Will cancel Agnipath scheme as soon as we come to power, says Akhilesh

Lucknow, Jul 27: The Agnipath scheme will be cancelled as soon as we come to power, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday, a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced reservation for retired Agniveers. While campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, Yadav had repeatedly promised to scrap the short-term military recruitment scheme if the INDIA bloc, of which the Samajwadi Party is a constituent, came to power. In a post on X, Yadav said, As soon [] The post Will cancel Agnipath scheme as soon as we come to power, says Akhilesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Hyderabad Twin blast convict Maqbool dies in Cherlapally Jail

Hyderabad: Syed Maqbool, also known as Zubair and Shanawaz, a convict in the Dilsukhnagar twin blasts case, passed away due to prolonged ill health at Cherlapally Central Prison. Maqbool, 44, an activist of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) terror outfit, had reportedly assembled a pressure cooker bomb for Rs 2000, reliable police sources revealed. A native of Nanded, Maharashtra, Zubair played a pivotal role in the 2013 Dilsukhnagar twin blasts, which occurred at the TSRTC bus stand number-7. He had reportedly triggered the bombs using a remote sensor and transmitter/receiver that he prepared after undergoing militant training on the India-Kashmir border with Pakistani terrorists. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Maqbool in 2013, during which he confessed to organizing a series of high-profile attacks across India, including the deadly 2013 Dilsukhnagar bomb blasts. Maqbool, who died on July 25 while undergoing treatment at Cherlapally Central Prison, was linked with Indian Mujahideen members based in Pakistan and India and was deeply involved in various terror plots and conspiracies. The NIA investigation revealed Maqbool maintained close ties with key figures of the Indian Mujahideen, including top Pakistani IM activists Ubaid-Ur-Rehman, Imran Khan, and Riyaz Bhatkal, who were reportedly present in India at the time of the twin blasts. The conspiracy was hatched by Riyaz, Maqbool, Ubaid, and Imran, with Maqbool triggering the twin blasts. Before his arrest, Maqbool, along with other IM activists, conducted reconnaissance on major projects in Hyderabad, including dams and irrigation projects, aiming to cause maximum damage. They identified major public places and projects throughout India, conducting extensive reconnaissance of important sites, maps, and blueprints. Maqbool was arrested by the NIA in 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 by a special court in Delhi. The NIA filed a chargesheet detailing the IM's conspiracy and involvement in organizing a series of devastating blasts across the country. These acts of terror included the Varanasi blasts in 2006, the Mumbai serial blasts in 2006, the UP Courts serial blasts in Varanasi, Faizabad, and Lucknow in 2007, the Jaipur serial blasts in 2008, the Delhi serial blasts in 2008, the Ahmedabad serial blasts in 2008, the Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in Bangalore in 2010, and the Hyderabad twin blasts in 2013. Maqbool was serving a life sentence for his role in the Dilsukhnagar blasts, which claimed 18 lives and injured over 130 people. He was shifted to Cherlapally prison in November 2023 to serve his sentence in connection with cases registered against him in Telangana, sources disclosed.

Will cancel Agnipath scheme 'as soon as we come to power': Akhilesh Yadav

LUCKNOW: The Agnipath scheme will be cancelled as soon as we come to power, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday, a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced reservation for retired Agniveers. While campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, Yadav had repeatedly promised to scrap the short-term military recruitment scheme if the INDIA bloc, of which the Samajwadi Party is a constituent, came to power. In a post on X, Yadav said, As soon as we come to power, the short-term 'Agniveer' military recruitment that compromises the security of the country and plays with the future of the soldiers will be cancelled within 24 hours. This is our demand on 'Agniveer'. The old recruitment (model) should be reinstated, he said in Hindi. 24 , pic.twitter.com/UiETODhWiH Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 27, 2024 Adityanath on Friday said the Uttar Pradesh government would grant weightage to Agniveers who returned from service for recruitment in the police and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). The Centre in 2022 unveiled the Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of youths aged between 17-and-a-half and 21 in the Army, Navy and the Air Force, largely on a four-year contractual basis. Those recruited under the scheme will be known as Agniveers. After completion of their four-year tenure, 25 per cent of the recruits from each batch will be offered regular service. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had announced that 10 per cent vacancies for recruitment in the Central Armed Police Forces or the paramilitary forces would be reserved for ex-Agniveers. Several state governments also made similar announcements for recruitment of retired Agniveers in their respective police forces. Congress chief Kharge takes on PM Modi over claims on Agnipath, seeks review of scheme

Lucknow Diary: UP to be in focus at RSS coordination meeting

UP to be in focus at RSS meet The UP debacle has triggered a series of meetings and confabulations not only in the BJP but in its parent organisation, the RSS. RSS also seems to be equally worried about the future poll course of the party. The issue is set to figure prominently at the much-awaited RSS coordination meeting in Kerala between July 31 and August 2. The meeting, to be held in Palakkad district, assumes significance amid the buzz of a rift between the BJP and its ideological fountainhead. Sources claim that national BJP chief JP Nadda is likely to attend the meeting. Amid political rumblings, new equations on anvil Amid the political rumbling within the NDA, including the BJP and the allies, the recent meeting of Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) leader Pallavi Patel with UP CM Yogi Adityanath is a talk of the town. Patel defeated Deputy CM Keshav Maurya in his traditional Sirathu seat on a SP ticket in 2022. The meeting is being witnessed as a gesture to send out a message to Keshav Maurya and BJP ally Apna Dal (S) chief Anupriya Patel. Pallavi and Anupriya are sisters, but after father Sone Lal Patels demise, differences among copped up over fathers legacy. BJP MLA gets security, says full faith in Yogi Fateh Bahadur Singh, former minister and son of ex-CM Vir Bahadur Singh, finally issued a statement saying that government was conducting a high-level probe into reports of threat to his life and he was fully satisfied with the Special Task Force handling the case. Seven-time MLA had expressed discontent over alleged insensitive attitude of the Gorakhpur district authorities for not taking the issue seriously. However, issuing a letter on Friday, he said he has a personal rapport with CM Yogi Adityanath who had provided him Y-Plus security cover since last five years. The former minister said he had full faith and confidence in the CM. Namita bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@ newindianexpress.com

