1 crore saplings to be planted in Varanasi division under mega drive this year
SP MLA gets 3 months jail in 19-year-old road blocking case
KYC row at ration shop sparks communal tension in Gorakhpur
Teenage couple found hanging from tree in UP
Hosp staff held for stealing bangles from body
Bar association prezs car mechanic shot at, protest in court
Two held for attack on transgender in Gorakhpur
Wanted thief arrested in police encounter
Tigress death triggers bird flu scare, Gorakhpur zoo closed for week
70 booked for violent protest near LPG plant in Varanasi
CM Yogi for Apna Ghar in other UP districts too
Dalmandi road widening to allow easy access to Kashi Vishwanath Dham
Man chopped into pieces by wife, her three lovers in Ballia
Varanasi PHCs to offer 19 freepathlogical tests
Music for the soul at this festival
The Sankat Mochan Music Festival recently concluded, offering music lovers an all-night experience filled with soulful performances. Renowned artists like Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and Ajoy Chakrabarty graced the stage, captivating the audience with their artistry.
Gorakhpur emerging as amodern metropolis: CM Yogi
Two cattle smugglers arrested in encounter in Mirzapur
Ensure medical aid, housingfor needy, UP CM tells officials
Two looters nabbed, cop hurt in firing by accused in UPs Mirzapur
UP CM inspects progress of National Centre of Aging in Varanasi
From Ambia Bano to Ambia Mala, a spiritual journey to seek salvation
Series of religious rituals mark Buddha Purnima in Varanasi
Operation Sindoor: Need heightened vigilance against 'urban naxals', says UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, following the success of Operation Sindoor, has directed officials in Varanasi to heighten vigilance against urban Naxals and affiliated organizations, emphasizing strict action. He also addressed public service delivery, instructing timely issuance of vital certificates and clamping down on crime.
Complaint against Rahul Gandhi in Varanasi court over remarks on Lord Ram
Varanasi (UP), May 12 (PTI) A complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was filed in a court here on Monday over his alleged remarks at a US university describing Lord Ram as a mythological and fictional figure, demanding that an FIR be lodged under the relevant penal provisions. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has also been named as a party in the case. The court has scheduled a hearing on May 19. Advocate Harishankar Pandey, who filed the complaint, alleged that Gandhi made the controversial remarks during an address at the Brown University in Boston, United States on April
Two cattle smugglers arrested after encounter with police in UP's Mirzapur
In Mirzapur, an encounter with Ahraura police led to the arrest of two cattle smugglers, Ashok Kumar Rajbhar and Manoj Kumar Yadav, after they sustained bullet injuries. Police recovered 25 cattle, illegal arms, and ammunition from the scene. The smugglers, who fired upon the police, now face charges including attempted murder and violations of animal cruelty and arms acts.
IIT (BHU) unveils renovated cafeteria to enhance campus life
IIT (BHU) inaugurated its renovated cafeteria, featuring diverse cuisines at affordable prices and a dedicated reading corner with self-help books. The upgraded facility aims to enhance student and staff amenities, fostering interaction and community building. The cafeteria serves as a welcoming space for relaxation, connection, and the exchange of ideas among the IIT (BHU) fraternity.
Frequent polls hindering Indias way to becoming developed nation
Gorakhpur-Bengaluru Summer Special train announced
Devpt possible only in secure environment: UP CM
3 arrested in UP for sharing morphed video of PM, anti-natl content on FB
Two shot as land dispute turns violent in Azamgarh
Cattle smuggler held in encounter in UP Ghazipur
Two boys killed as wall of abandoned building collapses in UP's Mau
In a tragic incident in Belauja village, Mau, two young boys, Shivam (13) and Arun (10), lost their lives when a dilapidated wall of an abandoned building collapsed on them while they were playing nearby. The district administration has initiated a survey to identify and address similar unsafe structures across the district to prevent future accidents.
Posters in Uttar Pradesh show PM Modi as lion, Shehbaz Sharif as jackal
Besides, devotees applied vermilion to Lord Bhairav of Varanasi and prayed to Baba Bhairav for the success of Operation Sindoor
IMS hosts event for adolescent girls on health and hygiene
1 dead, 7 hurt as bus crashes into shop in Azamgarh
New tech at BLW to improve testing of water pumps
Enraged over bodyshaming at feast, man shoots at two in UP
Human limbs in field creates panic in UPs Ballia
VDA to engage INTACH to preserve its docus, maps
Posters in Varanasi show PM Modi as lion, Pakistan counterpart Shahbaz Sharif as jackal
Following the Pahalgam terror attack and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Varanasi witnessed strong displays of patriotism. Posters depicting PM Modi as a lion and Pakistani PM Sharif as a jackal emerged, symbolizing India's strength.
