Amitabh Bachchan buys three adjacent land parcels in Alibaug near Mumbai
Amitabh Bachchan has purchased three adjacent land parcels in Alibaug for nearly Rs 10 crore to construct a luxury villa. This acquisition adds to the Bachchan family's growing property portfolio, which includes recent land purchases in Ayodhya. Alibaug's appeal as a prime investment destination is further enhanced by infrastructure development.
Diwali 2025 Date: Diwali 2025, a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, will be observed on October 20. The auspicious timing aligns with Amavasya Tithi, significant for Lakshmi Puja, which will occur between 7:08 PM and 8:18 PM. The festival commemorates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya and is marked by lighting diyas and prayers for prosperity.
Ayodhya shaken by deadly house explosion; five killed on spot, probe underway
Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, highlighted PM Modi's pivotal role in resolving the Ayodhya dispute and ensuring the temple's construction process unfolded naturally. Mishra confirmed PM Modi's visit on November 25 for the Ram Mandir flag-hoisting ceremony, fulfilling a long-held promise to visit Ayodhya only after construction began.
Powerful Explosion Kills 5 People in Ayodhya
Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover said that the owner of the house, which got demolished in the blast, was Pappu Gupta, a local resident. We are collecting the evidences from the spot, said the officer.
Five killed in LPG cylinder blast inside house in Ayodhya
Five, including three children killed in LPG cylinder blast in Ayodhya's Pagla Bhari
LUCKNOW: A massive LPG cylinder explosion in the Pagla Bhari village, under the Puraklandar police station area of Ayodhya on Thursday killed five members of a family, including three chidlren. Those who lost their lives in the explosion included house owner Ram Kumar Kasodhan alias Pappu, his wife, and three children, while four others were injured. According to Ayodhya Police, the blast was triggered by an LPG cylinder and was so powerful that it scattered debris within a 100-metre radius. A bomb detection and disposal squad, along with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), rushed to the site to assess the nature of the explosion. According to Dr. Ashish Pathak, the emergency medical officer at Ayodhya district hospital, all five victims were pronounced dead on arrival. All had suffered burn injuries, he said. Police sources said pieces of a blown-up pressure cooker and gas cylinder were recovered from the rubble, suggesting that unsafe handling might have triggered the powerful explosion. Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover and other senior officials were present at the scene, overseeing ongoing rescue operations. The district administration had deputed JCB machines to clear the debris amid fears of more individuals being trapped beneath. Inspector General of Police, Faizabad Range, Praveen Kumar, said that based on preliminary reports and blast residue, the explosion did not appear to be related to firecrackers. Eyewitnesses described the explosion as sudden and violent. Villagers rushed to help, raised alarms, and alerted the authorities, prompting officers from five police stations to respond immediately. Residents in the vicinity were directed to evacuate the area and maintain a safe distance from the site. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether safety norms were violated. Rescue teams continue to work in coordination with the police to locate any remaining victims. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sent his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the authorities concerned to reach the site immediately and expedite rescue and relief operations.
Ayodhya: At least 5 dead as building collapses after explosion; several feared trapped
5 Killed As House Collapses After Powerful Explosion In Ayodhya: Cops
At least five people were killed and several others were injured after a house collapsed following a powerful explosion at a village in Pagla Bhari village under the Pura Kalandar police station area of Ayodhya on Thursday, officials said.
At least 5 killed in house collapse after explosion in Ayodhya; rescue operations underway
The explosion is likely to be caused due to a gas cylinder, a local official said
Nirmala Sitharaman offers prayers at Ram temple in Ayodhya with family
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered prayers at the Ram temple in Ayodhya with her family. She performed 'aarti' of Ram Lalla, paid obeisance at the Ram Darbar and Goddess Durga, and performed an 'abhishek' of Lord Shiva. Discussions were held on temple security, darshan arrangements, and future development plans.
Nirmala Sitharaman offers prayers at Ram temple in Ayodhya
Ayodhya: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday offered prayers at the Ram temple in Ayodhya along with her family, officials said. Sitharaman, who arrived in Ayodhya on Wednesday for a two-day visit, performed aarti of Ram Lalla and paid obeisance at the Ram Darbar and the shrine of Goddess Durga. She also performed an 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 .
Manoj Manchu pens heartfelt birthday wish for sister Lakshmi Manchu
Back in September, Manoj Manchu arrived in Ayodhya and was captured by the shutterbugs at the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport
SpiceJet shares soar 18% on expansion announcements, new winter routes
SpiceJet shares saw a sharp uptick on Thursday following announcements of network expansion and winter flight operations. The low-cost carrier is launching new routes to popular destinations like Port Blair and Udaipur, alongside special Diwali flights to Ayodhya. This expansion, including fleet growth, aims to capitalise on seasonal demand and enhance domestic connectivity.
Purandara Dasa statue unveiled at Ayodhya
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Ayodhya on 2-day visit
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Ayodhya for a two-day visit, where she will join Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to unveil statues of three legendary South Indian musicians. These installations at Brihaspati Kund celebrate India's rich musical heritage and symbolize the unity of North and South Indian traditions.
Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya plans for grand Deepotsav with 26 lakh diyas
Jayendra Kumar, CEO, Shree Ayodhya Jee Teerth Vikas Parsihad and Municipal Commissioner said that the goal this year would be to light 26 lakh diyas during the festival, further stating that all necessary arrangements were also being made by the Nagar Nigam Ayodhya for sanitation and toilets.
Lucknow Diary | Rajbhar seeks splitting of OBC quota into 3 groups
SBSP chief and state minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has again sought implementation of Social Justice Committees recommendations of dividing the 27% OBC reservation into three groups before the 2026 state panchayat elections. The pressure is again on ally BJP. The move comes at a time when both the BJP and Opposition parties are making attempts to make inroads into the most backward classes in UP ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare minister is shooting off letters to both NDA allies and Opposition parties, seeking them to come clear on the issue. He has given a 15-day ultimatum to the parties. BJP deputes battery of UP leaders in Bihar With the announcement of Bihar Assembly poll dates, the BJP has para dropped a battery of organisational leaders from UP in the neighbouring state signalling its intent to wheel in external reinforcement for bolstering its electoral prospects in the high-stake Assembly polls. Among the leaders getting key reposnsibilities in the poll-bound state are : UPs Deputy CM Keshav Maurya who has been made the election co-in charge, the party has deployed cabinet minister Swatantra Dev Singh as the in-charge of Arrah Lok Sabha constituency. Likewise, Union MoS Pankaj Chaudhary has been made in-charge of West Champaran. Deepotsav celebrations: More records in offing Preparations have begun for the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya which will be organised on October 19 by Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University. A total of 56 ghats have been identified for celebrations, where 26 lakh lamps will be lit. Under the supervision of vice-chancellor Colonel Bijendra Singh, the university team is working to organise and beautify the ghats. Ghats are being marked for the arrangement of diyas. Each block is being marked in an area of 4.5 square feet, with 2.5-footwide pathways left for devotees movement. Online registration of about 30,000 volunteers for the event is in its final stage. Namita Bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
Diwali special: SpiceJets to launch daily flights to Ayodhya from 4 key cities
LUCKNOW: Announcing a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh and a financial assistance of Rs 35-40 lakh in case of an unfortunate demise of a sanitation worker on duty due to accident or disaster, UP CM Yogi Adityanath assured the Valmiki community that their safety meant the safety of society. Your respect amounts to respecting Lord Valmikis heritage, he remarked while interacting with the sanitation workers here on Tuesday. The CM assured the sanitation workers that they would now get money directly into their bank accounts, not from outsourcing agencies but from the government corporations. When the corporations money comes into the account, arrangements will be made that, if unfortunately, any sanitation worker meets with an accident or disaster, the bank will provide Rs 35-40 lakh. Over 80,000 Home Guards in UP have already been covered under this scheme. Now, sanitation workers will also be linked to this arrangement, he stated. CM Yogi attended the Maharshi Valmiki Manifestation Day ceremony organised by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahasabha Trust. Yogi said that Maharshi Valmiki was Bhagya Vidhata, Indias great spiritual tradition. He said that while writing Ramayana, Valmiki wove it around the character of Lord Ram because he personifies Dharma. Human society is grateful to Lord Valmiki. He depicted Lord Rams character, which has been relevant in every era, country, and situation. The relationships among brothers, that of a father and son, mother and son, king and his subjectsall are reflected by the term Maryada Purushottam. Lord Ram never violated the line of propriety (Lakshman Rekha), CM Yogi stated. The CM urged every sanatani Indian to keep a picture of Maharshi Valmiki in homes, noting that