Banthra killing: NBW issued against absconding accused

Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram: Maya against politicking

Two held for assault on city neurosurgeon

STF nabs man from Ayodhya for attack on mahant in Mum

Washerwomans daughter bags US scholarship

Schoolkids imparted skill devpt training

CBI files case againstsuspended IITR officer

Frame strategy for devpt of each region: Yogi to officials

UPs ambulances take shortest time: Report

CM honours war veterans, veer naris & kin of fallen soldiers

Wont interfere in govt notification: HC bench

NEP & NAAC rating for better higher edu

Agniveers will get weightage inUP Police, PAC recruitments: Yogi

Dil-e-Nazuk to retell story of Awadh nawab Wajid Ali Shah

Promotion of natural gas in UP discussed

General surgery dept of KGMU to get new bldg soon

LU to have mgmt studies faculty

Rahul meets loco pilots, visits cobblers shop

Rahul Gandhi appears in UP court, calls defamation case against him 'cheappublicity'

Sultanpur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before an MP-MLA court here on Friday in a defamation case against him and said it was filed to gain cheap publicity. According to Gandhi's lawyer Kashi Prasad Shukla, the Congress MP, who appeared before Special Judge Shubham Verma, said he never made a statement against anyone that could lead to a case of defamation. Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed the complaint on August 4, 2018, against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged objectionable comments against Amit Shah at a press conference in Bengaluru in May of that year during the Karnataka elections. The complainant referred to Gandhi's comment that the BJP claims to believe in honest and clean politics but has a party president who is an accused in a murder case. Shah was BJP president when Gandhi made the comment. About four years before Gandhi's remark, a special CBI court in Mumbai discharged Shah in a 2005 fake encounter case when he was a minister of state for home in Gujarat. The MP-MLA court in Sultanpur fixed August 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter when the statement of the petitioner will be recorded. Sources said Gandhi need not appear in the court on that date. Advocate Santosh Kumar Pandey, representing Mishra, said Gandhi has recorded his statement before the judge and evidence will be presented on August 12. On his way back to Lucknow after attending the court proceedings, Gandhi stopped at the shop of a cobbler on the outskirts of Sultanpur and spoke to him about his problems. Gandhi halted his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Amethi on February 20 and appeared in the court which granted him bail. On Friday morning, Congress workers gathered at the civil court in Sultanpur in large numbers for Gandhi's arrival. The Rae Bareli MP appeared before the special judge in court number 15 and recorded his statement. The court premises resembled a fortress with a heavy presence of security personnel.

Rahul Gandhi Makes Brief Stop At Cobbler Shop On Way Back To Lucknow

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday stopped briefly at a cobbler's shop on his way back to Lucknow from Sultanpur where he had gone to appear before a court in a defamation case.

Rahul Gandhi appears in Sultanpur MP/MLA Court in defamation case over remarks on Amit Shah

LUCKNOW: Congress MP from Rae Bareli and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi appeared in the local court of Sultanpur on Friday in connection with a defamation case pertaining to his alleged controversial comments on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Sultanpur court has posted the matter for the next hearing on August 12. Gandhi, who appeared before Special Judge Shubham Verma, stated during his appearance that he never made any statement against anyone that could lead to a defamation case, his lawyer Kashi Prasad Shukla told media persons. The defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was registered by Vijay Mishra, the BJP district chief of Sultanpur, in the district and sessions MP/MLA court on August 4, 2018, accusing Gandhi of making the remarks against Shah during an election rally in Bengaluru in the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections. As per the details of the case, during a press conference in 2018, Rahul Gandhi had said, People in India forget that the president of BJP is a murder accused. That's the truth. The party that talks of honesty, decency, has a person as president who has been accused of murder. He had added, Amit Shah has been accused of murder, right? The Supreme Court has mentioned the Judge Loya case. So I don't think Amit Shah has a lot of credibility. I mean, let's look into the background. Let's see what he is responsible for. Let's see how he does politics. Also, don't forget he is a murder accused. This is fundamental, Gandhi had told the media persons. Legitimate right of Rahul Gandhi for speedy decision on defamation complaint: Bombay HC During the Friday appearance, the petitioner's lawyer Santosh Pandey said that Rahul Gandhi refuted all the charges leveled against him. Gandhi claimed he was being framed for political reasons to tarnish his image. He answered the questions asked by the court and recorded his statement. Now we will produce the evidence on August 12, 2024, the next date of hearing, said Pandey. Meanwhile, UP Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai stated that the ruling party was harassing Rahul Gandhi by filing 30-31 cases against him. But the Congress party is fighting bravely, he said. On Friday morning, a large number of Congress workers gathered at the civil court as Rahul Gandhi arrived at exactly 11 am. He appeared before the special judge in court number 15 and returned after recording his statement.