1 dead, 7 injured as bus crashes into shop in UP's Azamgarh
A speeding bus accident in Azamgarh led to tragedy. The uncontrolled bus crashed near Hafizpur petrol pump. Shashikala died in the accident. Seven others sustained injuries, including the bus driver. The bus lost control while trying to avoid a motorcycle. Injured individuals are receiving treatment at the district hospital. Police are investigating the incident.
10-year-old Boy found murdered in UP's Sonbhadra
A 10-year-old boy, Kaptan, was found dead in a field near his home in Jugail, Varanasi. His body had stab wounds. Hiramani Kharwar, the boy's father, reported the incident to the police. Senior officers and forensic experts investigated the scene. The police have filed a case and are searching for the killers. The motive for the murder is currently unknown.
ESIC Varanasi Doctors Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 12 Posts
TheEmployees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC Varanasi) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 12 Doctors posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official ESIC Varanasi website. The last date to submit the application form is 24-05-2025.
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, Indias only woman Rafale pilot, plays a crucial role in Operation SindoorIndias retaliatory air strikes against Pakistan-based terror camps following the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025. Singhs journey from Varanasi to flying advanced Rafale jets reflects her academic excellence and rigorous IAF training. Commissioned in 2017, she is part of the elite Golden Arrows squadron, symbolizing the growing presence of women in India's modernizing combat air force.
BHU hosts awareness programme on menstrual and sexual health
In Varanasi, a school hosted an awareness program led by Dr. Shuchi Jain from IMS, BHU, focusing on menstrual and sexual health. Over 150 adolescent girls, teachers, and staff participated, learning about proper hygiene practices, HPV vaccination, and dispelling menstruation myths.
Man held with fake notes worth 15,500
Drone Didis of Kashi take self-reliance to new heights
Jewellery heist solved within 24 hours; 5 arrested
Woman found dead under mysterious circumstances
Kashi prays for success of Op Sindoor, Indian Army
Light & sound show at Sarnath to depict Lord Buddhas life
MPMMCC Varanasi Adhoc Assistant Professor Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
TheMahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC Varanasi) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Adhoc Assistant Professor posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official MPMMCC Varanasi website. The last date to submit the application form is 13-05-2025.
Video shows role of Chettiar community in Kashi Vishwanath Temple traditions
Scrap art installation adding beauty to Kashi crossings
Man axes wife to death before hanging self in UPs Sonbhadra
Cop held for dumping aunt after illicit relation for yrs in UP
LUCKNOW: UP Congress chief Ajay Rai courted controversy after mocking Rafale jets and questioning the government's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting an FIR in Varanasi as his remarks were picked up by Pakistani media and widely criticised. The FIR was registered at Chetganj police station after video footage showing him tying a lemon and chilli to a toy airplaneridiculing the Rafalewent viral. The controversial remarks were made by Rai on May 4, when he questioned the effectiveness of Rafale jets in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attack. The case was registered by Pradeep Gupta, president of the Rashtrawadi Hindu Shakti Vahini. The FIR against Rai includes charges under Section 107(1) for disturbing public peace, and Section 353(2) for spreading false information and broadcasting shocking news. If convicted, Rai could face up to two years in jail or a fine. Rai had asked, Has this Rafale come to hang lemons, mocking a previous superstition-linked ritual involving the fighter jet. While expressing concern over the delay in deploying the Rafale, he also urged the government to act swiftly against terrorism. Rai had further emphasised that families of victims who died in the Pahalgam attack were demanding justice and military action. Meanwhile, the BJP quickly responded to Rais remarks, accusing him of insulting Indias military. According to BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla, Rais comments were influenced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and were being exploited by Pakistani media to undermine Indias defence capabilities. Various political leaders, especially from the BJP, labelled Rais comments as an attack on national security. Pakistani media reportedly seized the opportunity to broadcast Rais statement, using it in a segment that mocked Indias military strength. A news channel aired the clip during prime time with the headline: Rafale planes are tied with lemons and chilies and parked in the hangar. This coverage sparked outrage in India, with critics accusing Rai of playing into Pakistans propaganda. However, following Operation Sindoor , Ajay Raiinitially critical of the governments delayed responsepraised the Indian Armed Forces for their strength and courage.
