'I will not apologise in this life': SP MP Ramji Lal Suman over remarks on Rajput king Rana Sanga
LUCKNOW: A day after his residence was stormed by the Karni Sena activists in Agra, Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman, on Thursday, refused to apologise for his remarks on Rajput king Rana Sanga saying one could not deny history. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party workers demonstrated against the attack on SP MPs house while the Karni Sena activists continued their protests against Suman at different places in UP. While talking on camera, Suman, during the ongoing parliament session, claimed that his house in Agra was attacked with the intention to harm his family. The SP MP had recently kicked up a row by saying that Rana Sanga was a raitor who was responsible for bringing Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. Rana Sanga or Sangram Singh I was the ruler of Mewar from 1508 to 1528. I will not apologise in this life, I do not know about the next life, the SP MP said while talking to media persons. Explaining his stand on Rana Sanga, the SP MP said that the truth should be accepted. Babur was invited by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. He had the misconception that Babur was a robber, and that he would go back, and Rana Sanga would rule, but Babur declared himself the ruler of Hindustan and refused to leave, said Suman. Karni Sena chief Suraj Pal Singh Amu said the remarks insulted a hero who defeated the Mughals and demanded that Suman and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav tender an apology. Scores of activists from Karni Sena vandalised the SP MPs house located near Hariparvat Chauraha in Agra on Wednesday. Multiple cars parked outside the house were damaged, chairs were broken, and glass windows were shattered. Videos showed a handful of police personnel confronting the mob as it went on a rampage in the posh neighbourhood. A policeman got injured. I met the Rajya Sabah Chairman, informed him about the situation. I told him threats were being made since March 22 through social media, and yesterday they came to my house with a bulldozer, he said. There was a life-threatening attack, they broke all the glasses, destroying the cars in the colony... their intention was to destroy my family, he said. Agra police lodged an FIR against an unknown mob on Thursday. The incident took place on the day Chief Minister Adityanath was in the city for a public event. The SP MP, on March 21, had said in Rajya Sabha that Indian Muslims did not consider Babur their ideal. They follow Muhammad Saheb and the Sufi tradition. However, I want to ask, who brought Babur here? It was Rana Sanga who invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodhi. So, if thats the case, then Hindus must be descendants of the traitor Sanga. We criticize Babur, but why do we not criticize Rana Sanga?, the MP had asked the upper house. In reaction to his tirade against Rana Sanga, the SP MP has been facing backlash from right-wing Hindu groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Karni Sena following his controversial statement referring to Rana Sanga as a traitor. On the other hand, Agra Additional Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Tyagi said that two FIRs were lodged in connection with the attack on SP MPs house. A total of 33 persons had been taken into custody and strict action would be taken against all the troublemakers. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party workers, on Thursday, protested against the attack on Ramji Lal Sumans house in Agra. While partys national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav called the attack on SP MPs house a pre-planned conspiracy hatched with the support of district administration, SP MLA Shavpal Yadav attributed the attack on SP MPs house to alleged BJP hooligans. Ramji Lal Sumans house was attacked as he hailed from the Dalit community, said Yadav. On the other hand, the activists of Karni Sena also demonstrated against Suman at various places across UP. While getting a case registered against Suman in MP/MLA court of Varanasi, the Karni Sena activists burnt an effigy of the SP MP in Mathura on Thursday.
Will Mathura beat Delhi to a Yamuna waterfront?
Cutting large number of trees worse than killing human beings, says Supreme Court
NEW DELHI : Cutting a large number of trees is worse than killing human beings, the Supreme Court has said, while fining a man Rs 1 lakh for each illegally cut tree. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made the observation while rejecting the plea of a man who had chopped down 454 trees in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone. There should be no mercy in environmental case. Felling a large number of trees is worse than killing a human, the bench said. The top court said it will take at least 100 years minimum to again regenerate or recreate the green cover created by 454 trees which were blatantly cut without permission. The apex court accepted the report of the central empowered committee (CEC), which recommended a fine of Rs 1 lakh per tree for cutting 454 trees in Dalmia Farms in Mathura-Vrindavan by one Shiv Shankar Agarwal. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Agarwal, submitted that he has admitted the mistake but the court refused to reduce the fine amount . The court said Agarwal should be allowed to do plantations at a nearby site and said the contempt plea filed against him will be disposed only after compliance. The top court also recalled its 2019 order which had removed the requirement of obtaining prior permission to cut trees on non-forest and private lands within the Taj Trapezium Zone.
Used language they will understand: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on bulldozer actions
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended his government's ulldozer action, emphasizing enforcing law and order against unlawful activities. He referenced ongoing disputes over religious sites in Mathura and Sambhal, citing adherence to court orders and Islamic principles. Adityanath stressed the importance of legal consequences for those taking justice into their own hands.
Logistics Park to Heritage City, YEIDA plan for Agra and Mathura gets governmentt nod
UP govt to revive Mathura sugar mill, boost ethanol production in Gorakhpur
A young man in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura took drastic measures to alleviate his abdominal pain by performing surgery on himself after watching YouTube tutorials. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he had to be hospitalized.
SHOCKING! Man performs surgery on himself watching YouTube video, says why he did it
Mathura man attempts self-surgery after failed medical consultations, following YouTube tutorials, and ends up hospitalized with severe complications.
A 32-year-old man in Mathura performed self-surgery after researching online, leading to critical complications and hospitalization. He made a 7-inch incision and attempted to stitch it, but severe bleeding ensued. He was transferred to a larger facility in Agra for advanced treatment.
The Kerala government and Adani Port are locked in a dispute over who should desilt the Muthalapozhy harbour mouth
Pile of earth obstructs Mathura Rd stretch, brings traffic to standstill
Security beefed up at Aurangzeb's grave amid calls for its removal by Hindu groups
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: As calls for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave intensify, the police administration has stepped up security, making it mandatory for visitors to furnish their identity cards before entering the site in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, an official said on Monday. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests at various government offices during the day and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave in Khuldabad. Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his battles with the Marathas, who resisted his expansionist ambitions. Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, was captured, tortured, and executed on his orders. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural police department has implemented multiple security posts from the entry point to Khuldabad town to the grave site. Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane stirs controversy with threat to remove Aurangzeb's tomb An official said a State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) company of 50 policemen, 30 personnel from local police and 20 Home Guards have been deployed at various points and the grave site. Tourists visiting the grave now have to write their names in a visitors register kept with a team of Home Guards and have to furnish identity documents, he said. Parvez Kabeer Ahmed, the caretaker of the grave, said, The situation here is peaceful, and people should not believe in rumours. Footfall of visitors has gone down after the demands to demolish the grave have come up. The footfall is usually low during Ramzan. Nearly 100 people visit daily, but the number has gone down since the issue was raised. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests at government offices in different parts of Maharashtra and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. In the memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the VHP stated that Aurangzeb had killed two sons of Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh because they refused to convert, tortured and killed Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and demolished temples in Kashi, Mathura, Somnath. Any memorial of Aurangzeb is a symbol of pain and slavery, so the grave should be demolished completely, it said. In case of government inaction, the VHP warned that it would march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district and demolish the grave. The right-wing organisation held similar agitations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and suburban areas of Mumbai.
Violence mars Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh, over dozen injured
Lucknow: Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh were marred by incidents of violence, resulting in injuries to over a dozen people and highlighting existing social tensions. Clashes erupted over forced application of colours, caste-based disputes, and drunken altercations, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. In Mathura district, a confrontation between upper-caste men and 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 .
Holi violence in Uttar Pradesh: Clashes over caste, music, and altercations leave several injured
LUCKNOW: Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh were marred by incidents of violence, resulting in injuries to over a dozen people and highlighting existing social tensions. Clashes erupted over forced application of colours, caste-based disputes, and drunken altercations, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. In Mathura district, a confrontation between upper-caste men and Dalit residents in Bati village in Jait area of the district resulted in injuries to 8 to 10 people. Station House Officer (SHO) of Jait Police station, Ashwini Kumar said, Two men from an upper-caste community attempted to forcibly apply 'gulal' on people from Dalit community, leading to tensions and minor skirmishes. Eight people were injured and nine individuals have been arrested. Further investigation is underway. Internet suspended in Bengal's Birbhum till March 17 after Holi clash, BJP likens state to Bangladesh In Farrukhabad district, six people, including a woman, were injured after miscreants allegedly opened fire on Dalit people heading to perform Holi rituals. Additional Superintendent of Police Dr Sanjay Kumar told PTI on Saturday, citing the report filed, that Jitendra and Pappu came to Anil Kumar's house in Bibipur village in Kamalganj area on Friday and started abusing him. Later in the evening when Anil's family members were going to perform Holi rituals, Shivam Katiyar, Som Katiyar, Jitendra and Pappu open fired, the officer said. He said the injured have been admitted to a hospital and the accused have been arrested. A case has been lodged under relevant sections. In Kaushambi district, two sons of a local Nagar Panchayat chairman allegedly assaulted a sub-inspector and tore his uniform in an inebriated state. Circle Officer (CO) of the area, Awdhesh Kumar said, The incident occurred following an altercation between sub-inspector Anand Swarup Prajapati, Satyendra Kushwaha and Abhishek Kushwaha. The two accused have been arrested and investigation in the matter is underway, the CO said. In Sant Kabir Nagar district, several huts were burned to ashes in Kari village following a dispute over music played during Holi celebrations. Additional Superintendent of Police said, A clash erupted after a group demanded a change in the music, leading to a fire that consumed multiple huts. Four people were injured, and police have registered a case against the accused, though no arrests have been made so far, he said.
