Stop sermonising others; introspect why BJP lost Varanasi seats in MLC polls: Congress slams PM
New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his taunt at the opposition partys showing in the MLC elections, saying he must stop trolling and sermonising others and instead reflect on why the BJP lost both seats in his own parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that from Varanasi and Nagpur to Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Patna, the people have clearly passed a no-confidence motion against the PMs policies. The Prime Minister needs to introspect, but instead, hes sermonising others! Before counting Congresss seats, I wish
UP MLC results: SP scores wins in 5 seats including Varanasi, Agra
Samajwadi Party achieved victories in five of the 11 seats contested in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. The party secured wins in significant areas like Varanasi and Allahabad-Jhansi. Bharatiya Janata Party managed to retain six seats, including Bareilly-Moradabad and Lucknow Teachers' constituency. Political leaders from both sides accused each other of electoral malpractice during the elections.
UP MLC polls: BJP wins 6 seats; SP bags 3, leads in Varanasi, claims Lucknow
The BJP achieved victory in six out of eleven Legislative Council seats in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The Samajwadi Party secured three seats, with results still pending for the Lucknow graduates' constituency. BJP's candidates won in various categories, including teachers' and graduates' constituencies, with allegations of voter manipulation emerging. Disputes arose during counting, leading to questions regarding the election procedures and results delays.
Safety, connectivity crucial to strengthening tourism, economy
Criminals now selling bananas in Uttar Pradesh: Harsh Gujral to CM
Yogis 8-Frame Reel Captures New UPs Growth Story
LMC opens animal birth control centre in Indira Nagar
Hanuman Ansh: Faith & folk music strikes a chord
Notices served, shops shut during FSDA quality check
Belongingness wrapped in affection for fasting ladies
Saadatganj triple murder: Cops seek PCR of main accused, two still missing
UP in drivers seat against hosts Puducherry
Nepali crypto scam accused caught at Lucknow airport with Indian passport
Formalin spill on Kisan Path neutralised after 32 hrs
Young adults increasingly vulnerable to stroke: Docs
SGPGIMS to set aside Rs 4 crore annually for residents research
Free breast cancer screening at Kalyan Instt
LU starts biometric verification of scholarship applicants
Triple murder accused is a state-level shooter
UP MLC polls: BJP, SP end contest with a 6-5 scoreline
BJP Retains 5 Of 6, Gains 1; SP Retains 3, Gains 2
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Marks Major Expansion with Four New Showrooms in One Day
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 28: Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, a jewellery retail brand with a legacy dating back to 1940, has expanded its retail presence by opening four new showrooms in a single day across Bahraich, Bettiah, Lucknow and Mirzapur. With these launches, the company's store network has grown from 16 to 20 stores. It aims to expand this network to 30 stores by March 2028, strengthening its presence across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Amit Shah to Lead BJP Strategy Meeting Ahead of 2027 Elections in Uttar Pradesh
Amit Shah will inaugurate the BJPs strategy meeting in Lucknow on October 30, focusing on preparations for the upcoming 2027 assembly elections. Amit Shah to Lead BJP Strategy Meeting Ahead of 2027 Elections in Uttar Pradesh
Recounting of votes wont halt PDAs march to victory: Akhilesh
Expedite construction of Varanasi medical college: Pathak
Lucknow Police Launches Operation Digital Kavach to Combat Cyber Crimes
Lucknow Polices Operation Digital Kavach aims to empower citizens against cyber crimes involving leaked private images and videos. Lucknow Police Launches Operation Digital Kavach to Combat Cyber Crimes
WPL 2027 Auction: Happy With The Depth Weve Built, Says MI Head Coach Luke Williams
T20 World Cup: Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Luke Williams said the franchise had used the 2027Womens Premier League (WPL) auction to build depth around its retained core, adding that he was excited to see several young players get a chance to be a part of the league. The two-time champions signed six uncapped Indian players at the auction held in Kochi on Wednesday. Shweta Sehrawat was bought for Rs 20 lakh, while Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Saanika Chalke and Akshita Bhagat came in for Rs 10 lakh each. Delhi-based Shweta, UP Warriorzs lone retention in 2026 and a member of Indias 2023 U-19 Womens T20 World Cup winning squad, drew a bidding battle between MI and Delhi Capitals before going for double her base price. Certainly. Obviously, with the retentions, we had a sort of solid core group that we were able to retain. So certainly today was about trying to add to the group, whether thats in the starting XI potentially, or if not, providing different options and coverage through the