The Sarang Integrated Command Center, inaugurated in Varanasi, will efficiently manage Forest Helpline-1926, addressing forest crimes and public complaints via IGRS. It will also monitor the Tree Plantation Mega Campaign, forest fires, and patrolling activities. Named 'Sarang' to honor the region's historical connection to deer and Lord Buddha's Sarnath meditation site, the center aims to protect ecological and cultural heritage.
IIVR research council reviews vegetable research progress
The 31st IIVR Research Council meeting in Varanasi wrapped up on Wednesday. Scientists presented their annual vegetable research. The meeting reviewed current projects and planned for the future. Rajesh Kumar, Director, encouraged innovation to boost vegetable production. Experts Jagdish Singh and A.B. Rai were also present. The focus was on increasing productivity through modern methods.
BHU honours first batch Alumni of Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (FVAS)
Banaras Hindu University's Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences celebrated the accomplishments of its 2016-17 alumni at a special ceremony. The event recognized the graduates' academic and professional success in veterinary sciences. Prof. Ambika Prasad Singh and Prof. Naresh Kumar Singh addressed the attendees, emphasizing career focus and the faculty's future growth.
Mock drills for war preparedness across Varanasi
Two cattle smugglers nabbed in encounter in UPs Ghazipur
BHU Science faculty discusses devpt projects
Red alert announced in Uttar Pradesh, mock drills conducted across state
LUCKNOW: A red alert was issued in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, with the administration conducting mock drills across the state to prepare for any eventuality. The move follows air strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor, in which Indian defence forces targeted and destroyed terrorist camps and infrastructure at nine locations inside Pakistan. UP DGP Prashant Kumar, while announcing red alert, asked the state police authorities to work in tandem with Army and the India Air Force to ensure security of significant installation in the state. Claiming that state police were in alert mode and ready to provide security to citizens, the DGP said that the security of important religious and other establishments was spruced up in the state. While security was enhanced with the deployment of over 600 police personnel in and around Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, the police authorities increased patrolling and vigilance at Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and around the upcoming Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Babri litigant Iqbal Ansari prayed for Indian Army saying that with the grace of Allah, the Indian forces would answer the evil designs of Pakistan and name it as Hindustan. For the demonic forces like Pakistan, Lord Ram is needed. Pakistan has been responded in such a language that it will never forget, said Ansari. Additionally, security was heightened at key locations including Varanasi Airport, Kanpur Central Railway Station, and the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, with intensive vehicle checks underway. This marks the first red alert issued in the state in decades. It was during 1971 war that the state was kept on red alert. After that, it is the first such occasion when a red alert has been declared, says former UP DGP Sulkhan Singh. As per UP police authorities, red alert is warning system which indicates at emergency situation. People are asked to be alert and follow administrations instructions during a terror threat or war like situation. It is mandatory to follow the Red Alert as it is meant for the security of citizens, says a senior police official. Meanwhile, reacting to the Operation Sindoor, UP CM Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Armed Forces , SP chief Akhilesh Yadav took to X to post in Sanskrit: Parakramo Vijyate (courage wins). On the other, former CM and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati called Operation Sindoor, a commendable act of pride. However, post-Operation Sindoor, celebrations were reported from different districts across UP. While fireworks were seen in Sambal and Chandausi, people played Holi with colours and distributed sweets in Gonda. In Varanasi, locals , traders and businessmen posed with lemon and chillies to keep the countrys army safe from evil eye and burst firecrackers. At the same time, the mock drill was conducted in various districts, including Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Ghaziabad and Moradabad, of the state on Wednesday. Residents of Varanasi were trained on how to protect themselves during an attack, with sirens sounding to simulate real-time emergency alerts. Civilians were also trained in dousing the fire. Scenes of a stampede were recreated during a mock drill, and people were told how to save themselves in such a situation. They were also imparted training in giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in case of an emergency. In Chitrakoot, scenes of air strikes were recreated and the people were told how to cope with it. In Ghaziabad and Moradabad, people were told to lie down on the ground covering their ears, soon after hearing the sirens. While the Union government had identified 19 districts of UP for mock drill but the state administration decided to conduct it across all the districts.
