Monday, July 6

State

Bihar Farmer Grows ‘Black Gold’ Potatoes Using Seeds from the US
Bihar, State

Bihar Farmer Grows ‘Black Gold’ Potatoes Using Seeds from the US

Motihari, February 21, 2026: Breaking traditional farming norms, Prayag Dev Singh, a progressive farmer from Sagar Churarman village in Kotwa block, East Champaran, has successfully cultivated black potatoes—dubbed ‘black gold’—in his fields using seeds imported from the United States. The black potatoes are notably larger and heavier than regular varieties, earning Singh acclaim across the district. While many rural farmers in Bihar continue to rely on conventional methods, often yielding only subsistence-level income, some innovators like Singh are proving that experimenting with new crops can be highly rewarding. Singh’s bold decision to grow black potatoes has not only transformed his fortunes but also set a new example of agricultural innovation in the region. Seeds Imported fro...
Odisha to Begin SIR Process from April 1; Congress MLA Sofia Firdous Urges Transparency
Odisha, State

Odisha to Begin SIR Process from April 1; Congress MLA Sofia Firdous Urges Transparency

Bhubaneswar, February 21, 2026: The Election Commission of India has announced a special revision of the voter lists (SIR) in 22 states and Union Territories, including Odisha, starting from April 1, 2026. This will mark the third phase of the SIR exercise. Reacting to the announcement, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous from Barabati constituency emphasized that the process should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. She stated, “SIR should be treated as a routine exercise and must not be used as a political tool. There should be no misuse of this process in any form. We expect proper training for all BLOs to ensure accuracy and efficiency.” MLA Firdous further highlighted the importance of voter awareness, saying, “It is essential to educate all citizens about the process and the...
Major Irregularities Unearthed in Ghaziabad Development Authority: EWS and PM Housing Targets Fall Drastically Short
State, Uttar Pradesh

Major Irregularities Unearthed in Ghaziabad Development Authority: EWS and PM Housing Targets Fall Drastically Short

Lucknow: Despite repeated efforts through lotteries, auctions, and “First Come, First Serve” schemes, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has failed to achieve satisfactory sales and construction targets across multiple housing schemes. In several projects, only 11 percent to 50 percent of the properties were sold, while the authority could not even provide a clear record of the remaining unsold plots, flats, or commercial units. A recent audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has exposed large-scale irregularities in plot and flat allotments, tender processes, and payment procedures within GDA between 2017 and 2022. EWS Housing Targets Missed by a Wide Margin The authority had set an ambitious target of constructing 25,000 houses for the Economically W...
₹1,200 Crore Released to Link Yamuna and Ganga Expressways; Land Acquisition Process Begins
State, Uttar Pradesh

₹1,200 Crore Released to Link Yamuna and Ganga Expressways; Land Acquisition Process Begins

Noida, February 21, 2026: In a major push to strengthen road connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has released ₹1,204 crore for the construction of a 74.3-kilometre-long link expressway connecting the Yamuna Expressway with the Ganga Expressway. The funds have been allocated to the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) for land acquisition. A formal communication regarding the allocation was issued on February 17 by the state government. 740 Acres to Be Acquired Across 16 Villages For the construction of the Ganga Link Expressway, approximately 740 acres of land will be acquired from 16 villages in the YEIDA region. The land acquisition process has already begun following detailed surveys. Villages in Jewar, including Mehndipur Bangar, Bhaipu...
Bombay High Court’s Interim Order in 20-Storey Building Case Near INS Shikra
Maharashtra, State

Bombay High Court’s Interim Order in 20-Storey Building Case Near INS Shikra

Mumbai, February 21, 2026: The Bombay High Court on Friday delivered an interim order in the controversial 20-storey building case near INS Shikra, South Mumbai’s largest naval air station. In its observations, the court remarked that, prima facie, the construction of the high-rise structure appeared to be the result of a possible “intelligence failure” on the part of the Navy. No Immediate Stay, Construction at Developer’s Risk The high-rise project, identified as Jadhavji Mansion, is located within 500 meters of the naval air station. The Navy had filed a petition through a commanding officer seeking an immediate halt to construction, citing security concerns. It was argued that the developer did not possess the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). However, the High Court...
High Alert in Meerut Ahead of PM Visit: 13 Suspected Kashmiris Detained, Two Missing
State, Uttar Pradesh

