2027 polls will spell 95:5 defeat for BJP: Akhilesh
Yogi reviews prep as Kashi readies for Dev Deepawali
11 Lakh Diyas to Light Up Kashi Ghats
Ayodhyas progress result of unity & sacrifice of seers: Yogi
Yogi waives 84.56 cr bond recovery for 1,057 constables selected as SIs
Newly appointed junior assistants thank CM for fair recruitment process
Yogi backs Diwali firecrackers, says pollution will subside
Cong focus on grassroots push to bargain more seats with SP
BJP steps up OBC outreach; inducts former BSP MP and ex-CBI officer into party fold
BJP may field prominent MLCs in UP elections
Man jumps into Gomti after blaming in-laws in video
PGI gets NMC nod for six DM, MCh courses
Laxman Mela Ground decked up for Chhath Puja
Vikas Nagar loudest on Diwali night
Celebrating an incomparable and exemplary life journey
How city waste found a second life
Civic staff & citizens behind citys retaining its rank: Yogi
Lucknow retains third rank in Swachh Survekshan
Ghaziabad beats Lucknow, Agra to top Swachh Survekshan rankings
Akhilesh-Tikait meeting puts farmers at Centre of 'PDA' politics in Uttar Pradesh
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 12 (IANS) In a significant political outreach aimed at strengthening ties with the farming community ahead of future electoral battles, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav held a meeting with prominent farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and discussed a wide range of issues affecting cultivators across Uttar Pradesh. Following the meeting on late Wednesday evening, Yadav shared a detailed message on social media, asserting that farmers remain the most distressed section of society and deserve both dignity and fair compensation for their labour. In his post on social media platform X, Akhilesh Yadav said that greenery should not merely symbolise prosperity, but that prosperity itself must reach every household, courtyard and village. He stressed that such an objective can only be achieved when farmers, agriculture and rural communities receive due respect and adequate value for their hard work. According to Yadav, his discussion with Tikait revealed that farmers across Uttar Pradesh continue to face serious challenges. Referring to the Samajwadi Party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) social justice plank, Akhilesh Yadav remarked that those who are suffering are part of the PDA and added that the letter A in PDA also stands for Annadata, meaning farmers who feed the nation. The statement is being viewed as an attempt by the Samajwadi Party to expand the PDA narrative by placing farmers at its core. Yadav claimed that growing support from the farming community would help ensure the success of the PDA in every village and at every polling booth. The meeting comes at a time when farmer-related issues continue to dominate public discourse in Uttar Pradesh. Farmer organisations led by Tikait have repeatedly raised concerns over minimum support prices (MSP), pending sugarcane dues, crop losses and procurement-related issues. In recent months, Tikait has also participated in protests and agitations demanding better returns and policy support for cultivators. Reiterating the importance of agriculture to the nation's economic and social well-being, Akhilesh Yadav said, When the fields smile, the nation will smile. He said that villages and the country can prosper only when 'annadatas' (farmers) are prosperous. The struggle for farmers' dignity, rights and fair remuneration, he added, forms the real strength of the PDA movement.
Owaisi, Azad join hands to challenge BJP in 2027 UP elections
Hyderabad/Lucknow: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Azad Samaj Party will come together to fight out the reigning Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled to take place next year. The announcement and seat-sharing are likely to be made by party chiefs, Asaduddin Owaisi and Chandrashekhar Azad, at a joint Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Yogi govt waives Rs 8 lakh bond for 1,057 constables who left training midway after clearing SI exam
Chhath rush: Indian Railways rolls out massive preparations as thousands head home
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) With Chhath Puja approaching, railway stations across the country are witnessing a massive surge in passenger footfall as thousands of people head to their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the festival with their families. From Delhi and Mumbai to Varanasi, Howrah, Lucknow and other major railway hubs, crowds of passengers can be seen gathering at platforms and station premises, creating an unprecedented rush during the festive travel period. In view of the heavy passenger movement, Indian Railways has stepped up its preparations, introducing a series of measures aimed at ensuring safe, smooth and organised travel. Several arrangements have been made at several stations to manage the festive rush. These include special trains, additional reserved and unreserved services, designated passenger holding areas, enhanced security arrangements, and round-the-clock monitoring. The huge rush is particularly visible at Delhi's Anand Vihar Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station. Large numbers of passengers are gathering to board trains at these stations to their hometowns ahead of Chhath Puja. Passengers carrying luggage and travelling with their families can be seen waiting for trains. Many of these passengers are opting for general-class tickets. Some passengers acknowledged that the arrangements were satisfactory. However, some pointed to the massive crowds at the station. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the improved infrastructure and crowd-management arrangements at New Delhi Railway Station. One passenger told IANS that the creation of separate areas helped reduce congestion compared with previous years. This is how the station experience is considerably better, he added. The tremendous pressure on railway infrastructure during the festive season has been analysed by the railways. The Northern Railway has announced the operation of 31 special trains from major stations in the Delhi area to facilitate passenger movement on a high-demand travel day. Officials said that additional reserved and unreserved services are also being operated on important routes to accommodate the increased demand. Central Railway has introduced precautionary measures at major stations in Mumbai to prevent overcrowding. Unhindered passenger movement is being ensured. According to Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila, the sale of platform tickets has been suspended at major stations across its divisions, broadly between November 5 and 15, depending on the location. Moreover, parcel traffic has been suspended for around eight to ten days at key stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). The move is intended to free up space and prevent congestion so that passengers boarding and alighting from trains do not face inconvenience. Special arrangements have been made at Varanasi Junction to deal with the anticipated increase in passenger footfall. The Railways have established a dedicated holding area where passengers can wait in an organised manner before boarding their respective trains. Help desks have also been set up at both entry gates to assist passengers and provide necessary information. Similar arrangements are being implemented across Eastern Railway stations. At Howrah, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are continuously monitoring passenger movement through a dedicated control room to ensure effective crowd management. TTEs and RPF staff are working in close coordination to regulate queues, guide passengers towards their designated coaches and facilitate systematic boarding. A specially designated passenger holding area with carpeted flooring has also been created at Howrah Station to provide Chhath-bound passengers with a more comfortable waiting experience. A medical booth has been made available to provide immediate medical assistance to passengers in need. The festive atmosphere is also being reflected at railway stations. At Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in Chandauli, traditional Chhath songs are being played through loudspeakers, bringing a touch of the festival to the railway premises. Passengers have welcomed the initiative, with many appreciating the festive ambience as they begin their journey home. Holding areas have also been created at stations such as Ballia to ensure that passengers can wait safely without overcrowding platforms. Travellers have expressed gratitude for these facilities, acknowledging the efforts being made by railway authorities to improve passenger convenience. Across the network, the Railways is also relying on AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, additional security personnel and coordinated monitoring to keep a close watch on passenger movement. These measures are intended to identify potential congestion points, regulate crowds and ensure that boarding and alighting take place in a controlled manner. The Railways has also expanded festive connectivity through additional reserved and unreserved special services. Unreserved special trains are being operated between Muzaffarpur and Howrah, as well as Jaynagar and Sealdah, to cater to the large number of passengers travelling towards Bihar, West Bengal and adjoining regions. Special services from Mumbai towards Gorakhpur are also providing relief to passengers travelling home. Travellers aboard the CSMT-Gorakhpur special train have appreciated the seating facilities and arrangements, expressing satisfaction with the efforts of Central Railway. The festive travel arrangements also include additional services towards Patna, including Vande Bharat and other special trains, alongside enhanced crowd-management measures. Passengers have acknowledged the availability of additional trains and improved station facilities, particularly during the busy Chhath travel period. As millions of devotees prepare to return home to observe Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, the challenge before the Railways is not merely to run additional trains but also to manage the enormous crowds gathering at stations. With passengers travelling with families, children and heavy luggage, even routine boarding and alighting operations can become challenging during peak hours, say officials. The creation of holding areas, suspension of platform ticket sales at selected stations, temporary restrictions on parcel traffic, enhanced security deployment, and dedicated passenger assistance facilities are therefore crucial to maintaining order, they add. The Railways has urged passengers to rely on official railway announcements and information rather than rumours or misleading social media reports regarding train services and festive arrangements.
Dubai-Kathmandu flydubai flight with 161 passengers diverted to Lucknow after hailstorm
Barclays Global Service Centre vice-chairman, wife and 2 sons killed in Ganga Expressway SUV crash
ICAR-NBFGR Young Professional II Recruitment 2026
ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) has invited eligible candidates to attend a Walk-in Interview for the post of Young Professional-II. The walk-in interview will be held on 27 November 2026 at ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. Candidates should report at 9:00 AM. Further details are available at nbfgr.res.in.