189 mosques in UP covered with tarpaulin on Holi eve as police tighten security
LUCKNOW: With Holi falling on Friday during the holy month of Ramzan and prominent Muslim clerics of Uttar Pradesh having already revised the timings for Friday prayers, postponing them after 2 pm, 189 mosques in at least four districts of the state were covered with tarpaulin ahead of the festival of colours. While Muslim clerics have adjusted the timing of Friday prayers across 18 districts of the state on Holi day, mosques in Bareilly, Sambhal, Shahjahanpur, and Aligarh in central-western UP were covered with tarpaulin to protect them from the splash of Holi colors. For the sake of maintaining peace, UP DGP Prashant Kumar sent a letter to all the district police chiefs, commissionerates, and heads of police zones and ranges with a 20-point directive to fortify the sensitive zones in their respective districts with adequate deployment of police and paramilitary forces. Besides holding direct interactions with top police officers of the state, the DGP personally met senior officers of sensitive districts and discussed police arrangement for the festival. In the hyper-sensitive Sambhal district, where Shahi Jama Masjid has been caught in a litigation for the past few months over the court-ordered survey, several mosques along with the Jama Masjid were already covered with tarpaulin sheets on Wednesday. As per the senior police officer of the district, additional paramilitary force for round-the-clock monitoring and vigilance were deployed in the town. In Sambhal, the Friday Namaz would be held at 2.30 pm due to Holi celebrations. Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid management committee chief Zafar Ali urged members of both communities to celebrate Holi and offer Friday prayers in a harmonious atmosphere. Regarding the administrations move to cover mosques with tarpaulin, Ali welcomed the decision, stating that it was a positive step. Maximum mosques 109-- were covered with tarpaulin in Bareilly where a Ram Barat was taken out on Holi eve with strict vigilance and deployment of over 5000 police personnel on all the mosques falling in the route of the Barat. In Shahjahanpur, 67 mosques were covered before the traditional Laat Sahab Juloos on Holi. Shahjahanpur is the only district where there is a tradition of playing Joota Maar Holi (playing Holi using shoes/slippers). A person is made to sit on a buffalo cart as laat sahab and is made to take the rounds of the city with people throwing colours, shoes and slippers at him. A senior officer, who is a part of the team monitoring security arrangements at DGP headquarters, said senior officers would escort the traditional procession of Laat Sahab. Around 1000 additional cops were called in from other districts for deployment at sensitive spots. The police contingent carried out a flag march on Holi eve in the district. Similarly, 10 mosques in Sambhal and three in Aligarh were also covered. The drone-equipped vigilance is on across the sensitive districts of the state. Barricades have been erected along the routes of Holi processions with the installation of several CCTV cameras by the respective local administration. As per Shahajhanpur SP Rajesh S, in all 18 Holi processions including the two major Laat Saheb processions, are taken put in the city. To ensure security, the larger procession was divided into three zones and eight sectors, with around 100 magistrates deployed. Moreover, police have taken preventive action against 2,423 people to deter potential troublemakers, he said. Similarly, in other districts including Mathura, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Rampur, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Gonda, Bahraich and Siddharthnagar, additional paramilitary forces have been deployed to avert any untoward incident. DGP Prashant Kumar said that officers were instructed to ensure that no group was allowed to perform any act or hold untraditional processions.
Vrindavan temple stands firm against exclusion of Muslim artisans
Mathura: Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan have rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for its deity, emphasising that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions. The demand was raised by Dinesh Sharma, a leader of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Sangharsh Nyas, who urged the []
NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel has said the Yamuna river's capacity to sustain life have been found to be almost non-existent in the Delhi stretch, noting that 23 out of the 33 monitored sites, including six in the national capital, failed to meet primary water quality standards. The Yamuna flows through a 40 km stretch in Delhi, entering at Palla from Haryana and exiting at Asgarpur into Uttar Pradesh. The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, which reflect the river's capacity to sustain life, were found to be almost non-existent in the Delhi stretch, the parliamentary standing committee on water resources said in its report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. In its report on the Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Project and river bed management in Delhi, the panel warned that despite the construction and upgrade of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, pollution levels remain alarmingly high. The Committee called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders to tackle pollution and restore the river's health. It added that out of the 33 monitored sites, only four in Uttarakhand and four in Himachal Pradesh met the primary water quality criteria. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed water quality at 33 locations between January 2021 and May 2023, with state pollution control boards. The assessment covered four key parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Fecal Coliform (FC). The analysis showed that all four monitored sites in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh met the required standards, while all six sites in Haryana failed. In Delhi, none of the seven sites complied with the standards in 2021, although the Palla site showed improvement in 2022 and 2023. The panel raised particular concerns over encroachment along the Yamuna floodplains. While Delhi and Haryana provided information on encroachments, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are yet to furnish complete details. The floodplain zone of the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh remains undemarcated, despite its ecological importance in flood management. The Committee highlighted that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) retrieved approximately 477.79 hectares from encroachments along the floodplains. However, some parts of the floodplains remain occupied due to ongoing litigation. The panel urged the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation to work with the DDA and the state governments to expedite the removal of encroachments and ensure the restoration of the floodplain ecosystem. Legacy sludge in the Yamuna riverbed remains a major concern. A study conducted by the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department in collaboration with CSIR-NEERI found high levels of heavy metals such as chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc in sludge samples collected from key sites like the Old Iron Bridge, Geeta Colony, and the upstream of the DND Bridge during the pre-monsoon period. The panel recommended controlled dredging to remove this toxic sludge, warning that it poses a serious health hazard and contributes to the river's deteriorating quality. However, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) raised concerns that large-scale dredging could destabilise the riverbed and cause further environmental degradation. The panel also flagged the failure to maintain environmental flow (E-flow) in the Yamuna. According to the 1994 MoU among Yamuna basin states, Haryana is required to release 10 cumecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage to maintain ecological balance. However, the Committee noted that this flow is insufficient, as much of it evaporates or percolates before reaching Delhi. The panel urged the Department of Water Resources to resolve these differences and increase the E-flow to sustain the river's ecosystem. The report also criticised the lack of data on unauthorised industries operating in Delhi. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) informed the panel that it only monitors 28 approved industrial areas, 17 of which are connected to 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). The remaining 11 are not classified as water-polluting industrial areas. However, the panel noted that no data is available on unauthorized industrial units that might be discharging untreated effluents into the Yamuna. It recommended that the Delhi government conduct a comprehensive study to identify such units and strengthen pollution control measures. The panel also pointed to the failure to treat domestic sewage. According to the report, nearly 22 major drains discharge untreated sewage directly into the Yamuna. Despite significant investments under the Namami Gange Programme, the sewage treatment gap remains at approximately 1,500 million litres per day (MLD). The panel highlighted the impact of pollution on the Yamuna's ecosystem, noting that the absence of dissolved oxygen has severely affected aquatic life. Incidents of dead fish being washed ashore have been reported in Agra and Mathura. The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conduct a study to assess the ecological damage. Moreover, the panel pointed out that bio-monitoring data from the CPCB shows that the biological water quality of the Yamuna is classified as moderate or poor in most parts of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Pollution from cremation activities along the riverbanks was another key concern. The panel noted that only one electric crematorium at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi is operational, while most cremations are conducted using wood, contributing to river pollution. The Committee recommended financial support for state governments to set up more electric and CNG-based crematoriums and to relocate existing cremation sites away from the immediate periphery of riverbanks to prevent contamination.
8 best places to celebrate holi in Mathura & Vrindavan
Mathura Man Sets Married Lover On Fire At Her Home After She Refuses To Flee With Him
A man in UP's Mathura set his married lover on fire inside her house after she refused to leave with him. The incident took place when the victim was alone at her home watching television.
Disguised as a woman, man sets married lover on fire after she refuses to leave with him in UP
MATHURA: A man disguised as a woman has set his married lover on fire inside her house here after she refused to leave with him, police said. As the woman's neighbours rushed to her house after hearing her screams on Tuesday afternoon, the accused, Umesh (28), tried to escape by jumping from the terrace but sustained severe injuries, police said. Both Rekha (30), who suffered over 70 per cent burns, and Umesh are undergoing treatment at SN Medical College in Agra, they said. Rekha, a resident of Koh village, was alone at home watching TV when the incident occurred. Her children, aged seven and five, were at school and her husband Sanju, a farm labourer, was away at work, Farah police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Pandey said. Around noon, Umesh, a resident of Hasanpur village in Haryana and the brother of Rekha's elder sister-in-law, reached her house with a bottle of petrol, the police official said. Umesh was wearing a lehenga to disguise himself as a woman and was dropped off near the village by a friend on a motorcycle. He entered Rekha's house from the terrace, walked into her room and pressured her to leave with him. When she refused, he poured petrol on her and set her on fire, Pandey said. Alerted by Rekha's screams, her neighbours rushed to her help while Umesh tried to escape by jumping from the terrace. However, he was seriously injured, the official said. After reaching the spot, police took Rekha and Umesh to the Farah community health centre. Due to their critical condition, they were later referred to SN Medical College in Agra, police said. Umesh was a regular visitor to Rekha's house and their relationship developed over time. On August 31 last year, Rekha left home with him. Her family filed a police complaint and she was brought back from Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh on February 10, Pandey said. After the incident, Rekha distanced herself from Umesh, realising her mistake. When she refused to go with him today, he became enraged and tried to kill her, the official said. Pandey said that no formal complaint has been lodged in the matter yet. Once a complaint is received, legal action will be taken. For now, saving their lives is the priority, he said.
UP: Man sets married lover ablaze after she refuses to elope
Mathura: A man disguised as a woman set his married lover on fire inside her house here on Tuesday afternoon after she refused to leave with him, police said. As the womans neighbours rushed to her house after hearing her screams, the accused, Umesh (28), tried to escape by jumping from the terrace but sustained 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 .
17-Year-Old Dalit Girl Kidnapped, Raped By 4 In UP: Police
A 17-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly kidnapped by four people in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district who took her to Mathura and raped her, police said on Tuesday.
