Category: India

CSIR–IITR celebrates its 62nd Foundation Day Lucknow: The growing environmental challenges of climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity underline the need for stronger scientific interventions to protect human health and the environment. Highlighting the critical role of toxicology in addressing these challenges, Dr Jayakara S M, Director General, Padmashree Group of Institutions and former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, said that toxicology helps identify and understand threats that often remain unseen but can have serious consequences for living systems. Delivering the 30th Professor Sibte Hasan Zaidi Oration during the…

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Ayodhya: The banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya are set to witness a spectacular religious ceremony during this year’s Deepotsav, with more than 2,100 participants expected to perform a grand collective aarti on November 7. Preparations are underway to make the event a memorable milestone, with students from Sanskrit schools rehearsing at the river ghats. The collective aarti will take place in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Participants will wear identical traditional attire and perform the ritual in a synchronised manner, making it one of the major…

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Ayodhya: Preparations for Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav, featuring a target of lighting 30 lakh earthen lamps, have already brought a significant boost to the earnings of small vendors operating around Ram Ki Paidi and nearby ghats. With devotees and tourists arriving to witness the preparations, sales of tea, samosas and street snacks have increased considerably. Vendors who usually earn between ₹800 and ₹1,000 daily are now making as much as ₹3,000, nearly three times their regular income. Rohit Shukla, a samosa seller from Gonda, said his daily earnings had risen from…

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New Delhi: The INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan has triggered a debate over the opposition’s political strategy, organisational unity and its ability to present a credible alternative to the ruling establishment. In an opinion article, Ashok Bhatia describes the November 2026 gathering as a strategic setback, arguing that its timing, political messaging and internal contradictions undermined its impact. The rally, which was intended to demonstrate opposition unity and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections, came during the busy festive season, coinciding with…

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Agra: Known worldwide for the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, its famous Petha and thriving footwear industry, Agra also occupies an important place in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. Its nine Assembly constituencies, diverse social composition and distinct urban and rural concerns make the district politically significant. Agra district comprises nine Assembly constituencies: Agra Cantonment, Agra North, Agra Rural, Agra South, Bah, Etmadpur, Fatehabad, Fatehpur Sikri and Kheragarh. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won all nine seats. Tourism and Footwear Industry Define Agra’s Identity The…

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Lucknow: More than 600 students from schools, colleges and universities across the country participated in the fifth edition of Maharishi BotFiesta-2026, a two-day national-level technical competition held at the Lucknow campus of Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT). Organised by the Maharishi School of Engineering and Technology in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) on October 30 and 31, the event provided a platform for students to demonstrate their skills in robotics, drone technology, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Nine technical competitions were organised, featuring innovative models, robots…

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Ayodhya: The historic city of Ayodhya is gearing up for its 10th Deepotsav, with preparations gaining momentum amid the possibility of Union Home Minister Amit Shah attending the celebrations as the chief guest. If confirmed, this would mark the first time a Union Home Minister participates as the chief guest in Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations. The proposed visit has generated considerable excitement among local residents, saints and religious leaders. Various government departments are coordinating arrangements to make the festival grand. Preparations include decorative lighting, beautification of the city, security arrangements and…

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Lucknow: The Jal Jeevan Mission is supporting rural development in Uttar Pradesh by expanding access to safe drinking water while promoting water conservation, sanitation, environmental protection and community awareness. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the initiative is involving Gram Panchayats, self-help groups, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, schools and local communities in efforts to improve water quality and protect drinking water sources. At the national-level ‘Mega Event’ held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on March 11, 2026, during Jal Mahotsav-2026, outstanding contributors from 14 Uttar Pradesh districts—Amroha, Ayodhya,…

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Government Approves Additional ₹3.92 Crore; Beneficiaries to Receive 90% Subsidy on Goat Rearing Units Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is strengthening livelihood opportunities for Scheduled Caste families through its goat rearing scheme, aimed at promoting self-employment, increasing household incomes and improving economic conditions in rural areas. For the current financial year, the government has approved supplementary financial assistance of ₹3.92 crore (₹3,92,94,000) under Grant No. 83 for implementing the scheme. The sanctioned amount has been allocated to various districts according to their requirements and demands under the Special Component Plan…

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Rural Consumers Show Growing Interest in Festive Gift Hampers Prepared by Women Self-Help Groups Lucknow: Diwali celebrations across Uttar Pradesh are set to receive a special touch of local craftsmanship, with products made by women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission finding increasing demand in both rural and urban markets. Under the leadership and guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, the State Rural Livelihood Mission has intensified its efforts to strengthen rural women’s livelihoods and promote financial independence. The initiative also…

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