Gambhir is contemporary, will come up with fresh ideas: Ravi Shastri

DUBAI: Former India captain Ravi Shastri expects Gautam Gambhir to flourish in his new role as head coach, saying he is a contemporary mentor who has taken over the reins of a relatively mature and settled team. Shastri, a former India coach, believes the 42-year-old Gambhir can make an immediate impact in his new role as he is already close to the team, having played with and mentored quite a few players. The former left-handed opener served as a team mentor for Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He's (Gambhir) contemporary, he just had a great season in the IPL. I think he's the right age when he's young, he'll come up with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So I think it's refreshing, Shastri said on the recent episode of The ICC Review. And we know with Gautam, he's a no-nonsense guy. He'll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he's got a mature team. He's got a settled team, a mature team. I think even though you might think you're mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So I think it'll be interesting times. Shastri feels managing the workload of players, especially bowlers, will be Gambhir's biggest challenge. Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach. So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job and he's got the experience. Gambhir's first assignment as India coach is the white-ball series in Sri Lanka which starts with a three-match T20 series in Pallekele on Saturday. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from the shortest format after last month's T20 World Cup triumph, Gambhir's other task would be find to find replacements for the trio. There's so many (good India) players out there and it's just about getting the right mix. I think a lot of the players that won this T20 World Cup will still be around two years later (at the 2026 T20 World Cup), Shastri said. You mentioned the three players who were retired, but barring them, I think most of the others will be still fit to be in that T20 World Cup team two years down the line in India. The former India cricketer feels there will be plenty of problem for Gambhir. I don't think there's much to be done there.In fact, you will get a problem on your hands because you'll have to choose from the new lot that's coming and there's some real exciting talent there. It's the other way around. It's how do you get those guys in there that they're bursting at the scenes to get it. There's a queue out there and that will be his biggest challenge, but it's a good headache when you have that kind of talent. Player management is another aspect that will be pivotal to Gambhir's success, believes Shastri. It's a question of just understanding his players as quickly as possible. What their strengths are, what kind of human beings they are and what kind of temperaments do they have? What are their personalities? A lot goes behind the scenes to understand a human being, he said. I think that will be his most important task, which I think again should not be a problem because he's contemporary. He's seen these guys from the outside, he's dealt with a lot of guys who might have played with KKR as well and for Lucknow (Super Giants) when he was there. And he's been around the circuit, the moment he finished cricket and that was not too long ago, he still is around, plays a lot of the legends cricket as well, he added.

Gambhir Will Come With Fresh Ideas As India Head Coach, Says Ravi Shastri

Kolkata Knight Riders: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has said Gautam Gambhir will bring fresh ideas to the national mens team when they begin their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Saturday. Gambhir won IPL 2024 as mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, before being appointed as new India head coach after Rahul Dravids tenure came to an end. He's contemporary, he just had a great season in the IPL. I think he's the right age where he's young, he'll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So I think it's refreshing. And we know with Gautam, he's a no-nonsense guy. He'll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he's got a mature team. He's got a settled team, a mature team. I think even though you might think you're mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So I think it'll be interesting times, said Shastri on ICC Review show. Shastri, a member of Indias 1983 ODI World Cup winning side, has backed Gambhir to come good in the top job. Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach. So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job and he's got the experience. He also said managing each player in the set-up across formats will be pivotal to Gambhir's success as India head coach. It's a question of just understanding his players as quickly as possible. What their strengths are, what kind of human beings they are and what kind of temperaments do they have? What are their personalities? A lot goes behind the scenes to understand a human being. I think that will be his most important task, which I think again should not be a problem because he's contemporary. He's seen these guys from the outside, he's dealt with a lot of guys who might have played with KKR as well and for Lucknow (Super Giants) when he was there. And he's been around the circuit, the moment he finished cricket and that was not too long ago, he still is around, plays a lot of the legends cricket as well. Gambhir's first task in T20Is is to find the right players who can replace Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the side after the trio retired from the format post T20 World Cup triumph this year. There's so many (good India) players out there and it's just about getting the right mix. I think a lot of the players that won this T20 World Cup will still be around two years later (at the 2026 T20 World Cup). You mentioned the three players who were retired (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja), but barring them, I think most of the others will be still fit to be in that T20 World Cup team two years down the line in India. There's so many (good India) players out there and it's just about getting the right mix. I think a lot of the players that won this T20 World Cup will still be around two years later (at the 2026 T20 World Cup). Also Read: Akram hopes Indian Team Will Travel To Pakistan For Champions Trophy So I think it's the other way around. It's how do you get those guys in there that they're bursting at the scenes to get it. There's a queue out there and that will be his biggest challenge, but it's a good headache when you have that kind of talent, concluded Shastri.