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 11 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday lent support to the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations and also called out the political opponents over 'meltdown' on its impact on pollution levels. If the people set off fireworks, many raised an alarm over air pollution. If it has happened, it will also dissipate, the Chief Minister said, addressing the audience. Calling out Opposition's track record, Chief Minister Adityanath questioned as to why similar concern was not raised against those who polluted the entire system with their misdeeds. The Chief Minister also said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Uttar Pradesh government had decided against imposing any restrictions or prohibitions, so that people could celebrate the festival wholeheartedly even if it led to some rise in air pollution. We decided not to impose any prohibitions. I, too, was in the middle of fireworks in Ayodhya, he remarked. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's endorsement of firecrackers for Diwali celebrations came during his address at an appointment letter distribution program, where he handed over letters to more than 1,000 newly recruited junior assistants in the Revenue department. The Chief Minister's comments came amid the raging national debate over the need and urgency to ban firecrackers for making the cities livable. He compared the criticism against one day of celebrations to what he termed silence over systemic wrongdoing. Slamming the previous dispensations, Chief Minister Adityanath said that before the BJP government formation in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, riots would break out beforehand even before the onstart of festivals like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Janmashtami, Shivratri, Christmas, Eid, Guru Purab, or Makar Sankranti. He also said that 'Munna Bhais' operated in the government recruitment system, before 2017. Before 2017, 'Munna Bhais' were operating in the government and the recruitment process. One person would appear for the examination, while someone else would receive the appointment letter. Several such appointments took place before 2017, the Chief Minister claimed.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday launched a multi-pronged counter-attack against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while addressing the media at the party headquarters in Lucknow regarding his proposed upcoming visit to Ayodhya. Rejecting the BJP's criticism, Yadav affirmed his party
The preparations for the Chhath Puja 2026 have gained momentum in several cities, with places such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow gearing up for the festival, which will be attended by several thousand people. The administration is taking steps to ensure
A night of Bollywood, fireworks and festive fervor
Cricketer Rinku Singh all set to marry next month, details out
Hyderabad: Wedding bells are finally ringing for Indian cricketer Rinku Singh and his fiance, Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj. After several postponements, the much-talked-about couple is all set to tie the knot on December 4, 2026, in a grand ceremony in Lucknow. The wedding, which has been grabbing attention ever since their engagement last year, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dismissed concerns over pollution caused by Diwali celebrations, saying, don't worry; pollution would be mitigated as well. Addressing a government programme in Lucknow, Adityanath said people had celebrated Diwali with enthusiasm, and there was no need to be overly concerned about the pollution issue.He also criticised a section of people for remaining silent against who polluted the entire system with their corrupt misdeeds. If the public burst crackers one day, it created pollution! If pollution occurred, it would be mitigated as well. No problem. It is good that people celebrated Diwali with 'dhoom-dhadaka' and burst crackers. We decided not to impose any prohibitions, he said.
So what if pollution increased due to Diwali? It will subside: UP CM
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday, November 11, played down concerns over pollution caused by Diwali celebrations, saying it would subside and questioned why those raising the issue remain silent about people who had allegedly polluted the system through corruption. Addressing a government programme in Lucknow, Adityanath said people had celebrated Diwali Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
MI And PBKS Complete Marquee Trade Deal Of Hardik And Arshdeep
Indian Premier League: In a major player trade ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have completed the swap of Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh. MI captain Hardik Pandya will move to PBKS, while Indias leading wicket-taker in T20I Arshdeep will join the five-time champions. Pandya will join PBKS at a fee of Rs 18 crore, up from his existing fee of Rs 16.35 crore, while Arshdeep will join MI at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore. Besdies PBKS, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have also been in the running to acquire the premier seam-bowling all-rounder. IANS had reported that PBKS had edged ahead of others in the race to secure the services of Hardik with MI ahead of the November 17 retention deadline as the paperwork was completed for the trade deal last week. Pandyas trade brought the curtain down on his second stint with MI, a