every narrator of the Ramayana first pays homage to Lord Valmiki. The seat they occupy, known as the Vyas Peeth, is regarded as the most revered one. Yogi said that the sages have guided society through every era. He cited the names of Maharishi Valmiki in the Ramayana period; Maharshi Ved Vyasa in Mahabharata era; Sant Ravidas in the medieval period; and Dr BR Ambedkar during the struggle for freedom. Though they lived in different times, all shared the same vision of uplifting society, he added. Yogi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had carried that vision forward through the idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and the motto Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. He said that Ram Rajya represented a utopian society free from discrimination based on caste, religion, or sect and today, the BJPs double-engine government was working to realize that vision. The CM said when the SP government came in 2012, threats were made to break the monuments of the pioneers of social justice. Today, those people remember Baba Saheb in every press conference, but the then SPs CM changed the name of Kannauj Medical College. We restored it in the name of Baba Saheb. Lucknows Language University was named after Kanshiram Ji, but SP changed that name too. Saharanpur Medical Colleges name was also changed. They have dual faces and visualize everything from the angle of vote politics, stated the CM. Yogi said the opposition had opposed the Ram temple in Ayodhya and had even doubted the existence of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. The opposition questioned Maharshi Valmikis manifestation festival. They put a question mark on the incarnation of Lord Krishna and Maharshi Vyas. They made such remarks about everyone, but PM Modi built Baba Sahebs Panchteerthas. CM said sanitation workers were exploited during SPs tenure. They did not get even Rs 4,000 stipend. PM Modi was the first to say the practice of carrying filth on the head must end. Now every home has a toilet. While giving priority to Valmiki community sanitation workers, better wages were arranged. Construction of community toilets in every village is underway and payment orders for cleanliness friends are issued regularly, he added. He urged the Valmiki community to educate their children and send them to school so that they would be capable of leading the society. No work is small or big. As family guardians, mothers clean their childrens dirt, you play the same role in society. Your greatness is that, despite working in this role, no ill feeling is allowed to arise in society. Standing with everyone, you have worked for society. Even enduring insult in adverse circumstances, you organized festivals well. Lord Valmiki instilled the feeling of dedication for society. That dedication links the feeling of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat and nation first. Great programs are happening in Lucknow and other districts on the occasion. We will expand these programs each year, he added Those who do not believe in Lord Ram and have opened fire on Rams devotees cannot be expected to do anything productive. They will only cause division. Spread awareness about the importance of Maharshi Valmiki and Lord Ram. The stronger the devotion, the stronger the society. A strong society becomes self-reliant and contributes to realizing the vision of a developed India, he said.
SpiceJet to operate special flights to Ayodhya from Delhi, 3 other cities
New Delhi: SpiceJet on Monday said it will start special daily non-stop flights to Ayodhya from Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. These Diwali flights will commence in a phased manner from October 8, it said in a release. Flights from Mumbai are also under consideration to further enhance connectivity during the upcoming festive and winter 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 .
SpiceJet Announces New Flights Connecting Ayodhya With Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Hyderabad
The new flights, commencing in a phased manner, will provide devotees and tourists seamless access to Ayodhya and the opportunity to visit the Shri Ram Temple during the auspicious festival of Diwali
Preparations begin for grand Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya; 56 ghats to glow with diyas
AYODHYA (UP), Oct 5 : Preparations have begun for the grand Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya, to be organised by Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement. The annual event, now recognised globally, will once again illuminate the sacred city of Lord Ram. Under the supervision of Vice Chancellor Colonel Bijendra Singh, the university team is working to organise and beautify the ghats ahead of the festival. Nodal officer of Deepotsav, Professor Sant Sharan Mishra, [] The post Preparations begin for grand Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya; 56 ghats to glow with diyas appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
56 Ayodhya ghats to glow on Deepotsav
BSc student killed as car hits truck on Ayodhya road
Diwali travel bookings soar as Indians blend festivities with faith, getaways: Experts
India is witnessing a record surge in Diwali travel this year, driven by a blend of traditional family reunions, spiritual journeys, and luxury escapes. Online platforms report robust growth in bookings, with metros and pilgrimage sites like Ayodhya seeing exceptional domestic demand. International short-haul destinations such as Vietnam and UAE, alongside European long-haul trips, are also highly popular.
Diwali, Chhath Puja 2025: Check history, dates, significance and more
Diwali, the festival of lights, is around the corner. While there are many stories behind the festival of Diwali, the most popular belief is that when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest, the people of the kingdom welcomed him by lighting diyas and celebrating.
Ayodhya's Ramlila sets world record, attracts 62 crore spectators from 50 countries
Ayodhya's Ramlila has become the world's largest and grandest cultural festival, reaching over 62 crore devotees globally this year. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's guidance, it was broadcast in more than 50 countries, featuring 250 film artists and modern technology. This digital revolution has seen viewership grow exponentially since 2020, solidifying its international prominence.
BJP hits back, says Rahul has become a flag-bearer of anti-India forces abroad
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks at a seminar in Colombia, claiming he has become the flag-bearer of anti-India forces and is promoting their agenda in the country. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised Gandhis comments, saying they show that the Congress, controlled by the Nehru-Gandhi family for over a century, is now succumbing to anti-India elements. Referring to Gandhis statement about India having 1617 languages, Trivedi said, You will now see that he will try to create a conflict over the issue of languages. Attempts have already been made in the past to create a North-South conflict. Trivedi called Gandhi the jhanda bardar (flag-bearer) of anti-India forces and appealed to the public to be wary of him and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Today it seems that having a leader of the opposition like him is like a thorn in the heart of Indian democracy, he said. He added, Those in the Congress, who are aware of the party falling into the clutches of dangerous foreign forces are committing treason. I appeal to those who are not aware of this to show due diligence and stop such leaders. Trivedi also criticised the Congress leadership as immature, saying that the party once had mature leaders like Indira Gandhi and P.V. Narasimha Rao, who knew how to handle the Ultra-Left. Today, it is being used. Its not a problem just for the Congress but a matter of concern for the country as well, he said. Trivedi also targeted Congress leader Udit Raj, who allegedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a symbol of modern Ravan. He said, I only want to simply remind those who supported the killers of Rambhakt karsevaks did not attend the inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya but visited Babars memorial three times to pay their obeisance. He added: People know very well who the symbols of Ravans propensity of Lord Rams sanskar are.
Rahul Gandhi as Lord Ram, 'Vote Chori' as Ravana: BJP and Congress exchange war of words in Lucknow
LUCKNOW: A war of words erupted between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress in Lucknow after a Dussehra hoarding outside the Congress headquarters depicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as Lord Ram holding a bow and arrow, with state president Ajay Rai shown as Laxman. The poster showed both figures slaying Ravana, whose face was labelled vote chor, while his other heads, representing Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, were marked with terms like ED, corruption, price rise, and Election Commission. Reacting to the poster, the BJP condemned Congress, alleging that its leaders, who had always been reluctant to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, were portraying themselves as Lord Ram. Those who are anti-Ram, who hardly respect Sanatan Dharma, who did not even take darshan of Lord Ram (in Ayodhya), they are sadly trying to project themselves as Ram today, said BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi. Alleging that Congress leaders routinely disrespected Hindu deities, Rakesh Tripathi dared them to do the same with deities of other communities. National Students Union of India (NSUI) Vice-President (UP chapter) Aryan Mishra, who put up the hoarding and posters outside Congress headquarters, advised the BJP against being the sole thekedar (caretaker) of Hindus. He said that the hoardings showed Rahul Gandhi as Lord Ram as he was the only one working towards bringing Ram Rajya. The BJP leaders talk of Lord Ram for their personal benefit and vested interest but do not believe in his idealism, he said. He described the BJP leaders as Hindus of post-2014 era, while the Congress leaders were Hindus before that. We will be Hindus even today and tomorrow. Who are they to give anyone certificates of Hinduism? he questioned. Meanwhile, UPCC chief Ajay Rai said that the representation was symbolic and described the feelings of crores of youth in the country as they are fed up with evils like rampant corruption, price rise, vote chori etc and are looking towards Rahul ji to finish these ills. However, the BJP is doing politics of negativity and hatred like they always do, he added.