tournament, depending on what surfaces we play on and if there are any injuries or players out of form. So, really happy with the depth that weve built across different areas and really excited to work with some new players, said Williams in the post-auction press conference. The coach credited MIs scouting team for identifying the recruits. Obviously the scouts did a lot of work identifying different players and then going through various networks to do our research. So, really happy with how its unfolded and excited that some young players get an opportunity at the WPL. Among the new faces, Vidarbha duo Kasat and Inamdar arrived in form, having played key roles in a tense chase against Punjab in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy in Lucknow only a day before the auction. Disha opened and made an unbeaten 66 off 52 balls, while Latika hit 17 off eight balls. Saanika, a 20-year-old left-handed top-order batter, was part of Indias 2025 Under-19 T20 World Cup-winning squad and struck 85 off 53 balls against Jharkhand in the same tournament. Akshita won the Under-23 event of the WPL Speed Queen contest with a top speed of 105kph and recently played for India A against Australia A in Mohali. Among the new faces, Vidarbha duo Kasat and Inamdar arrived in form, having played key roles in a tense chase against Punjab in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy in Lucknow only a day before the auction. Disha opened and made an unbeaten 66 off 52 balls, while Latika hit 17 off eight balls. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'I Was Trolled': Ravi Kishan Recalls His Struggles, Urges Youth To Build Skills, Lauds UPs Growth
Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan urged young people to use technology to create opportunities, develop skills and take pride in their cultural roots while speaking at the TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards 2026 in Lucknow. Emphasising that Indias youth are its present, not just its future, he encouraged youngsters to move beyond social media scrolling and use their mobile phones to create, earn and share ideas. Kishan recalled his own struggles in the entertainment industry and said his cultural identity had been a source of strength. He also highlighted career opportunities across cinema, OTT, theatre and digital content. Praising Uttar Pradeshs infrastructure and investment potential, he said global investors were eyeing the state and urged young people to build their future in UP.
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) In a bid to turn the state into a trillion-dollar economy Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday proposed foreign investment from Singapore across manufacturing, logistics, semiconductors, data centres, green energy and urban infrastructure, assuring investors of government support from the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to the commencement of manufacturing. At a meeting with a 14-member delegation from the Singapore Business Federation, the Chief Minister proposed developing a dedicated 'Singapore City' and a high-tech industrial township near the Noida International Airport in Jewar. An eligibility certificate was handed over for one investment project, while MoUs were exchanged with two companies, marking steps towards translating investment proposals into projects on the ground. Adityanath said the state's priority was not merely to secure investment commitments but to ensure their timely implementation, generate employment and strengthen industrial production. He said Singapore's technological capabilities and management expertise, combined with Uttar Pradesh's large market, skilled workforce and expanding infrastructure, offered significant opportunities for collaboration. Recalling his visit to Singapore in February 2026, the Chief Minister said investment agreements worth approximately Rs 60,000 crore had been reached during the visit. He reiterated the government's commitment to providing investors with security, policy stability and support for timely project execution. The state, he said, has a land bank of more than 75,000 acres available for industrial development, while 27 integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters are being developed. The six nodes of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, located in Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh and Chitrakoot, have attracted investment proposals exceeding Rs 35,000 crore. Adityanath highlighted opportunities for Singaporean companies in multimodal logistics and warehousing, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, data centres and cloud services, artificial intelligence, clean energy and waste management. He said Jewar's expressway network and connectivity to the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors could position the region as a major supply chain hub for North India. Uttar Pradesh accounts for approximately 55 per cent of India's mobile phone production and nearly 60 per cent of electronic component manufacturing, the Chief Minister said. The state also contributes around 21 per cent of the country's