Delhi fourth most polluted city in India; all top 10 cities from Haryana, UP: Study
CHANDIGARH: Delhi ranked fourth among the most polluted cities in the country in November, as per a report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Ghaziabad topped the list, followed by Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning, 20 out of 29 cities in National Capital Region (NCR) recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year. Punjab and Haryana had been blamed in the past for being the primary cause of air pollution in the NCR; the two states have registered an 80 to 90 per cent drop in farm fire cases over the last four years. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)s November 2025 Monthly Air Quality Snapshot, draws data from real-time continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) PM2.5. The report indicates a substantial deterioration in air quality across the country. Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in the country in November this year with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 224 g/m, violating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on every day of the month, the report stated. It further said the city experienced 19 Very Poor days, 10 Severe days, and one Poor day. The report further reads, Uttar Pradesh accounted for six of the top ten cities, followed by Haryana with three, along with Delhi. All cities in the top 10 list recorded higher PM2.5 levels than the previous year, except for Delhi. Delhi ranked as the fourth most polluted city, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 215 g/m in November, about twice its October level of 107 g/m. The city experienced 23 Very Poor days, six Severe days, and one Poor day throughout November, the report stated. Despite widespread pollution, the contribution of stubble burning was an average of 7 per cent in November, down from 20 per cent last year. Peak contributions of stubble burning reached 22 per cent, significantly lower than 38 per cent recorded in the previous year. Except for Bahadurgarh, none of the top ten cities recorded even a single day within the safe daily NAAQS limit. Several other cities, including Charkhi Dadri, Bulandshahr, Jind, Muzaffarnagar, Gurgaon, Khurja, Bhiwani, Karnal, Yamunanagar and Faridabad, also recorded PM2.5 levels above NAAQS every day of the month. Sonipat recorded very poor' air quality with PM 2.5 at 121-250 g/m on 29 of the 30 days, while Bahadurgarh remained the second most polluted with a PM 2.5 average of 215 g/m, it added. While seven cities of Punjab exceeded the standard as Mandi Gobindgarh was the most polluted in Punjab with PM 2.5 at 93 g/m. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning influence, 20 out of 29 NCR cities recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year, and many still did not register a single day within NAAQS limits. This clearly indicates that the dominant drivers are year-round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources. Without sector-specific emission cuts, cities will continue to breach standards, said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA. At the state level, Rajasthan had the largest number of polluted cities, with 23 of 34 exceeding the NAAQS in November. Haryana had 22 of 25 such cities, while Uttar Pradesh had 14 of 20 above the standard. Pollution levels were also high across other states, with 9 of 12 cities in Madhya Pradesh, 9 of 14 in Odisha, and 7 of 8 in Punjab recording concentrations above NAAQS.
Uncle Rapes 14-Year-Old Orphan In Uttar Pradesh, Arrested
A 14-year-old orphan girl was allegedly raped by her uncle at his house in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar on Wednesday, police said.
DelhiDehradun travel time to drop to 2.5 hours as trial run begins on new expressway
DEHRADUN: Commuters are set to witness a dramatic reduction in travel time between the National Capital Region and Uttarakhands capital, as the trial run for the ambitious DelhiSaharanpurDehradun Expressway commenced late Sunday night. The 210-kilometre project, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2021, is now operational on a trial basis following the removal of barricades near Geeta Colony, signalling the imminent opening of this high-speed corridor. The new expressway promises to cut the six-hour drive to just two and a half hours. The Rs 11,800-crore project begins near the Akshardham Temple Metro Station in Delhi, connects to the DelhiMeerut Expressway, and passes through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh before culminating in Dehradun. This corridor starts as an elevated structure from Geeta Colony itself, which will significantly ease congestion for Delhi-bound traffic, an official associated with the project said. The expressway incorporates multiple environmental and safety features, including Asias longest 12-km elevated wildlife corridor through Rajaji National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely underneath the roadway and reducing the risks associated with high-speed traffic. Further enhancing animal safety, special monkey ladders have been installed to connect trees and allow primates to cross without descending onto the road, helping prevent accidents. The main route is secured with protective fencing to minimise humanwildlife conflict. We have also employed non-intrusive yellow lighting to avoid attracting insects, and sound barriers line the edges of the expressway to curb noise pollution, an NHAI source said. While the main section from Ganeshpur to Asharodi in Uttarakhand is complete, officials noted ongoing work to address geological vulnerabilities. Following monsoon surveys that identified potential landslide risks near two hillsides, the NHAI undertook jacketing work to reinforce 24 pillars affected by river erosion. To enhance accessibility for pilgrims, a dedicated viaduct is being constructed near the Daat Kali Devi Temple at Mohand, ensuring smooth access for high-speed traffic from Delhi without dangerous U-turns. NHAI Chief Engineer Mukesh Parmar said the elevated road is designed for speeds up to 100 km/h for light motor vehicles, with a 60 km/h speed limit for two-wheelers and clear signage installed. Work on the elevated road and associated safety features is nearing completion, Parmar added. We are optimistic that the expressway will be fully open to the public before the New Year.