Bus overturns on highway in UP's Sultanpur, 18 injured
SULTANPUR: Eighteen pilgrims were injured when their bus overturned while trying to avoid a cow on the Ayodhya-Prayagraj highway in Sultanpur district early Friday, police said. The accident took place around 2 am near the Bhulki-Saurmau bypass overbridge. The bus, carrying 52 passengers, was on its way from Bahraich to Prayagraj when it lost control and overturned after a cow suddenly came in front of it. Station House Officer Akhand Dev Mishra said the injured were rushed to a district hospital with the help of locals and police personnel. After treatment, they were sent onward to their destination, he added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the accident and directed officials to ensure prompt medical care for the injured. He also wished them a speedy recovery, according to an official statement issued in Lucknow.
SP leader Gayatri Prajapati attacked inside Lucknow jail hospital; family terms it attempt on life
LUCKNOW: In a late-night incident on Tuesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati was attacked inside the Lucknow jail hospital, sustaining head injuries. According to official sources, Prajapati had been undergoing treatment at the jail hospital when he had a heated argument with a fellow prisoner, who attacked him and injured him. The incident has snowballed into a major political flashpoint, with the SP demanding a judicial inquiry and Prajapatis family calling it an attempt on his life while also seeking security from the state government. It may be recalled that Gayatri Prajapati was arrested in February 2017 in connection with a gang rape and molestation case. The FIR against him, who was a minister in Akhilesh Yadavs cabinet, was registered on the directions of the Supreme Court. Sources said that during the Tuesday incident, Prajapati had sought water from an undertrial prisoner, Vishwas, who was on cleaning duty at the jail hospital at that time. When the undertrial refused, Prajapati used abusive language, following which the prisoner hit him on the head. Later, the Uttar Pradesh prison administration issued a statement saying: Gayatri Prajapati was admitted to the jail hospital at Lucknow District Jail. An altercation with a prisoner on cleaning duty at the hospital led to a scuffle. During this altercation, the prisoner became enraged and hit him with the sliding part of a cupboard, causing superficial injuries to Gayatri Prajapati. Necessary treatment was immediately administered, and he is now completely fit. Prajapati, who sustained head injuries, was administered first aid and received stitches on his scalp. He was later referred to the Trauma Centre of King Georges Medical University (KGMU) for further treatment. Officials said his condition is stable and that he is completely fit. Prajapati, meanwhile, told media persons at the hospital that he did not have any dispute with anyone. The person who attacked me was a criminal, he said. Later, while interacting with media persons, Prajapatis daughter Ankita alleged that her fathers life was under threat. My father, despite being innocent, has been languishing in jail for the past 8.5 years. Now, he has been attacked with the intention to kill. We request the Chief Minister to listen to us. Our father is not a terrorist. We also demand justice from the judiciary given the fact that even the woman, who had accused him of rape, has been claiming that nothing wrong was done to her, she said. On the other hand, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also demanded a judicial inquiry into the attack on Gayatri Prajapati. There should be a judicial inquiry into the attack on former MLA and former minister, Gayatri Prajapati, inside the jail. No one, nowhere is safe in Uttar Pradesh, he said. SPs Ayodhya MP, Awadhesh Prasad, demanded Prajapatis release on security grounds, claiming he received five stitches on his head following the attack.
I would often mimic Carl Sagan...
Sound has long been the spice of cinema. Without it, the frames demand an evolved, almost intuitive, audience to grasp what is being conveyed. Sound, in all its evolutionary sense, can be king. Forget cinema, take cricket since its trending now. Remember how the likes of Geoffrey Boycott, Tony Greg, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri elevated the thrill of matches through their commentaries? One neednt even watch the games to get a sense of the excitement. Harikrishnan S, however, did not realise this quiet power his baritone carried. Its subtle dignity shaped by his academic grounding and his keen interest in world affairs drew many in the infotainment space to him, though he himself was unaware of its full potential. A postgraduate in English literature, this Thiruvananthapuram residents voice journey began with a stint in the Gulf and later to a career in medical transcription. Unknowingly, these experiences honed the gift he possessed: a voice that could carry brands through ads, and now, documentaries. Winning the National Award for Best Voiceover came as a surprise, says Harikrishnan, who now joins an elite league of past winners from Kerala such as Nedumudi Venu, Prof. Aliyar, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan and Balachandran Chullikkadu. Pleasantly surprised: Harikrishnan S Excerpts from an interaction: Did you expect such a recognition for The Sacred Jack? Never, not at this scale. It was extremely surprising. Voiceovers had become quite routine for me, often done for friends advertisement projects. The Sacred Jack, too, happened that way. I was stunned when a friend in Delhi called to inform me about the award. It took a while to sink in before I passed on the news to the director, R S Pradeep, who was then undergoing cancer treatment and is no longer with us. Were you always interested in voice art? Not at all. I never imagined my voice would even be noticed. I loved reading and the English language. A PG in literature deepened that. Later, work took me to the Gulf. It was on returning during the Covid period that I began to sense my voices possibilities. I had started a medical/legal transcription company. That gave me exposure to different kinds of voice and diction. The real focus, however, came when I began reciting poems online during the pandemic. Soon, some entrepreneur friends started asking me to do voiceovers for their ads. That eventually led to the collaboration with R S Pradeep. I worked with him first on the English version of his Munnam Valavu, which also had won a National Award (Best Environment Film). I helped him with the translation as well. Then, he called me again for The Sacred Jack. How did you prepare yourself? To be honest, I did nothing specific. I believe command over speech and pronunciation come naturally through reading and academic work. I have always been a documentary enthusiast be it the Films Division shorts on Doordarshan, BBC programmes, or Carl Sagans legendary Cosmos, which I adored for its gripping narration. I would often mimic him, experimenting with delivery. Desmond Morriss The Human Sexes was another favourite. Later, the internet gave me access to even more well-narrated documentaries. I admire Richard Dawkins too. Alongside, I freelanced for some media outlets. That also probably sharpened my diction and delivery subconsciously. So you are largely self-taught... Learning has always been part of me. I regularly follow socio-political discussions, watch interviews, and remain an avid reader. I also launched Insight Hunt, a YouTube channel for infotainment narratives. The foray into films, however, was almost accidental more consequence than intention. And perhaps thats how it should be: evolve naturally. How was it working on The Sacred Jack? The script was in Malayalam, so I had to translate it entirely into English. Narration then came easily, as I already knew the flow of the story. I am glad that narration was made central to the documentary. It was a rewarding experience. What are your upcoming projects? A few people approached me with projects after the award was announced. This includes my daughter, who works in advertising (laughs)! There are some film projects too. I regularly attend IDSFFK, where documentaries are thriving. On the personal front, I am now working on an audio project with my college teacher and poet Vijay Nair. How do you view the trend of podcasts and audiobooks gaining popularity? Podcasts are very much in vogue. Many people today prefer listening over reading. I too want to develop something in that space, perhaps expanding Insight Hunt to include interviews. In Kerala, podcasts often lack professionalism hosts often interrupt or impose opinions. Interviewers like Vir Sanghvi and Rajeev Mehrotra have shown how it should be done, giving respect and space to their guests. Thats the standard I aspire to. So you think good times lie ahead for sound-based media, including radio Absolutely. All India Radio may be streamlining, but with timely innovation, it can regain vibrance. The charm of human voice is irreplaceable. But, of late, technology has been threatening to replace human tasks Well, AI tools may deliver precision in structure and grammar, but humans bring emotion. The power of a pause, the excitement of discovery, the calm of reflection these make a voiceover compelling. Can AI truly replicate that? Technology can, at best, complement talent, but it cannot replace the emotional essence of human sound. The Sacred Jack: Exploring the Tree of Wishes The documentary centres on a fruit that is arguably Keralas own. Ancient records indicate its cultivation in south India as early as 3,000 years ago. The Malayalam word for the fruit, chakka, gave rise to the Portuguese jaca, which in turn influenced the English word jackfruit. The Sacred Jack explores the fruit tree in all its social and emotional relevance to the region, as well as its ecological importance. It opens with Prof. Madhusoodanan Nairs poem