franchise with which he won four IPL titles. Having first joined MI in 2015, Pandya developed into one of the leagues most impactful all-rounders, contributing with both bat and ball during the teams title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After seven seasons with MI, Pandya moved to Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of IPL 2022 and made an immediate impact as captain, leading the franchise to the title in its debut season. GT also reached the final in 2023 before Pandya returned to MI in 2024 and took over the captaincy. Across 162 IPL matches, he has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and claimed 82 wickets, underlining his value as a proven match-winner. Arshdeep, meanwhile, moves to MI after eight seasons with PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019 and established himself as one of the competitions leading left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he is PBKS all-time leading wicket-taker. Arshdeeps ability to make early breakthroughs with the new ball and deliver under pressure in the death overs has made him a key component of Punjabs bowling attack. Arshdeep, meanwhile, moves to MI after eight seasons with PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019 and established himself as one of the competitions leading left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he is PBKS all-time leading wicket-taker. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Yogi Adityanath to Distribute Appointment Letters to 1,146 Junior Assistants in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will distribute appointment letters to 1,146 junior assistants while supporting farmers with financial aid in Lucknow. Yogi Adityanath to Distribute Appointment Letters to 1,146 Junior Assistants in Uttar Pradesh
UP Weather: Fog Alert in Lucknow, Chilly Nights Ahead
No property tax relief for petrol pumps under UPs proposed tax reform
Yogi greets people on Bhai Dooj, Chitragupta Jayanti
City records 4.8k emergency distress calls
UP cancels staff leave for Chhath Puja
Diwali surge: UP-112 responds to 2.05 lakh emergency cases in 3 days
Yogi to hand job letters to 1,146 revenue dept recruits today
Anganwadi workers thank govt for hike
19K students enrolled under coaching plan
15 lakh visit Ayodhya in a week, homestays cash in on Deepotsav rush
Devotees throng Govardhan for puja, parikrama
Constable dies after motorcycle skids while trying to save dog in Sitapur
Ex-SP functionary among 8 booked for celebratory firing, video goes viral
Constable who accused SHO of harassment after suicide bid attached to police lines
BJPs youth conventions to win over Gen Z and blunt oppositions growing outreach
Three children suffer burns in Sultanpur after explosion in pot filled with firecracker gunpowder
One killed, two injured in Bahraich land dispute clash
Speeding truck hits migrant workers tractor-trolley on Purvanchal Expressway; 1 dead, 16 injured
Lucknow: Two Women Held For Abetting Suicide
Lucknow police have arrested two women, Sapna Rawat and Neha Parveen, for allegedly abetting the suicide of a man named Deshraj. The victim's brother claimed the women mentally harassed Deshraj after accusing him of theft, leading him to jump in front of a train last week.
Three friends killed after truck hits SUV on Agra-Lucknow eway
Cultural Unity Amid Struggles Celebrated at Diwali Event in Lucknow
Anil of RSS highlights the importance of festivals in preserving Indias cultural unity at a Diwali gathering in Lucknow. Cultural Unity Amid Struggles Celebrated at Diwali Event in Lucknow
BJP May Cut Tickets for Over 50 MLAs in UP
Lucknow, November 10: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh is reportedly considering cutting tickets for more than 50 current MLAs ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. BJP May Cut Tickets for Over 50 MLAs in UP
UP-112 handles over 2 lakh emergency calls during 3 Diwali days
The LDA approved land allocation for a Metro yard and the expansion of the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences.
Three Detained For Assaulting Woman In Lucknow
Police in Lucknow have detained three men after a mentally challenged woman was tied up and assaulted by a group of people over a false suspicion of child-lifting. The incident, captured in a viral video, led to an inquiry and a case being registered based on the woman's husband's complaint.
BJP dares Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ayodhya Ram Temple on Babri demolition anniversary
Mistaken for child-lifter, mentally challenged woman tied up and brutally thrashed by mob in Lucknow
Rinku Singh, Priya Saroj's Wedding Cards Printed, Ceremony Set For December 4: Sources
Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is set to tie the knot with Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj on December 4, 2026, in Lucknow, according to sources.
Banks will be closed in Gangtok, Imphal, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow and Shimla on Wednesday, November 11, for regional festivals. Details here.
ECI bars re-employed retired govt officials from political activities during polls
Lucknow: Three Bodies Found, Investigations Underway
Police in Lucknow are investigating three separate incidents where bodies were discovered. One unidentified man's body was found in a sack, suspected to be a murder victim. Another man, Subhash Chandra, was found dead in an orchard, with his family suspecting foul play. A woman, Anita Singh, was found dead by a roadside, with police awaiting a post-mortem report.