Russian mistakes church for hotel,climbs its top
Couple among three electrocuted in Kashi
Clear ground for LBS Intl airport expansion works: Kashi DC
Two JEE aspirants, Maha pilgrim drown in Ganga river in Kashi
ICAR expels farmers member, who questioned genome-edited seeds, from governing body
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) expelled Varanasi-based farmer Venugopal Badaravada from the governing body as well as general body of the ICAR Society for sending various mails levying frivolous, baseless and materially unsupported allegations against various authorities of the Centre, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and the ICAR over the last seven-eight months
LUCKNOW: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified a statewide crackdown to identify suspected Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators, with around 300 individuals flagged in the Varanasi zone alone and their details sent to West Bengal for parental root verification. According to ADG Varanasi Zone Piyush Mordia, under the fresh exercise a part of a statewide drive all clusters where suspected infiltrators could be present are on the radar of authorities. Details of all such elements with doubtful credentials, thriving in different clusters across various districts of the Varanasi zone, are being collected for thorough verification. Under the latest exercise in Varanasi district, only the local intelligence unit (LIU) personnel have sent the files of around 300 individuals to West Bengal officials for credential verification. According to informed sources, combing operations have been intensified in city localities and rural areas where clusters of people with doubtful credentials have mushroomed in recent months. This action follows fresh instructions from Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal. On April 29, the Varanasi Police Commissioner directed authorities to increase vigilance at railway stations, bus stands, temples, ghats, and other public places due to the possible presence of Rohingyas or Bangladeshis disguised as vendors and beggars. He urged West Bengal authorities to verify the credentials of people, as a majority had claimed origin in various districts of West Bengal. Based on verification results, action will be initiated against those found to be living illegally. People living by roadsides, railway tracks, village outskirts, parks, and open fields should be verified, identified, and removed according to regulations. The Police Commissioner also appealed to house owners to rent out property only after proper tenant verification. Before the current drive was intensified, the LIU had already compiled files of over 300 individuals. This is the third major exercise to identify illegal immigrants in the past 25 years. In 2003, a large-scale drive was launched in Varanasi and surrounding districts, including Chandauli, Ghazipur, and Jaunpur, when around 16,500 persons with doubtful credentials were detected. Most of them had ID proof issued from districts like Murshidabad and Birbhum of West Bengal. Intelligence agencies attempted to verify their parental roots, but when there was no response from counterparts in states bordering Bangladesh, the drive was eventually stalled.
Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill
LUCKNOW: A day before the scheduled mock drill mandated by the Union government, civil defence volunteers conducted a rehearsal at the Lucknow police lines on Tuesday to strengthen emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, UP DGP Prashant Kumar, on Tuesday, said that comprehensive civil defence mock drills would be conducted across all districts on Wednesday in compliance of the instructions received from the Government of India. The exercise, which involved around 200 civil defence volunteers, was aimed at training volunteers in managing large-scale emergencies and responding effectively to potential missile or air attacks. According to Chief Warden, Civil Defence Lucknow, Amarnath Mishra, the participants demonstrated coordinated responses to sirens, evacuation procedures, and protective measures designed to minimise panic and chaos during emergencies. The drill focused on practical techniques to protect civilians during missile strikes and air attacks, along with educating the public on how to safeguard themselves in such situations, Mishra added. The development comes a day after the Union Home Ministry's directives to states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness. The Union Home Ministry asked the states to operationalise air raid warning sirens and train civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The states have also been directed to update and rehearse evacuation plans, crash blackout measures, and early camouflaging of vital plants and installations. Interacting with media persons, the UP DGP Prashant Kumar said that the Centre had identified 19 districts-- one placed in Category 1, two in Category 2 and the remaining 16 in Category 3-- for the exercise. Bulandshahr in western UP has been kept in Category 1; Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bakshi Ka Talab, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Bareilly, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Sarsawan, and Chandauli are there in Category 2; Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar, both western UP districts, have been kept in Category 3. However, keeping the preparedness in mind and also considering the local sensitivities, the state government has decided to conduct the mock drill across all the state districts, said the DGP. He explained that the exercise would involve coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the police administration, fire services, and disaster response agencies, to cope with disasters and other critical situations. The mock drill is imperative to ensure better coordination and readiness among all response agencies, said Prashant Kumar. Meanwhile, DG Civil Defence, Abhay Prasad also confirmed the instructions received from the Centre, explaining preparations were already underway to equip civilians with the knowledge and readiness needed in case of any future conflict. He said the mock drill would be conducted between 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday. At present, the state Civil Defence department has offices in 15 districts but covers 26 districts through its network. As part of the initiative, an assessment of emergency medical infrastructure, response time, and coordination between various agencies would be assessed in the event of mass casualties and large-scale evacuations. The drill would also foster greater public awareness and resilience in times of national crisis, said a senior state government official.