on the jackfruit and then shines a light on its significance in Keralas culinary culture. The documentary also highlights recent movements to promote the fruit and its derivatives, while underlining its potential as an ally in combating climate change. The National Award comes as a solace to the team behind the project, which faced a loss on August 15 when its director, the award-winning documentary filmmaker R S Pradeep, passed away after battling cancer. The team now hopes to release the documentary on OTT soon. Winners of National Award for Best Narration/Voicever 2003 (starting year) Balachandran Chullikkadu (The 18 Elephants 3 Monologues) 2004 Yang Yen Thaw (The Legend of Fat Mama) 2005 Ajay Raina (Wapsi) 2006 Nedumudi Venu (Minukku) 2007 Vani Subramanian (Ayodhya Gatha) 2008 Elangbam Natasha (Sana Keithel) 2009 Ranjan Palit (In Camera) 2010 Nilanjan Bhattacharya (Johar: Welcome to Our World) 2011 Ann Abraham (Just that Sort of a Day) 2012 Moni Bordoloi (Suranjana Deepali) 2013 Lipika Singh Darai (Kankee O Saapo) 2014 Ambooty (Anil Kumar) & Devi S (Nitya Kalyani Oru Mohiniyattam Patham) 2015 Harish Bhimani / Prof. Aliyar (Mala Laj Watat Nahai / Arangile Nithya Vismayam) 2016 Setsu Makino Togawa (Makino: An Indian Haiku) 2017 Francois Castellino (The Lion of Ladakh) 2018 Deepak Agnihotri & Urvija Upadhayay (Madhubani The Station of Colours) 2019 David Attenborough (Wild Karnataka) 2020 Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan (Rhapsody of Rains Monsoons of Kerala) 2021 Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee (Hati Bondhu) 2022 Sumant Shinde (Murmurs of the Jungle) 2023 Harikrishnan S (The Sacred Jack Exploring the Tree of Wishes)
Ayodhya verdict relied on legal principles of possession, not on desecration view
Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud suggested the mosques erection was a desecration, a stance that does not appear in the 2019 verdict he co-authored
Spirit of 'nation first' paramount for RSS volunteers, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat', hailed RSS's unprecedented and inspiring 100-year journey, emphasizing its dedication to nation-building and service since its 1925 founding. He also highlighted Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, Bhagwan Ram's inclusive ideals, and the new temples for Nishadraj and Valmiki built alongside the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Focus on Valmiki and Nishadraj temples in Ayodhya after it features in Mann Ki Baat
Devotees will be able to visit all 6 temples in Ram Janmabhoomi complex by Oct-end
AYODHYA (UP), Sep 26: Devotees will be able to visit all six temples within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex here by the end of October, while construction work at the site is expected to be completed by December, officials said on Friday. Chairman of the temple construction committee Nripendra Mishra, who reviewed preparations for the upcoming flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram temple, said most of the construction work is being completed before the event, which will be attended by the President [] The post Devotees will be able to visit all 6 temples in Ram Janmabhoomi complex by Oct-end appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Schoolboy kills e-rickshaw driver in woods in UP for forcing him to perform 'unnatural acts', held
GONDA: It was a textbook blind murder with scarce clues, no witnesses and no apparent motive. Investigators had literally nothing to go by when called upon to solve the killing of an e-rickshaw driver, eventually traced to a schoolboy. A month later, police arrested a Class 11 student who strangled 50-year-old Sangam Lal to death in isolated woods. Sangam Lal was allegedly forcing the boy to perform unnatural acts when he had come alone to offer prayers in neighbouring Ayodhya from Jhansi, some 350 km away, they said. According to police, the incident occurred in the pre-dawn hours of August 27 in Nawabganj, Gonda. Sangam Lal's body was found lying in thick undergrowth. Senior Superintendent of Police, Gonda, Vineet Jaiswal, described the case as extremely challenging. This was not a typical case involving property disputes, personal grudges, or financial motives. The body was found in isolation, making it a textbook blind murder scenario, he said. Sangam Lal had gone missing the previous night (on August 26) while at work in neighbouring Ayodhya. His family alerted the police, who rushed to the scene and conducted a thorough examination. The post-mortem confirmed that he had been strangled, and the victim's personal belongings, including a wallet with an Aadhaar card, were found discarded in nearby bushes. The circumstances showing no apparent robbery, no prior threats, and no personal feud left investigators grappling with minimal leads. To solve the case, police formed three specialised teams, combining Nawabganj Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), and surveillance units under the supervision of ASP (West) Radheshyam Rai and Tarabganj Circle Officer Umeshwar Prabhat Singh. Field units, dog squads, and forensic teams scoured the site for evidence. CCTV footage from the Ayodhya railway station and surrounding areas was meticulously analysed over several days. Manual and technical evidence were collated, and leads were cross-verified to narrow down the suspect. The breakthrough came almost a month later, on September 22, when the teams identified and apprehended a juvenile from Babina in Jhansi, who had been staying in a hostel there, according to officials. Interrogation revealed that the accused, a Class 11 student, had travelled alone to Ayodhya on August 26 via the Ayodhya Utsarg Express for a temple visit. He had boarded Sangam Lal's e-rickshaw, and the driver, believing the boy had sufficient time for darshan, took him around for hours in search of a secluded spot. According to the police, a confrontation arose when the driver allegedly pressured the boy for unnatural acts. In a struggle, the juvenile allegedly strangled the driver using a gamchha (scarf). After the act, he discarded the victim's wallet and fled. Police have since taken the juvenile into custody and produced him before the Juvenile Justice Board. The wallet, recovered near the crime scene, provided a crucial link to the suspect. Investigators continue to probe whether the accused had any accomplices or assistance in planning or executing the act. Jaiswal credited the swift resolution to a mix of modern technology, surveillance, dog squad deployment, and traditional investigative techniques. Even in blind murder cases, where there is no clear motive or witnesses, a combination of meticulous investigation, evidence tracking, and inter-departmental coordination can yield results in a remarkably short time, he noted. The juvenile, held on charges of murder, has been sent to a correctional home, the police said.
PNG supply begins in Saketpuri, Ayodhya
Ayodhya Mosque trust to come up with new blueprint for approval of authorities
LUCKNOW: The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation the trust overseeing the construction of the proposed mosque in Ayodhya is considering submitting a new design inspired by the local architectural style. Instead of a glass faade and other modern decorative elements, the mosque will now be designed in alignment with local sentiments and traditional aesthetics. As the decision to revise the design was made last year, the trust did not follow up with the local development authority to get the original building plans approved. The day-to-day functioning of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation, the trust pursuing the construction of the mosque, is managed by a group of eight life trustees with Zufar Ahmad Faruqi as its Chairman and Athar Husain as Secretary. Faruqi is also the Chairman of the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board. The trust has six more members, including vice-president Adnan Farrukh Shah, a prominent cleric from Gorakhpur, treasurer Faiz Aftab, a Meerut-based businessman, and Mohd Rasheed, Imran Ahmed, Zunaid Siddiqui, and Saud Uz Zaman as members. Rasheed, Ahmed, and Siddiqui are businessmen from Lucknow, while Zaman is from Banda. In addition to the life trustees, several other individuals are associated with the trust in various capacities, contributing insights and participating in different committees. According to Secretary Athar Husain, suggestions for modifying the mosques design came from people in touch with the trust's chairman who had expressed interest in supporting the project. Hence, we are preparing a new blueprint with the help of industry experts and will resubmit our application. There's no need to dwell on the previously rejected proposal, he said. He further added, On behalf of the trust, we would also request the state government to provide a wider access road to the mosque site at Dhannipur in Sohawal. While the previous design took inspiration from Gulf-style mosques, trust officials stated that the revised version will adhere to architectural principles rooted in the Awadh region. The new structure will be built using brick, mortar, and other locally relevant materials. The trust was allotted five acres for the construction of the mosque. Husain reiterated that a significant portion of this land will be used to establish a museum dedicated to Ahmadullah Shah, a maulvi from Faizabad who fought against the British during the 1857 uprising.
NOC hurdles stall Ayodhya mosque meant to replace Babri Masjid
Ayodhya: The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has rejected the plan submitted for the construction of a mosque in Dhannipur village here, citing non-receipt of no-objection certificates from government departments. The land was allotted to the state Sunni Central Waqf Board in accordance with the Supreme Courts verdict In response to an RTI query, the ADA, 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 .