Muzaffarnagar police remove over 55 loudspeakers from mosques in drive against noise violations
According to police, the loudspeakers were taken down from mosques located in the Civil Lines, Kotwali and Khalapar police station areas as part of the enforcement campaign
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway opens for trial run; inauguration expected by month-end
NEW DELHI: The much-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, expected to reduce travel time by almost four hours, was opened for a trial run on Monday. Developed at an approximate cost of Rs 12,000 crore, the corridor will significantly reduce the travel time between the national capital and the city located in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand from the existing 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours. The access controlled expressway, that has an operational speed limit of 100 kmph starts from Akshardham Temple in Delhi and passes through many districts of Uttar Pradesh such as Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur and culminates at Dehradun. The 210-km-longexpressway was expected to be ready by March 2024. Speaking at the monthly interactive sessionDelhi Dialoguesorganised by TNIE , the Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra last week said that the remaining work of the project had almost been completed and the expressway would be opened by the end of this month. The project was approved in 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the expressway in December 2021. The expressway will also have a spur towards Haridwar and also connect to Char Dham Highway, thus enhancing the connectivity to the hill stations and pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The last 20-km long stretch passes through the eco-sensitive zone of Rajaji National Park where Asias longest elevated wildlife corridor (12km) that includes 340 metre Daat Kali tunnel is being constructed. Multiple animal passes have been provided in the Ganeshpur-Dehradun section for avoiding animal-vehicle collisions. The corridor also has arrangements for rainwater harvesting at intervals of 500m and over 400 water recharge points. The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has planned to install solar panels along the 14.75 km-long stretch of the Expressway, including a 6.9 km elevated section starting from Akshardham junction (near Delhi-Meerut Expressway) to at DLF Ankur Vihar situated at Delhi-Uttar Pradesh (UP) border. The estimated cost of the pilot project is Rs 1,479.22 crore, which is to harness up to seven (megawatt) MW of solar power. It will be commissioned within 18 months, with a 25-year power agreement.
Woman strangled to death after prolonged harassment by in-laws over dowry in UP
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A 28-year-old woman was allegedly strangled to death by her in-laws over dowry demands at Kasoli village in Muzaffarnagar district, police said on Monday. The victim, Hina, was killed on Sunday evening after prolonged harassment for dowry, officials said. Circle Officer D Bajpai told reporters that police rushed to the spot upon receiving information and sent the body for postmortem. A case has been registered against the victim's husband Khushnaseeb, father-in-law Intazar, mother-in-law Farzana and two brothers-in-laws, all of whom are absconding, he said. Police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused, Bajpai added. According to a complaint lodged by Hina's brother, she was married to Khushnaseeb on May 21, 2023, and had been facing continuous harassment for dowry since then. He alleged that she was tortured and eventually strangled to death by her in-laws.
Solar panel along highways to check pollution
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed installing solar panels along national highways, beginning with a pilot on the under-construction DelhiDehradun Expressway. The move aligns with Indias targets of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070. The pilot will cover a 14.75 km stretch of NH-709B, including a 6.9km elevated section from Akshardham to DLF Ankur Vihar on DelhiUP border. Speaking at Delhi Dialogues , the interactive session organised by this newspaper, MoS Harsh Malhotra said the initiative could reshape how highways are built and powered. Based on the outcome, the government plans to replicate the model across highways in several states, he said. Earlier this month, NHAI signed an MoU with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to collaborate on renewable energy solutions for highways, including solar, wind, hybrid power, green hydrogen, and storage systems. The partnership aims to make transport infra greener, he said. The pilot project, estimated at Rs 1,479.22 crore, is expected to generate up to 7 MW of solar power. It will be commissioned within 18 months and run on a 25-year power agreement. SECI has submitted a draft Request for Selection for developers, and a Joint Working Committee is being set up to monitor progress and chart a national rollout. The agency will conduct feasibility studies, manage bidding for renewable energy procurement, oversee project development and invest in EV charging infra. NHAI will make land available for the charging stations. The 210km DelhiDehradun Expressway is set to open next month, Malhotra said. The access-controlled corridor, with a 100kmph speed limit, runs from Akshardham Temple through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur before ending in Dehradun.