NHM Uttar Pradesh Medical Officer Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 18 Posts
National Health Mission Uttar Pradesh (NHM Uttar Pradesh) Recruitment 2025 for 18 posts of Medical Officer. Candidates with MBBS Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in starts from 05-03-2025, and ends on 26-03-2025. For detailed information please visit NHM Uttar Pradesh official website, mathura.nic.in.
Experience the divine celebration of Holi in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana by respecting its spiritual essence, participating in community seva, and honouring rituals. Avoid unruly behaviour, harmful chemical colours, and keep the area clean to contribute to the harmony and sanctity of these sacred towns.
A wanted criminal carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh on his arrest was killed in an encounter with the police in Highway area of Mathura district here in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, police sources said.
'After Kashi and Ayodhya, its time for brijbhumi' UP CM Yogi at a public rally in Mathura
After Ayodhya and Prayagraj now it is turn of Mathura to witness development: CM Yogi ahead of Holi
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced plans to develop Mathura and Vrindavan, following the success in Ayodhya and Prayagraj. After inaugurating Rangotsav 2025 in Barsana, he emphasized the completion of development projects and cleaning of the Yamuna. Highlighting the festival of Holi as uniting people, he mentioned the positive impact of the double engine government.
Top 6 places to celebrate Holi in India 2025
Holi in India is a vibrant spectacle of colors, music, and traditions. From royal celebrations in Rajasthan to Krishnas land in Mathura, here are the top six places to experience Holi in 2025.
The Braj Holi 2025 schedule has been released for the 40-day Rangotsav Festival in Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, and Mathura. The festival begins with Basant Panchami and ends with Rang Panchami. Key events include Lathmar Holi, Flower Holi, Laddu Holi, Huranga, and Dhulhadi. Devotees and tourists can join the celebrations filled with colors and joy.
UP: Hindutva outfits seeks ban on other religious communities from Holi festivities
Mathura: The Dharam Raksha Sangh, a Hindu nationalist outfit based in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, urged Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to ban Muslims from participating in upcoming Holi celebrations. We have decided to prohibit the entry of Muslims in Holi celebrations at major pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul and Dauji, Dharam 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 .
RSS-backed Muslim wing holds meeting on Waqf bill and UCC
NEW DELHI: The All India Executive Meeting of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), held on Sunday, brought together over 100 office-bearers from across the country. The meeting, chaired by MRMs mentor Indresh Kumar, focused on promoting unity, brotherhood and greater participation of the community in nation-building. The RSS-affiliated group also passed significant resolutions on Waqf reforms, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), equal rights, de-addiction and an Imdad Fund for the underprivileged. Key figures at the meeting included former ministers Dr. Shahid Akhtar, Abu Bakar Naqvi, S.K. Muddin, Mazahir Khan, Bilal Ur Rahman, Dr Shalini Ali, Dr. Majid Talikoti, Hasan Noori and others. Speaking after the meeting, Shahid Sayeed, national convener and media in-charge, said, The meeting had serious deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, communal harmony, equal civil rights for Muslims and the need for transparency in the use of Waqf properties. Discussions also touched on the resolution of disputed religious sites like Kashi and Mathura and the launch of a de-addiction campaign for Muslim youth. Indresh Kumar said, A Uniform Civil Code is necessary to ensure equality and justice for all communities. Different laws for different groups create discrimination and a single code will guarantee equal rights for everyone, including Muslim women. He added, Indias soul lies in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), where every religion enjoys equal rights. On the Waqf properties, Kumar said, These assets should serve the public good and not be exploited for personal gains. He called for an end to illegal encroachments and corruption on Waqf land, advocating for their use in education, healthcare, and social services. Regarding religious site disputes, he said, The issues of Kashi and Mathura can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. Todays Muslims should not be burdened by historical actions. The meeting unanimously supported the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, the officials said. Former Jharkhand minister Dr Shahid Akhtar also emphasised that problems should be resolved through dialogue, not conflict.
Wedding Called Off After Clash Over Minor Accident in Mathura
Two sisters' wedding canceled after violent altercation; several injured, five arrested
UP: 2 Dalit sisters weddings cancelled after traffic accident escalates into violence
Mathura: A minor traffic accident in the Refinery area of this Uttar Pradesh district escalated into a violent clash, leading to the wedding ceremonies of two sisters from a Dalit family being called off and injuries to several guests. Police said the two sisters, accompanied by their relatives, were returning from the beauty parlour when 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 .
The Uttar Pradesh Government led by Yogi Adityanath has presented its budget for the financial year 2025-26 this Thursday, which is a nonth consecutive budget of the administration. An INR 8,08,736 crore budget that allocates 22% of its funds for development, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture and related purposes, 6% for healthcare and 4% for social security programs. UP Finance Minister states that the budget primarily focuses on research and development and Information Technology, targeting for a $1 trillion economy. The Uttar Pradesh budget is the highest ever, more than any other states budget in the country. Moreover, if we talk about UP alone, this years presented budget is 9.8% more than the budget of the year 2024-26. this years budget comes amid the grand Mahakumbh and also when the state is witnessing a growth in various sectors. But it is not the amount or the percentage that really sets Uttar Pradeshs budget apart. But the interesting schemes that you will find in the declaration. Here is an insight: Ujjwala scheme The Ujjwala scheme aims to attract households at large, especially the women. The government has announced to provide two free cylinders from now on, to provide the eligible families an access to clean cooking fuel. The skyhigh solar plans UP Government is ensuring the utmost use of solar energy in the state. This includes: The plan to create a solar city in Ayodhya. The city has also been provided a separate Rs.150 crore to develop the tourism infrastructure in the city. 3000 Surya Mitras will be trained under the solar policy. The stae aims to generate 22,000 megawatts of solar power. Construction of four new expressways A whopping Rs.900 crores has been allocated for the construction of four new expressways in the state that will ensure smooth connectivity, both inter-state and intra-state as well as generate economic activities. This includes a greenfield expressway that will connect Agra-Lucknow expressway to Ganga expressway, the Vindhya expressway, Ganga expressway extension and the Bundelkhand Rewa expressway. It also includes the Baake Bihari ji Maharaj temple corridor (Mathura Vrindavan) that will promote religious tourism. From municipalities to smart cities There is a plan for converting 58 municipalities of the state to model smart cities, a key priority of the Uttar Pradesh Government for urban development. The Budget 2025-26 provides Rs.145 crore for this project. Farmer welfare fund Rs. 1,050 to be provided under the farmer welfare fund as a financial assistance to the farmers in a case of accidental death or disability. Five agriculture universities will also be established in the state to promote education and research in the field, generating curiosity among the learners. Development of an artificial intelligence city The government has allocated a sum of 5 crores for the development of an artificial city in Lucknow to establish Uttar Pradesh as a hub of AI driven research and development. An additional Technology Research Translation park will be established for technological research and innovation in cyber security. Not only this, Science city, Science parks and Planetariums will be revamped for the students and researchers, keeping them engaged with scientific curiosity. The government also plans to establish eight data parks in the state. Rs. 400 crores for Yogi Government has declared allocation of Rs. 400 crores for the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooter Yojana that will distribute scooters eligible girls pursuing higher education. This will promote higher education among young women in merit, encouraging them to study further building a future for themselves. Moreover, Rs.900 crore will be provided for pre and post 10 th scholarships for general category students. From outdated to smart UP Government will allocate Rs.300 crores for the primary schools to turn them into smart schools, providing them an access to a digital and modernized learning. For this, schools will have ICT labs, digital libraries and smart classrooms, further ensuring an industry relevant training for the young learners. It also plans to set up a Center of Excellence for AI and emerging technologies, to facilitate innovation. Zero poverty scheme The Zero Poverty Abhiyan was launched by the government on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti in 2024. For the successful campaign, the Government has allocated a separate Rs.250 crores under the Zero Poverty scheme. Under the campaign, the government is taking action to identify poorest of families from each Gram Panchayat, helping them meet their basic needs, bringing their annual income to at least Rs.1,25,000. This will economically uplift the poorest and marginalized. For the workers, the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board will set up Labor bases that will be equipped with canteens, drinking water and sanitation facilities in order to improve the working conditions of the laborers. Smart devices for the revenue personnel A separate sum of Rs.24 crores is set aside in the budget to provide laptops, smart phones and other electronic devices for the revenue personnel of the state for all the online and digital work. This will facilitate digital governance in the state. CMs mass marriage scheme The government provides for Rs.550 crores for the CM Mass marriage scheme that provides grant for the daughters belonging to all classes and sections of the society. Needy and underprivileged women will be ensured financial support under the Destitute Woman Pension scheme which is allocated with Rs.2,980 crore. For the differently abled individuals, Rs.1,424 crore has been allocated towards the Disabled maintenance Grant scheme. The state legislative assembly will also undergo modernization, upgrading to IT infrastructure, advancing in governance. The budget also proposes Rs27 crore for autonomous medical college in Ballia and RS25 crore for another one in Balrampur. Six new forensic science laboratories will also be established in Ayodhya, Basti, Banda, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, and Sahranpur. This will broaden and strengthen forensic capabilities of the state. Jal Jeevan mission is allocated Rs4500 crore for availability of water in the rural areas and Mukhyamantri Green Road scheme with Rs800 crore. Yogis Double engine Government envisions on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas. Opposition has its own stand to the budget, further realities will be revealedwhen the ambitions get fulfilled.
Speeding Car Rams Into Woman In Maharashtra's Badlapur, Disturbing Video Emerges
A 59-year-old woman, Mathura Rama Irle, was killed by a speeding car during a morning walk in Badlapur, Thane district. The incident was captured on CCTV. The driver has been arrested.