Ayodhya Mosque plan rejected by development authority in absence of NoCs
LUCKNOW: The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has rejected the plan submitted for the construction of a mosque in Dhannipur village in Ayodhya, citing non-receipt of no-objection certificates from government departments. Following the Ayodhya Verdict delivered by the Supreme Court on November 9, 2019, five acres of land were allotted to the State Sunni Central Waqf Board in Dhannipur village of Sohawal tehsil of Ayodhya district. The plot is situated 25 kilometres away from the proper Ayodhya town. Subsequently, on August 3, 2020, then District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha transferred possession of the land to the Sunni Central Waqf Board. The Mosque trust then applied for the approval of the plan of the mosque and other facilities on June 23, 2021, to the Ayodhya Development Authority. However, with plan of action has happened since then. Ayodhya Ram temple: Deadline for completion of construction, tenure of L&T, Tata Consultancy extended till March 2026 In the RTI reply, filed by a journalist, dated September 16, 2025 through letter number 3847, the Ayodhya Development Authority informed that due to non-receipt of no-objection certificates from various government departments, including Public Works Department, Pollution, Civil Aviation, Irrigation, Revenue, Municipal Corporation, District Magistrate and Fire Service, the Authority had rejected the Mosque trust's application. In the RTI reply, the Authority also informed that the Masjid Trust had paid the amount of Rs 4,02,628 as application and scrutiny fees. However, reacting to the rejection of the mosque plan by the ADA, Mosque Trust Secretary Athar Husain said that the Supreme Court had mandated the land for the Mosque and the Uttar Pradesh government allotted the plot. I am not able to fathom the fact that why the government departments have not given no-objection and why the Authority has rejected the Mosque's plan. However, during the site inspection, the fire department had raised certain objections related to the width of the approach road, said Husain, adding that apart from the Fire Department's objection over NOC, he did not have any idea about the objections of other departments.
Ayodhya mosque plan rejected by development authority over pending NOCs: RTI reply
The Ayodhya Development Authority has turned down the mosque construction plan in Dhannipur village. The reason was non-receipt of no-objection certificates from government departments. The land was allotted following a Supreme Court verdict. The mosque trust secretary, Athar Husain, expressed surprise. He questioned why government departments had not provided clearances. A fire department concern involved the approach road's width.
Three Dead, Four Injured After Roof Of Under-Construction House Collapses In UP's Sultanpur
Three died when a roof collapsed at a house in UP's Sultanpur. SDRF Ayodhya led rescue and the injured were sent to hospital.
Three labourers killed, four injured as roof of under-construction house collapses in UP's Sultanpur
SULTANPUR: Three labourers, including two brothers, were killed and four others injured when the roof of an under-construction house collapsed here, officials said on Tuesday. District Magistrate Kumar Harsh and Superintendent of Police Kunwar Anupam Singh visited the site in Dhariyamau village under Lambhua police station area, and took stock of the situation. Two of the injured were rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Lambhua, while two others were referred to the Government Medical College for treatment. According to police, the roof of the house, owned by Ram Teerth Dhuriya, had been freshly cast. The incident occurred around 8 pm on Monday when workers were winding up for the day and opening the mixer machine. Suddenly, the shuttering gave way, causing the roof to collapse. Station House Officer (SHO) Sandeep Rai said the deceased were identified as Anand (23), his brother Vikram (20), and Himanshu (22), all residents of Arjunpur village in Lambhua. Among the injured were Subhash (36), Afsar Ali (40), and Ravi Saroj (26), who was later referred to the Government Medical College due to his critical condition. Another labourer, Arun Chauhan (25), son of Kashi Ram, was pulled out of the debris after about an hour and admitted to CHC Lambhua. Rescue operations continued late into the night, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team from Ayodhya retrieving the bodies of Anand, Vikram, and Himanshu from the debris past midnight, the SHO added.
Ayodhya mosque plan rejected, RTI reply reveals
Sex racket busted in Ayodhya guest house, 14 held
AYODHYA: Police in Ayodhya have busted a sex racket with the arrest of 14 people, including 11 women, operating in a guest house for the past 12 months, officials said on Saturday. On the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, police raided the premises and caught 11 women. Guest house owner Ganesh Agarwal and his two associates were also arrested. Circle Officer (City) Shailendra Singh said that as soon as the police reached the guest house at midnight, there was chaos. The women present in the rooms tried to run away, but women police personnel posted outside caught them, he said. The arrested women were later taken to the police station. Singh added that preliminary investigation revealed the guest house owner had brought the women from Bihar and Gorakhpur. To avoid suspicion, he did not allow them to leave the premises and provided food and other requirements inside the guest house, he said. He further stated that several such rackets are operating in Ayodhya and investigations are underway. Soon we will free this holy city from such rackets, Singh said.
775 senior citizens from Odisha embark on special pilgrim train to Ayodhya and Varanasi
A special pilgrim train, carrying 775 senior citizens from five districts of southern Odisha, embarked on a journey to Ayodhya and Varanasi under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida flagged off the train from Berhampur railway station.
1,300 Gifts To PM Modi, Including Ram Temple Model, Up For E-Auction
Over 1,300 items gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including an exquisitely crafted statue of Goddess Bhavani, an Ayodhya Ram Temple model and sporting memorabilia from the 2024 Paralympic Games, have been put up for an e-auction.
E-auction Of Gifts Given To PM Begins; Ram Temple Model, Goddess Bhavani Statue Among 1,300 Items
New Delhi, Sep 17: More than 1,300 items gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including an exquisitely crafted statue of Goddess Bhavani, an Ayodhya Ram Temple model and sporting memorabilia from the 2024 Paralympic Games, have been put up for an e-auction that began here on Wednesday, officials said. The start of the seventh edition of the online auction coincides with the birthday of Modi, who turned 75 on Wednesday. The e-auction will continue till October 2. According to [] The post E-auction Of Gifts Given To PM Begins; Ram Temple Model, Goddess Bhavani Statue Among 1,300 Items appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Saints Performed Puja in Ayodhya Temples For India's Win: Vishnu Das Maharaj
The saints and sages of Ayodhya also performed Puja and Archana in the temples for Team India's win
Mauritius PM Ramgoolam offers prayers at Ram Temple in Ayodhya
Becomes second head of state to visit shrine after Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay
'People might take to streets': Akhilesh's dire warning on vote chori row; points to Nepal unrest
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Election Commission and the government of enabling vote theft, warning of potential Nepal-like street protests in India if such practices continue unchecked. Speaking in Lucknow, Yadav cited past Uttar Pradesh polls, alleging caste-based appointments of officials and instances of election manipulation in Rampur, Mirapur, and Ayodhya.
Uttar Pradesh woman on Pashupatinath pilgrimage in Nepal dies in arson
LUCKNOW: Nepals ongoing unrest turned a Ghaziabad familys pilgrimage to the Pashupatinath temple into tragedy after rioters set fire to a luxury hotel in Kathmandu where they were staying, leaving a woman dead. Dozens of Indian tourists are stranded in the violence-hit country. Ramveer Singh Gola, 58, never knew that a spiritual sojourn with his wife Rajesh Gola would become her journey to the heavenly abode. He travelled to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath temple on September 7. On September 8, violent protests broke out in the Himalayan state demanding transparency in governance and lifting of the ban on social media platforms. The deadly night of September 9 proved to be the nemesis of the Golas as their five-star hotel was set ablaze during the violent protests. Demonstrators tried to storm parliament and torched various government and private establishments as the agitation turned violent. According to relatives, Ramveer Gola and his wife were staying on the upper floor of the hotel when protesters set the lower floors on fire. In panic, Ramveer attempted to rescue his wife to safety using a curtain, but she slipped from his grasp and fell, sustaining severe injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed on the way due to excessive bleeding and injuries. On Friday morning at 10:30 am, family members brought her body to their residence in Master Colony, Ghaziabad. As per family sources, the violent mob stormed the hotel and set it on fire. As the stairways filled with smoke, Ramveer broke the windowpane, tied sheets, and jumped onto a mattress, while Rajesh Gola slipped while trying to climb down and fell heavily on her back. According to the account of Vishal, the elder son of the Golas, communication blackouts hampered their search. For two days, we didnt know about their whereabouts. Finally, my father was found in a relief camp, but my mother died in the hospital, he said while talking to media persons. The son also alleged that he received minimal support from the Indian embassy. Meanwhile, several groups of UP pilgrims remain stranded in Nepal as violent protests continue to disrupt normal life in the Himalayan nation. The India-Nepal border in Maharajganj witnessed a surge of returning tourists as many cut short their trips amid escalating unrest. A group of 10 pilgrims from Muzaffarnagar, in western UP, who had travelled to visit the Pashupatinath temple, have been confined to their hotel for the past three days. The group includes local BJP leader Sunil Kumar Tayal, who has sought assistance from state minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal. Similarly, nine pilgrims from Ayodhya, who set out on the Mansarovar pilgrimage, are stranded in Hilsa at the Nepal-China border. Most of them were preparing to return, but the arson and unrest in Nepal closed the routes. However, according to available information, all the pilgrims are safe and in contact with their families. Ayodhya DM Nikhil Tikaram Funde told media persons that he was observing the situation and was trying to ensure the safe exit of the pilgrims. Nine individuals departed from Ayodhya on September 1 to visit Kailash Mansarovar. On their return journey, they got stuck in Nepal after passing through China. Although their families claim to be in contact with them, efforts are underway to bring them back safely by coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Nepal, said the DM. Those stranded in Nepal include Sushil Rajpal, Chaman Singh, Madan Jaiswal, Vikas Gupta, Ramakant Yadav, Shailendra Agrahari, Anoop Kumar Singh, Prakash Srivastava, and Hari Shyam Tripathi.