Give Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram or stop misleading Dalits: BSP leader Mayawati to BJP

LUCKNOW: Mayawati on Friday hit out at the BJP over a party MP seeking the Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, saying the saffron party, should either award the highest civilian honour to the BSP founder or stop misleading Dalits. BJP MP from Shahjahanpur, Arun Kumar Sagar, on Thursday demanded in the Lok Sabha that Kanshi Ram be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. Hailing Kanshi Ram as a 'Bahujan Nayak', Sagar said the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder was an ace politician and a social reformer who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the downtrodden. BSP chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, in a post in Hindi on X, said if the BJP-led central government confers the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram, the party would welcome it wholeheartedly. Instead of a Dalit MP of BJP from UP demanding Bharat Ratna for BSP founder Shri Kanshi Ram ji, (the BJP) should immediately get it done as its government is in power at the centre and the BSP will welcome it wholeheartedly. Else (the BJP) should stop misleading Dalits, she said. , Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 26, 2024 Mayawati also alleged that the Union Budget failed to give proper attention to a poor and backward state like Uttar Pradesh which has a huge population. In the budget presented by the NDA government in Parliament, the allocation was done in a biased manner for political gains instead of national and public interests, she said. Although such step-motherly treatment by the Centre towards some states is not new as the BSP government had faced it too when it was in power in Uttar Pradesh, she said. The non-BJP ruled states are unhappy with the budget and have decided not to participate in the meeting of the NITI Aayog regarding this. How fair is it not to pay proper attention to a poor and backward state with a huge population like UP? It is very important for the Centre to keep the country and public interests paramount, she added in another post. 2. / - , ? Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 26, 2024

'Samvidhan Manastambh' to be established at SP office: Akhilesh Yadav

LUCKNOW: A Samvidhan Manastambh will be established for keeping a copy of the Constitution at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Friday. - : 26 - - pic.twitter.com/MBmpVIVKdb Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 26, 2024 In a post in Hindi on X, Yadav said, The Samajwadi Party has taken a humble decision to celebrate 'Reservation Day' as the 'Foundation Day' of 'Constitution Manastambh' because, on this day, Shrimant Maharaj Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur started reservation by implementing the 'reservation' envisioned by Mahatma Jyotiba Phule in his Kolhapur state. The spirit of social justice was implemented on this day in the form of reservation, which later became the basic foundation of ensuring social justice as a people's right in the Constitution through the efforts of BR Ambedkar, and also the basic principle of establishing democracy in the country, he said. In this context, what can be a more historic occasion than the establishment of the Constitution Manastambh, because the biggest and most effective example is the implementation of the idea in its true form, he added. That is why today, on July 26, the Constitution Manastambh will be established and a copy of the Constitution installed so that it always shines a light on social justice, the Samajwadi Party chief added.

Dancing to their hearts content

Pathak: 150cr sanctioned forcancer institute

UPEIDA inks MoU for unmanned aerial systems, associated tech

Mocked over her Hindi, girl from Darjeeling ends life

UP to use family IDs to issue caste and income certificates

Induction held at Karamat College

Banthra killing: One accused arrested, search on for others

2 held for duping via ATM card swapping

HL Agro to expand unit in Knp Dehat

Direct entryto BPharma, BTech in LU

UP Police job retest to be held from Aug 23

Scrap NEET, revive old exam system: Maya

CM meeting with MLAs for feedback ahead of bypolls

RMD Agarwal made BJP in-charge of Raj

Former SP MLA arrested for fraud

Unlock new job opportunities for women, say experts

Jawans high on josh climbed hills amid bullet showers

Doctors protest assault on neurosurgeon, hospital staff

Form trader safety cell in all dists: DGP

WTI trains forest personnel to reduce man-animal conflict

The Wildlife Trust of India has concluded a four-day training session for forest personnel near Pilibhit tiger reserve to reduce man-wildlife conflicts. The program covered conflict identification, community engagement, and rescue operations using tools like camera traps and drones.

Plea in HC against Varanasi civic body order to shut meat shops along Kanwar Yatra route during 'Saawan'

LUCKNOW: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition has been filed before the Allahabad High Court challenging the Varanasi Municipal Corporation's direction to shut down all meat and poultry shops along the Kanwar Yatra route for the entire month of 'Saawan' in the holy city. The petition, moved by the National Loktantrik Party (NLP) through its national president (executive) Mohammad Suhail, on Wednesday, sought urgent hearing in the matter from the court. The petitioner also urged the High Court to quash the order of July 19, 2024, declaring it unconstitutional. The petitioner said that the directive of Varanasi Municipal Corporation not only violates the fundamental right to freedom of occupation, trade or business guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) but also breaches the fundamental right to life with dignity and personal liberty as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. According to the petitioner, the practice of Kanwar Yatra in Saawan is an age-old tradition during which meat shops have always remained open. Therefore, the authorities, by passing such directives, are trying to create an exclusion by identity, he adds. The petitioner has further taken the ground that the authorities have passed a directive without considering the fact that the said directive will impact the livelihood of the shopkeepers. The shops earnings are the means of livelihood for the shop-owners and closure of business on the ground of selling non-vegetarian items is unreasonable and violates their fundamental right to carry on their trade or business. It also creates unlawful discrimination without sufficient cause as to why only meat shops are chosen to be closed, the petitioner adds. The petitioner also says in his plea that such a decision promotes breach of the fundamental right of individual liberty and choice of food, as it prevents persons willing to consume meat or for whom consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food is medically prescribed. Many of these shops may be on rental and sudden closure of shops will affect them. As per the plea, these meat shops are mostly owned by the followers of Islam. Sources said the municipal body took the decision so that Kanwariyas did not face any issues during their yatra. As per reports, there are 96 meat shops on the Kanwar Yatra route Varanasi. Lastly, the plea seeks guidelines for operating meat and poultry shops during Saawan and other Hindu festivals in order to balance religious sentiments and business interests within the jurisdiction of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation.