Video: Groom refuses Rs 31 lakh dowry at wedding, wins hearts
Muzaffarnagar: A groom won hearts at a wedding here after he refused to accept a dowry of Rs 31 lakh from the family of the bride, whose maternal grandfather painstakingly put aside the money after her father died due to COVID-19. Awadhesh Singh (26), who married Aditi Singh (24) on November 22 in Shahbuddinpur village 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 .
A dramatic twist at a wedding in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar left the guests stunned when the groom refused the dowry given by the bride's family. 24-year-old Awadesh Rana surprised the guests and earned their appreciation when he refused Rs 31 lakh dowry. Locals said the incident has become a talking point across the area.
UP: 3 cops suspended after shop owner attempts self-immolation citing harassment
Muzaffarnagar: Three policemen have been suspended for alleged negligence of duty after a mobile shop owner attempted to set himself on fire claiming police harassment here, officials said on Monday. The suspensions were ordered after a preliminary inquiry into the complaint against the officers, Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar said. According to police, Anas 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 .
No live-in: All-caste khap makes parental consent must for love marriages
LUCKNOW: An all-caste Sarv Khap Panchayat in Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh, unanimously passed 11 resolutions against what it called the prevalent social evils, including opposition to live-in relationships and homosexuality and making parental consent for love marriage mandatory. The panchayat also recommended ending traditional 13-day death feast. Notably, it set up a committee to enforce the decisions, with the next meeting scheduled for 2035. Organised in Sorum village of Shahpur Nagar panchayat area on Tuesday, it saw former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan and present Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil Dev Agarwal among the prominent attendees that attracted around 15,000 people. The khap, which witnessed the participation of khap chaudharis and thumbedars of around 36 communities, along with farmers and common people, held three-day deliberations on what the organisers called social evils, traditions, and vices spreading in the society. Participants came from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The chaudhary of the Balyan Khap and Bharatiya Kisan Union national president Naresh Tikait and national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait also attended the event. Budhana MLA Rajpal Balyan and Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik also participated in it. Its leaders decided that an all-caste panchayat should be held once in a decade to address social evils. What the Sarv Khap Panchayat resolved Ban on death feasts, female feticide, and dowry system Initiative for de-addiction Opposition to live-in relationships, homosexuality Parental consent for love marriage Girl child education Environmental, cow protection
As per the nationwide study, Indias actual Ready for Life Index (RLI) stands at a modest 59, compared to a high perceived readiness of 85, indicating a wide gap of 26 points in financial readiness across Indias urban population Retirement planning emerges as Indias biggest gap area, with two in three individuals, expecting family support after retirement, despite planning Two out of five individuals have an emergency fund to last over four months; two out of five health insurance owners hold a health cover below INR 5 lakh The findings also highlight Indias need for long-term protection and financial literacy across income groups and cities HDFC Lif e has launched Ready for Life - its latest research-based study. This one-of-its-kind report makes an effort to quantify the Financial Readiness Gap the difference between perceived and actual financial preparedness of individuals. Vineet Arora, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life The Index shows a 26-point gap, which implies that there is a big difference in terms of actual readiness of an individual in comparison to how ready they think they are largely due the lack of action to convert financial planning from merely a plan into reality. In other words, the index reveals that individuals are not well-prepared to handle uncertainties of life across different financial aspects. About the Study The Ready for Life Index 2025 is a proprietary research initiative by HDFC Life. This research has been conducted by Ipsos India, an independent market research company. Based on 1,836 face-to-face interviews with working men and women aged between 2555 years across Metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities*, the study evaluates Indias life readiness across four key pillars Financial Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Health & Well-being, and Retirement Strategy. The index aims to highlight the gap between perception and actual preparedness, encouraging a shift from short-term savings to structured, long-term financial planning. Balancing Confidence and Preparedness Indias Retirement Reality The Ready for Life Index 2025 evaluates India's overall preparedness across life pillars of high importance and finds that though awareness and optimism are visible, preparedness is still uneven. While consumers hold clear ideal retirement goals, their financial actions and product choices suggest that these goals may be difficult to reach. Of all the pillars, retirement preparedness is the weakest with a 37-point gap between confidence and level of action. Close to half of urban Indians have yet to begin saving for retirement, and two out of every three anticipate support from family after retirement. Most respondents who have started planning for retirement, are of the opinion that a corpus of INR 50 lakhs INR 1 crore would last about 17 years, which could prove to be a gross underestimation considering inflation and lifestyle costs. These results stress on the need for India to move from family-supported financial security to independent retirement planning and also on the need for awareness on financial planning Financial Planning and Protection Traditional Strength, Modern Gaps While Indian customers are inclined towards conventional savings instruments like endowment insurance plans, fixed deposits, and gold, protection and growth-oriented products like term insurance, market linked products, and