Monday, July 6

State

Former MLC Haji Iqbal’s 56 Properties Worth ₹2.76 Billion to Be Seized, DM Orders
State, Uttar Pradesh

Former MLC Haji Iqbal’s 56 Properties Worth ₹2.76 Billion to Be Seized, DM Orders

Saharanpur: The administration in Saharanpur has ordered the attachment of 56 properties belonging to former MLC Haji Iqbal under the Gangster Act. The total market value of these properties is estimated at approximately ₹2.76 billion. The District Magistrate, Manish Bansal, issued the orders for this action. Following the DM’s directive, the Behat Tehsildar has been appointed as the administrator to manage the attached properties. The process of taking government possession of these assets has already commenced. Allegations of Organized Illegal GainsAccording to the DM’s order, Haji Iqbal, also known as Bala, along with his sons, relatives, and associates, allegedly formed an organized gang. This gang is accused of serious offenses, including illegal timber theft in Khair, unlawful ...
Mayawati Declares BSP Will Contest 2027 UP Assembly Elections Alone, Signals Challenge to BJP-SP Alliance
Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

Mayawati Declares BSP Will Contest 2027 UP Assembly Elections Alone, Signals Challenge to BJP-SP Alliance

Lucknow: In a major political announcement ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, BSP chief Mayawati has confirmed that the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will contest the polls independently, without entering into any pre-poll alliances. The move is being seen as a strategic effort to reclaim the party’s lost voter base and challenge both the ruling BJP and the opposition SP-Congress combine. BSP Chief Clears the Air Mayawati addressed widespread speculation about potential alliances, terming such discussions as “fake news” aimed at undermining BSP’s image. She clarified that the party had long maintained its stance of contesting elections alone, including a public declaration during a grand rally in Lucknow on 9 October 2025, commemorating the death anniversary of BSP found...
Journalist Detained in Noida for Threatening Colleague in Gangster Ravi Kana Case
State, Uttar Pradesh

Journalist Detained in Noida for Threatening Colleague in Gangster Ravi Kana Case

Noida: A media professional in Noida has been taken into police custody for allegedly threatening a fellow journalist over news coverage related to gangster Ravi Kana. The accused reportedly warned the colleague not to air any reports against Kana and his associates, using calls and messages from foreign numbers. Joint Police Operation The Sector-20 police, in coordination with a central investigative agency, detained the journalist from Sector-93, Noida on Tuesday night. Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused had contacts with Ravi Kana and his gang members. Authorities seized the suspect’s electronic devices and conducted extended interrogation overnight. Death Threats From Overseas Numbers According to the victim, on the evening of 12 February, a call from a UK ...
Bomb Threat to 12 Noida Schools During CBSE Exams Sparks Panic; Investigation Underway
State, Uttar Pradesh

Bomb Threat to 12 Noida Schools During CBSE Exams Sparks Panic; Investigation Underway

Noida: Around a dozen schools in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, received bomb threats via email, triggering widespread concern among parents and students as CBSE examinations are currently underway. The emails warned of potential explosions, prompting immediate action from authorities. Police and Bomb Squad Swiftly Respond Upon receiving the threat, Noida police teams rushed to the affected schools. The Bomb Disposal Squad and dog squad units conducted thorough inspections of all premises. As a precautionary measure, school campuses were temporarily evacuated, and students were gathered under teacher supervision in open grounds while the investigation was carried out. The administration remains on high alert to ensure the safety of all students. Meanwhile, cybercrime units have launched ef...
Father’s Caste Cannot Be Forced on a Child, Rules Bombay High Court in Landmark Single Mother Case
Maharashtra, State

Father’s Caste Cannot Be Forced on a Child, Rules Bombay High Court in Landmark Single Mother Case

Mumbai: In a significant and progressive ruling, the Bombay High Court has held that a child raised solely by her mother cannot be compelled to carry her father’s surname and caste identity merely because such practice was once considered mandatory. The court granted permission to a 12-year-old girl to change her name and caste entry in school records. The minor had approached the court seeking to replace her caste entry from ‘Maratha’ to ‘Scheduled Caste’, along with changing her surname, as she has been brought up entirely by her mother. School Had Earlier Rejected the Request The girl’s request had earlier been rejected by school authorities, who cited provisions of the Secondary School Code, stating that such changes were not permissible under existing norms. However, the B...
Khatu Shyam Temple Emerges as Rajasthan’s Biggest Faith Destination, Over 11 Crore Devotees Visited Top Shrines in 2025
Rajasthan, State