foodgrain production, creating opportunities for foreign investment in food processing, packaging and exports. He also invited Singaporean investors to explore tourism and hospitality projects in Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj and along the Buddhist Circuit. Collaboration in urban planning was another area of focus, particularly for Lucknow, the State Capital Region and new townships. Among the projects discussed, Greater Nashik Infracon Private Limited, associated with Singapore-based Universal Success Enterprises Group, received an eligibility certificate for the allocation of 50 acres in Sector 8D of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area. The company plans to establish a Universal Packaging Hub with an investment of Rs 775 crore, including foreign direct equity from Singapore. The project is expected to generate 1,880 direct jobs. An MoU was also exchanged with Agricorp International for a manufacturing unit to produce soy protein isolate and chickpea protein concentrate, aimed at strengthening agricultural processing and value addition in the state. Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, a global waste management company, signed an MoU to treat approximately 7.5 lakh tonnes of legacy waste in Sector 145, Noida, and process fresh waste at a capacity of 350 tonnes per day in Saharanpur. The Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh was seeking to convert its investment potential into manufacturing capacity, infrastructure development and employment, positioning the state as a destination for international investors.
UP power consumers get highest-ever 9.17% relief in November bills, to save Rs 645 crore
ED attaches Azam Khan-linked Jauhar University assets worth Rs 426.46 crore in PMLA case
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached land and buildings belonging to Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district, valued at Rs 426.46 crore in connection with a money laundering probe involving the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Mohammad Azam Khan, and others, an official statement said on Wednesday. According to the ED, the attached assets have a current estimated market value of around Rs 1,170 crore. The university campus, located at Jauhar Nagar in Rampur's Singhankhera village, is owned by the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which was founded and is controlled by Azam Khan, who also serves as the institution's honorary Chancellor. The investigation stems from 26 FIRs registered at Azeem Nagar police station in Rampur, alleging that agricultural land belonging to farmers was forcibly acquired for the university. The ED said enquiries by the district administration also found that nearly 34 acres of enemy property at Singhankhera village had allegedly been occupied for the university despite the cancellation of the land lease. The land has since been recovered by the Custodian of Enemy Property through the district administration. The agency claimed its investigation revealed that funds intended for public works were diverted to the university, government-funded projects were executed on the private campus, and money from contractors awarded government contracts was routed back to the trust as donations. The ED has also taken up investigation of 28 additional FIRs registered against Azam Khan and others in Rampur. These cases include allegations that several houses were demolished in 2016 and that material and equipment linked to public projects were diverted for use at the university campus. The allegations are part of charge sheets filed by the police. According to the agency, contractors involved in government projects admitted to supplying construction material and funds for the university. The ED further alleged that proceeds generated through illegal activities were utilised for the acquisition, construction and development of the university and associated assets. A valuation conducted by the District Valuation Officer estimated the total cost of the university campus, including 59 buildings and land acquired through 114 sale deeds, at Rs 499.09 crore. However, the trust reportedly accounted for only Rs 78.32 crore as capital expenditure in its income tax filings. After examining the records, the ED concluded that only Rs 72.63 crore of the campus cost could be explained through legitimate sources, leaving Rs 426.46 crore as alleged proceeds of crime. The agency further alleged that works worth Rs 6.60 crore were executed on the university campus using MLA and MLC local area development funds, while government sanctions amounting to Rs 23.41 crore were granted for infrastructure projects on the private campus. The ED claimed that subsequent modifications to government orders resulted in public assets being transferred to the university. Based on these findings, the ED has attached the university's land and buildings to the extent of the alleged proceeds of crime of Rs 426.46 crore. Searches conducted at the university and related premises on August 19, 2026, resulted in the seizure of electronic devices and documents, the agency said. Further investigation is underway.