retirement products are underutilised. Term insurance, which is one of the most cost-effective protection instruments, has modest ownership owing to limited product understanding, myths around claim settlement, and belief that premiums offer no return if the policy holder outlives the policy term. While financial discipline is visible to an extent, the savings space remains dominated by traditional products and short-term goals. The real opportunity lies in encouraging systematic, long-term investing to build sustainable wealth and reduce over-reliance on low-growth instruments. On a positive note, there is increasing awareness about health and wellness. Four in five survey participants actively engage in physical activities to maintain their overall physical and mental well-being. Similarly, two out of three go for yearly health check-ups. But the gap in coverage continues to exist; 2 in 5 respondents have health insurance cover of less than INR 5 lakh. Further, in terms of emergency funds, 2 in 5 individuals possess sufficient savings to meet home expenses for more than four months. Regional and Tier-wise Insights The study reveals notable regional variations in financial readiness across India: North India shows the widest readiness gap of 30 points, mainly due to weaker emergency and retirement planning East India records the most realistic self-assessment with a gap of 20 points, and also displays a traditional and disciplined savings approach South India leads in maturity towards financial and health planning West India demonstrates a more diversified investment outlook but lower focus on long-term planning Tier 3 cities display the lowest preparedness and widest confidence gaps, highlighting the need for deeper financial literacy efforts beyond metros here for the report Vineet Arora Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life , shared his thoughts on the study, The Ready for Life Index reflects Indias growing awareness and optimism about financial planning but also reminds us that true readiness is built through consistent planning and protection. Confidence alone is not enough preparedness needs structure and action ." " The findings indicate that retirement remains Indias biggest financial blind spot. Despite higher awareness, the actual action towards long-term security is limited. Through this study, we aim to encourage meaningful conversations around preparedness and protection as essential pillars of financial wellness . * List of cities - Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Vadodara, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Patna, Muzaffarnagar, Panipat, Thanjavur, Machilipatnam, Anand, Dhule, Bardhaman, Ganjam Disclaimer HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (HDFC Life) (i) makes no express or implied representations, warranties or covenants as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the information, data, opinions, commentary, analysis and/or any direct or indirect recommendations included in the Ready for Life Index Study conducted by Ipsos India Pvt. Ltd. (Study), and (ii) disclaims any and all damages, costs and liabilities whatsoever to the recipient or reader and or its representatives (tangible or intangible, including, but not limited to loss of business opportunity, loss of profit, loss of market share or loss of goodwill) for any reliance or use made by the recipient or reader and its representatives on the Study, or any errors therein or omissions therefrom. The report is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, taxation, or professional advice by HDFC Life. The recipient or reader and its representatives should not rely solely on this content for making financial decisions, and are advised to seek qualified professional guidance tailored to their personal circumstances. Ipsos India Pvt. Ltd. and the authors disclaim any liability for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this report or its content. This report does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument or product.
A scooter rider in Muzaffarnagar was mistakenly fined Rs 20.74 lakh for traffic violations. Police called it a technical glitch and reduced the challan to Rs 4,000 after the receipt went viral.
Dalit man's body with stab wounds found in UP village
MUZAFFARNAGAR: The body of a Dalit man with stab wounds was found in a field in a village here, police said on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Sonu (29). According to police, Sonu left home on Saturday after receiving a phone call but did not return. His body was found in a sugarcane field in Ghari Firozabad village under the Kakroli police station area. There were multiple stab wounds on the body, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal told reporters. A blood-stained knife and the youth's motorcycle were recovered from the spot. The body has been sent for post-mortem, he said. An investigation has been launched and efforts are on to trace the assailants. Those involved in the crime will be arrested soon, Bansal said.
UP man in Saudi Arabia dies by suicide during video call with wife
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district allegedly died by suicide in Saudi Arabia during a video call with his newly married wife in India, police said on Wednesday. A police official here said Aas Mohammad Ansari allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling of his residence in Riyadh on October 26 following a heated argument with his wife Sania (21) during a video call. After the incident, his wife informed relatives living in Saudi Arabia, who rushed to his residence and found him dead, according to his family. A relative, Amjad Ali, said efforts are underway to bring the body back to Muzaffarnagar for burial. Family members on Wednesday said the couple had married earlier this year on April 7 at Bhopa village. Ansari had travelled to Saudi Arabia around two-and-a-half months ago for work. Family members said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been informed and necessary documentation is being arranged to repatriate the mortal remains. Police said they are probing the details of the matter, including the issue over which the couple had the argument. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Indian In Saudi Dies By Suicide On Video Call With Wife In UP After Quarrel
A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district allegedly died by suicide in Saudi Arabia during a video call with his newly married wife in India, police said on Wednesday.
