Gorakhpur AIIMS serving as lifeline for 12 cr people: Yogi
While I was researching options for this article, my husband was joking about how some childhood memories linger forever. He then went on to recite a couplet written by Kabir Das that he had learned in school. It was almost as if he had just studied it for a test yesterday. Kabir Das was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint whose verses continue to resonate across religious and cultural boundaries. Born in or around 1398 in Varanasi, Kabir was one of the most influential figures of the Bhakti movement. It was his birthday in June, which was reason enough to do some digging. With my passion for traditional games, I started researching Kabir Dass associations with games and play. There is no historical record or mention of Kabir Das engaging in games or recreational play as we think of it today. His life was centered around spiritual inquiry, poetic expression, and challenging the religious orthodoxy of his time, even when he was a child. What I did find interesting was that Kabir Das used the metaphor of life as a game in several of his dohas, or rhyming couplets in two lines. Here are a couple of few that reflect this theme Khel khel mein kheliye, khel khel mein hoy Khel khel mein mil gaya, sahaj sahaj hi soy Translation: Play the game playfully, let it remain a game. In this playful spirit, one finds the divine easily and naturally. Meaning: Kabir encourages a joyful, light-hearted approach to life and spirituality. The divine is found not through struggle, but through simplicity and surrender. Jeevan khel kahe Kabir, yeh khel anokha Jo khel so jaaniye, jo jaane so roya Translation: Kabir says life is a game, a unique one indeed. The one who plays it understands, and the one who understands often weeps. Meaning: True engagement with life reveals its spiritual depth. Realization brings both joy and sorrow the sorrow of illusion and the joy of awakening. The interesting thing about research is that sometimes you find a little string, then you pull on it, and you never know where it leads. The more I read, the more I was fascinated. It was interesting to discover how many writers used such metaphors. The metaphor of play is a very helpful concept to understand the world and the relations between humans and the world. It has been explored across philosophy, psychology, art, and cultural theory. At its core, using play metaphorically allows us to understand complex human experiences. Play thus functions as a metaphor, not just as a childs pastime, but as a lens through which we understand life, work, and relationships. This metaphor is used widely by many writers that the words denoting play have become part of our everyday language. Theyre playing both sides - has become a metaphor for behind-the-scenes tactics that shape outcomes. Lets play with this idea - means an exploration that leads to insight. But it is not just Kabir Das. The song The Winner Takes It All from ABBA has the lyrics: The Gods may throw a Their minds as cold as ice It simply cannot be ignored. Games and play are everywhere, closely interwoven with our language, our poetry, our music and our life itself.
Drones, CCTVs to monitor Muharram processions, Kanwar Yatras
Decoding house sparrow genome unveils insight into avian evolution
Man, 35, found dead in house in Varanasi; third wife, daughter missing
1cr ganja hidden in rice sacks seized in UPs Sonbhadra
VMC to prepare master plan for flood mgmt, waterlogging
Prez Murmus maiden visit to Gkp to cover record 129km in 2 days
During the Emergency in 1975, a secret press network emerged in Allahabad, led by activists like Ramdutt Tripathi. They defied censorship by running an underground publication campaign from hidden locations, using cyclostyle duplicators to produce bulletins. These bulletins countered state propaganda and informed the public about government excesses, until Tripathi's arrest in 1976.
To get married, man fakes being TTE; arrestedfor duping
DJ, DM conduct surprise inspection of Kashi jails; stress jail inmates welfare, strict regulations
Disabled couples teen girl gangraped, impregnated; 2 held
Shivraj bats for technology transfer to farmers
Ensure no one is denied treatment for want of funds: UP CM
CM Yogi inspects prep ahead of Prez visit
Two chain-snatchers nabbedafter police encounter
Crime in Uttar Pradesh addressed quicker than ever under 'Operation Conviction'
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh's 'Operation Conviction' has transformed the state's reputation from that of a lawless land to a model of strong governance with over 97,000 convictions in just one year. The implementation of three new criminal laws and fast-tracking of 457 key cases further bolstered the drive. Highly-placed sources claimed that the Uttar Pradesh government was given a special mention by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the recent Central Zonal Council meeting in Varanasi for Operation Conviction and the rate at which the cases were being pursued by the UP government. According to ADG Prosecution Deepesh Juneja, effective implementation of the three new criminal laws is not only propelling Uttar Pradesh toward a crime-free status, but also setting an exemplary model. He stated that during the last year, 457 cases registered under the new laws, reached their logical conclusion in the form of convictions. The convictions included the death penalty for four criminals, life imprisonment for 10, imprisonment of less than 20 years for 425 offenders, and over 20 years imprisonment for 19 individuals, said ADG Juneja. In these cases, the prosecution effectively presented evidence and witness testimonies, making full use of the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to strengthen and expedite the judicial process. The authorities concerned also ensured witness protection, systematic evidence collection, and timely presence in courtall essential elements for a fair and time-bound trial. The ADG added that since July 1, 2024, the hearing of 25,000 cases across the state was supported by effective use of digital documentation and witness statements via video conferencing. This has significantly reduced the need for police and government witnesses to appear repeatedly in court, resulting in an estimated cost saving of Rs 25 crore for the state exchequer, said the ADG. Naming a few convictions, ADG Juneja said that in case number 394/2024 registered at Bilsi police station in Budaun, the accused Jaane Alam was sentenced to death and fined Rs 2.3 lakh under BNSS provisions. Similarly, in case number 26/2025 registered at Kotwali police station in Hathras, accused Vikas and Lalu Pal were awarded the death penalty along with a fine of Rs 80,000. In another case (224/2024) registered at Bhimganj police station in Kanpur Dehat, the accused Deepu was awarded the death penalty and fined Rs 10 lakh.