SC bench defers hearing new pleas in Places of Worship act case to April, says Impossible to deal
The Supreme Court of India has refused to hearing of any pleas relating to Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 until April first week on Monday. The bench comprising of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said that the matter will be heard by a three-judge bench. The highest court expressed displeasure over the filing of any fresh pleas in a case related to the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The act states to maintain the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947. When Senior advocate Indira Jaising, while appearing for a litigant mentioned for a fresh plea for hearing during the day, the CJI said, We might not be able to take it up. It is a three-judge matter. List sometime in March. There is a limit to interventions being filed. The matter was mentioned by the senior advocate at the beginning of the proceedings. The bench said, We are constrained to pass this order after taking note of the number of fresh petitions filed. The pending writ petitions, which have no notices, stand dismissed with liberty to file an application raising additional grounds, if any. The new IA will only be allowed if there is any new point or new legal issue that has not been raised in the pending petitions. Last month, the Indian National Congress (INC) had moved to the Supreme Court opposing the pleas that are challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. It supports the POW Act and defends it stating that it does not violates the freedom of religion and is essential for the communal harmony of the country. The court will hear the plea filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay directing that Section 2,3 and 4 of the POW Act be set aside. Another plea by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy against certain provisions of the POW Act will be considered. He had sought for directions to read down the law so that the Hindus could claim over the Gyanvapi mosque (Varanasi) and Shahi Idgah mosque (Mathura). The court had already stalled over proceedings in nearly 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu parties in its December 12, 2024 order. They were seeking for a survey to ascertain the original religious character of over 10 mosques.
SC defers hearing of pleas concerning Places of Worship Act 1991 to April
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the hearing of petitions connected with the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, from February 17 to April. The court said that too many intervention applications were being filed and that there should a limit to such applications. We will not take up the Places of Worship Act matter today. It is a three-judge matter. Too many petitions filed. List sometime in March. There is a limit to interventions being filed, said the CJI-led bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. Justice P V Sanjay Kumar and the CJI told the advocates of petitioners appearing for the hearing that since the case is a three-judge bench matter, the two-judge bench will not be able to handle it. The bench added that many petitions have been filed and the hearing has to be postponed to a later date. The apex court also expressed extreme displeasure over too many intervention applications being filed. Last month, the Indian National Congress (INC)moved the SC to oppose the batch of pleas challenging the provisions of the PlacesofWorship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. On February 15, the INC filed an application seeking a direction to be an intervenorin these pleas . Many political leaders have openly supported the PoW Act and also sought to intervene. The INC, in its plea, supported the PoW Act, 1991, stating that it does not violate the freedom of religion and that it is essential for communal harmony in the country. On December 12 last year, a bench headed by the chief justice, while acting on a batch of pleas relating to the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The Act prohibits conversionofreligious character of places of worship from their status as of August 15, 1947. The SC will hear the plea filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking a direction that Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the PoW Act be set aside. The court will also consider a plea filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy against certain provisions of the 1991 law. Swamy had sought directions to 'read down' the law so Hindus could stake claim over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed displeasure over the filing of several fresh pleas in a case related to validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 which mandates the religious character of a place to be maintained as it existed on August 15, 1947. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges. We might not be able to take it up, the CJI said when senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for a litigant, mentioned a fresh plea for hearing during the day. At the outset of the day's proceedings, the senior advocate mentioned the matter. There is a limit to which petitions can be filed. So many IAs (interim applications) have been filed...we might not be able to take it up, the CJI said, adding that a date may be given in March. The top court, through its December 12, 2024 order, effectively stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking survey to ascertain the 'original religious character' of 10 mosques, including Gyanvapi at Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal where five Muslim youth including a minor was killed in alleged police firing during a court-ordered survey. It had then listed all the petitions for an effective hearing on February 17. Post December 12, several petitions have been filed, including by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party leader and Kairana MP Iqra Choudhary and the Congress Party seeking effective implementation of the 1991 law. Choudhary, the Lok Sabha MP from UP's Kairana, on February 14 sought to curb the increasing trend of legal actions targeting mosques and dargahs, which he submitted threaten communal harmony and the secular fabric of the country. The top court previously agreed to examine a separate plea of Owaisi with a similar prayer. The Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, a Hindu outfit, had moved the top court seeking to intervene in cases filed against the validity of provisions of the 1991 law. Earlier, the bench was hearing about six petitions, including the lead one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the 1991 law. The law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. 'Places of Worship Act 1991 essential to safeguard secularism in India': INC seeking direction to be intervenor However, the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. Muslim bodies like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind seek strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by Hindus claiming that they were temples before invaders razed them. On the other hand, petitioners like Updhyay have sought setting aside of Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Act. Among the reasons was also the contention that these provisions took away the right of judicial remedy to reclaim a place of worship of any person or a religious group. Ultimately, we will have to hear the arguments, the bench had said, observing the primary issue was with regard to Section 3 and 4 of the 1991 law. While Section 3 deals with the bar of conversion of places of worship, Section 4 pertains to declarations as to the religious character of certain places of worship and bar of jurisdiction of courts, etc. The Gyanvapi Mosque management committee, in its intervention plea, opposed several pending petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the 1991 law. The mosque committee listed a series of contentious claims made over the years concerning various mosques and dargahs (shrines), including the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Delhi's Qutub Minar, the Kamal Maula Mosque in Madhya Pradesh, and others. It, therefore, said the petitions challenging the Act were filed with mischievous intent to facilitate lawsuits against these religious sites, which the 1991 Act currently protected.
NEW DELHI: As the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a batch of pleas related to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, on February 17, the Congress party has sought direction to be an intervenor in pleas challenging the provisions of the Act. The INC in its intervention application (IA) supported the 1991 Act stating that it is essential for communal harmony, adding that the Act does not violate freedom of religion. ThePoWAct is enacted by the Parliament, as it reflects the mandate of the Indian populace. In fact, thePoWAct had been envisaged prior to the year 1991 and the same is made a partofthe Applicant's then Election Manifesto for the Parliamentary elections, the INC stated in its plea filed before the SC. ThePoWAct is essential to safeguard secularism in India and the present challenge appears to be a motivated and malicious attempt to undermine established principles of secularism, the INC added. On December 12 last year, a bench headed by the chief justice, while acting on a batch of pleas relating to the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The Act prohibits conversionofreligious character of places of worship from their status as of August 15, 1947. Many political leaders including NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, VCK MP Thol Thirumavalan, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi along with leaders from CPI (M) and IUML have openly supported the PoW Act and sought to intervene. The SC will hear the plea filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking a direction that Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the PoW Act be set aside. The court will also consider a plea filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy against certain provisions of the 1991 law. Swamy had sought directions to 'read down' the law so Hindus could stake claim over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. SC to hear pleas concerning Places of Worship Act 1991 on February 17
SC to hear pleas concerning Places of Worship Act 1991 on February 17
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear a batch of pleas relating to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, on February 17. As per the causelist for February 17 uploaded on the apex court's website, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan is slated to hear the matter. The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. However, the dispute relating to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue in Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. Some of the pleas filed in the apex court have challenged the validity of certain provisions of the 1991 law. On January 2, the top court agreed to examine a plea filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking effective implementation of the places of worship law. On December 12 last year, a bench headed by the chief justice, while acting on a batch of pleas relating to the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The bench was hearing petitions, including the lead plea filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the 1991 law. The top court through its December 12 order, effectively stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking survey to ascertain original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, where four persons' lives were snuffed out in clashes last year. As the matter is sub judice before this court, we deem it appropriate to direct that, though fresh suits may be filed, no suits would be registered and no proceedings shall be undertaken therein till further orders of this court, it had said. The top court also said the primary issue that arises for consideration was with regard to Sections 3 and 4 of the 1991 Act and its contours, as well as the width and expanse of the said provisions. While Section 3 deals with barring conversion of places of worship, Section 4 pertains to declaration as to the religious character of certain places of worship and bar of jurisdiction of courts, etc. There are several cross petitions which seek strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by Hindus on the ground that they were temples before invaders razed them. Various Muslim parties, including the Gyanvapi mosque management committee, moved the apex court to oppose several pending petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the 1991 law. The mosque committee listed a series of contentious claims made over the years concerning various mosques and dargahs (shrines), including the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid near Delhi's Qutub Minar, and the Kamal Maula mosque in Madhya Pradesh, among others.
Stampede Happened But...: Hema Malini On Kumbh
Hema Malini, the BJP's MP from Mathura, today doubled down on the comment on Kumbh that had sparked a huge controversy.
Why has Premanand Maharaj stopped his morning yatras at 2 am?
Every day, thousands of devotees visit the holy city of Vrindavan in Mathura, seeking blessings from temples during the day and waiting for Premanand Maharaj's darshan at night.
Why Are Mathura Residents Angry With Premanand Maharaj?
Residents have accused Saint Premanands followers of late-night processions, causing disturbances that disrupt the sleep of the sick, elderly, and schoolchildren, affecting the communitys well-being
Who is Kiran Chaudhury? PCS officer caught in bribe case, just 4 years after posting
Kiran was recently posted as the District Panchayati Raj Officer (DPRO) in Mathura district. During this time, she was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of 70,000 rupees.
VHP meeting at Maha Kumbh site on Feb 7; temple control, Waqf containment key agenda
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) will hold a three-day meeting starting February 7 in Jhunsi, to discuss issues such as the control of Hindu temples, demographic imbalances, and Waqf Board powers. The event will also address the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and the liberation of Kashi and Mathura religious sites.
Northern Command of Indian Army to hold investiture ceremony at Mathura on Feb 12
The Northern Command of the Indian Army will honor officers and soldiers for their bravery and distinguished service at a ceremony on February 12 at Mathura Military Station. Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar will present the awards, recognizing the exceptional courage and dedication of the personnel in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.