Criminal carrying bounty of Rs 1 lakh killed in police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli
LUCKNOW: A wanted criminal in western UP, carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh, was shot dead in a police encounter in Bhogi Majra village of Shamli district late on Thursday evening. During the encounter, Special Operations Group constable Deepak suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was hospitalised. The criminal, Faisal, who had 17 criminal cases including those related to murder and robbery, lodged against him, was killed just after committing a robbery with his accomplice. He was associated with the notorious Sanjeev Jeeva gang, Police said. The encounter took place in the forest of Bhogimajra. Just hours before the encounter, Faisal and his associate had robbed Jeetram, a resident of Barnawi village, and his wife of their motorcycle, Rs 3,000 in cash, and a mobile phone, Shamli Superintendent of Police (SP)Narendra Pratap Singh said. According to the police authorities, the encounter broke out near Bhogi Majra on the Bhogi MajraMachroli road when the Jhinjhana police team, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG), tried to intercept Faisal. The police of Jhinjhana police station and the SOG team had received a tip-off about Faisal's arrival. They were informed that some criminals were planning a robbery on the Vedkheri road. Consequently, the team surrounded the criminals. As soon as they saw the police, the criminals started firing. He opened fire on the police, prompting retaliation by the cops...Faisal sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital by the cops. However, the doctors declared him dead upon arrival. His accomplice managed to flee the spot, said an officer. Police recovered a motorcycle and two pistols from the spot. The police team started combing the forest in search of him. Faisal was a resident of Khalapar, Muzaffarnagar. During the encounter, SOG constable Deepak suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was hospitalised. The slain criminal was a sharpshooter of the notorious Sanju Jeeva gang and was wanted in two recent robbery incidents in the district. A cash reward of Rs 1 lakh had been announced for his arrest, said the SP. Police said Faisals associate, Shahrukh Pathan, was killed about one and a half months ago in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF). According to the state government, from March 2017 to October 2025, UP Police has killed 259 criminals in encounters. During this period, more than 15,000 police encounters took place in which more than 31,000 criminals were arrested, and more than 10,000 were injured.
Man beaten to death after minor dispute turns violent in UPs Shamli
Muzaffarnagar: A man was beaten to death following a clash between two groups from different communities over a minor dispute in Shamli district, police said on Thursday. Additional SP Santosh Kumar Singh told reporters that Idrees (35) was killed in the clash at a village under the Jhinjhana police station limits on Wednesday night. Ajit, 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 .
UP Woman Injured As Old Firecrackers Drying On House Roof Explode
A woman was severely injured in an explosion caused by old firecrackers at a house in Khatuli town of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police said.
10 held across UP for I Love Muhammad posters, videos
As many as ten Muslims have been arrested across Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing I Love Muhammad posters and videos. In Muzaffarnagar, a 30-year-old Nadeem, working as a cloth trader in Mumbai, was arrested for reportedly posting an objectionable and controversial video on social media, a police official said. A few days ago, an objectionable 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 .
UP teenager blinded in one eye after police brutality over mosque announcement
A 13-year-old Muslim boy in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, lost vision in his left eye due to alleged police brutality while in detention after his announcement at a local mosque hurt local sentiments. The family lodged complaints with the district authorities, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 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 .
Road crash in UP leaves six dead
MUZAFFARNAGAR: An SUV rammed into a stationary truck here on Wednesday, leaving six persons dead and another seriously injured, police said. The accident took place near a roadside eatery on the Panipat-Khatima highway, officials said. Circle Officer Rupali Rao told PTI that the victims were travelling from Haryana to Haridwar to immerse the ashes of a relative when the accident took place. The deceased were identified as Mohini (44), Anju (30), Vimmi (35), Rajender (50), Shiva (30, driver) and Piyush (30), all residents of Faridpur in Haryana. The injured has been admitted to a hospital.