UP police constable recruitment re-examination dates notified

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) on Thursday announced the schedule for the written re-examination to fill 60,244 posts of Constable Civil Police. The re-examination will commence on August 23 and take place on August 24, 25, 30, and 31. The written examination to fill the vacancies was conducted by UPPRPB in mid-February this year, but Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cancelled it after confirmation that the question paper had leaked before the test. Over 48 lakh candidates appeared in the examination conducted as part of the recruitment drive. The probe into the paper leak incident was handed over to the Special Task Force (STF) of UP Police. So far, over 400 people have been arrested from different parts of the country in connection with the incident, which put the fate of lakhs at stake. Mastermind in UP police recruitment paper leak case arrested from Jewar The fresh recruitment drive seeks to fill a total of 60,244 vacancies for the position of Constable in the Civil Police. As per the distribution of vacancies, 24,102 positions are reserved for the unreserved category, 6,024 for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), 16,264 for the Other Backward Class (OBC), 12,650 for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 1,204 for Scheduled Tribes (ST). DG, UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board, Rajeev Krishna, said that the exam would be held in two shifts each day, with approximately five lakh candidates appearing in each shift. The selection process includes a comprehensive exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections, with a total of 300 marks available. The gap in the exam dates has been strategically planned to coincide with the Janmashtami festival, ensuring a smooth and convenient examination process for all the aspirants. While canceling the earlier examination due to the paper leak, CM Yogi Adityanath, on February 24, had announced that the exams would be conducted within the next six months. The state government issued detailed guidelines for the aspirants on June 19, 2024, covering all aspects of the examination, including preparation, selection of centres, candidate verification, and measures to prevent impersonation. The upcoming exam will be conducted strictly according to these standards. The re-examination will be conducted across as many as 1,161 centers set up in accordance with the state governments new criteria and under new laws. As per police department sources, DMs were tasked with the selection of centers, which are either government-based or aided by the government. No private center has been selected to hold the exam. Significantly, the Uttar Pradesh government, on July 1, 2024, had notified the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Ordinance-2024 to prevent the use of unfair means in examinations and cope with the menace of paper leaks and tampering with answer sheets. The ordinance makes the use of unfair means, cheating, facilitating cheating, impersonation, or conspiring to leak question papers punishable offences with fines up to 1 crore, and life imprisonment. Meanwhile, candidates appearing for the upcoming re-examination will be provided free bus services by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. To use this service, candidates need to download two extra copies of their admit card. They must present one copy to the bus conductor when traveling to the district of their examination center and the other copy for their return journey after the exam. Will come out with foolproof plan to make govt recruitment transparent: Rahul on paper leaks

Uttar Pradesh: Bulldozers raze down decades old illegal flower market in Lucknow- Details

The flower market earlier operated from the 2000 sq ft of land behind the Imambada area of the city. It was shifted to the Hussainabad Trust land in the year 2001.

UPPSC Staff Nurse Main Exam Admit Card 2023 Released at uppsc.up.nic.in; Download Here

UPPSC has released the admit cards for the Staff Nurse Main Examination 2023, scheduled for July 28, 2024. This follows the preliminary exam results announced on February 20, 2024, where 3,962 candidates qualified. The preliminary exam was held on December 19, 2023, in Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Gorakhpur, and Meerut. Candidates can now download their admit cards from the UPPSC website and should ensure to follow all instructions for a smooth exam process.

BCCI And IPL Team Owners To Discuss Retentions And RTM On July 31: Report

IPL CEO Hemang Amin: The meeting between the BCCI and all ten IPL franchise owners is all set to take place on July 31, where the talk will be dominated by the number of retentions teams can make and the Right to Match (RTM) options in hand ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. A report by Cricbuzz says IPL CEO Hemang Amin sent text messages to the franchise owners on Thursday morning for the meeting on July 31, telling them that a formal invite with the venue and timing would follow. Amin is understood to have also indicated that the meeting would occur in the late afternoon or evening on July 31. It is believed that all the owners have confirmed their availability for the meeting. While the exact venue has not been confirmed, the congregation is expected to take place at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI headquarters, located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai, it added. For the IPL 2018 Mega Auction, franchises were allowed to retain up to five players - three from the auction - and others by using the Right to Match (RTM) card. But the introduction of two new teams - Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants - in 2022 resulted in existing teams being allowed to retain four players, with no RTM card involved. While the exact venue has not been confirmed, the congregation is expected to take place at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI headquarters, located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai, it added. Also Read: Akram hopes Indian Team Will Travel To Pakistan For Champions Trophy The Right To Match (RTM) option is a contentious issue that may be debated at the meeting, although it's likely that the BCCI has already made a decision on the matter, it concluded.

Mayawati urges to scrap NEET, reinstate old system; says Centre's failures made issue 'more serious'

LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Thursday demanded the scrapping of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test and reinstatement of the old system of medical admissions. Several opposition parties have slammed the BJP-led central government over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination NEET. The irregularities in the All-India NEET-UG Medical Examination is a serious issue and has reached Parliament and the Supreme Court. Whatever be the result, the pain and mental agony caused to lakhs of candidates and their families will always haunt them, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said on X. The Centre has failed to assure the people that it can conduct such an important exam properly, which has made the problem more serious. Therefore, why not end the centralised NEET UG-PG exam and reinstate the old system, as is the demand of many state governments, she said in the post in Hindi. 2. - , Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 25, 2024 The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET-UG for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses, and the Union education ministry have been at the centre of a row over alleged large-scale malpractice, ranging from question paper leaks to impersonation, in the test held on May 5. The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the pleas seeking cancellation and re-test of the 2024 NEET-UG, holding that there was no evidence on record to conclude that it was vitiated on account of a systemic breach of its sanctity.