Magnitude 3.9 earthquake hits Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra
UP: New regulatory frameworks for boats, to get unique registration numbers
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh government is set to introduce a new regulatory framework for boats and watercraft by allotting each of them unique registration numbers. The move is aimed at making river-based transport safer and more organised, while simultaneously boosting related economic activities. The new framework, being introduced under the proposed 'Inland Vessels Rules-2026,' will see both motorised and non-motorised vessels being assigned unique registration numbers. Provisions have also been made to establish dedicated funds for development and welfare initiatives related to water transport, enhancing transparency in the operation of river ghats, and setting safety standards for passengers. This initiative is expected to make passenger transport, river tourism, traditional boat operations, and cargo transport safer and more systematic across major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gomti, Gandak, and Betwa, said an official statement. According to the UP Transport Department, the proposed rules include the creation of a 'State Development Fund' for motorised vessels, financed through fees and penalties collected from water transport operations. Separately, a 'District Welfare Fund' will be established at the district level to support activities concerning non-motorised vessels. To ensure passenger safety in river transport, river ghats (piers/landings) will have to mandatorily equip themselves with permanent lighting, signboards, life buoys, and the presence of divers. Responsibilities concerning the leasing, maintenance, operation, and safety of these ghats will be assigned to local bodies, development authorities, and district committees. A district-level committee, chaired by the District Magistrate, will be established to prevent boat accidents. Providing safety-related information to passengers before every journey will be mandatory. Furthermore, boats must be equipped with a number of life jackets exceeding the passenger capacity by 10 per cent, along with a 10-meter-long rope and a first-aid kit. Additionally, there is a plan to maintain emergency response vessels (rescue boats) at a ratio of 1:10, ensuring that rescue operations can be carried out swiftly when needed. Notably, the wide network of rivers in Uttar Pradesh offers significant potential for passenger transport, tourism, traditional boat operations, and freight movement. A clear registration system, defined safety standards, improved management of ghats, and provisions for the welfare of boatmen can help bring structure to this sector. Effective implementation of these regulations is expected to build passenger confidence, reduce the risk of accidents, and promote river-based economic activities.
CBI Court sentences ex-archivist of National Archives of India to three years RI in bribery case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) A CBI court in Ahmedabad on Wednesday convicted and sentenced Satdhari Lal Sahu, the then Archivist at the National Archives of Indias Record Centre in Zalana Dungari, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to three years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 in a bribery case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered the case on December 26, 2012, following allegations that Sahu had demanded illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for providing copies of official records. According to the CBI, Sahu had demanded a bribe of Rs 15,000 to provide copies of old CRO records relating to a survey of Rajkot and a file containing old British land records. The agency subsequently laid a trap and caught Sahu red-handed while he was accepting the bribe of Rs 15,000 from the complainant. He was arrested on December 26, 2012. Following his arrest, the CBI conducted searches at his residence and office as part of the investigation. After completing the probe, the agency filed a chargesheet against Sahu on June 28, 2013. Following the trial, the court convicted him and sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 20,000. In a separate case, the CBI had earlier, on October 23, apprehended two officials of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Lucknow Zone in connection with an alleged bribery case involving Rs 5 lakh. The accused were identified as Enforcement Officer Deepak Kumar and Head Constable Manoj Dwivedi, both posted at the ED's Lucknow office. According to a CBI press release, the agency registered a case against the two officials following a complaint alleging a demand for illegal gratification. The complaint alleged that Dwivedi had demanded a bribe from the complainant's father in exchange for extending assistance in an Enforcement Directorate case. The complainant's father had reportedly received two summonses from the ED's Lucknow Zone in August and September. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on October 23. During the operation, Dwivedi was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 5 lakh on behalf of Enforcement Officer Deepak Kumar to extend undue favour to the complainant's father in the ED case.