15-year-old girl shot dead by father, minor brother in suspected honour killing in UP
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A 17-year-old girl has been allegedly shot dead by her father and minor brother in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh in a suspected case of honour killing, police said on Monday. The incident took place in Ambehta village under Kandhla police station limits on Sunday evening, Superintendent of Police N P Singh told reporters. The victim, identified as Muskan, a Class 12 student, was allegedly taken to the upper floor of their house by her father Julfam and 15-year-old brother, where she was shot dead with a pistol, Singh said. The SP said an FIR has been registered against Julfam and his minor son under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both have been arrested and the weapon used in the crime was recovered. The accused father has confessed to killing his daughter for for tarnishing the family's name, Singh said. According to locals, Muskan had been in a relationship with a boy from the area, which her family opposed. On Sunday evening, when her father caught her chatting on the phone, leading to the fatal incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem, the SP added.
People propose AI-powered holographic guides, cultural tech festivals for Viksit UP @2047 vision
LUCKNOW: The Samarth Uttar Pradesh Viksit Uttar Pradesh @2047 campaign, led by the Yogi government, is witnessing significant public participation and feedback, with nodal officers and intellectuals visiting all 75 districts of the state. They are engaging with students, teachers, entrepreneurs, farmers, business leaders, voluntary groups, labour unions, media representatives and the public. These interactions have not only highlighted the development journey of the past eight and a half years but have also invited discussions and feedback on the roadmap for Uttar Pradeshs future. On the governments dedicated portal, samarthuttarpradesh.up.gov.in, nearly 2.25 lakh feedback entries have already been recorded so far. Of these, around 1.55 lakh are from rural areas and about 70,000 from urban regions. By age group, approximately 77,000 suggestions have come from people under 31 years, over 1.14 lakh from those aged between 31 and 60, and more than 30,000 from people above 60 years. Education remains the top concern, with around 74,000 suggestions received on the subject. About 40,000 suggestions have focused on urban and rural development, 18,000 each on health and social welfare, and over 32,000 suggestions on agriculture. The highest participation has come from Etah, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, Mainpuri, Kanpur Dehat and Hardoi, which together have contributed over 78,500 feedback entries. People have suggested enhancing tourism in Uttar Pradesh through innovative measures, including AI-powered holographic guides to present historical facts in visitors friendly languages. They have also proposed an annual Uttar Pradesh Cultural Tech Festival to showcase traditional art, crafts and music alongside modern technologies such as light shows, digital art and music tech. Suggestions have further included connecting each districts unique art and handicrafts with e-commerce platforms and metaverse-based digital marketplaces. For urban centres, people have emphasised the need for smart transport systems, seamless cashless payment facilities and real-time tourist assistance apps. Many have also proposed the launch of a UP Tourism One Card to provide unified access to hotels, transport, museums and religious sites. In addition, there have been strong calls to promote eco-friendly (green) hotels and homestays across the state. People from districts like Bahraich, Maharajganj, Saharanpur and others have suggested key reforms to strengthen and sustain agriculture. They have emphasised promoting modern and organic farming, with a focus on crop diversification, financial assistance for farmers, water management and soil conservation. Citizens have also recommended encouraging agriculture-based businesses to boost rural economies. To address climate change, people have proposed increasing organic matter in the soil, adopting sustainable farming practices, leveraging modern technology and making full use of government schemes. They have further highlighted the importance of scientific farming, integrated farming systems and conserving natural resources.
Couple Dead, 3 Of Family Injured As Car Overturns In UP: Cops
A 60-year-old man and his wife died while three members of their family got injured after their car malfunctioned and overturned on the Delhi-Dehradun national highway in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, police said.