Govardhan puja in Mathura-Vrindavan : Annakoot, parikrama and a changing Braj
Suman of Jhansi spells out how Yogi government supports womens economic self-reliance
Govt wants to cover up unbearable suffering: Akhilesh Yadav on Delhi pollution data row
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 10 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government over the issue of pollution, accusing it of concealing the truth regarding air quality statistics. This came as North India continues to grapple with the alarming pollution levels. In a post on X, Yadav said, The corrupt BJP government sitting in Delhi wants to cover up the unbearable suffering caused by pollution with a blanket of false statistics. Ask those innocent children, the sick and the elderly who are fighting for their lives with every breath what the truth about pollution levels really is. The BJP was a liar, is a liar and will remain a liar, he added. It is worth noting that the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continued to remain in the 'very poor' category, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 304 around 8.10 a.m., according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The reading marked a decline from Monday's peak level, recorded a day after Diwali celebrations. However, several monitoring stations across the national capital continued to report high pollution levels. Delhi-NCR is unlikely to receive any immediate respite from pollution, as weather conditions are expected to remain largely unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants. Meanwhile, Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain in force following the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) decision. Authorities have been directed to intensify pollution-control measures, strengthen enforcement and ensure compliance to prevent further deterioration. The restrictions cover Delhi and the adjoining districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The emergency framework is implemented based on forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), enabling preventive action before pollution levels reach the 'severe' category. GRAP is a four-stage emergency mechanism coordinated by the CAQM, CPCB and state governments, with restrictions becoming progressively stricter as air quality worsens.
SPs dream of returning to power will never be fulfilled: Brajesh Pathak
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 10 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), saying its dream of returning to power in the state would never be fulfilled. He accused the previous SP government of allowing mafias, criminals and goons to flourish across the state, alleging that its tenure was marked by lawlessness and disrespect towards women. Speaking to reporters, Pathak claimed, The Samajwadi Partys dream will never be fulfilled. Those who gave Uttar Pradesh one district, one mafia and allowed goons, mafias and criminals to flourish in every household are now chanting Ram Ram with religious beads around their necks. He further alleged that women and daughters were disrespected during the SP regime and that criminals used to target them with evil intentions. He said the present government had ensured that mafias operating in Uttar Pradesh were brought to justice. At least the Samajwadi Party has started taking the name of Ayodhya Dham. These are the same people who used to feel uncomfortable with the name of Ayodhya Dham and Lord Ram, he added. Reacting to a statement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Pathak said the party had no possibility of returning to power. They will never come to power. There is no possibility of that, and their dreams will never be fulfilled. They can certainly dream of going to Saifai and watching a dance performance when their government is formed, he said. On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Pathak said the responsibility for the exercise rested with the Election Commission of India (ECI). I repeatedly say that the SIR is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India. It is the Commissions duty to visit every household and ensure that the names of all voters are included under all circumstances, without any negligence. And if any mistakes have been made anywhere, action should be taken against those responsible. This is the responsibility of the officials, while political parties are there to assist them, he said.
22 killed, 64 injured in UP road accidents after Diwali
Lucknow: At least 22 people were killed and 64 injured in nine separate road accidents across Uttar Pradesh on Monday, November 9, a day after Diwali, with several crashes occurring in the early morning hours, officials said. The deadliest of these accidents occurred in Muzaffarnagar, where six people were burnt alive when their car overturned Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
300 arrested, 73 brought back in a year
New Delhi, Nov 9:As the first anniversary of the brazen Red Fort blast approaches, central security agencies have tightened vigilance nationwide, backed by a fortified counterterrorism architecture and a sweeping crackdown on cross-border terror syndicates over the past year, officials said on Monday. On the eve of the first anniversary of the Red Fort blast, central security agencies have intensified vigilance following a year-long crackdown that led to over 300 arrests and the deportation of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad, the officials said. The terror strike on November 10 last year had exposed a 'Doctor Module' operated by highly educated professionals. Security agencies cracked the case within 24 hours, subsequently filing a formal charge sheet against 13 accused, including absconding paediatrician Dr Muzzafar Rather, who is currently believed to be hiding in Afghanistan. Central investigation agencies and Jammu and Kashmir police, with the help of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), identified the principal conspirator and nabbed the key perpetrators. The Red Fort blast prompted central intelligence agencies to formulate a policy to prevent such attacks. This thought led to the unveiling of 'PRAHAAR: National CT Policy and Strategy' on February 23 this year, in which policy was formulated for zero tolerance towards terrorism. The comprehensive policy sets a unified agenda for central and state machinery and its operational impact was further cemented during a high-level conference of state DGPs and central agency chiefs in September 2026. The efficacy of the PRAHAAR framework was visibly demonstrated in a massive, coordinated nationwide clampdown against the Pakistan-based ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). The Red Fort case was unique because highly qualified