High Alert in Meerut Ahead of PM Visit: 13 Suspected Kashmiris Detained, Two Missing

Meerut, February 21, 2026: Security agencies in Meerut have intensified surveillance and verification measures ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on Sunday for the inauguration of the Namo Bharat train. In a significant development, 13 suspected Kashmiri youths have been taken into custody for questioning, while two others are reportedly missing. The move comes amid heightened security arrangements in the city prior to the high-profile event. Initial Detention and Release According to reports, around 15 youths were seen moving around Sadar Sarrafa Bazaar and nearby localities on Friday, allegedly seeking donations. Local traders grew suspicious of their activities and alerted the police. Some of the youths were reportedly confronted by shopkeepers, leading to ...
LDA Bulldozer Action in Lucknow: 40 Bighas of Illegal Plotting Demolished, Three-Storey Complex Sealed in Hazratganj
State, Uttar Pradesh

LDA Bulldozer Action in Lucknow: 40 Bighas of Illegal Plotting Demolished, Three-Storey Complex Sealed in Hazratganj

Lucknow, February 21, 2026: In a major enforcement drive against unauthorized constructions, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) carried out extensive demolition operations across multiple areas of the state capital on Friday. The authority demolished illegal plotting spread over approximately 40 bighas of land and sealed a three-storey commercial complex in Hazratganj. 40 Bighas of Illegal Plotting Cleared According to officials, eight illegal plotting projects being developed without approved layouts were razed in Lucknow. The action was carried out in Gosaiinganj, Kakori, and Saerpur areas. Ravi Nandan Singh, Zonal Officer of Enforcement Zone-2, stated that in village Kasimpur Biruha near Chand Sarai Crossing in Gosaiinganj, an unauthorized colony was being developed across...
UK AI Minister Meets JDU Leader in Patna, Praises Bihar’s Technological Growth
Bihar, State

UK AI Minister Meets JDU Leader in Patna, Praises Bihar’s Technological Growth

Patna, February 21, 2026: In a significant diplomatic and technological engagement, the United Kingdom’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Kanishk Narayan met with Sanjay Kumar Jha, National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP of Janata Dal (United), at his residence in Patna on Saturday morning. The meeting highlighted Bihar’s growing prominence in the field of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Welcoming the UK Minister in traditional style, Jha honored Narayan with a Mithila Paag and shawl, symbolizing cultural pride and respect. “It Feels Good to Return to Bihar” Speaking after the meeting, Kanishk Narayan expressed deep emotional and professional satisfaction at returning to his birthplace after more than two decades. “It feels truly wonderful to be in Bihar. ...
Guwahati: Bhupen Borah Targets Congress After Meeting Amit Shah — “32 Years vs 32 Hours, The Difference Is Clear”
Assam, State

Guwahati: Bhupen Borah Targets Congress After Meeting Amit Shah — “32 Years vs 32 Hours, The Difference Is Clear”

Guwahati | February 21, 2026: In a significant political development in Assam, former state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah launched a sharp attack on the Congress party after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Borah, who recently resigned from the Congress, shared photographs from his meeting and wrote on social media, “32 years versus 32 hours — the difference is visible.” Borah met Amit Shah in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. BJP leader Baijayant Panda was also present during the meeting. Borah is scheduled to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22. A Major Blow to Congress in Assam Borah served as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee from 2021 to 2025. His departure is being viewed as a major setback for the Ind...
Greater Noida Restaurant Fire After LPG Cylinder Blast; Two Employees Injured
State, Uttar Pradesh

Greater Noida Restaurant Fire After LPG Cylinder Blast; Two Employees Injured

Greater Noida | February 21, 2026: Panic gripped residents of Greater Noida West on Friday afternoon after a powerful explosion caused by a leaking LPG cylinder triggered a fire at a restaurant near Coco County Society in Sector 10, Ecotech-3 police station area. Two restaurant employees sustained burn injuries, while a woman and a 17-year-old boy were hurt during the chaos that followed. According to Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Chaubey, the fire department received information about the incident at approximately 12:40 pm. A firefighting team was immediately dispatched to the spot. Gas Leak Led to Regulator Fire Preliminary investigation revealed that the LPG cylinder had developed a leak, which caused the regulator to catch fire. The flames spread rapidly, accompanied by a l...