Numerous akharas and seers from all over the nation, who convened a Dharam Sansad (religious assembly) at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Monday (27 January), demanded the abolition of the Places of Worship Act and the dissolution of the Waqf Board. A resolution for the formation of a Sanatan Hindu Board 2025 was also Continue reading Form Sanatan Board, Repeal Places Of Worship Act: Seers Demand Freeing Kashi, Mathura And Sambhal At Dharam Sansad The post Form Sanatan Board, Repeal Places Of Worship Act: Seers Demand Freeing Kashi, Mathura And Sambhal At Dharam Sansad appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
From Somnath To Sambhal: CM Yogi Calls For Unveiling the Truth | Yogi Adityanath Interview | N18K
| From Somnath till Sambhal, it is a journey to find the truth. Everything should not be turned into an issue unnecessarily. The truth of Sambhal, Mathura and Kashi should come out: UP CM Yogi Adityanath speaks with Rahul Joshi n18oc_shorts Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtubeWatch Full Interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/nBSSBW_rWzA?si=rjTCO7bvijhSPboW
Yogi Adityanath Interview | From Somnath To Sambhal: CM Yogi Calls For Unveiling the Truth | N18K
| From Somnath till Sambhal, it is a journey to find the truth. Everything should not be turned into an issue unnecessarily. The truth of Sambhal, Mathura and Kashi should come out: UP CM Yogi Adityanath speaks with Rahul Joshi n18oc_politics Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Yogi Adityanath Interview | UP CM Yogi: Revenue Records Expose False Claims Of WAQF | N18K
| There were claims regarding Sambhal, Mathura, Kashi by Waqf board. All their claims have been proven wrong based on the revenue records of Uttar Pradesh: UP CM Yogi Adityanath speaks with Rahul Joshi n18oc_india Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
PRAYAGRAJ: Taking their endeavour against government control over temples across the country forward, the saints and seers gathered to attend Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal meeting at VHP camp on Maha Kumbh mela campus, on late Friday. Advocating the lifting of government control over the temples, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri said donations worth Rs 1.86 lakh crore from temples were going to government coffers. Prominent seers from the country held deliberations on various issues pertaining to the Hindu community. Expressing concern over the declining birth rate among Hindus, the seers said it was imperative for every use Hindu family to have at least three children. There is a need to increase the birth rate among Hindus to keep the population balanced, said a senior VHP functionary. He added that seers associated with the organisation had launched an awareness campaign across the nation to free Hindu temples from government control. The call for the campaign was given from the Bada Sabha in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh recently. The seers and saints have urged that all temples be freed from government control. They want scrapping of laws that give government control and the management of temples and the same should be handed over to the faithful, he said. The seers at the meeting welcomed the Union government's move to bring a waqf law to control the unfettered powers of the Waqf Board asserting that this law should be passed unanimously by all MPs. From the Dharma Sansad of 1984 onwards, the seer community, Hindu society, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Sangh, have been committed to getting the three key temples of Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi, the VHP functionary said. He noted that For the uplift of the country, social harmony, environment protection, inculcation of Hindu values through family enlightenment and eradication of social evils, self-awareness is a must. Flaying the candle march groups, seers questioned why were they silent when Hindus were targeted in Bangladesh recently. VHP said it would keep on raising voice to protect Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. VHP functionaries said they would demand return of the religious sites to Hindus where evidences of temples have been found.
Back bill to check waqf bodies powers: VHP
The VHP has urged all parties to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, highlighting its claim over the Gyanvapi mosque and Mathura's Shahi Idgah sites. During the Maha Kumbh meeting, the VHP also called for ending government control over Hindu temples and expressed concerns about the declining Hindu birth rate.
Would you dare sip water from Yamuna in UP': Akhilesh's dig at Yogi over his remarks on Kejriwal
LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday took a veiled jibe at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who slammed AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal for the state of Yamuna's cleanliness during a campaign for the upcoming polls in Delhi. Yadav asked if Adityanath could sip water from the Yamuna in his own state in Mathura. While campaigning for the BJP for the Delhi assembly polls on Thursday, Adityanath alleged Kejriwal, the former chief minister of Delhi, has committed a sin by turning the Yamuna into a dirty drain. The UP chief minister, whose cabinet took a dip in the Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday, asked if Kejriwal and his ministers could take a bath in the Yamuna. He should answer if he has any moral courage, Adityanath said. In a seeming response to Yogi's remarks, Yadav wrote a post on X but did not name anyone. Before challenging others, people should dare sip water from the Yamuna which flows through Mathura in their state, the SP chief said in a Hindi post. Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 24, 2025 In his campaign speech in Delhi's Kirari, Adityanath had said devotees and saints in Mathura-Vrindavan are victims of AAP's sins as Yamuna water reaches the state as a dirty drain. He accused the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal of never cooperating for the Yamuna's cleanliness with the central government under the Namami Gange project. Yadav's Samajwadi Party and Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party are constituents of the INDIA bloc which was formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to counter the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
'Can You Take A Dip In Yamuna': Yogi Adityanath's Dare To Arvind Kejriwal
Yogi Adityanath alleged that the devotees and saints in holy Mathura-Vrindavan are victims of AAP's sins of AAP as Mother Yamuna reaches there in the form of a dirty drain.
Stray dogs maul 3-year-old boy to death in Mathura
Mathura: A three-year-old boy was mauled to death by stray dogs while playing outside his house in the Kosi Kalan town of the district, police said. Ashish Sharma, Circle Officer (CO) of Chhata, said, The incident occurred around 3 pm on Wednesday when the boy, identified as Sofiyan, was playing outside his home (in the Eidgah Colony). A pack of six stray dogs surrounded him, attacked, and dragged him, leaving him grievously injured. Other children who witnessed the attack informed the boy's family, Sharma added. The family members rushed to the spot, used sticks to drive the dogs away, and rescued the child. But by then, he had suffered severe injuries, with bite and claw marks all over his body, Sharma said. The boy was initially taken to a nearby private hospital, where doctors referred him to a district hospital due to the severity of his injuries. However, Sofiyan succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital, officials said. The death of Sofiyan, the youngest of three brothers, leaves his family in deep shock and mourning. The local municipal administration has been informed of the incident and urged to implement effective measures to control stray dogs and prevent such tragedies, police officials said.
OYO plans to add 500 hotels in religious hubs this year
NEW DELHI, Jan 22:Travel tech unicorn OYO on Wednesday said it is planning to add 500 hotels in religious hubs, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Puri, Haridwar, Mathura, Vrindavan, Amritsar, Ujjain, Ajmer, Nasik, and Tirupati, this year. The announcement comes at a time when religious tourism in the country is booming and the government has launched several initiatives that aim to improve infrastructure at tourist sites and develop tourist attractions, including the PRASHAD scheme, the Ramayana Circuit, and the Swadesh [] The post OYO plans to add 500 hotels in religious hubs this year appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SC extends stay on survey of Mathura mosque
The Supreme Court of India has extended its stay on a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura, which is located adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. The court deferred the hearing on a plea against the survey to April 1, while the interim order staying the survey will continue to operate. The Hindu side claims that the mosque complex holds signs of a temple that once existed at the site, while the Muslim side contends that the lawsuits filed by the Hindu litigants violate the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.
Supreme Court extends stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura
The CJI said three issues were pending now with the apex court and they are the issue of an intra-court appeal (against consolidation of lawsuits filed by the Hindu litigants), the other one is the Act (challenge to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991) itself. List in the week commencing April 1.
SC extends stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended its stay on the Allahabad High Courts order that permitted a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura. The complex is located adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, a site of significant religious importance for Hindus. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and 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 .
Centre delaying Worship Act reply: Mosque panel to SC
The Mathura Shahi Masjid Eidgah Committee has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the court to prevent the central government from filing a response to a petition challenging the Places of Worship Act's constitutional validity. The committee accuses the BJP-led government of intentionally delaying its response. The court had previously issued a notice to the government in March 2021, but the government has yet to submit its reply despite numerous opportunities. The committee argues that the government's delay is intended to obstruct those opposing the challenge to the Places of Worship Act from filing their own responses. The petition also states that the pleas challenging the law's validity are scheduled for hearing on February 17, and closing the government's right to respond would serve justice. The Supreme Court previously issued a ruling in December 2022 that stopped courts from entertaining new lawsuits or issuing interim or final orders regarding the reclaiming of religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The ruling halted proceedings in 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu groups seeking surveys to confirm the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. This decision was made in response to six petitions, including one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship Act. The 1991 law prohibits the conversion of places of worship and guarantees the preservation of their existing religious character as it stood on August 15, 1947. Notably, the dispute regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was excluded from this law. There are also several cross-petitions advocating for a strict enforcement of the 1991 law to uphold communal harmony and maintain the current status of mosques that Hindu groups seek to reclaim, claiming they were temples before being destroyed by invaders.
Places of Worship Act: Mathura Shahi Masjid committee moves SC to close Centre's right to file reply
The Mathura Shahi Masjid Eidgah Committee moves the Supreme Court to close the Centre's right to reply on a plea challenging the Places of Worship Act. The committee accuses the BJP-led Centre of deliberate delays, impacting the hearing of petitions against the 1991 law.
Telangana bus travelling to Maha Kumbh catches fire, one dead
Hyderabad: An elderly person died after a bus from Telanganas Nirmal district travelling to the ongoing Prayagrajs Maha Kumbh Mela caught fire in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura city. According to police, around 50 pilgrims were travelling in the bus when it stopped at Vridhavan Tourist Center for a break. An elderly person died after a bus 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 .
Mathura Shahi Idgah row: SC defers hearing on mosque panel's plea to March
The Supreme Court postponed its hearing to March 2025 on the Shahi Idgah mosque committee's plea in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The committee argues the lawsuits violate the Places of Worship Act, which prohibits changes to religious character post-Independence. Allahabad High Court had rejected the committee's plea, stating the religious character needed determination.