professionals were involved. Now, many regulations are in place, including periodic surprise checks on the sale of ammonium nitrate and other materials, an official said on condition of anonymity. The network, which utilised domestic nodes and local foot soldiers, faced severe setbacks as agencies registered over 100 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested more than 300 operatives. Security forces recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades carrying Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and illicit firearms. Following these extensive operations, the SBN was formally designated as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on September 26 this year. Concurrently, multi-agency operations successfully dismantled several radical modules and dented the support frameworks of proscribed outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Action against pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs) has similarly blunted the network designs of outfits like Babbar Khalsa International and Khalistan Zindabad Force, disrupting cross-border arms smuggling and leading to key arrests. The security agencies also stepped up containment of Bangladesh-based terror threats, arresting 27 radical operatives inspired by the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) ideology across Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On the diplomatic and international front, counterterror cooperation with foreign governments has been significantly scaled up to cut off external sanctuaries and fast-track the deportation of fugitives. A dedicated extradition portal launched in September this year optimised inter-agency coordination. The officials confirmed that these sustained diplomatic efforts successfully secured the return of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad over the past year. As security forces maintain a high state of alert ahead of the anniversary, officials emphasise that the enhanced synergy between central intelligence and state police forces has substantially hardened the nation's defences against future threats. The emphasis has remained on preventing terror attacks, identifying the wider ecosystem, quick disruption, timely investigation including collection of clinching evidence - and successful prosecution to tackle the threats, the officials said. The investigation into the entire Red Fort terror network run by the 'Doctor Module' started after posters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit were pasted on the outskirts of Srinagar city during the intervening night of October 18-19 last year. The posters warned of attacks on police and security forces in the Valley. Srinagar police treated the matter as a serious issue, not just a one-off incident and Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) G V Sundeep Chakravarthy formed several teams to investigate the case thoroughly. Srinagar police registered a case and reviewed CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of three locals -- Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid -- all with prior stone-pelting cases. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam from Shopian, who allegedly supplied the posters and used his access to radicalise the doctors. Piecing together the interrogation of the arrested accused, the investigation led Srinagar police to Al Falah university in Faridabad. There, two doctors Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie alias Musaib, a resident of Koil in South Kashmir's Pulwama and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, a woman hailing from Lucknow - were arrested and a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, including 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur, was seized. Aware of the crackdown by the police and central agencies, Dr Umar-un Nabi, driving an explosive-laden car, started shifting his base to avoid arrest. Nabi, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, emerged as the most radicalised and key operative in the network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and officials believe he was planning a powerful Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast timed around the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on December 6 last year. However, his plan was to place a VBIED near a crowded place either in the national capital or at a site of religious importance, and then disappear, the officials said. Authorities are closely monitoring the radicalisation of youth and have been asked to flag any noticeable behavioural change in any individual immediately, said the official cited above. It may be recalled that Dr Rather and Dr Nabi reportedly held radical views even during their student days; however, both managed to stay under the radar at that time. According to the co-accused's interrogation, Nabi's transformation took a dangerous turn after a 2021 trip to Turkiye with co-accused Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, where they allegedly met JeM overground workers. Following the trip, Nabi and Ganaie, who taught at Faridabad's Al Falah University, began accumulating vast quantities of chemicals from the open market, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur. Much of this was stored near the university campus. That plot fell apart when a meticulous investigation resulted in the arrest of many from the 'Doctor Module' and seizure of explosives, causing panic to Nabi and ending in a premature blast outside the Red Fort, killing over a dozen people.
Video: Lucknow Petrol Pump Employee Dragged By Car As Driver Flees Without Paying
The petrol pump manager filed a complaint, after which a case was registered under relevant sections at the Gosaiganj police station.
PM Modi, Amit Shah-themed kites emerge as major attraction in Lucknow Jamghat festival
Markets across Lucknow are witnessing a surge in customer footfall as people gear up to celebrate Jamghat, the traditional kite-flying festival observed a day after Diwali. The festival, which dates back nearly 250 years, holds a special place in the city's cultural heritage, with kite flying being one of its most cherished traditions. The old city has been abuzz with activity, with kite enthusiasts thronging markets to purchase colourful kites and manjha (kite-flying string). Markets in Chaupatiyan, Nishatganj, Aliganj and Gomti Nagar are witnessing brisk sales, with shopkeepers reporting a significant increase in demand. Kites featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have emerged as major attractions this year. These themed kites are drawing considerable attention from customers, adding a political touch to the festive celebrations. Kite prices range from Rs 5 to Rs 500, depending on their size, design...