Mauritius PM offers prayers at Ram temple in Ayodhya
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam visited the Ram temple in Ayodhya and was welcomed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. During his visit, UP Cabinet Minister Surya Pratap Shahi highlighted the cultural connection between Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mauritius.
Live : Mauritius PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam Prays at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya
Mauritius PM Ramgoolam Visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple
He is also scheduled to visit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya later today as part of his visi
Basohli Festival to kick off on Sept 28, LG to join concluding function on Oct 2
Religious persons, singers from outside to attend Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 11: Basohli Marathon and Run for Basohli. Daily Ravi Aarti on the banks of Atal Setu and religious performance by different teams of Goa, Ayodhya, Pryagraj and Chhattisgarh are among the highlights of Basohli Festival being organized jointly by the divisional administration, Department of Culture, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) and Vishwasthali, a local organization devoted to welfare and development of Basohli, from September 28 to October [] The post Basohli Festival to kick off on Sept 28, LG to join concluding function on Oct 2 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'India, Mauritius not partners but family': PM Modi
LUCKNOW: Reaffirming the deepening of ties between India and Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Mauritius were two nations with common dreams and destiny. While speaking at a joint media briefing after holding bilateral talks with his Mauritius counterpart Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on Thursday, PM Modi said: India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one. The PM added: I am proud to say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family. Mauritius is an important pillar of India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar. Describing his meeting with Mauritius PM as a spiritual union, Modi said: Our culture and values reached Mauritius centuries ago from India and became deeply embedded in its way of life. Just as the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga in Kashi sustains life, the continuous flow of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius. We welcome our friends from Mauritius in Kashi today, this is not merely a formal event, but a spiritual reunion. He said that he had visited Mauritius in March, this year, for attending the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. At that time, we gave our relations the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership, claimed the PM. PM Modi arrives in Mauritius, greeted with traditional Bihari welcome by Indian diaspora Mauritius PM Dr Ramgoolam arrived in Modis parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Wednesday evening and was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. At the joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi underscored that fact that India was fully committed to strengthening security and maritime capacity of Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius. Free, open, prosperous Indian Ocean is in our shared interest, he said. Modi said: Today, keeping the needs of Mauritius in mind, we have decided on a special economic package. This will strengthen infrastructure and create new employment opportunities. Indias first generic medicine centre abroad has now been established in Mauritius. Modi said: Today, we have reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation in detail. We also shared views on regional and global issues. I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement. The two leaders explored collaboration in health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure as well as in emerging domains such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure and the blue economy. PM Modi also said that the two nations will take steps to conduct trade in local currency. During his stay, Prime Minister Ramgoolam is expected to attend the Ganga Aarti on Thursday evening and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Friday morning before departing. He is likely to visit Ayodhya as well. PM Modi, however, left after hosting the lunch for the guest, officials said.
Nine Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stuck in Nepal amid protests, Ayodhya DM seeks Centre's help
Nine pilgrims from Ayodhya, who embarked on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, are currently stranded in Nepal due to widespread protests against alleged corruption. The Ayodhya District Magistrate has confirmed their safety and is seeking assistance from the central government to arrange flights for their return, as road travel is perilous amidst the ongoing unrest.
Pilgrimage Travel Rises 19% In FY25; Varanasi, Ayodhya Among Top Destinations: MakeMyTrip Report
The travel trend comed at a time when premiumisation is becoming a fast-growing theme in the Indian consumption space. The GST cuts may also help drive these trends.
Ayodhya Ram Temple: Trust Reveals How Much Has Been Spent On Construction So Far
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is building an International Ram Katha Museum, with 20 galleries planned at an estimated cost of about Rs 200 crore
Retail Inflation Data, Modi Visits Manipur And Urban Company IPO The Week Ahead
The coming week will be crucial for monetary policymakers in India and the US as the latest retail inflation data will be released ahead of the central bank meetings for their interest rate decision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab and Manipur, while he will host his counterpart from Mauritius in New Delhi. Here's a quick look at what lies ahead: Macro Data This Week The Indian government will release the August retail inflation data on Sept. 12. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is projected to be 2.15%, higher than 1.55% in July, as per Bloomberg estimates. US retail inflation data will be out on Sept. 11, just days ahead of the central bank's monetary policy decision. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to hold its next FOMC meeting on Sept. 16-17. The weekly jobless claims data will also be out. Possible Shortfall In Nominal GDP Growth In FY26 Due To Benign Inflation, Says CEA Nageswaran Modi Visits Manipur, Punjab Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab on Sept. 9 to take stock of the flood situation, BJP state unit chief Sunil Jakhar said on Sunday. Punjab is currently facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades. The swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets have flooded large parts of Punjab following heavy rain in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The death toll due to the floods in Punjab stands at 46 so far, while crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of farmland have been damaged, according to officials. Modi is also expected to visit Mizoram and Manipur on Sept. 13, as per reports. This will be his first visit to Manipur since the May 2023 ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people. Presidents Rule has been extended in the state until January 2026. PM Modi Likely To Visit Mizoram And Manipur On Sept. 13: What's On Agenda? Urban Company IPO Urban Company's Rs 1,900-crore initial public offering will soon open for subscription on Sept 10. The company has set the IPO price band at Rs 98 to Rs 103. The IPO will conclude on Sept. 12. Dev Accelerator Ltd. and Shringar House of Mangalsutra Ltd. will also issue shares for bidding. IPO Tracker: Urban Company IPO Among Three Mainboard Issues; Six SME Offers To Hit D-Street This Week Other Events The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a batch of pleas, including those of political parties, challenging the June 24 decision of the Election Commission to conduct Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The matter has become politically contentious months ahead of the election. The Securities Appellate Tribunal will hear a case filed by high-frequency trading firm Jane Street challenging the SEBI order on index manipulation on Monday. The Securities and Exchange Board of India in July barred Jane Street Group entities from accessing the Indian securities market and directed the impounding of Rs 4,843.57 crore in alleged unlawful gains from the group. India and Israel are likely to sign a bilateral investment treaty during the upcoming visit of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich between Sept. 8 and 10, while laying the groundwork for a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost trade between the two countries, as per news agency PTI. Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will undertake a state visit to India from Sept. 9-16. Ramgoolam will also visit Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Tirupati. In Mumbai, he would be attending a business event, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The country is the second largest source of FDI into India. Jane Street Challenges SEBI Order On Index Manipulation Before Securities Appellate Tribunal . Read more on Business by NDTV Profit.
NEW DELHI: Aimed at fast and improved connectivity between two major pilgrimage cities in Uttar Pradesh, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to undertake detailed studies for a high-speed, access-controlled corridor linking Ayodhya and Varanasi. Studies on the economic viability, technical feasibility, traffic movement, possible alignment alternatives, structural features and environmental impact assessment for a high-speed, access-controlled corridor linking Ayodhya and Varanasi will be conducted by NHAI. The proposed 192-kilometre project is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency while also promoting economic development along the corridor and religious tourism in the region. According to the officials, the Authority has already begun the bidding process to select a consultant for the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for the development of the corridor. The DPR will cover detailed highway design, pavement structure, bridge and drainage planning, land acquisition strategies, cost estimates, including environmental and safety assessments, besides other requirements. The comprehensive document is expected to be completed within a year. The DRP also help to understand the requirements regarding rehabilitation, provision of service roads, rehabilitation and widening of existing/ construction of new bridges and also cost estimates. The consultant will study the possible locations and design of the toll plaza, wayside amenities required and arboriculture along the highway to be planned, officials said. Because the local and slow traffic need to be segregated from the main traffic therefore the provision of service roads and physical barriers, including fencing will be examined to improve efficiency and safety. As part of the ambitious plan to unclog the district, facilitating smooth vehicular movement, the work on another high-speed corridor in Ayodhya Ring Road (68-km long 4-lane access-controlled stretch) is already underway. The road will reduce congestion on National Highways passing through the city; enabling fast movement of pilgrims visiting the Ram Mandir. Furthermore, the Ring Road will offer seamless connectivity to national and international tourists arriving from Lucknow International Airport, Ayodhya Airport and major railway stations in the city. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of the Ring Road project in August last year. In Uttar Pradesh, another high-speed corridor is being developed to provide connectivity between Agra and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Once completed, the AyodhyaVaranasi corridor is expected to become a key artery supporting spiritual tourism, industrial growth, and urban development in eastern Uttar Pradesh, said officials.
