective measures designed to minimise panic and chaos during emergencies. The drill focused on practical techniques to protect civilians during missile strikes and air attacks, along with educating the public on how to safeguard themselves in such situations, Mishra added. The development comes a day after the Union Home Ministry's directives to states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness. The Union Home Ministry asked the states to operationalise air raid warning sirens and train civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The states have also been directed to update and rehearse evacuation plans, crash blackout measures, and early camouflaging of vital plants and installations. Interacting with media persons, the UP DGP Prashant Kumar said that the Centre had identified 19 districts-- one placed in Category 1, two in Category 2 and the remaining 16 in Category 3-- for the exercise. Bulandshahr in western UP has been kept in Category 1; Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bakshi Ka Talab, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Bareilly, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Sarsawan, and Chandauli are there in Category 2; Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar, both western UP districts, have been kept in Category 3. However, keeping the preparedness in mind and also considering the local sensitivities, the state government has decided to conduct the mock drill across all the state districts, said the DGP. He explained that the exercise would involve coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the police administration, fire services, and disaster response agencies, to cope with disasters and other critical situations. The mock drill is imperative to ensure better coordination and readiness among all response agencies, said Prashant Kumar. Meanwhile, DG Civil Defence, Abhay Prasad also confirmed the instructions received from the Centre, explaining preparations were already underway to equip civilians with the knowledge and readiness needed in case of any future conflict. He said the mock drill would be conducted between 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday. At present, the state Civil Defence department has offices in 15 districts but covers 26 districts through its network. As part of the initiative, an assessment of emergency medical infrastructure, response time, and coordination between various agencies would be assessed in the event of mass casualties and large-scale evacuations. The drill would also foster greater public awareness and resilience in times of national crisis, said a senior state government official.

16 men rescued from bonded labour in MP's Guna district; nine arrested, search underway for three

BHOPAL: At least 16 men from multiple states, who were held captive and forced to work as bonded labourers by powerful individuals, have been rescued by authorities in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district. The men were freed from various locations including private homes, agricultural fields, roadside dhabas, cowsheds, and brick kilns, where they had been kept in inhuman conditions. According to officials, they were subjected to severe abuse, including electric shocks, whenever they attempted to escape or resisted working without pay. The rescued individuals, aged between 20 and 65, hail from several states including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Many of the victims are reportedly mentally disturbed due to prolonged torture, inadequate food, and physical abuse. Some have been admitted to the Guna district hospital for treatment. Once their condition stabilizes, they will be moved to the Apna Ghar shelter home in neighbouring Shivpuri district. Efforts are underway to trace their families, and the men will be reunited with them based on information gathered during the rescue operation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about elderly men being held as bonded labourers, joint teams of the Guna district administration, labour department, and police launched a rescue operation on Saturday and freed 16 individuals from captivity in several villages of Chachoura region, including Binaganj, Jaisinghpura, and Chak Patodi. The men had been held in inhuman conditions by powerful local families and forced to work without pay in agricultural fields, cowsheds, and roadside eateries. Many of them were found in tattered clothing and visibly malnourished. The rescued men Among the rescued was 60-year-old Rama from Gujarat, a former schoolteacher who once taught English and Mathematics to Class X students in Ahmedabad. Around two decades ago, he began a religious pilgrimage on foot from Shirdi to Mathura. While passing through Binaganj in Guna district, he was reportedly abducted by a local family and forced into bonded labour on farms and cattle sheds for 19 years. Another victim, 32-year-old Virendra Yadav from Unchahar in Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli district, had previously worked at NTPC plants and even ran his own sweet shop. While travelling through Madhya Pradesh some years ago, he was allegedly abducted by a man named Bhura and held captive in Binaganj. He was forced to work without wages, tending to cattle in a cowshed owned by a powerful family. Also rescued was 65-year-old Vimal Kumar from Fatehpur district in UP. He was travelling from Kanpur to Indore by car when his vehicle broke down. A man identified as Bittu offered him help but instead handed him over to another family. Vimal was then held captive and forced into bonded labour. When he attempted to escape, he was brutally assaulted and subjected to electric shocks. Authorities have initiated legal action against those responsible. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to provide medical treatment, counselling, and eventual rehabilitation of the rescued men. The middle-aged and elderly men, who had been forced into bonded labour by powerful individuals in several villages for years, have been freed, said Guna District Police Superintendent Ankit Soni. Cases have been registered against 12 individuals under various sections of the BNS, including Sections 127(4), 127(6), 143(2), 146, 115(2), 351(2), and 3(5). Nine of the accused have already been arrested, and a search is underway for the remaining three. In light of reports suggesting that more bonded labourers may still be held captive by influential individuals in other villages, the Guna district administration has vowed to continue its crackdown on such exploitative practices.