Major IPS reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh: SSPs of Gorakhpur, Ayodhya among 14 officers transferred
In a reshuffle, the Uttar Pradesh government transferred 14 IPS officers, including key postings for Gorakhpur and Ayodhya. Raj Karan Nayyar, who oversaw security for the Ram Temple consecration, is now SSP Gorakhpur, while Gaurav Grover takes over as SSP Ayodhya. Other significant changes include DIG Vaibhav Krishna's appointment to Varanasi Range and Mohit Gupta's move to Secretary (Home).
Man killed as dumper rams into e-rickshaw
Man shoots son over petty dispute
During Akhilesh govt, UP becamea centre of Dalit oppression: BJP
Two injured in celebratory firing in Ballia
Varanasi DC directs officials to expedite works of multi-modal terminal, freight village projects
Youth trespasses IAF colony compound in Varanasi, arrested
BHU appointed natl coordinator for INIs on SWAYAM platform
Banquet hall in green belt of Varuna river razed
Allahabad HC Adjourns Hearing On Plea Seeking ASI Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque Ablution Pond
A scientific survey of the complex has already been conducted by the ASI and the report submitted to the Varanasi district judge.
US Travel Vlogger Hospitalised After 15-Hour Train Journey In India
US Traveller Nick Maddock's 15-hour train journey from Varanasi to New Jalpaiguri turned traumatic after he was hospitalised with a severe respiratory infection.
A political firestorm broke out on Monday after Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai used a toy Rafale fighter jet adorned with lemon and chillies to mock the Modi governments response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives on April 22. Rai, who first brandished the toy jet on Sunday, defended his move a day later, saying it was meant to symbolise public frustration over the governments inaction. Im just askingwhen will Rafale do its job? The country wants a response, not rituals, he told reporters. The symbolic gesture was a pointed reference to Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs 2019 'shastra puja' in France, where he placed lemons under the wheels of a Rafale jet and broke a coconut before flying it to India. In Hindu tradition, lemons and chillies are believed to ward off evil. Criticising the Centres big talk and no action stance, Rai said, Our youth were killed in Pahalgam, but Rafale jets are still in hangars with lemon and chillies. The families of the victims are still waiting for justice. This silence from the government is unacceptable. Rai added that while the Congress fully supports any action taken against terrorism or Pakistan, the government has failed to deliver. After Pulwama, I had asked where the RDX came from and who executed the attack. We still dont have answers. Reacting strongly, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala accused Rai of damaging national morale. Rahul Gandhis close aide Ajay Rai has made it to Pakistans headlines with these antics, he wrote on X, suggesting Rais remarks were a collaboration with Pakistan. #WATCH | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai shows a 'toy plane' with Rafale written on it and lemon-chillies hanging in it. Ajay Rai says, Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the pic.twitter.com/wIwLsa4akD ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 Poonawalla also slammed the INDIA bloc leaders over their comments on the Pahalgam attack. He said that the INDI alliance is acting like the Rawalpindi alliance, and after the all-party meeting, a competition has started between Congress, SP, and RJD as to who will sympathise more with Pakistan. The INDI alliance is speaking the language of 'Rawalpindi' Alliance. After the all-party meeting, a competition has started between Congress, SP and RJD as to who will sympathise with Pakistan more and who will hurt the morale of the Army more...It means that they still have some doubts that Pakistan is behind this terrorism, he said. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari echoed the sentiment, calling Congress the Pakistani Congress and alleging it had become a spokesperson of Asif Munirs Pakistan in India. Rai also commented on the upcoming hearing in the Allahabad High Court regarding Congress MP Rahul Gandhis citizenship, calling Gandhi the son of the soil and asserting he didnt need any certificate to prove his identity or patriotism.
Kashi sees 77% rise in desi, 34% in foreign visitors
Varanasi has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, becoming a top destination for Indian travelers. Domestic tourist numbers skyrocketed by 77.59% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 11.46 crore visitors. Foreign tourist arrivals also experienced a significant increase of 34.21%, with numbers rising from 98,961 to 1.5 lakh, driven by the city's spiritual charm and enhanced infrastructure.
Swami Sivananda will continue to inspire every generation in country: PM Modi
Over dozen miscreants in SUV & bikes abduct man from his house in UP
2 drug dealers arrested under Operation Chakravyuha
School teacher suspended in UP for remarks against Pahalgam victim
Zeba Afroz, a schoolteacher in Sonbhadra, has been suspended following complaints about her objectionable remarks on social media concerning a Navy official killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. The basic education officer took immediate action due to the comments being against service rules. An investigation is underway, and further action will be determined based on the investigation report.