Lt Colonel Purohit Visits Ram Temple Month After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case
Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit who was recently acquitted in the Malegaon blast case visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He described the temple as a eflection of the faith of the entire nation.
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Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Visits Ram Temple In Ayodhya
AYODHYA (UP), Sept 5: Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay arrived in Ayodhya on Friday morning on a four-hour visit, during which he offered prayers at the Ram temple and other prominent shrines. Tobgay landed at the Ayodhya airport around 9:30 am by a special Indian Air Force plane. He was given a red-carpet welcome by the district administration and was received by Uttar Pradesh Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, MLA Ved Prakash Gupta along with [] The post Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Visits Ram Temple In Ayodhya appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bhutan PM arrives in Ayodhya to visit Ram temple
Tobgay landed at Ayodhya airport by a special plane of the Indian Air Force
High Court Admits Plea On Scheduled Area tag
Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court admitted a writ plea challenging the classification of Gudur and Ayodhyapuram revenue villages in Gudur Mandal of Mahabubabad district as Scheduled Area villages.
The Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express train will now be extended to Varanasi, according to officials in Indian Railways. The train will stop at Varanasi Junction via Ayodhya Dham Junction. The journey will take 12 hours from both sides.
Uttar Pradesh govt to gift Ayodhya a Wax Museum this Deepotsav
Built on the Parikrama Path of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, the 10,000 sq. ft. museum will be inaugurated for devotees and tourists, offering them a unique cultural and historical experience. Nearly Rs 7.5 crore has been invested in the project so ...
Key member of Ayodhya temple trust & ex-royal passes away
IRCTC announces Ayodhya-Kasi Punya Kshetra yatra from September 9
CBSE to establish six new regional, sub-regional offices to enhance governance
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the establishment of six new Regional Offices, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and Sub-Regional Offices to streamline its operations and improve governance of affiliated schools across the country. According to a notification issued by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the decision was taken following the approval of the Finance Committee in December 2024, which was later ratified by the Governing Body and cleared by the Ministry of Education. The new offices are being set up in Gurugram, Lucknow, Raipur, Ranchi, Agartala, Itanagar and Gangtok. These will become fully functional between August and September 2025. Gurugram (Haryana) will cover 12 southern districts of Haryana, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Palwal and Sonipat, and is expected to function from 1 September 2025. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) will oversee 30 districts, including Ayodhya, Etawah, Kanpur, Rae Bareli and Unnao, and will also become functional from 1 September 2025. Raipur (Chhattisgarh) will have jurisdiction across Chhattisgarh and became functional on 22 August 2025. Ranchi (Jharkhand) will cover Jharkhand and also became functional on 22 August 2025. Among the Sub-Regional Offices, Agartala (Tripura) will begin functioning from 15 September 2025. Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) became functional on 22 August 2025, along with Gangtok (Sikkim), which also started operations on the same date. The notification stated that all schools affiliated with CBSE will now fall under the jurisdictions of these newly established offices. This move will help strengthen administrative reach, ensure better coordination with schools, and enhance educational support services across these regions, the CBSE said.
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.
Monsoon rains have caused the Ganga River in Varanasi to approach the danger mark, submerging ghats, while the Saryu River in Ayodhya is also rising. Continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging in several Uttar Pradesh cities, prompting school closures in Lucknow for students up to Class 8. In Varanasi, rising river levels have inundated residential areas, causing difficulties for residents.
Amit Shah lays foundation stone for Janki Mandir's redevelopment in Bihar's Sitamarhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the redevelopment project of Janki Mandir in Sitamarhi, Bihar, believed to be Goddess Sita's birthplace. The project, costing over Rs 882.87 crore, aims for integrated development of the temple complex, with a significant portion allocated to tourism-related activities. The redevelopment will mirror the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra in Ayodhya.
Amit Shah to lay foundation for Rs 883-crore Janaki temple at Bihar's Punaura Dham
PATNA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone for Janaki temple at Punaura Dham in Bihars Sitamarhi on Friday. He will be accompanied by chief minister Nitish Kumar and his ministerial colleagues at the event. The temple will be developed on the lines of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Punaura Dham is believed to be the mythological birthplace of Goddess Sita. Several saints from across the country have already reached the venue. Amidst the chanting of mantras, the foundation stone will be laid for the grand temple, to be constructed over an area of more than 67 acres. The temple complex is likely to be completed within 11 months. The Bihar cabinet had sanctioned Rs 882.87 crore for the integrated development of the temple complex on July 1. Of the total, Rs 137 crore will be spent on the development of the old temple and premises, Rs 728 crore on tourism-related development, and Rs16 crore for comprehensive maintenance over 10 years. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) will implement the project. The state government has created a nine-member trust, Shree Janaki Janm Bhumi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti at Punaura village in Sitamarhi district. Nitish Kumar unveiled the final design for the grand temple on June 22, 2025. A total of 17 acres of land is already available at the site, while 50 acres is being acquired to develop the complex on a massive scale. The state cabinet had on July 29 sanctioned a revised estimate of Rs 165.57 crore for the 50-acre land acquisition for tourism-related development and infrastructure at Punaura Dham. Beautification of Maa Janaki Kund will also be carried out. The complex will feature a parikrama path, yagya mandap, museum, auditorium, cafeteria, childrens play area, dharamshala, Sita Vatika, Lav Kush Vatika, parking, and other facilities. Punaura Dham will also be connected by rail and road to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. State tourism minister Raju Kumar Singh called it a historic moment for the people of Mithilanchal to witness the foundation stone laying ceremony on the auspicious day of Purnima. An estimated Rs 883 crore will be spent on the construction of the temple and surrounding complex. Shah is also expected to flag off the SitamarhiNew Delhi Amrit Bharat Express via video conferencing from Sitamarhi. Soil from 21 pilgrimage sites and holy water from 31 rivers have been collected for the Bhumi Pujan.
After Pran Pratishtha, Ayodhya Ram Mandir Readies For Grand Flag Hoisting Event
After Ram Lallas Pran Pratishtha, Ayodhya readies for a 3-day flag hoisting; A 42-ft saffron flag will be unfurled atop Ram Mandir shikhar on Vivah Panchami on November 25.
Bhumika Realty Expands into UP East, Appoints Amit Tewari as Head of Sales for Lucknow and Ayodhya
With successful commercial and retail developments such as Urban Square Mall in Rajasthan, Bhumika Realty is now laying the groundwork for a broader northern expansion, beginning with Lucknow and Ayodhya, and with additional UP cities under evaluation.
