Category: Top News

New Delhi: The emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, has drawn the attention of scientists, who are investigating its transmissibility, genetic characteristics and ability to enter human cells. First identified in Ontario, Canada, in May 2026, the variant has subsequently been detected in parts of North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Researchers are examining whether genetic changes in PJ.2.1 could make it more efficient at entering human cells and whether these mutations could affect immunity developed through existing COVID-19 vaccines. However, early research has not established that the variant…

Gonda: Hundreds of teachers staged a protest at the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) office in Gonda, demanding timely promotions. The demonstration was organised at the call of the Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh under the leadership of district president Virendra Mishra. The protesting teachers demanded that the promotion process be completed by November 7, 2026. They also submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate, seeking necessary intervention to ensure that the process is completed within the stipulated deadline. Teachers and office-bearers from several blocks across the district participated in the demonstration, expressing…

Gonda: Bringing relief and festive cheer to families affected by floods and river erosion, three Lions Clubs in Gonda jointly organised a Diwali assistance programme in Paras Patti Purwar, distributing ration kits and blankets to 310 families. The initiative was organised by Lions Club Gonda Awadh, Lions Club Gonda Seva and Lions Club Gonda Prerna under the humanitarian outreach of Lions Clubs International and its foundation, LCIF. The programme aimed to support families struggling with the aftermath of natural disasters and help them celebrate Diwali with a sense of togetherness.…

Gonda: A project presentation programme under the National Children’s Science Congress was organised at Government Girls’ Inter College, Gonda, on Thursday, providing students from various schools an opportunity to present their scientific ideas and innovations. The central theme of the programme was “Science and Innovation for Sustainable Development”. The sub-themes included R5, E4, rainwater conservation, and the application of Indian Knowledge Systems in food, agriculture and healthcare. The programme was inaugurated by Lal Bahadur Shastri College Principal Jitendra Singh, Head of the Botany Department Rekha Sharma and Government Girls’ Inter…

Gonda: Divisional Commissioner of Devipatan Division Durga Shakti Nagpal celebrated Diwali with elderly residents at an old age home in Gonda, sharing festive greetings and distributing sweets, fruits and shawls. During her visit, Nagpal interacted with the residents and enquired about their well-being. She also sought information about their living conditions, health, food arrangements and the facilities available at the old age home. She listened to their concerns and discussed their needs. On the occasion, the divisional commissioner said Diwali was not just a festival of lights and celebrations but…

Bareilly: Sunaina Saxena, a participant from the Cultural Centre of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, secured third place in the original poetry writing competition at the divisional-level Youth Festival organised under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. The festival was organised by the Youth Welfare and Provincial Guards Department. Participants were required to write and recite an original poem on a given theme. Sunaina chose the theme ‘Drug-Free Developed India’ and presented a poem highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse, its impact on young people and the…

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and BJP MP Ravi Kishan launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav over his reported plans to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Pathak said that if Akhilesh Yadav visits Ayodhya to offer prayers to Ram Lalla, he should also apologise to Lord Ram for the firing on unarmed karsevaks during the Samajwadi Party government. He alleged that the party which ordered firing on karsevaks in Ayodhya was now speaking about visiting the Ram Temple. Pathak also accused the…

Balrampur: The Uttar Pradesh government’s Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan is emerging as an important source of self-employment and economic empowerment for educated and skilled youth in Balrampur district. Interest among young people in setting up their own micro-enterprises is growing, supported by interest-free and collateral-free financial assistance under the scheme. The state government aims to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and create 10 lakh new micro-entrepreneurs over the next 10 years. The initiative focuses particularly on providing trained youth in rural and semi-urban areas…