A journey to remember!

UP Police's constable written test from August 23 to August 31

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board announced the rescheduled written examination dates for 60,244 Constable Civil Police posts in August 2024. The exam will implement rigorous measures against cheating. Candidates will have access to free bus services. The government introduced a strict ordinance to curb unfair practices, featuring severe penalties including substantial fines and life imprisonment.

Rahul Gandhi to appear before MP-MLA court in defamation case

SULTANPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will appear before the MP-MLA court on Friday for the hearing in a defamation case. Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana said on Thursday that Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will land at Lucknow airport at 9 am on Friday and then proceed towards Sultanpur. Local Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah. The court has granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20. Special Magistrate Shubham Verma has summoned Gandhi to record his statement on July 26.

Rahul to appear before MP-MLA court in defamation case

Sultanpur (UP): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will appear before the MP-MLA court here on Friday for hearing in a defamation case. Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana said on Thursday that Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will land at Lucknow airport at 9 am on Friday and then proceed towards Sultanpur. Local Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Mishra had filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018 against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018. The court has granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20. Special Magistrate Shubham Verma has summoned Gandhi to record his statement on July 26.

Why you're paying more for flying from these airports

Beginning FY25, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kochi and a dozen more airports have raised user development fees. This comes at a time fares are already rising due to insufficient aircraft and a flurry of holiday travel.

Govt: No permit needed to transport 100 cubic mt soil

Water saplings planted in drive with mun tankers

RI suspended for laxity, ARTO set to face action

24 policemen of Sitapur face punitive action

Goons vandalise house in Sushant Golf City; FIR lodged

No alliance with BSP for now; SPopen to welcome ex-allies: Akhilesh

DGP issues guidelines for crowd control at big events

No pardon for MLAs who betrayed party

Yogi reviewing Maha Kumbh preps, rlys to run spl trains for devotees: Vaishnaw

On SCR lines, new authority to develop Kashi, Prayagraj

Plantation drive at Dev Van

Four policemen suspended for laxity in Bahraich

Cong media cell chief slams cut in import duty

Officials, experts to discuss inclusive growth of women

Dead patients kin attack doc & staff, vandalise hospital

Sorcerer drugs family, later flees with cash and jewels

Over 50K BJP workers give feedback on LS poll debacle in UP

'Wrong picks, overconfidence led to Lok Sabha loss'

Three brothers drown in Bijnors Pili river

Pilibhit farmer found hanging at house

Yogi govt set to revitalize 'Paniyala' fruit of Purvanchal

The Yogi government initiated efforts to enhance Paniyala fruit production and quality in Purvanchal. In collaboration with CISH Lucknow, the project seeks to preserve and propagate high-quality specimens. Known for its unique flavor and medicinal benefits, GI tagging aims to improve market access and profits for farmers in Gorakhpur and neighboring districts.

BJP to step up efforts to woo OBCs ahead of upcoming UP Assembly bypolls

LUCKNOW: With the drift of Other Backward Classes (OBC) voters away from the BJP being seen as a significant reason for its debacle in UP in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the state unit of the ruling party is all set to step up efforts to win them back ahead of the upcoming bypolls to 10 assembly seats. The party is planning special drives to re-integrate the OBC voting bloc, which had consolidated behind the BJP in every electoral challenge since 2014 except the recent general elections. In order to chart out the future course, the executive committee meeting of the BJP OBC Morcha will take place here on July 29. In the meeting, all senior BJP leaders of the organisation and the state government including CM Yogi Adityanath, both the deputy CMs, state BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhury and organization general secretary Dharampal Singh will meet to deliberate on the steps needed to woo back the OBC vote bank. A roadmap is expected to be drawn during the state executive meet of the OBC wing of the UP BJP on Monday. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the ruling party, whose tally dwindled to 33 from 62 seats, got a jolt as at least seven per cent of the non-Yadav OBC vote bank that had voted in favour of the BJP in the 2022 Assembly election drifted towards the opposition bloc. Much at stake for NDA, Yogi in upcoming bypolls in 10 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats According to state BJP OBC Morcha and Yogi Minister Narendra Kashyap, discussions at the meeting would focus on bringing out a solution to reinforce the party's footprint amongst the OBCs. He said it was imperative to ascertain why the OBCs did not consolidate behind the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha polls like they did earlier. Kashyap, who met CM Yogi on Wednesday to invite him to the meeting, said that the state government had been working relentlessly for the backward classes. Significantly, the BJPs social engineering, based on the support of non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav SC, failed to impress the voters in the Lok Sabha elections. Though the party attributes it to fear mongering by the opposition among OBC and SC voters over the false narrative of change in Constitution to do away with reservation, it needs a thorough brainstorming for course correction. BJP sources said the meeting is expected to be attended by over 400 key functionaries from all six regions of the state. Discussions would also be held around the upcoming rural local bodies elections due in 2025 as well as the 2027 state assembly polls. The meet also assumes significance in the wake of the ongoing rumblings in the UP unit of the party with Deputy CM Keshav Maurya trying to take a line contrarian to CM Yogi while finding the reason for the partys debacle.