Elderly Passenger Killed as Pilgrims Bus Catches Fire in Mathura
Mathura (UP): An elderly passenger lost his life when a private bus carrying pilgrims from Telangana to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh caught fire on Tuesday, police said. The incident occurred at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre, where the bus was parked. According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus was carrying around 50 pilgrims en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh. The group had stopped at Vrindavan on Tuesday evening, and while some pilgrims visited nearby temples, others stayed back to prepare food. Amid this, sparks were noticed coming from the bus, which quickly escalated into a massive fire. Emergency services, including police and fire teams, were immediately alerted. One of the pilgrims raised an alarm, pointing out that an elderly man, identified as Dhrupati, was still inside the bus. Tragically, the fire engulfed the vehicle before he could be rescued, and he was found dead. A fellow passenger claimed that Dhrupati was smoking a beedi and had chosen to stay in the bus while others stepped out. It is suspected that the lit beedi might have caused the fire, although investigations are ongoing. Senior police officials arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue and investigation efforts. The body has been sent for post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death, Kumar said.
Bus carrying pilgrims to Maha Kumbh catches fire in UP, 1 killed
Mathura: An elderly passenger was killed when a private bus carrying pilgrims from Telangana to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh caught fire on Tuesday, police said.Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which created chaos at the tourist facility in Vrindavan where the bus was parked, they said. According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus had around 50 pilgrims and arrived at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre on Tuesday evening. The group was en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh later in the night. While some pilgrims ventured out to visit temples, others stayed back to prepare food. Amid this, sparks emerged from the bus, quickly escalating into a massive fire. Police and fire services were alerted immediately. One of the pilgrims raised an alarm and pointed out that an elderly man, identified as Dhrupati, was still inside the bus. However, by the time fire teams arrived, the blaze had engulfed the vehicle, and Dhrupati was found dead. A fellow passenger who had been sitting near Dhrupati alleged that the deceased was smoking a beedi and chose to remain in the bus while others stepped out to visit temples. He speculated that the fire might have started due to the lit beedi. Senior police officials reached the site and are investigating the incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem, Kumar said.
SC to hear Mathura's Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday
The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea from the mosque management committee challenging an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on January 15. The Allahabad High Court had rejected the mosque committee's plea, stating that the religious character of the Shahi Idgah mosque needed to be determined. The case involves claims that the mosque was built after the demolition of a temple, a claim disputed by the mosque committee. The Supreme Court will now decide on the maintainability of the mosque committee's plea.
Mathura Shahi Idgah row: SC to hear mosque committees plea on Jan 15
New Delhi: The Supreme Court would on January 15 hear a plea of the mosque management committee against an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, UP. A single judge bench of the Allahabad High Court on August 1, last year, rejected the plea of the Committee of Management, Trust 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 .
NEW DELHI: Expressing its disinclination, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the Allahabad High Court's order to consolidate or club all suits relating to the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute and hear them together. The two-judge bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar, while refusing to club the batch of suits pending in the High Court, highlighted that it would benefit both the Hindu and Muslim sides since it would avoid multiple proceedings in various forums. The apex court said this after hearing the Muslim side challenge the Allahabad High Court's order allowing the plea of the Hindu side seeking consolidation of the suits. Why should we interfere in the issue of consolidation? It is in your (Muslim side) benefit and theirs also that multiple proceedings are avoided. We will adjourn this. Re-list in the first week of April 2025, the apex court said. From the Muslim side, senior lawyer Huzefa A. Ahmadi and Advocate on Record (AOR) Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi represented the Muslim side, while Vishnu Jain argued for the Hindu side before the Apex Court. The apex court said that the counter affidavit/reply/status report should be filed by the respondents, including from the Hindu side, within two weeks from today or from the date of service of notice, as the case may be. While refusing to pass any order on the plea of the Muslim side, the bench adjourned the matter to the first week of April. The top court is currently seized of a batch of petitions related to the dispute between the Hindu party, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and the Muslim side, Shahi Eidgah mosque. The controversy surrounds the Shahi Eidgah mosque in Mathura, which is alleged to have been built after demolishing the temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The Supreme Court has upheld the Allahabad High Court's decision to merge 15 lawsuits regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute. The court noted that consolidation benefits all parties by preventing multiple proceedings. The issue is set to be revisited in April, with further clarifications allowed if necessary.
School Winter Vacation 2025: School Holidays Extended In These States
Cities in Uttar Pradesh including Ghaziabad, Agra, Mathura and Lucknow have declared holidays in their schools until January 11-14, 2025.
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 9: BJP today organized the Sangathan Parv election for BJP Sangathan district Jammu South and Jammu district. The significant political event was attended by Shri Kant Sharma, MLA Mathura, (UP), Sangathan Parv election observer BJP Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Narinder Singh Raina BJP national, secretary and MLA RS Pura -Jammu South, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, general secretary BJP Jammu & Kashmir and MLA Ramgarh and Rakesh Mahajan State Returning Officer and State incharge all cells The [] The post BJP organises Sangathan Parv appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP CM Mohan Yadav Visits Mathura: Urges Sanatan Culture in Education Policy
Mathura (Uttar Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Mathura on Thursday, where he paid homage to the Yamuna River and visited the Brahmand Ghat in Gokul. He also offered his respects at the ashram of Sant Guru Sharnanand. Speaking to reporters after his prayers, CM Yadav emphasized his government's commitment to integrating Sanatan culture into Madhya Pradesh's education policy. Mathura, recognized as the sacred birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna, carries its own distinctive significance, Yadav remarked. Madhya Pradesh education system incorporates several elements of Sanatan culture, along with teachings connected to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. I came to Mathura to seek blessings from Guruji and to pay homage to the Lord, particularly before taking part in our Kumbh. Focus on Youth and Religious Infrastructure Earlier, CM Yadav chaired a Cabinet meeting in Bhopal that granted in-principle approval for the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission, set to launch on January 12, 2025, commemorating Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. The initiative aims to create a unified platform for youth-oriented activities, fostering socio-economic development among the youth of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, Yadav convened a Cabinet Committee meeting on preparations for Simhastha-2028, a grand Hindu religious festival held every 12 years in Ujjain. He directed regular reviews of infrastructure progress in Ujjain and Indore divisions every 15 days. Highlighting the significance of these regions, he noted the presence of two Jyotirlingas, which will draw numerous devotees during the event. Reverence for Sanatan Values -Yadav's Mathura visit followed his participation in the Bhojpal Mahotsav Mela in December, an event dedicated to honoring Raja Bhoj. During the Mahotsav, he expressed his profound respect for Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, emphasizing his dedication to the Sanatan order. We hold no malice against anyone, he added. However, we will never compromise on matters related to Sanatan Dharma. After Lord Rama, it feels like Krishna Kanhaiya of Yamuna is calling me. CM Yadavs remarks underscored his vision of upholding traditional values while fostering modern initiatives for youth and religious infrastructure development.
How many residences does Atishi want? BJP's Virendraa Sachdeva asks
Delhi BJP and Congress have targeted the Aam Aadmi Party regarding the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized Delhi CM Atishi, questioning her refusal to reside at 6 Flagstaff Road amid the ongoing investigation, and her demand for multiple residences including AB 17 Mathura Road and her Kalkaji constituency home.
Add these 15 enchanting experiences to your bucket list in 2025, that are worth a lifetime!
Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it- Kumbh Mela The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13 th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year! Rann Mahotsav The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit. Experience Holi as a local India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar. Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost. The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon Its a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes. Spot the Bengal tiger The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the Worlds largest Mangroves. Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett. At the Golden temple One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life. Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime. Night Kayaking in Andaman The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night! Stay in the traditional homestays Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that home feeling while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India. The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkuttys farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors. An Ayurvedic retreat The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are- Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala. Explore famous food streets Well, who doesnt love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? Its so deliciously amazingyou should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food. Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover. Encounter the elusive Snow leopard In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as mountain ghosts by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species. Explore the stars, sky and space Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know Indias advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at- The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2 nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat). Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as Cinema ka Mandir. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir! Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala To those who dont know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Keralas authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala. Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!
Hindu outfit seeks to intervene in 1991 places of worship row in SC
New Delhi: The Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, a Hindu outfit, moved the Supreme Court on Monday seeking to intervene in cases filed against the validity of provisions of the 1991 law that asks to maintain the religious character of places as it existed on August 15, 1947. The outfit's plea, filed through lawyer Atulesh Kumar, challenges Sections 3 and 4 of the 1991 Act, arguing they violated several fundamental rights including right to equality and freedom to practice religion. The 1991 law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. However, the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. A bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, on December 12, 2024, restrained till further directions the courts in the country from examining fresh lawsuits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs (a muslim shrine). The top court is hearing about six petitions challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. There are also several pleas of intervention by some Muslim bodies seeking effective implementation of the law. The Hindu body, in its fresh plea, challenges the validity of Sections 3 and 4 of the 1991 Act on various grounds. Section 3 of the Act prohibits the conversion of places of worship, while Section 4 bars courts from entertaining disputes regarding the religious character of such places. The application alleged these provisions validated places of worship established by arbaric invaders while infringing upon the rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs for reclaiming and restoring their sacred sites. The samiti, headquartered at Vrindavan and Varanasi, said the 1991 law undermined judicial authority by barring the courts from reviewing disputes which was in violation of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Act prevents judicial review which is one of the fundamental aspects of the Constitution therefore violates the basic structure of the Constitution of India, it said. The law's retrospective cutoff August 15, 1947 date, disregards historical injustices and denies communities the right to seek redress, it said. The plea said the law restricted Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming places of worship, and consequently infringed their constitutional right to freedom of religion. On January 2, the top court agreed to examine a fresh plea of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking effective implementation of the 1991 places of worship law and ordered it to be tagged with the pending cases on the issue while posting the hearing on February 17. The top court, through its December 12, 2024 order, effectively stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking survey to ascertain original religious character of 10 mosques including Gyanvapi at Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal where four persons' lives were snuffed out in clashes. Muslim bodies like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind have sought the strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by Hindus on the ground that they were temples before invaders razed them.