LDA Demolishes Encroachment Linked To Lucknow Triple Murder
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has removed encroachment on Nazul land connected to the accused in a recent triple murder case in Saadatganj. This action follows the killing of three men over a parking dispute and subsequent demands for demolition by the victims' family. The LDA had previously sealed the house and demolished its boundary wall, citing illegal construction. Police have made arrests, and political figures have assured stringent action and support for the victims' family.
8 districts, 11 villages: Yogi governments (Land)mark for farmers of UP
Uttar Pradesh Rani Lakshmibai Mahila Evam Bal Samman Kosh Yojana
Yogi government invests heavily in modernisation and security of UP jails
Lucknow airport opens 804m parallel taxi track to cut runway occupancy time
Ghaziabad: Now a stronger gateway to Delhi-NCR
UP MLC election results: BJP wins 5 MLC seats, Samajwadi Party bags 3; counting continues
Farrukhabads potato economy: From farm produce to a stronger agri-value chain
Muzaffarnagar: From sugar bowl to a diversified agro-processing hub
Uttar Pradesh Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Sarvahit Bima Yojana
UPs IT revolution: From emerging hub to Rs 1 lakh crore export powerhouse
UP: Triple Talaq victims assistance scheme
Mirzapur: Carpet, stone and handicrafts gain momentum with improved connectivity
Pratapgarhs Amla economy: How UP built a value-added rural industry
Debutant director Radhika Bansal aims to bright up this Diwali with her feel-good, slice of life movie Meethe Mein Kya Hai. As the film inches closer to its Diwali week release, the makers have been dropping songs from the album composed by Amit Trivedi. Building on the success of Jagmaga and Chhad De, the makers dropped the third track from the album. Ichak Dana Bichak Dana, sung by Nakash Aziz and written by Kumaar, marks a vibrant third song for the film, bringing a heavy dose of nostalgia to Meethe Mein Kya Hais musical line-up. Ichak Dana Bichak Dana is an upbeat, feel-good number by Amit Trivedi, it brings to life the joy of a family coming together under one roof. With its catchy tune and nostalgic feel, the song fits into Meethe Mein Kya Hai's storyline. Full of energy and warmth, it captures the films lively family dynamic and celebrates the little moments, shared traditions and bonds. Set over four days during Diwali at the family matriarchs home in Lucknow, Meethe Mein Kya Hai is a warm, witty family entertainer that explores the chaos, affection and unexpected surprises that come with a multigenerational family reunion. The movie's trailer, which was released on October 21, has been received well by the audience. The film stars and ensemble cast that includes Ritwik Bhowmik, Rohini Hattangady, Ayesha Raza, Gaurav Sharma, Tarana Raja, Abhay Kaul, Dalai, Vikram Bakshi, Ayuushman Ghai, Kiara Chouhan and Shivika Rishi. Written and directed by debutant filmmaker Radhika Bansal, the film premieres on Netflix on 30 October. Also Read: Meethe Mein Kya Hai trailer out: Debutant director Radhika Bansal brings a multigenerational family story to Netflix
BJP bags four of 11 UP MLC seats, SP gets two
The BJP has secured four of the 11 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seats, while the Samajwadi Party has won two, with vote counting still in progress for other constituencies. Key wins for BJP include Teachers' and Graduates' seats in Bareilly-Moradabad, Lucknow, and Meerut. The Samajwadi Party claimed victories in Varanasi Teachers' and Agra-Aligarh Teachers' constituencies, with its candidates also leading in other graduate seats. The elections are seen as a crucial battle ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
The counting is underway in Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Meerut, Jhansi, Bareilly and Gorakhpur
UP MLC polls counting underway: BJP wins four, SP secures Varanasi Teachers' seat
