Uttar Pradesh

Mathura, January 24A controversy has erupted at the world-famous Thakur Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan over the installation of a new silver threshold (chaukhat/dehri) at the sanctum entrance. Despite the donation of over 10 kilograms of silver, the ceremonial worship of the new threshold did not take place as scheduled, sparking intense debate among devotees, temple authorities, and religious scholars. The issue revolves around a newly installed silver threshold weighing approximately 10.5 kg, donated by a devotee for the main entrance of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. During its 10th meeting held on January 19, the High-Powered Committee managing the temple, chaired by Ashok Kumar, had publicly announced that a formal “Dehri Pujan” would be conducted on the auspicious occasion...

Ghaziabad, January 24:Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand Giri of the Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara has made serious allegations regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, claiming that it is part of a larger international conspiracy involving Arab countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates. Yati Narsinghanand Giri was detained by the Ghaziabad police on Saturday while he was on his way to Delhi to protest against the UGC Act. He, along with his followers, had planned to stage an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. However, the police prevented him from leaving and placed him under house arrest at his temple, citing law and order concerns. Speaking to the media, the Mahamandaleshwar claimed that senior officials from India’s top intelligence agencies have alle...

The controversy surrounding the UGC Act 2026, formally titled “Regulations for Promoting Equity in Higher Educational Institutions, 2026”, has intensified across the country, triggering protests from several upper-caste organisations. While the University Grants Commission (UGC) has described the regulation as a landmark step toward ensuring equality and preventing caste-based discrimination in higher education, critics argue that it could be misused and unfairly target certain sections of society. The regulation came into force on January 15, 2026, and is applicable to all universities and colleges across India, including those in Uttar Pradesh. With the UP Assembly elections due in 2027, the issue has also acquired clear political overtones. What Is the UGC Act 2026? The UGC Act...

In a chilling incident from Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh, a man’s body was found stuck beneath a moving Hyundai car and dragged for nearly eight kilometres, leaving passers-by stunned and triggering a police investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death. The shocking episode came to light when occupants of a vehicle following the car noticed something lodged underneath it and signalled the driver to stop. Upon inspection, a dead body was discovered trapped beneath the vehicle, causing panic in the area. Incident Unfolds Near Lalpul Area The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Sadar Kotwali police station, near the Lalpul area. As the car was stopped, a crowd gathered at the spot and police were immediately informed. Police personnel reached the ...

A shocking incident of violence has been reported from the Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, where an intern doctor was allegedly brutally assaulted by the college’s Chief Warden after raising complaints about poor-quality hostel food and drinking water. The attack left the doctor with a serious head injury, triggering widespread outrage among students and forcing police intervention. Complaint Turns Violent According to information available, Dr Prashant Prabhakar Vishwas, an MBBS intern at the institute, approached Chief Warden Rohit Singh to complain about the unhygienic food and unsafe drinking water being served in the hostel. The discussion reportedly escalated into a heated argument, following which the chief warden, along with his associates, allegedly attacked t...

A 15-year-old state-level cricketer, Thakur Kundan Singh, died under suspicious circumstances after falling from the balcony of a residential apartment in Saya Gold Avenue Society, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, on Friday morning. According to police, the teenager fell from the second-floor balcony of the society and was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Incident Occurred During Cricket Practice ACP Indirapuram Abhishek Srivastava said that Kundan was practising bowling on the balcony of the flat where he lived with his mother. During practice, the ball reportedly fell down from the balcony. When Kundan leaned forward to retrieve it, he allegedly lost his balance and fell, sustaining fatal injuries. His mother, who was inside the house preparing br...

A Western Disturbance is beginning to impact parts of Uttar Pradesh, especially the border regions, bringing conditions similar to rainfall and snowfall. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued updates on the expected weather for 24 January. Weather Impact Across Uttar PradeshThe Western Disturbance is expected to intensify, affecting central and eastern parts of the state. While strong sunlight in the eastern regions has provided some daytime warmth, westerly winds have caused night temperatures to drop. On Friday morning, several areas in western Uttar Pradesh experienced rainfall-like conditions, accompanied by gusty winds, further reducing temperatures. Lucknow to Feel the EffectThe combination of westerly winds and rain is likely to affect Lucknow. On Thursday, min...

The controversy surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj has further intensified, with noted spiritual preacher Swami Aniruddhacharya Maharaj now weighing in and advising the administration to seek forgiveness. The dispute arose on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, when followers of Swami Avimukteshwaranand, who were proceeding towards the Sangam for the holy dip with a wheeled palanquin, were stopped by the authorities. This led to a prolonged standoff lasting nearly three hours, during which heated arguments and physical jostling reportedly took place. Supporters of the Shankaracharya have accused the administration of misbehaviour. Since Mauni Amavasya, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has been sitting outside his camp and has refus...

For the past 25 years, a familiar, gentle and melodious voice has been echoing across the Sangam Nose in Prayagraj, instantly drawing the attention of devotees.“Motorcycle-riding sir, scooter-riding sister, sister in the yellow sari — please do not take your vehicles towards the ghats.” This soothing announcement, reminiscent of All India Radio, has become an inseparable part of the Sangam experience. Yet, for years, visitors have remained curious about the person behind the voice that guides and safeguards millions of pilgrims. The voice belongs to Harishchandra, who stands outside the watchtower police control room at Sangam Nose and has been performing this duty with remarkable dedication since 2001. A Lifelong Duty at the Sangam Harishchandra was first deployed at Sangam No...

Varanasi: Action in the ongoing codeine cough syrup smuggling case in Uttar Pradesh has intensified, with the Sonbhadra police taking significant steps against accused Bhola Prasad Jaiswal. Authorities have seized properties linked to him in Varanasi, as the city police prepare for further action against his son, the absconding mastermind Shubham Jaiswal. A team from Sonbhadra, led by CO City Randhir Mishra, executed court orders to seal properties registered under Bhola Jaiswal and his family. The operation covered areas under Sigra, Mahmoorganj, and Chetganj police stations. Bhola Jaiswal, who was arrested at Kolkata airport, is currently in jail. ₹28.5 Lakh Property SealedThe Sonbhadra police, acting under Section 107 of the BNS code and following judicial orders, sealed propertie...