State

Ghaziabad: In an era often marked by complaints of administrative apathy, Ghaziabad District Magistrate (DM) IAS Ravindra Kumar Mandar has won public admiration by setting a powerful example of empathy and responsive governance. During a public grievance hearing at the Collectorate, the DM not only directed officials to expedite pending matters but also personally stepped in to help those in distress. A poor farmer who approached the DM shared that his financial condition was so dire that he was unable to pay his pending electricity bill. Moved by the farmer’s plight, DM Mandar immediately extended financial assistance of ₹5,100 from his own pocket, enabling the farmer to clear the dues. The gesture was widely seen as a rare display of humanity from a senior bureaucrat. In another ca...

In a major relief for rural residents, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uttar Pradesh Rural Abadi Act, 2025, popularly known as the Gharouni Law. The legislation gives legal recognition to Gharouni documents, enabling villagers to secure bank loans for construction, repair, and other financial needs using their residential property records. The law is being seen as a landmark reform aimed at strengthening property rights in rural areas and empowering villagers economically. It is the state-level legal implementation of the Central Government’s PM SVAMITVA Scheme, under which drone surveys are conducted to map residential land in villages. Gharouni Gets Legal Status With the passage of the Act, Gharouni has now become an officially recognized legal document, similar...

To facilitate Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Ghaziabad district administration has extended the operating hours of liquor shops for a limited period. As per the orders issued by District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar, retail liquor outlets will be allowed to remain open until 11:00 pm on select festive dates. According to the official order, liquor shops will operate from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm on December 24 and 25, 2025, in view of Christmas celebrations. Similarly, to cater to New Year festivities, shops will follow the same extended timing on December 30 and 31, 2025. One-Time Relaxation, Strict Compliance Mandatory District Magistrate Mandar clarified that this relaxation is strictly limited to the festive occasion and will not be extended beyond the notified dates...

Panic gripped Kanpur’s Ganga Barrage on Tuesday evening when occupants of a speeding car allegedly rammed into a police checking team, seriously injuring two sub-inspectors and a home guard, before smashing through barricades and fleeing the scene. The incident occurred around 6:28 pm during a special vehicle checking drive being conducted jointly by the Kohna Police Station and Traffic Police, following strict instructions issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for intensified security checks across the city. Car Accelerates Despite Police Signal According to eyewitnesses, a black car with four young men onboard was approaching from the Unnao side when police personnel signaled it to stop. The vehicle initially slowed down, but as officers moved closer, the driver suddenly acce...

Basti, UP: In a shocking incident highlighting the dark side of family disputes, a nephew allegedly murdered his uncle over a property-sharing conflict in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh. The crime took place in Belwaria Jungle village, under Gaur police station limits. Police have arrested five accused in connection with the case. Brutal Attack While Returning from Flour MillAccording to police, the incident occurred on the night of 19 December. Victim Dharmendra Chaudhary was returning home after having a meal at his regular flour mill. The attackers, lying in wait, ambushed him from behind and struck him repeatedly with bent hoes and sticks, leaving him severely injured. Victim Dies During TreatmentFamily members rushed the injured Dharmendra to the local Community Health Centre (CH...