Khatu Shyam Temple Emerges as Rajasthan’s Biggest Faith Destination, Over 11 Crore Devotees Visited Top Shrines in 2025

Jaipur: Rajasthan is witnessing a massive surge in religious tourism, with several major temples recording a significant rise in footfall. Among them, the Khatu Shyam Temple in Sikar district has emerged as the state’s most visited religious destination, surpassing even some of India’s biggest pilgrimage centres such as Vaishno Devi and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in popularity. According to tourism department statistics, nearly 11 crore devotees visited Rajasthan’s top 10 temples in 2025, marking an overall increase of around 10 percent compared to 2024. The remarkable rise highlights the growing importance of Rajasthan as a major spiritual and pilgrimage hub in India. Khatu Shyam Retains Top Position The Khatu Shyam Temple remained the number one destination in the state with approxi...
Sitamarhi DM Cancels Arms Licences of Influential Men After Rifle-Waving Incident
Bihar, State

Sitamarhi DM Cancels Arms Licences of Influential Men After Rifle-Waving Incident

Sitamarhi: In a strong administrative crackdown against the misuse of licensed firearms, Sitamarhi District Magistrate Richi Pandey has cancelled the arms licences of two influential individuals accused of openly displaying weapons and creating fear among the public. The action has gained significant attention across the district, as such strict measures against powerful individuals are rarely seen. Officials stated that the decision was taken following a detailed report submitted by Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan. Former Minister’s Nephew Faces Major Action One of the licence holders whose firearm permit has been cancelled is Shadab Ahmad Khan, a resident of Mehsaul Chowk in Sitamarhi city. Khan is the nephew of late Mohammad Shahid Ali Khan, a former Cabinet Mini...
UP Govt to Launch ‘Samvad Setu’ App: Command Centre Alert If Officials Ignore MLA Calls
State, Uttar Pradesh

UP Govt to Launch ‘Samvad Setu’ App: Command Centre Alert If Officials Ignore MLA Calls

Lucknow: The issue of government officials allegedly ignoring calls from MLAs and other public representatives has sparked major political debate in Uttar Pradesh. The matter was recently raised strongly in the State Assembly by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, and even several BJP legislators echoed similar concerns, highlighting what they termed as growing disrespect towards elected representatives. In response to the controversy, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has taken a strict stand and directed government officers to ensure full respect and timely communication with public representatives. The state government is now preparing to introduce a new monitoring mechanism to address the problem. Officials Must Respond or Call Back Within 10 Minutes As per the...
Spring Blooms in Noida: Shivalik Park Flower Show Begins Today, Entry Free
State, Uttar Pradesh

Spring Blooms in Noida: Shivalik Park Flower Show Begins Today, Entry Free

Noida: With the arrival of spring, Noida is set to witness a vibrant celebration of nature as a grand Flower Show begins today at Shivalik Park in Sector-33. The floral exhibition will continue till 22 February, and the best part is that entry for visitors is completely free. The official inauguration ceremony will be held today at 2:00 PM, which will be attended by the local Member of Parliament along with other dignitaries. The park has been beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, ornamental plants, artistic floral designs, and attractive lighting arrangements, making it a major attraction for residents and visitors alike. According to the Noida Authority, this year’s flower show promises greater creativity and diversity compared to previous editions. Theme-based floral struc...
AI Summit and Cricket Match Bring Delhi to a Standstill, Even Alternate Routes Fail
DELHI (national capital territory), State

AI Summit and Cricket Match Bring Delhi to a Standstill, Even Alternate Routes Fail

New Delhi: Delhi witnessed massive traffic chaos on Wednesday as the combination of an AI Summit, heavy VVIP movement, and a major cricket match brought large parts of the capital to a near standstill. Commuters faced severe congestion from morning till late night, with even the alternate routes suggested by the Delhi Traffic Police failing to provide relief. The situation was especially difficult in central and south Delhi areas, where traffic restrictions were imposed due to high-level international visits and official events. VVIP Movement Disrupts Traffic for Hours According to officials, the AI Summit resulted in continuous movement of heads of state and high-profile guests across the city. Traffic restrictions were imposed on several key routes to ensure smooth passage for d...