UP govt asks SDMs, tehsildars to reside in their areas of posting

Lucknow: Aimed at addressing public concerns and ensuring timely resolution of issues, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued directives requiring SDMs and tehsildars across the state to reside only in their respective areas of posting, an official statement said on Wednesday.The aim of the directive is to ensure that sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) and tehsildars (revenue officers) spend the majority of their time in their respective tehsils, actively addressing public concerns and working to resolve issues within the designated time-frame, it said. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh has issued instructions to all divisional commissioners (DCs) and district magistrates (DMs) to enforce this order strictly, stating that redressing problems of people is the top priority of the government. For the government to uphold its commitment to good governance, it is crucial that the tehsil-level administration remains alert and efficient, he said. The chief secretary stressed that it is the primary responsibility of the DMs and DCs to ensure that all duties assigned under the Tehsil Revenue Administration are effectively carried out. District Magistrates must provide a certificate within seven days via email confirming this order. The government will conduct surprise inspections to verify compliance. If the tehsildar and sub-divisional magistrate are found not residing in their tehsil, strict action will be taken against them. The responsibility of the district magistrate will also be assessed. Strict adherence to this order is mandatory, the chief secretary added.

CM Yogi Adityanath suspends officer over delay in issuing fitness certificates to school buses

The French Institute In India Announces The Villa Swagatam 2024-2025 Laureates

New Delhi: The French Institute in India is pleased to announce the selection of the 29 laureates of the second edition of its residency programme Villa Swagatam for 2024-2025. From August 2024 to August 2025, French and Indian artists and writers will explore the rich cultures of India, Bangladesh, and France, spending between one and three months at their designated residences. Their host organizations have been chosen for their outstanding capacity to offer their residents an immersion in the vibrant creative milieus of their respective countries. This flagship initiative underscores the French Institute in Indias dedication to promoting cross-cultural exchanges in the realms of art and crafts and literature. In its second edition, Villa Swagatam has expanded with four new residencies in India (Jaipur Rugs, Hampi Art Labs, Eklavya Foundation, and Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts) and one in Bangladesh (Brihatta Art Foundation). Bringing the initiative to a full circle, Villa Swagatam has also introduced opportunities for Indian creators to come to France. The French residencies cover a wide spectrum of artistic forms, such as dance (Centre National de la Danse), visual arts (Biennale de Lyon, La Napoule Art Foundation), arts and crafts (Mobilier National and Cit de la Cramique/Manufacture de Svres), poetry (Maison de la Posie de Nantes), comics (Cit Internationale de la Bande Dessine et de lImage), and literature (Villa Gillet, La Marelle, La Maison Julien Gracq). Lauding the winners, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said: Reciprocity plays a vital role in our concept of cultural cooperation. The Villa Swagatam programme would not be complete if exchanges did not flow both ways, with Indian artists and writers being welcomed in French institutions. We are proud to have been able to introduce this feature from the second edition and wish to extend the programme to more neighbouring countries in the coming editions. This comes as a natural development after the remarkable achievements of the 17 winners of Villa Swagatam's inaugural edition in 2023-2024. Several artists have garnered significant international acclaim through notable exhibitions and presentations. Writers and graphic novelists are currently authoring books that explore India's rich traditions and unique landscapes, underscoring the programme's commitment to nurturing artistic and literary cooperation. The call for applications for this second edition, from April 9th to June 2nd, 2024, was open to writers, graphic novelists, visual artists, designers, and cultural practitioners. The entire Villa Swagatam network, comprising French and Indian organizations, publicized the offer among their communities. Out of the nearly 450 applicants, 210 were French and 237 Indians, showing a great interest in more culture exchange and people to people relationship in the context of the bilateral relationship between France and India. The final selection, made jointly by the French Institute in India, and the French and the Indian partner organizations, includes a diverse group of talented individuals. The selected 29 residents ranging from up-and-coming artists to established professionals, each one of them bringing unique perspectives and aspirations to the programme. Hear more about the projects from the laureates: Rohini Kejriwal, an Indian author from Bangalore who will be welcomed at Maison de la Posie in Nantes: As the founder of The Alipore Post, an independent publishing platform celebrating art, poetry, and music, I have dedicated myself to fostering community and belonging through the arts. Now in its ninth year, The Alipore Post has evolved from a poetry newsletter into a thriving creative community. My motivation to become a resident of Villa Swagatam in France stems from a deep desire to further my mission of democratizing poetry and nurturing creativity. My project, The Poet's Playground seeks to document and create a playground for poetry and visual art in response to the charming terrain, culture, cuisine and people of Nantes. Estelle Coppolani, French author from Reunion Island who will be welcomed at Sangam House in Bangalore: My poetic work is inspired by my native island, Reunion Island, and in particular by my family history. Like many other