Uttar Pradesh woman on Pashupatinath pilgrimage in Nepal dies in arson
LUCKNOW: Nepals ongoing unrest turned a Ghaziabad familys pilgrimage to the Pashupatinath temple into tragedy after rioters set fire to a luxury hotel in Kathmandu where they were staying, leaving a woman dead. Dozens of Indian tourists are stranded in the violence-hit country. Ramveer Singh Gola, 58, never knew that a spiritual sojourn with his wife Rajesh Gola would become her journey to the heavenly abode. He travelled to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath temple on September 7. On September 8, violent protests broke out in the Himalayan state demanding transparency in governance and lifting of the ban on social media platforms. The deadly night of September 9 proved to be the nemesis of the Golas as their five-star hotel was set ablaze during the violent protests. Demonstrators tried to storm parliament and torched various government and private establishments as the agitation turned violent. According to relatives, Ramveer Gola and his wife were staying on the upper floor of the hotel when protesters set the lower floors on fire. In panic, Ramveer attempted to rescue his wife to safety using a curtain, but she slipped from his grasp and fell, sustaining severe injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed on the way due to excessive bleeding and injuries. On Friday morning at 10:30 am, family members brought her body to their residence in Master Colony, Ghaziabad. As per family sources, the violent mob stormed the hotel and set it on fire. As the stairways filled with smoke, Ramveer broke the windowpane, tied sheets, and jumped onto a mattress, while Rajesh Gola slipped while trying to climb down and fell heavily on her back. According to the account of Vishal, the elder son of the Golas, communication blackouts hampered their search. For two days, we didnt know about their whereabouts. Finally, my father was found in a relief camp, but my mother died in the hospital, he said while talking to media persons. The son also alleged that he received minimal support from the Indian embassy. Meanwhile, several groups of UP pilgrims remain stranded in Nepal as violent protests continue to disrupt normal life in the Himalayan nation. The India-Nepal border in Maharajganj witnessed a surge of returning tourists as many cut short their trips amid escalating unrest. A group of 10 pilgrims from Muzaffarnagar, in western UP, who had travelled to visit the Pashupatinath temple, have been confined to their hotel for the past three days. The group includes local BJP leader Sunil Kumar Tayal, who has sought assistance from state minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal. Similarly, nine pilgrims from Ayodhya, who set out on the Mansarovar pilgrimage, are stranded in Hilsa at the Nepal-China border. Most of them were preparing to return, but the arson and unrest in Nepal closed the routes. However, according to available information, all the pilgrims are safe and in contact with their families. Ayodhya DM Nikhil Tikaram Funde told media persons that he was observing the situation and was trying to ensure the safe exit of the pilgrims. Nine individuals departed from Ayodhya on September 1 to visit Kailash Mansarovar. On their return journey, they got stuck in Nepal after passing through China. Although their families claim to be in contact with them, efforts are underway to bring them back safely by coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Nepal, said the DM. Those stranded in Nepal include Sushil Rajpal, Chaman Singh, Madan Jaiswal, Vikas Gupta, Ramakant Yadav, Shailendra Agrahari, Anoop Kumar Singh, Prakash Srivastava, and Hari Shyam Tripathi.
UP Man Jailed For 10 Years For Killing Wife Over Dowry, Faking Death As Covid Case
A fast-track court in Muzaffarnagar on Tuesday convicted a man and sentenced him to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment for killing his wife over dowry demand while falsely showing her death as due to coronavirus.
'No Muslims Allowed': How Hindutva Fuels Housing Discrimination in Uttar Pradesh
From Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly to Lucknow: Muslims are unable to get a house in Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow Diary | Now, AI-based solution to help check food fraud
Researchers at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) in Lucknow have developed an AI-based solution to address food fraud and adulteration in the natural medicine industry. Led by senior scientist CH Ratnasekhar, the team established a technique to verify the authenticity of botanicals such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and basil. By combining AI with high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyse chemical fingerprints, the approach reports over 98% accuracy in identifying geographical origin, variety, specific plant parts, and detecting adulterated samples. Silent Diwali in store for NCR districts of state With Diwali inching closer, the UP government has announced a blanket ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the NCR districts of the state Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, and Muzaffarnagar. The ban is in compliance with a Supreme Court directive to curb pollution. Violators face up to five-year jail terms and cash fines. Authorities stated that the move was crucial to mitigate the annual spike in air pollution levels during the festive season and safeguard public health. Officials emphasised that strict enforcement and public cooperation would be crucial. BJP allies flex muscles ahead of 2027 trial The 2027 Assembly poll is not too far, and the BJPs allies are flexing muscles to keep the former under pressure. Leaders of the Nishad Party, SBSP, RLD, and Apna Dal (S) gathered in Delhi for the national convention of the Nishad Party, setting the tone for political bargaining. They claimed that they are the PDA within the NDA, representing OBC and Dalit communities. Sharing the stage were Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad, SBSPs Om Prakash Rajbhar, Apna Dal (S) vice president Ashish Patel, and RLD general secretary Chandan Chauhan. Nishad, Rajbhar, and Patel are also ministers in the Yogi government. Namita bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
3 men sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Dalit man, injuring his children
Muzaffarnagar: A special SC/ST court here sentenced three men to life imprisonment for killing a Dalit man and injuring his three children last year, officials said. Special Judge Smt. Asharani Singh also imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 each on Rajender Jat, his son Mohit Jat, and Virender. The court found them guilty under Indian 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 .
'Neglected' By Husband, Uttar Pradesh Woman Murders Him In His Sleep
Police in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar have arrested a woman for allegedly strangling her husband to death in his sleep for neglecting her over his first wife, officials said on Sunday.