7 dead in rain-related incidents across north India; roads flooded, trees uprooted in Delhi-NCR

Busy road stretches in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad and Mathura were inundated with water

'Ghar wapsi': Dressed in saffron scarves, Muslim family converts to Hinduism in Mathura; says decision voluntary

In Mathura, eight members of a Muslim family converted to Hinduism. The ceremony took place at an ashram in Vrindavan. Zakir, now Jagdish, led his family in the ritual. They believe their ancestors were originally Hindu. The Hindu Yuva Vahini facilitated the event. The family members received new Hindu names. Officials confirmed the conversion was voluntary and peaceful.

No tree-cutting in 5km of Taj Mahal without nod: SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reiterated its 2015 directive restricting tree felling within 5-km aerial distance of the Taj Mahal in Agra without its nod. The court was hearing a plea by environmentalist MC Mehta seeking directions to prevent the Taj from hazards. The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), an area of 10,400 square-kilometre, spreads across Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras, and Etah districts in UP and Bharatpur in Rajasthan. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said tree felling in areas within TTZ beyond the 5 km distance of the monument will require the prior permission of the central empowered committee and bound by the provisions of UP Tree Preservation Act.

CBI seeks prosecution of five officers in Uttarakhand's Corbett safari scam

DEHRADUN: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted its investigation report to the Uttarakhand government regarding the alleged illegal felling of over 6,000 trees and unauthorised construction work carried out under the guise of a tiger safari project in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. In a significant development, the central agency has sought permission from the state government to initiate prosecution proceedings against five officers allegedly involved in the irregularities. The CBI had formally registered a case in the high-profile Corbett tiger safari matter in October 2023, taking over the investigation into the extensive environmental damage and rule violations. Before the CBI's involvement, the case was under scrutiny by the state Vigilance Department. It was during the vigilance probe that the then Ranger Brij Bihari Sharma and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kishan Chand were suspended and subsequently arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation. The CBI's latest report marks a crucial step towards potential legal action against more individuals. Following the CBI's probe, the Enforcement Directorate also launched an investigation into the alleged irregularities at Corbett Tiger Reserve in December 2023. While the ED probe remains ongoing, sources confirm the agency has already seized property worth Rs 31.8 crore belonging to former DFO Kishan Chand. According to reliable sources, serious questions have been raised about the role of Harak Singh Rawat, the former Forest Minister under the previous BJP government, with allegations directly implicating him in the scandal. The extensive irregularities in Corbett first came to light in 2021 through a petition filed by a Delhi High Court advocate. Acting on the court's directions, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducted an on-site investigation, which reportedly uncovered numerous discrepancies. Further investigations, including one by the Forest Survey of India, revealed the felling of over 6,000 trees. Sources indicate significant irregularities were found in construction works under the guise of a tiger safari in the Pakhru range, covering 106 hectares, as well as projects at Morghati, Kugaddha, Sneh, and the Pakhro rest house. Unauthorised construction also included an elephant wall, Kandi road, and a residence for the Chief Wildlife Warden in the core zone, allegedly undertaken by diverting over Rs 215 crore in funds. Departmental sources previously named several officials in connection with the irregularities, including the late KS Suhag (ex-CWLW), Sushant Patnaik (ex-CCF), Rahul (ex-Director Corbett), ex-DFOs Akhilesh Tiwari and Kishan Chand, and ex-Rangers Mathura Singh, Brij Bihari Sharma, and LR Nag. Reacting to the escalating investigation into the Corbett irregularities, Anu Pant, the petitioner, told TNIE: 'The way advocate Abhijay Negi has pursued the Forest Department's irregularities with strong legal arguments has significantly tightened the noose around the culprits, boosting public confidence in both the investigative agencies and the judiciary.'