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) The elections for the Legislative Council's Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies, seen as a crucial indicator of the political climate ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, are witnessing a fierce contest between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party. In the ongoing vote count for 11 seats, the BJP has secured victory in four, while the Samajwadi Party's Lal Bihari Yadav has won the Varanasi Teachers' constituency. The BJP has retained both the Teachers' and Graduates' seats in Meerut. Umesh Dwivedi achieved a hat-trick by winning the Lucknow Teachers' seat for the third consecutive time. Meanwhile, the counting of votes for the remaining seats is underway. Polling for these 11 seats, comprising five Graduates' and six Teachers' constituencies, took place on October 23, with a total of 152 candidates in the fray. The outcome will be determined by the votes of approximately 14.81 lakh electors. The counting process began at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday across seven centres in the state. Tight security arrangements are in place, with the process being monitored via CCTV cameras and videography. The BJP emerged victorious in both the Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies of the Meerut-Saharanpur division. For the Teachers' seat, BJP candidate Shrichand Sharma won by securing 18,099 votes, while in the Graduates' constituency, the BJP's Dinesh Goyal secured victory with 24,928 votes. Hari Singh Dhillon of the BJP won from the Bareilly-Moradabad Teachers' constituency. As mentioned, Umesh Dwivedi of the BJP secured a hat-trick by winning the Lucknow Teachers' constituency for the third time in a row. Following his victory, Umesh Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to the teachers and voters. I express my gratitude and thanks to all my respected teachers and fellow voters. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Yogi-ji, Modi-ji, and the party's lakhs of workers and office-bearers for placing their trust in me, he said. Meanwhile, in the Varanasi Teachers' constituency, Lal Bihari Yadav of the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious. Following his victory, he stated, The BJP's claims of winning both seats had proven hollow. Teachers had placed their trust in Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and campaigning by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had no impact on the election. Lal Bihari Yadav also accused the administration of harassing his supporters during the election. He alleged that some individuals were placed under house arrest, while others were pressured not to leave their school premises. There has been no official response from the administration regarding these allegations. During the vote counting for the Agra Teachers' Constituency, a dispute arose between the Samajwadi Party and BJP candidates. SP candidate Akash Agarwal alleged that he was assaulted at the counting centre and that his 'kurta' was torn; he held BJP supporters responsible for the incident. Following the incident, tension escalated at the counting centre, with supporters from both parties confronting one another. Conversely, BJP workers dismissed the allegations, claiming that Akash Agarwal had torn his own 'kurta'. BJP workers also staged a sit-in protest. Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar stated that both sides have levelled accusations of assault against each other, leading to a contentious situation at the counting centre. The counting of votes for the Gorakhpur-Faizabad Teachers' Constituency is taking place at the Commerce Department of Gorakhpur University. Here, the Samajwadi Party has boycotted the counting process, alleging electoral malpractice. SP leaders alleged that the democratic process is being compromised, claiming that administrative officials and observers are working to ensure the victory of the BJP candidate. These allegations have not been independently verified. A tight contest between the BJP and the SP is also being observed in the Graduates' Constituencies. In the Allahabad-Jhansi Graduates' Constituency, SP candidate Mansingh Yadav took the lead following the fifth round of counting. In the Lucknow Graduates' Constituency, SP candidate Kanti Singh has been leading since the initial rounds. Meanwhile, for the Varanasi Graduates' constituency seat, the contest is between Ashutosh Sinha of the SP and Kedar Singh of the BJP. The counting of first-preference votes has commenced here. The result for this seat is expected to be declared later in the day. In the remaining constituencies, the counting of votes is currently underway.