Man beaten to death in UP's Muzaffarnagar
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A hay trader was allegedly beaten to death by a group of men in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred on Saturday in Keratu village. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Santosh Kumar said, Ankush Kumar (27) had travelled from his village of Nagla in Muzaffarnagar to Keratu to purchase hay. His body was later discovered near a roadside dhaba on the Meerut-Karnal highway with injury marks. According to a complaint filed by the deceased's family, Ankush was allegedly beaten to death for unknown reasons. A case has been registered based on the complaint, and further investigation is underway, police said.
Two wanted criminals arrested in separate encounters in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar
In Meerut, a criminal carrying a reward of 25,000, who was wanted in a cow slaughter case, was arrested following a police encounter late Friday night
Young man critical after mob assault in UP village
A young Muslim man was viciously attacked by a mob of over 10 people in Barla village of Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The attack took place on Thursday, August 21. Fardeen, whose medical condition is said to be critical, said that he was targeted solely for his religious identity. A young man was viciously attacked 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 .
Heavy Rain Lashes Delhi-NCR, IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Over Next Few Hours
Noida is witnessing intense rain in several areas, disrupting traffic. IMD, on Tuesday, forecasted rain and storms in Delhi, NCR, Kaithal, Panipat, and Muzaffarnagar.
Insider track | Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk
Cabinet whispers: Winds of change There is an undercurrent of speculation in political circles, especially around the BJP, that a few long-serving ministers might soon see changes in their roles. The buzzstill firmly in the realm of gossipsuggests that the RSS has nudged the party leadership to rethink the positions of about six ministers who have held the same portfolios across two terms. Some are seen as having delivered little headline-worthy work in their current jobs, though that judgment is always subjective. The BJP, however, isnt keen to drop them entirely as most are considered close to the top brass. So, they may be shifted laterally into organisational roles. Allies, on the other hand, are unlikely to face any change unless they ask for it themselves. For now, the matter remains a quietly evolving story. Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk Since its launch in October 2014, Mann Ki Baat has become a monthly ritual in many Indian homes. What began as a simple radio address by the Prime Minister has grown into a multimedia platformbroadcast on All India Radio, Doordarshan, YouTube, NewsOnAIR, and even overseas through social media and OTT platforms like WAVES. It shares inspiring stories, social messages, and reflectionsbut beyond content, it has also proven financially successful. Official data shows it has generated Rs 34.13 crore in revenue so far. That this has been achieved without commercial advertising, with the reach and impact to boot, is remarkable. In an age defined by speed and brevity, Mann Ki Baat demonstrates that thoughtful, long-form storytelling can still resonate widelyand even pay its way. Jharkhands bureaucratic snag In Jharkhand, a scheduled Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting on August 18 was supposed to consider promoting senior state police officers to the IPS cadre. Instead, it has been put on hold. The reason: the UPSC did not recognise the states acting DGP, Anurag Gupta, who was meant to be part of the panel. The snag reflects a larger tussle between the state and the Centre. The Ministry of Home Affairs had refused a request from the Hemant Soren government to extend Guptas tenure beyond his superannuation in April 2025. Despite this, the state retained him as acting DGPa decision now under challenge in the Supreme Court. In the process, routine career progression for several officers has been stalled, showing how bureaucratic files can be caught in political crosswinds. A diplomatic reunion One of the heartwarming moments of the week was the visit of South Koreas Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun. He was returning to Delhi after nearly a decade. He spoke fondly of his earlier posting here as Koreas Ambassador to India, recalling his interactions with Indias current External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankarthen serving as Foreign Secretary. Cho Hyun marvelled at how India has changed in the last decade, attributing much of it to Prime Minister Modis leadership. Such laudatory compliments are a routine in diplomatic circles. However, his seemed genuinely personal, shaped by his own memories of India. The meeting of two former colleagues, now facing each other as equals on the global stage, was a quiet reminder that international relationships often evolve as much between individuals as between nations. The Constitution Club showdown The elections at the Constitution Club of India are over, but Lutyens Delhi is still talking about them. What should have been a quiet vote turned into a mini power battle within the BJP. On one side stood Rajiv Pratap Rudy, former Union Minister and trained commercial pilot, who currently holds a key post at the club. On the other side was Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, former MP from Muzaffarnagar, backed by sitting MPs unhappy with how the club was being run. The twist came when a Chief Ministers office from a BJP-ruled state reportedly stepped in to rally support for Rudy, asking MPs and ex-MPs from that state to back him. Balyans camp claimed Rudy had also roped in Opposition MPs onto his panel, and that helped secure his victory. They pointed out the unusually high turnout of former MPs, while noting the irony that many new BJP MPs, including ministers like Hardeep Singh Puri and S. Jaishankar, had not even signed up as members.