people on my island, my Indian origins go back to the time of indentured labour. After the abolition of slavery in 1848, many French colonies reorganized their plantation system with massive Asian migrations, the vast majority of whom came from South India. These migrations reshaped entirely the islands, socially and culturally. South-Indian literary traditions are one of the many traces we preserved from this period. Dance and theater are the main focus of my project. I'd like to draw a parallel between the forms derived from Terukkuttu, Bayalataa or Kathakali theaters recreated in Reunion Island during the period of indentured labour (mid-19th century), and the contemporary South Indian theatrical scenes I'll be discovering during my stay. Kunaal Kyhan Seolekar, an Indian designer and architect from Pune, who will be welcomed at Mobilier National and Manufacture de Sevres, in Paris: I have been striving to create a synergy between Europe and India in my design practice, collaborating with European manufacturers while sharing my Indian heritage and culture. My passion lies in 20th-century furniture design, working with materials like wood, metal, upholstery, ceramics, fiberglass, and textiles. I aim to refine my designs to their most sustainable versions, focusing on the intersection of upholstery and wood furniture making. My design aesthetic is sculptural and organic, inspired by modern 20th-century classics, integrating these learnings directly into my practice. Antonin Mongin, French researcher and artisan/designer who will be welcomed at Vastrakala Craft Residency near Chennai: I want to carry out my residency at Villa Swagatam to anchor my conceptual and creative practice in India. I would like to carry out a project linking the collection of hair donations from the Tirumala Temple, where pilgrims' hair is cut as an offering, with traditional embroidery practices at Vastrakala. This allows me to explore the origin of fibres used in artisanal textile activities, aiming to create textiles that encapsulate the individual stories and spiritual devotion of each donor. By integrating these elements, I seek to challenge the conventional view of cut hair as a commodity and instead elevate it to a precious and singular fibre with unique conceptual and material values. All Villa Swagatam residency winners will be mentored by partners dedicated to enhancing their professional skills and be given the chance to explore new techniques and environments to further their practice. For many participants, this will be their first opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultures of France and India, where they are committed to fostering meaningful, long-term collaborations. For those already acquainted with these spaces, this is a unique opportunity to renew their professional and creative connections and advance specific projects. The Villa Swagatam network consists of 29 residences divided into 3 categories: Residencies in France: Biennale de Lyon, Jeune Cration Internationale (Lyon) Centre National de la Danse (Pantin) La Maison de la Posie de Nantes (Nantes) La Maison des Auteurs - Cit Internationale de la Bande Dessine et de lImage (Angoulme and Goa) La Maison Julien Gracq (Saint-Florent-Le-Vieil) La Marelle (La Ciotat) La Napoule Art Foundation - International collective residency (Chteau de La Napoule) La Napoule Art Foundation x Prameya Art Foundation (Chteau de La Napoule) Nomination of the laureate to be announced later. La Villa Gillet (Lyon) Mobilier National and Cit de la cramique / Manufacture de Svres (Paris) Literature Residencies in India: Alice Boner Institute (Varanasi) Eklavya Foundation (Bhopal) Himalayan Writing Residency (Sathkol) MAD Salon+Lab (Bangalore) Prakriti Foundation Residency (Chennai) Rachna Books (Gangtok) Sangam House (Bangalore) Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts (Angoulme and Goa) Tara Books (Auroville) Arts and Crafts Residencies in India and Bangladesh: Brihatta Art Foundation (Dhaka) Hampi Art Labs (Hampi) Jaipur Rugs (Jaipur) Kalhath Institute (Lucknow) Katkatha Puppet Art Trust (Delhi - Mussoorie) Khoj International Residency (New Delhi) Nila House (Jaipur) Public Arts Trust of India (Jodhpur) Serendipity Arts (New Delhi) Vastrakala Craft (Chennai) 2024 - 2025 laureates: 1. Ada, artist 2. Adrien La Fille, novelist 3. Ainesh Madan, dancer and choreographer 4. Antonin Mongin, researcher and artisan/designer 5. Ayesha Singh, artist 6. Bijal Vaccharajani, writer 7. Desire Moheb - Zandi, Textile Artist 8. Elvira Voynarovska, artist 9. Estelle Coppolani, poet and playwright 10. Fabien Toulme, graphic novelist 11. Floriane Zaslavsky, essayist 12. Gaspard Combes, artist 13. Jean-Marc Troubet Troubs, graphic novelist 14. Jeremy Demester, artist 15. Julia Lebrao Sendra, artist 16. Kunaal Kyhaan Seoleokar, designer and architect 17. Laurence Hugues, writer 18. Lauren Januhowski, textile artist 19. Lokesh Khodke, comic book writer 20. Marisol Santana, designer 21. Mathilde Rives, author-illustrator 22. Niyati Bhat, writer and Translator 23. Pauline Guerrier, artist 24. Rahul Bishnoi, playwright and researcher 25. Rohini Kejriwal, poet 26. Saba Niknam, artist 27. Sahil Naik, artist 28. Thibault Marthouret, poet 29. Valia Russo, artist

Allahabad High Court Fines Lucknow University Rs 2 Lakh For Ruining Students Career

After the student's results were withheld, the University took no action to confirm or dismiss the alleged misconduct, despite her repeated efforts to resolve the issue. Months later, she finally received a show-cause notice

5 girls drown in two separate incidents in Uttar Pradesh

Tragedy strikes Sant Kabir Nagar with five girls drowning in two incidents. In Bargo village, Meenakshi, Archana, and Payal perished, but Kajal was saved by villagers and is stable. In Khatiyawa, Pramila and Urmila drowned. ASP Shashi Shekhar Singh confirmed compensation processes are underway. The victims were aged 13-18 years.

Uttar Pradesh to gain from bold budget: Industry

Budget a bundle of hopelessness, has nothing for Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh Yadav

Arrests, evictions follow CM Yogi Adityanaths directives in Ballia murder case