Comedian Harsh Gujral touches Yogi Adityanath's feet, cracks crime joke at UP event [Watch]
Comedian Harsh Gujral received a youth icon award at an event in Uttar Pradesh in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He narrated a humorous anecdote about a banana seller in Lucknow who claimed crime had ended, joking that he was a former criminal who now sold bananas
A blend of youth and experience is a winning mantra for UP: Kaif
Karans unbeaten 162, Mavis fifty lift UP against Puducherry
Star singer with US citizenship visiting India since 2022 without filing Form C
Weve reduced mafia to dust in UP, says CM Yogi
Lauds TOI For Inspiring Millions By Felicitating Youth Icons
3 Sitapur bizmen found dead in car pulled out of pond
Lost in translation: Understanding the Gen Z vocab gap
Cashless med cover for 1.7 L edu staff
Kathak glow on festive evening
DRI seizes 2kg smuggled gold worth Rs 2.76 crore in Barabanki, two arrested
BJP retains 3 MLC seats, SP holds Varanasi Teachers constituency
5K lawyers to vote for OBA polls today
HC seeks CBSE plan to improve traffic management near schools
Boeing 777 makes commercial debut at Lucknow airport
Citing illegal construction, LDA seals accused house
2 cops suspended after family alleges police inaction
6 bullets, 3 dead: Post-Mortem reveals extent of triple murder
How a neighbourhood bond ended in tragedy
Mayawati flags decline in political decorum
Champions, creators & changemakers take centre stage as TOI celebrates youth power
Beyond crime & stereotypes: Actors with roots in UP bat for states new image
Skills, startups and self-belief: Startup founders spell the new success formula
UPs youth power turning possibilities into achievements: Yogi
UP govt to promote traditional pottery through 11-day Mati Kala Mahotsav 2026 in Lucknow
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 27 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths leadership, is set to promote traditional pottery and terracotta craftsmanship through the 11-day Mati Kala Mahotsav 2026, beginning on October 28 in Lucknow. The festival will continue until November 7 at the Khadi Bhawan premises in Dalibagh. The idea is to provide a major platform for traditional artisans to showcase their skills and products. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board, the state-level festival will be held under the theme Mitti se Sanskriti, Sanskriti se Samriddhi (Culture from Soil, Prosperity from Culture). The initiative aims to preserve the states rich cultural heritage, encourage local craftsmanship and create greater market opportunities for pottery artisans. The grand exhibition will be inaugurated by Rakesh Sachan, Minister for Khadi and Village Industries, Silk Industry, Handloom and Textiles, on Wednesday, October 28. According to the official announcement, the inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. at the Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board premises, Khadi Bhawan, 8-Tilak Marg, Dalibagh, Lucknow. Anil Kumar Sagar, Principal Secretary of the Khadi and Village Industries Department, will also attend the event. Artisans from various districts of Uttar Pradesh will participate in the festival, displaying a wide range of high-quality pottery and traditional clay products. The exhibition is expected to highlight the creativity, craftsmanship and cultural significance of clay-based art while bringing traditional artisans closer to potential customers. The festival also reflects the government's efforts to strengthen traditional industries, support rural livelihoods and encourage self-employment among skilled craftspeople. By offering artisans a direct platform to exhibit their creations, the event aims to increase public appreciation for indigenous art and help sustain traditional pottery-making practices. Shishir, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board, has appealed to citizens, art enthusiasts and members of the public to visit the exhibition, explore the products and encourage local artisans. According to officials, the 11-day celebration is expected to bring together tradition, creativity and economic opportunity, reinforcing the importance of pottery in Uttar Pradeshs cultural identity.
Forced to Sell Bananas: CM Yogi Responds After Comedian Harsh Gujral Jokes About UP Crime
Stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral left Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laughing at the TOI Youth Icons Summit in Lucknow after sharing a humorous anecdote about a banana seller and crime in the state. Gujral recalled asking a vendor whether crime had reduced in Uttar Pradesh, to which the seller reportedly replied that he had once been involved in criminal activities but was now selling bananas. Responding to the anecdote, Yogi credited his governments zero-tolerance policy, implemented in 2017, for the change. He said mafias had been wiped out and contrasted the past with the One District, One Product scheme.
Mainpuri Sainik School gets land for expansion
Cabinet clears free land for warehouses in Jhansi, Lalitpur
7 Amrut 2.0 projects for Lucknow, Kashi
543cr housing project for HC officers cleared
UP set to launch construction of 4 link eways
Cabinet nod to setting up of State Livestock Mission
Cabinet clears 70-acre robotics park in Greater Noida
Nod to four GCC proposals worth Rs 1,710cr