Fresh petitions in Supreme Court seek vacation of stay on places of worship case
NEW DELHI: A fresh batch of petitions has been filed before the Supreme Court, seeking the vacation of its earlier order that stayed the filing of new suits against places of worship and the conducting of surveys in pending mandir-masjid cases. The fresh batch of pleas has been filed by various individuals challenging the Supreme Court's December 12 order, which suspended said that no orders would be passed by any court in the country, including surveys, on places of worship until the case is heard again after four weeks. The petitions seek modification of this order. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on February 17, 2025. The interim order was passed on December 12 by a special bench of the apex court, led by the Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan while hearing a batch of petitions relating to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 Act, which prohibits the conversion of the religious character of places of worship from their status as of August 15, 1947. It is to be noted that some petitions challenged the constitutionality of the Act, whereas, some others sought its strict implementation. Many Political parties such as CPI (M), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) MP (Member of Parliament) Manoj Kumar Jha, MP Thol Thirumavalan, and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi have sought to intervene in the matter, supporting the Places of Worship Act. The top court is seized of many pleas, including the one filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and lawyer, Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, seeking a direction that Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, be set aside. Another plea was filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, against the provisions of the 1991 law. Swamy wanted the apex court to ead down certain provisions to enable Hindus to stake claim over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura.
ISKCON Mathura's Employee Flees With Lakhs Of Donation Money, Receipt Book
According to the FIR, Murlidhar Das, son of Nimai Chand Yadav, is a resident of Sriram Colony, Rauganj Vasa in MPs Indore.
Senior Congress leaders join BJP ahead of civic polls in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: In a setback to the Congress ahead of the urban local body polls in Uttarakhand, several senior party leaders, including state unit vice-president Mathura Dutt Joshi, joined the BJP. Joshi was said to be sulking after the party's high command denied ticket for the mayoral seat in Pithoragarh to his wife the. Joshi said that he joined the BJP as there was no appreciation for honest party workers in the Congress. I worked with full honesty and ability in the Congress but there is no appreciation for all this. So I have taken membership in the BJP. I will continue to serve the party with full dedication for the rest of my life, he added. Other leaders who crossed over to the BJP are former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) vice-president Bittu Karnataka and two-time former district panchayat president Jagat Singh Khati. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Pradesh BJP president Mahendra Bhatt welcomed the leaders into the saffron fold at the party's state office here on Saturday. Describing the leaders who crossed over as hardworking and capable people, Dhami expressed confidence that the BJP would benefit from their energy and experience in the civic elections. There is no value for capable and good people in the Congress, the chief minister said. @narendramodi , pic.twitter.com/YwzKPFn303 Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) January 4, 2025 Bhatt said that the BJP would take care of the new leader's self-respect. The common reason offered by the leaders who crossed over was the Congress' inability to give due respect to dedicated party workers. Urban local body polls in Uttarakhand are scheduled for January 23.
UP: Mathura ISKCON employee absconds with donation money & receipt book
Mathura: An ISKCON temple employee tasked with collecting money donated by devotees has fled with lakhs of rupees along with a receipt book, officials said on Saturday. An FIR was filed by the temples Chief Finance Officer Vishwa Nam Das late on Friday night, Superintendent of Police (City) Arvind Kumar said. He said Das had 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 .
Uttarakhand Congress faces setback as veteran leader Mathura Joshi leaves party over ticket row
DEHRADUN: In a significant blow to the Congress party just 18 days before the local body elections in Uttarakhand, veteran leader Mathura Dutt Joshi, who has been associated with the party for five decades and served alongside Rajiv Gandhi, has bid farewell to the Congress. This decision was not easy for me, Joshi stated. However, I believe it is time for a change, and I must follow a path that aligns with my values and vision for the future. In a whirlwind 24 hours, the Congress party has been rocked by a series of unexpected events involving its state vice president, Mathura Datt Joshi. His discontent over ticket allocation was followed by his resignation from the party just hours later. This was swiftly followed by his suspension from the partys disciplinary committee, leaving Congress's core team in a state of shock. Commenting on the situation, a senior party leader stated, The rapid sequence of these events has taken us all by surprise. We are currently assessing the implications of this development. The party now faces significant challenges as it prepares for upcoming elections amidst internal turmoil. To mitigate its embarrassment, the Congress party has expelled Mathura Datt Joshi from the party for six years. This decision was communicated through a letter signed by Dhani Lal Shah, the member secretary of the Congress Disciplinary Committee, shortly after Joshi's resignation earlier in the afternoon. Congress state spokesperson Garima Mahara Dasouni remarked, We are taking necessary actions to uphold the integrity of the party and ensure discipline among our members. In response to Mathura Datt Joshi's resignation from the party, Dasouni stated, The party has given him positions and respect in full measure. After enjoying the benefits of Congress for 48 years, he no longer has the right to call Congress his mother party. Joshi's unexpected resignation from the party has deepened the leadership crisis within Congress. With local body elections scheduled for January 23, selecting a new vice president in such a short timeframe poses a significant challenge for the party. According to Congress sources, Joshi had been seeking a ticket for the position of municipal chairperson for his wife. However, the Congress high command did not accommodate his request, leading to his dissatisfaction. This discontent prompted him to take this surprising step.
Stage set for urban local body polls in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: Competition has intensified for the January 23 elections to the five municipal corporations in Uttarakhand. Despite a setback in the last Lok Sabha elections, the Congress saw its vote share increase, suggesting that this years municipal electionsespecially in the capital and the five corporationscould take an intriguing turn. All eyes are now on the electoral dynamics of the states five major municipal corporations: Dehradun, Haldwani, Kashipur, Haridwar, and Srinagar. Currently, the BJP occupies the mayoral seats in Dehradun, Haldwani, and Kashipur, while the Congress holds Haridwar and Srinagar. Speaking to TNIE, Chief Election Officer Dr BVRC Purushottam said, Nominations for the Uttarakhand municipal elections have been completed, and the scrutiny process is currently underway. Voting will take place on January 23, with results expected to be announced on January 25. Political analyst Avikal Thapliyal stated, There is a significant fundamental difference between the two political parties. The BJP has a robust organizational structure from the state level down to the booth level whereas Congress candidates have to rely on their own efforts. The disparity could play a crucial role, he added. For the Dehradun mayoral election, the BJP has selected Saurabh Thapliyal, who hails from the partys youth wing. Congress has strategically chosen veteran Virendra Pokhriyal. Both candidates have strong political backgrounds and have emerged from student politics. Pokhriyal is the former president of the states largest DAV College. Thapliyal enjoys considerable popularity among the youth. With 7,65,000 voters across 100 wards in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, the upcoming elections promise to be highly competitive. This election is crucial as it encompasses nearly five legislative constituencies, remarked a local political expert. In the Haridwar Municipal Corporation, which has 193,000 voters and a mixed population of Brahmins and Banias, the BJP has nominated Kiran Jaisal as its candidate. Jaisal has served as a councillor twice, while her husband, Subhash Chandra, has held the position thrice. Kiran Jaisal is considered a strong contender. The Congress is going with Amresh Baliyan to contest against Kiran Jaisal. The selection process has been complicated by the introduction of womens OBC reservations, prompting both parties to consider their candidates. Meanwhile, dissent plagues the Congress, surfacing afresh after the ticket distribution. Party strategists are trying to avoid the situation from getting out of hand by appeasing the disgruntled members. Mathura Dutt Joshi, vice-president of Uttarakhand Congress, has expressed dissatisfaction with the ticket allocation process and is keeping himself away from the media. A reliable source within the party revealed, He may even bid farewell to the Congress. State President Karan Mahara actively engages with upset party officials and workers to reconcile differences. The BJP, too, is tackling dissent, tasking its MPs and MLAs with addressing the concerns of dissatisfied members and rebels. In some regions, state officials have also been deployed to manage discontent. At a glance Elections to 5 municipal corporations in Uttarakhand on January 23 BJP occupies the mayoral seats in Dehradun, Haldwani, and Kashipur Congress holds Haridwar and Srinagar Key contest for Dehradun corporation BJP, Congress choose candidates emerging from student politics Both parties face dissent,rebels
Mandir-masjid disputes increased in UP post Ayodhya Ram temple consecration in 2024
Temple-mosque disputes have escalated in Uttar Pradesh since the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, culminating in violence in Sambhal. Major disputes exist in Varanasi, Mathura, Lucknow, Budaun, Baghpat, and Jaunpur, each involving historical claims about the original sites of existing mosques.
2024: Temple-mosque disputes mushroomed in UP after Ayodhya Ram temple consecration
Several temple-mosque disputes emerged in Uttar Pradesh following the consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya. Violent clashes occurred, particularly in Sambhal, resulting in fatalities. The Supreme Court has restrained all courts from passing orders in these cases. Key incidents related to religious disputes were reported in Sambhal, Budaun, Varanasi, Mathura, Lucknow, Baghpat, and Jaunpur.