District Judge Jaiprakash Tiwari and District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar conducted a raid inspection of Varanasi's central and district jails, emphasizing adherence to the jail manual. They assessed facilities, inmate well-being, and food quality, directing superintendents to address issues promptly. Officials inaugurated an open gym and interacted with inmates, ensuring regulations are strictly followed and legal assistance is provided.
Union minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan reviewed the Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign. He stressed technology transfer to farmers during a meeting with scientists at the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research. Chauhan praised the campaign's success and the country's increasing food production. He highlighted the importance of quality and farmer benefits. He also addressed counterfeit fertilizers and substandard seeds.
'Kashi Ki Didi' Ranjubala Singh wins 'Warrior Spirit' award at DNA Women Achievers Awards 2025
Ranjubala Singh, aka 'Kashi Ki Didi', from Varanasi, is a social worker. After suffering severe burns that damaged a major part of her body, she chose not to retreat into grief. Instead, she devoted her life to underprivileged children.
B.Tech Graduate Poses As Ticket Checker To Marry Lover, Held For Duping Passengers
Adarsh Jaiswal was arrested by Varanasi GRP for posing as a TTE and selling fake tickets. He created a fake ID to marry his girlfriend.
No need for socialism in India, secularism not core of our culture: Union Minister Chouhan
VARANASI (UP) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said there is no need for socialism in India, adding secularism is not the core of our culture. Chouhans remarks assume significance as the RSS on Thursday called for reviewing the words socialist and secular in the preamble of the Constitution, saying they were included []
CM orders top security, cleanliness for Prez visit
YouTuber drugged, sexually assaulted by vlogger
Prez Murmu to open newly built 1st AYUSH University on July 1
Utkarsh of MGU secures 5th spot in NSS initiative
MP tourism eyes growth with roadshow in Kashi
4 beat constables suspended for laxity during anti-encroachment drive
Ansaris hate speech case: Court fixes Jun 30 for reply
Mock drill tests flood response, rescue ops
Shashtra Museum & Research Center inaugurated
Awareness programme on nutrition, menstrual health held at BHU
Exhibition highlights impact of emergency on democracy
Varanasi Nagar Nigam drive for registration of pet dogs
Cattle smuggler arrested after encounter in Ballia
12-year-old boy stabbed to death in Ballia
Raipur Diary: Solar-powered coal mining gets a push
Solar-powered coal mining gets a push The Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine, operated by the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd in Ambikapur district, about 330 km north of Raipur, has taken a significant step towards sustainable mining with the operationalisation of a 9-MW solar power plant. This is the first direct application of renewable energy in Indias coal mining sector. PEKB is a crucial source of coal for electricity generation for nearly 80 million consumers in Rajasthan. Developed by Mundra Solar PV Limited, the 9-MW solar facility established within the mine premises is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over next 25 years. Bastar to host Central Zonal Council meet The 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council, held in Varanasi, declared Bastar as the next venue of the panels session. This marks a significant stride in integrating Indias remote and sensitive regions into the national development discourse. Hosting such a high-level policy forum in Bastar stands as a powerful symbol of the inclusive and transformative governance, a government statement said. It is hoped that by the time the next Council convenes, Bastar would have witnessed decisive progress in the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism. The Bastar is set to redefine its identity not as a region of possibilities rather than conflict. Hindi to replace Urdu, Persian in police records Chhattisgarh is set to replace Urdu and Persian words used in official records of the police department with Hindi terms. A list of 109 words have been provided with their Hindi alternatives, suggested to be used in place of the old words with an intent to simplify the vocabulary. The government cited Hindi as a convenient language to understand, saying this will make policing communicative, accessible and transparent. On a directive by the state home department, the DGP has issued a letter to all district police chiefs asking them to change traditional Urdu and Persian words that were in use in police functioning with simpler Hindi words. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
No fair at FaguBabas shrine asSec 163 imposed
No weekly fair at Fagu Babas shrine as Section 144 imposed
Man marries dancer; kin murders him
Rare heart surgeryperformed in city
Chariot procession, aarti mark first day of Jagannath Rath Yatra
Cleaners of Malaviya statue mistaken for miscreants
Abbas Ansaris lawyers complete arguments
Retd police inspector ends life
City to conduct door-to-door campaign against vector-borne diseases
DM directs action against absent health officials
Man accused of raping sis-in-law makes bid to end life
Doctors of BHU hospital perform total arterial bypass grafting for the first time in Eastern UP
Sir Sunderlal Hospital at Banaras Hindu University performed its first total arterial bypass grafting. This brings advanced cardiac care to Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Ratnesh Kumar led the surgery using only arterial grafts. This method offers longer-lasting results compared to traditional bypass surgery. The patient is recovering well and will soon be discharged.