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath performs Govardhan Puja in Gorakhpur
Encounter Scare: Lucknow Driver Dies By Suicide On Diwali, Leaves 6 Videos Alleging Police Threats
Driver, aged 38 years, reportedly committed suicide in Lucknow during Diwali when he accused himself of being threatened with an encounter by police and being harassed over complaints made by an orchestra dancer and her family. Deshraj alias Manish,
6 Hansi youths burnt alive in UP crash; 2 brothers among dead
Three Rajasthan residents among dead in bus accident on Lucknow-Agra Expressway (Ld)
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 9 (IANS) Three Rajasthan residents were killed, and more than 40 others were injured after a luxury bus carrying passengers from Bhiwadi to Bihar overturned and plunged into a 40-foot-deep ditch on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, officials said. The bus was ferrying passengers heading home for the Chhath festival when the accident occurred near Zero Point, under the Para police station area. According to the fire department, the Bihar-registered bus was travelling from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan to Chhapra in Bihar, carrying passengers returning home for the Chhath festival. The accident occurred near Zero Point, under the jurisdiction of the Para police station, around 30 km from the district headquarters. More than 50 police personnel, two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire department personnel participated in the rescue operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tyre burst may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. According to police, around 50-55 passengers were travelling on the bus. More than 40 sustained injuries, several of them serious. Two of the three deceased have been identified as Shankar Rajjak (63) and Shamli Rai (43), both residents of Chhapra, Bihar. The third victim, a male passenger, is yet to be identified. Some passengers have alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Pankaj Sharma, one of the passengers, claimed that the driver was intoxicated and that the bus overturned less than 10 minutes after the journey began. Another injured passenger, Vikas Kumar, who was admitted to Lokbandhu Hospital, also alleged that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He said he and his parents were injured when the bus plunged into the ditch. However, these allegations are yet to be independently verified. Passenger Jitendra Yadav said that there were two drivers on the bus. The driver who had been driving through the night reportedly went to sleep around 7 a.m., after which the second driver, who had been resting, took charge of the vehicle. According to Yadav, the accident occurred less than 10 minutes after the change of drivers. Dr Amitabh Srivastava, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Lokbandhu Hospital, said the hospital received information about the accident at around 7 a.m. A total of 32 passengers were brought to the hospital, of whom two were declared dead on arrival. Five patients with serious head or spinal injuries were referred to King George's Medical University (KGMU) for further treatment. The remaining injured patients are being treated at Lokbandhu Hospital, where 25 patients were reported to be admitted. Dr Srivastava is personally monitoring the treatment and condition of the injured. According to the available vehicle records, the bus's fitness certificate was valid until August 5, 2027, while its insurance was valid until July 31, 2027. The pollution certificate was valid until August 6, 2027, and the vehicle permit until December 2, 2030. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be established, and further investigation is underway.
Fire at Lucknow shopping complex in Vikas Nagar controlled with no casualties
The News Mill
A fire broke out at a shopping complex in Lucknow's Vikas Nagar area on Monday, prompting the deployment of five fire tenders to the spot. The blaze at the Prabhu Plaza building was brought under control within around 30 minutes, with no loss of life reported, officials said. Five fire tenders were deployed to the spot following information about the incident. The fire reportedly originated in the lower basement of the building. Providing details of the firefighting operation, Lucknow Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Ankush Mittal said the blaze had been completely extinguished and the situation was under control. We received information about a fire at Prabhu Plaza... A total of five fire tenders are at the scene. The fire has been completely extinguished. There has been no loss of life. It is a clothing market, and the fire originated in the lower basement. The blaze was brought under control in about half an hour. The situation is now under control, Mittal said. Ghazipur ACP Atul Kumar Pa...
Ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, several teams are exchanging players through trade deals. Meanwhile, there is talk of a major trade deal between Rajasthan and Lucknow.Pooran in exchange for Yashasvi Jaiswal, this trade deal will surprise everyone.The trade window for IPL 2027 is open. Several major p...
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