BJP government in UP fundamentally against education, democratic rights: Akhilesh Yadav
LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, accusing it of being fundamentally against education and democratic rights. Addressing the media at the Janeshwar Mishra Park here, Yadav criticised the state government's recent actions targeting the SP's 'PDA Pathshala' campaign, where volunteers have been conducting informal classes in areas where primary schools were recently shut or merged. Calling the BJP he biggest mafia for being against education, Yadav said even the British never filed FIRs for running educational initiatives. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also condemned the filing of police cases against PDA Pathshala volunteers and asserted that such classes would continue until the government reopens the shut schools and appoints teachers and principals. This is not going to stop because of police threats, Yadav said. He demanded the complete rollback of the school merger plan and the immediate reopening of closed primary schools. Yadav pointed out that when the Samajwadi Party was in power, it set up new schools and launched innovative education models, including cultural schools in the state capital. He accused the BJP of failing to support or sustain the initiative. Citing the recent roof collapse incident at a school in the chief minister's home district that left students injured, Yadav said the poor condition of schools highlights the government's neglect. The SP leader also targeted the state's Panchayati Raj Department for allegedly issuing a controversial letter that selectively focused on specific castes and communities. He called it unconstitutional and said the party would take the matter to court. If any illegality is committed, action must be taken, but targeting people based on caste or religion is against the Constitution, he added, urging the judiciary to take suo motu notice. The directive referred to by Yadav has already been withdrawn, and the joint director concerned of the department who issued it has been suspended with immediate effect from Monday. Meanwhile, Yadav claimed the BJP has no real achievements to show the public, and it instead resorts to false cases and arrests. He alleged that the BJP was attempting to appropriate the SP's legacy by putting up its own signboards at the entrance of the Janeshwar Mishra Park -- a public space developed under the previous SP government -- and said the current administration had allowed the park to fall into neglect. On the recent political developments, Yadav reiterated his support for the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance, stating that attempts to suppress it would only strengthen its resolve. He also accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from real issues such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, and flood devastation. Yadav alleged that instead of providing relief, the government was distributing stale food to flood victims in Prayagraj, while many areas lacked clean water, toilets, and medical facilities. Rs 20,000 crore has been spent, but homes remain submerged, he said, pointing to similar situations in Varanasi and Gorakhpur, both cities that received heavy Smart City funding. He accused the BJP leaders of illegally grabbing land in cities like Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Varanasi, including wetlands and ponds, and challenged the media to examine land registry records to expose the extent of the encroachments. Yadav also raised concerns about the alleged tampering with voter rolls under the pretext of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign in poll-bound Bihar. He said the Samajwadi Party had submitted affidavits to the Election Commission about 18,000 missing voters who had voted in 2019 but found their names deleted in 2022. Despite this, he said, no explanation or action had been taken by the commission. Calling the BJP's claims about foreign investments and economic growth hollow, Yadav said the ruling party only pays lip service to swadeshi values while embracing foreign interests in practice. They don't even understand what the economy is, he said, criticising the state and central governments for failing to address the growing economic distress in the country.
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.
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Due to persistent heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, schools in Lucknow are closed, and several areas in Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya and Varanasi, are flooded. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has deployed a ministerial team to oversee relief operations in affected districts, ensuring timely aid and monitoring. The IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall in the region.
Indian Railways announces Mahalaya Paksha special train from September 9
Spiritual tour to cover Saptha Moksha Kshetras including Ujjain, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Gaya; 15-day journey offers pinda daan opportunity in Gaya
BHOPAL: A distance of five kilometres separates the official bungalows of two saffron-clad women politicians of the ruling BJP in Bhopal. But the celebrations at the residences of these two former Bhopal MPs, to mark the acquittal of one of them, Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case , stood in sharp contrast. While Thakur was in Mumbai for the NIA courts judgment in the 17-year-old terror case, a handful of her supporters at the B-29 residence in the 74 Bungalows area danced to drumbeats and distributed sweets, awaiting her arrival in Bhopal two days later for the grand celebrations. Five kilometres away, outside the 6 Shyamala Hills residence of former Madhya Pradesh CM and ex-Union minister Uma Bharti, it was the sound of bursting crackers that marked the acquittal of Thakur and others in the blast case. Recounting her visit to Nashik Jail, where Thakur had been lodged, Bharti, who is considered one of the prominent BJP figures in the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement, turned emotional. I met Pragya at the Nashik Jail, when no one went there to meet her. A Maharashtra police officer had told me that she was tortured unimaginably. I was in tears while meeting her and still remember her having confirmed to me about having been tortured beyond imagination. I didnt carry anything for her it was she who had kept a garland for me, Bharti said. 2008 Malegaon blast: Mere suspicion can't replace real proof; no evidence for conviction, says court She is Durga (goddess), who preferred tolerating extreme mental and physical torture in custody, rather than succumbing under intense pressure. No ordinary woman could have tolerated such extreme torture. At Nashik Jail, she told me, tell all people, that Ill prefer dying and never allow Hindus and the colour saffron to get kalankit (tarnished), Bharti added while recounting her meeting with Thakur in the jail. Welcoming the NIA courts judgment, Bharti said the verdict had not just absolved Thakur and others from allegedly false charges, but had also given her personal relief. Even I stand acquitted in the court of my soul, she said. Bharti alleged that the 2008 blast incident had been deliberately chosen as part of a larger conspiracy to coin the term saffron terrorism as a counter-narrative against Islamic fundamentalism. Lies were added in the case, and those arrested were subjected to horrific torture just to force them to take certain names. Had they taken those names, then most office-bearers of nationalist organisations and most BJP leaders would have been put behind bars and subjected to similar torture, she alleged. All those who coined the term saffron terrorism should now either apologise to the Hindus or jump into the river Ganga or Narmada. The people now need to decide what extraordinary punishment should be given to those politicians, including P Chidambaram, Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh and those from left parties, for their deliberate attempts to create fear among Muslims for the consolidation of the minority communitys votes by creating the fake narrative of Hindu fundamentalism to counter Muslim fundamentalism, she added. 'Terrorism was never saffron': Fadnavis hails Malegaon blast verdict; BJP demands Rahul, Sonia Gandhi's apology
Ahead of elections Bihar cabinet clears Rs 316 crore for five new dairy, milk powder plants
PATNA: Milk producers in Bihar have reasons to rejoice ahead of the state assembly elections. The Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved the setting up of five dairy plants, including two milk powder plants, at an estimated cost of Rs 316 crore in the state. Giving a nod to the State Animal and Fish Resources Departments proposal, the state cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved a SIDBI Cluster Development Fund (SCDF) loan for setting up a dairy plant each with a 2 lakh litre capacity at Darbhanga and Wazirganj (Gaya Ji), while another plant with a one lakh litre capacity is to be set up in Gopalganj district. Cabinet Secretariat Departments Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) S Siddharth told the media that the dairy plant at Darbhanga will be set up for Rs 71.32 crore, while the other two plants at Gaya Ji and Gopalganj will be set up for Rs 50.27 crore and Rs 54.73 crore, respectively. Milk powder plants will be set up with a capacity of 30 metric tonnes each at Dehri-On-Sone (Rohtas) and Sitamarhi districts, Siddharth said, adding that the plant at Rohtas will cost Rs 69.66 crore and the one at Sitamarhi Rs 70.33 crore. The decision would not only pave the way for the supply of additional quality milk, but people would also get it on time, besides creating employment opportunities at the local level, the ACS said. In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the Urban Development and Housing Departments proposal for constituting the Bihar Rajya Safai Karmchari Aayog for the overall development and protection of the rights of sanitation workers across the state. The commission will be headed by a chairman, a vice-chairman, and five members, including one woman or transgender member. Its main job will be to bring sanitation workers into the mainstream, ensuring their economic and social development, welfare, rehabilitation, grievance redressal, and protection of their rights. Allocation for land acquisition for Maa Janki Temple In another important decision, the Cabinet also gave a revised approval of Rs 165.57 crore for the acquisition of 50 acres of land for tourism-related development work and infrastructure facilities at Punauradham temple, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, in Sitamarhi district. Earlier, Rs 120.58 crore was sanctioned for the purpose. Notably, the Cabinet had on July 1 sanctioned Rs 882.87 crore for the integrated development of Maa Jankis grand temple at Punaura Dham. It will be developed on the lines of the grand Ram temple at Ayodhya. The government has already constituted a nine-member trust christened Shree Janki Janm Bhumi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti. CM Nitish Kumar, who unveiled the final design of the temple on June 22, inspected the Janki Mandir at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi district last Saturday. Giving necessary directions to officials, Kumar said that the old structure of the Maa Janki temple will be preserved as it is. Pension for journalists hiked The Cabinet also hiked the monthly pension and family pension for journalists, who will now get a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 against the existing Rs 6,000, and a monthly family pension of Rs 10,000 against the existing Rs 3,000, Siddharth said. The Cabinet approved Sections 4(1) and 5 of the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana Niyamawali 2019. A journalists spouse would be eligible for the monthly pension and family pension only if he/she is neither employed with any media organisation nor with the government. The government said the decision to grant monthly pensions to journalists was aimed at helping them financially so they can lead a dignified life.
Ayodhya: Younger brother hacks sister to death with axe for talking to male friend
In a suspected case of honour killing, a 22-year-old girl was allegedly hacked to death by her 17-year-old brother with an axe in Ayodhya's Pateranga area, officials said on Sunday.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir exhibition shut down after objections from Hindu organisations
Hyderabad wakes to morning rain, waterlogging slows traffic in multiple areas
The Hyderabad Traffic Police reported waterlogging and consequent traffic congestion at key junctions including Ayodhya Junction, Abids, Ranigunj and Saifabad.