SC to hear AIMIM chief Owaisi's plea on places of worship law
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on January 2 a plea of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking implementation of the 1991 places of worship law, which asks to maintain the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947.Lawyer and MP Owaisi, who heads the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, filed the plea on December 17, 2024, through advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi. On December 12, however, a bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna while acting on a batch of similar pleas against the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. As the matter is sub-judice in this court, we deem it appropriate that no fresh suit would be registered and proceedings are undertaken till further orders of this court, the CJI-led bench had said. As a result, the top court stalled the proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking surveys to ascertain the original religious character of 10 mosques, including Gyanvapi at Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura besides Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal where four persons' lives were snuffed out in clashes. The special bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, was hearing about six petitions, including the lead one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. One of the contentions was that the provisions took away the right of judicial remedy to reclaim a place of worship of any person or a religious group. The 1991 law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. Owaisi, in his plea, has sought a direction to the Centre to ensure effective implementation of the law, said his counsel. He also referred to instances where several courts had ordered survey of mosques on pleas by Hindu litigants, he said. It is likely that the top court would on January 2 tag Owaisi's plea with the pending matters for hearing. Pleas of the Muslim side have also sought strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by the Hindus side saying temples existed in these places before invaders razed them. The Gyanvapi Mosque management committee had moved the apex court to oppose several pending petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the 1991 law. It listed a series of contentious claims made over the years concerning various mosques and dargahs, including the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Delhi's Qutub Minar, the Kamal Maula Mosque in Madhya Pradesh, and others. The petitions challenging the law were filed with mischievous intent to facilitate lawsuits against these religious sites, which the 1991 Act currently protected, the committee said.
SC to hear AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's plea on places of worship law
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on January 2 a plea of AIMIMchief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking implementation of the 1991 places of worship law, which asks to maintain the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947. Lawyer and MP Owaisi, who heads the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, filed the plea on December 17, 2024, through advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi. On December 12, however, a bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna while acting on a batch of similar pleas against the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. As the matter is sub-judice in this court, we deem it appropriate that no fresh suit would be registered and proceedings are undertaken till further orders of this court, the CJI-led bench had said. As a result, the top court stalled the proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking surveys to ascertain the original religious character of 10 mosques, including Gyanvapi at Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura besides Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal where four persons' lives were snuffed out in clashes. The special bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, was hearing about six petitions, including the lead one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. One of the contentions was that the provisions took away the right of judicial remedy to reclaim a place of worship of any person or a religious group. The 1991 law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. Owaisi, in his plea, has sought a direction to the Centre to ensure effective implementation of the law, said his counsel. He also referred to instances where several courts had ordered survey of mosques on pleas by Hindu litigants, he said. It is likely that the top court would on January 2 tag Owaisi's plea with the pending matters for hearing. Pleas of the Muslim side have also sought strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by the Hindus side saying temples existed in these places before invaders razed them. The Gyanvapi Mosque management committee had moved the apex court to oppose several pending petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the 1991 law. It listed a series of contentious claims made over the years concerning various mosques and dargahs, including the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Delhi's Qutub Minar, the Kamal Maula Mosque in Madhya Pradesh, and others. The petitions challenging the law were filed with mischievous intent to facilitate lawsuits against these religious sites, which the 1991 Act currently protected, the committee said.
Neighbourhood watch, atmanirbhar in defence
Internal security Cyber security still a challenge Despite successes in the three major theaters J&K, Naxal-hit areas and the Northeast posing challenges to internal security, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will require continuing with its ongoing strategy of zero tolerance to deal with emerging situations in 2025. In addition, the MHA will need to move forward with renewed vigour to meet the new challenges posed by online frauds and cybercriminals. The home ministry has recently taken over the responsibility of dealing with the challenge of cyber fraud by setting up a new wing I4C under its umbrella. The year 2025 will require a lot of focus on the massive use of Internet data by people at large which leaves them vulnerable to unscrupulous elements from not only within India but from across the globe. Experts believe cyber attackers are transitioning from opportunistic attacks to more targeted and sophisticated campaigns, leveraging advanced malware types like Trojans and Infectors and the agencies need to be ahead of them. MEA Cautious walk for South Block Amid Indias rising international profile and rebalancing of power, the year 2025, like 2024, is expected to test Indias diplomatic prowess in following a cooperative relations approach with great powers and its neighbourhood. While the primary focus will be on the US, China, Russia and the European Union, a special watch will be on the Trump and Putin relations. The leadership change in the US with Republican Donald Trump returning to the White House is anticipated to be a policy shift. In addition, the ongoing unrest in Europe, conflicts encompassing the West Asia and Asia will require deft handling. Developments in Bangladesh and Syria will have to be handled skillfully for their long shadows might cover a larger swath of international affairs. Both countries are undergoing a regime change. In a major turn of events, India and the European Union have agreed to hold the first-ever ministerial strategic foreign policy dialogue soon, to jointly navigate an array of critical challenges, including geo-political tensions. Defence Focus on Integrated Theatre Command To address the global supply chain, the sector may witness major acquisitions and policy changes with a push for local manufacturing. The year 2025 is to see a move ahead in important projects, such as FRCVs and nuclear attack (SSN) submarines, to be manufactured locally. Also, decisions on the much-awaited conclusion of the 114 multi-role fighter aircraft and the construction of the six advanced conventional submarines by an Indian manufacturer in a Strategic Partnership with a foreign company are due. The plan is to replace the over four-decade-old Russian-origin T-72 main battle tank with future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs) by 2030. Major reform is awaited, and the formation of the Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC) is due to get approved. It will be the most significant reform since Independence, wherein all three military services (Army, Navy and Air Force) will be reorganised and reconfigured to function under one commander, with each ITC handling a single theatre of war. Also, another significant area will be military diplomacy. Health Strengthening health infra a key task The year 2024 saw the launch of several health initiatives, including an insurance scheme for senior citizens aged 70. The results of these initiatives are expected in 2025, which holds both promises and challenges. Meeting the target of eliminating TB, five years ahead of the international target, will be another challenge. Health ministry officials said a 100-day intensified campaign will cover 347 selected high-priority districts across 33 states/UTs that reported a high death rate, low testing, and high incidence of TB. The scheme, which was launched on December 7, will conclude in March 2025. The major challenge, however, is a shortage of drugs for TB patients, though the government says it has enough stock. March 2025 will mark the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a notable decline in cases, some cases are still being reported. The focus would also be on tackling the threat of non-communicable diseases like heart attacks, stroke, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Education NTA reforms, textbooks to cost less If 2024 was a year of controversy for the education sector with allegations of cheating, mismanagement and mass cancellations of key examinations, then the coming year is set to see reforms, reorganisation and restructuring. In 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will undergo an overhaul. It will focus on conducting entrance exams for admissions to higher education institutions. For this, additional 10 posts will be created to ensure zero-error testing. Also, as the government is focusing on establishing new schools, it has sanctioned `8,232 crore for opening 85 Kendriya Vidyalayas and 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas. The coming year will also bring cheers to parents as the NCERT textbooks for some classes will cost less. The Centre will also start working on updating textbooks for classes 9-12. With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 completing the fifth year, the focus will be on transforming the country as an educational hub. In all, the year promises beneficial norms and decisions for the education sector. Top court Triple talaq, Places of Worship Act After an action-packed year in which the Supreme Court issued transformative judgments, it is once again poised to deliver significant verdicts that will impact nearly every aspect of peoples liveswhether religious, social, or regarding their relationship with the state and its laws. Among the major petitions, a notable batch challenges the triple talaq law. The SC is set to hear Haryana governments appeal against the Punjab and Haryana HCs July 10 order, which directed the opening of the highway and the removal of barricades. Another enduring controversy is the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, which aims to preserve the religious character of places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947. Additionally, the SC will consider the dispute concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Masjid in Mathura. It will examine a PIL challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 12 and 51 of the Blood Donor Guidelines, 2017, which impose a blanket ban on transgender individuals from donating blood. Reports by: Mukesh Ranjan, Mayank Singh, Kavita Bajeli-Dutt and Suchitra Kalyan Mohanthy
Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura Witness Surge In Devotees Ahead Of 2025
Ayodhya is witnessing a massive surge in devotees ahead of the New Year, particularly with the newly consecrated Ram temple attracting thousands eager to seek blessings from Lord Ram.
3 killed in collision on NH-19 in Mathura
Mathura: Three people were killed, and one person was injured in a collision between a tractor and a loading truck here early on Sunday, police said.While one person died on the spot, two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, Inspector Sanjay Kumar Tyagi of Chhata Kotwali said. According to police, the accident occurred in front of Chhata Sugar Mill on NH-19 where a speeding canter, attempting to overtake a brick-laden tractor trolley, collided with it. Both vehicles were going towards Mathura from Chhata when the incident took place this morning. The injured have been identified as Puran Singh (who was sitting on the tractor), Prince, the canter driver, and Dharmendra Yadav. All three were rushed to KD Medical College, where Puran Singh and Prince succumbed, while Dharmendra Yadav remains in critical condition, Tyagi said. The lone fatality at the scene was Umesh, he said. Victims' ages have not yet been ascertained.
Hyderabad had India's third lowest votes in last LS elections
Hyderabad: Its official. The Hyderabad constituency not only did not have the least number of votes polled in Telangana during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but it also emerged as the third in the country in terms of the low voter turnout. According to the latest statistical report on the 2024 elections released by the Election Commission of India, the Hyderabad constituency recorded 48.79 per cent polling with 10,81,878 of its 22,27,094 voters casting their votes. The two constituencies with the lowest polling were Nawada of Bihar with 43.47 per cent and Patna Sahib, also in Bihar, at 46.87. Seven other constituencies that had less than 50 per cent voting were Rewa in Madhya Pradesh (49.48), Ghaziabad (49.88), Mathura (49.38), and Phulpur (49) all in Uttar Pradesh. Incidentally, the highest voting took place in Andhra Pradesh with 88.32 per cent of the 16,07,382 voters in Ongole going to the polling stations. According to the ECI report, people who exercised the None Of The Above (NOTA) option, were not limited to exercising this option at the polling booths but also did so using postal ballots. In Telangana, those who chose Nota at the polling stations numbered 1,02,661, while among postal ballots as many as 1,583 chose the Nota option.