Doors of Jagannath temple opened for devotees, Rath Yatra from June 27
Minor girls body found in pond, probe on
GMC cracks down on mosquito breeding; anti-larvae drive till Sept
CM opens AI Smart PolicingSys in Ghazipur
MoU signed for major expansion of Gorakhpur Airport
IIT-BHU develops portable device for early detection of bone cancer
IIT-BHU launches 6-month certification programme on IoT & manufacturing
NHRC seeks report from U.P. over custodial deaths in Varanasi jail
Commission issues notices to DGP (Prisons) and Varanasi Police Commissioner after three inmates die within two days; asks for post-mortem and magisterial inquiry reports
Botany dept at BHU launches glasshouse, garden for learning; digitisation to aid global scholars
Banaras Hindu University's Botany Department inaugurated a Backyard Garden and Glass House, enhancing botanical education and conservation. A Cryptogamic Gallery is under development to study non-flowering plants. The renovated Herbarium of National Importance, housing historical plant specimens, is being digitized to boost global botanical research, continuing a century-long legacy of academic excellence.
Varanasis Lord Jagannath temple reopens after 15-day ritual, Rathyatra mela set to begin
Varanasi celebrated the Rathyatra Mela after Lord Jagannath's recovery. The Jagannath Temple doors opened after fifteen days of the Lord's illness. Special rituals and prayers occurred, with Panchamrit distributed among devotees. The Lord was offered parwal juice. A palanquin procession and chariot festival are scheduled. The Rathyatra Mela mirrors Puri's tradition, featuring a fair with artefacts, toys and food.
IIT (BHU) launches AICTE-sponsored certification programme on IoT and smart manufacturing
IIT (BHU), Varanasi, inaugurated a six-month AICTE QIPPG Certification Programme on IoT and Manufacturing, aiming to upskill faculty members across India in digital technologies and smart manufacturing. The program features hands-on training, guest lectures, and collaboration between academia and industry. Participants from various states will gain practical knowledge to enhance India's capabilities in Industry 4.0.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the AI-SPS in Ghazipur. This advanced system aims to make policing smarter and more transparent. Ghazipur Police and iZil Technologies developed the software. It offers crime mapping and predictive policing. The system also includes investigation tracking and digital record management. This initiative highlights technological innovation in the Purvanchal region. It enhances police efficiency and accountability.
Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) secured a significant contract from Mozambique Railways (CFM) for 10 advanced 3300 HP AC-AC diesel-electric locomotives, following the successful delivery of six locomotives in previous years. These locomotives, equipped with modern amenities and capable of 100 kmph, will enhance Mozambique's railway infrastructure. This achievement underscores India's engineering prowess and strengthens the 'Make in India' initiative.
A three-year-old girl's body was discovered in a pond in Bhagautipur village. The girl, Pari, had been missing since Monday. Her family had reported a suspected abduction to the Kapsethi police. Police are investigating a possible murder. Pari was visiting her maternal grandparents. A search was initiated after she disappeared. The discovery has created tension.
The Vande Bharat Express journey from Varanasi to Delhi, was not so 'premium' for the passengers onboard, as the AC of the coach C7, stopped working and the roof started leaking. This turned the entire coach of the Vande Bharat Express 'half-flooded.'
Yogi: Instil fear of law, ensure zero tolerance against mafia
CMs enjoy cultural evening at KV Dham
RPF reunites elderly woman with kin, arrests 2 for illegal ticket bookings
Yogi begins day with visit to KV Temple
Murmu to be in Gorakhpur on June 30
AAI, DDUGU sign MoU for internships
BHU team sets out for Mount Moon Peak expedition
Ganga bridge under Ring Road project nears completion
Next hearing in Abbas Ansari case on June 26
NDA held 28 zonal council meets, just 11 in 10 years of UPA: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted a significant increase in zonal council meetings between 2014 and 2025 compared to the preceding decade. Addressing the central zonal council meeting in Varanasi, he noted the resolution of 1,287 issues and the absence of disputes among member states.
Amit Shah chairs Central Zonal Council meet in Varanasi; CMs of UP, MP, C'garh, U'khand attend
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the Central Zonal Council meeting in Varanasi, addressing law and order, border security, and environmental protection with the CMs of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-state coordination and cooperative federalism, resolving regional issues, and promoting balanced socioeconomic development.
Tenders for development of Vijayawada railway station will be called within 15 days, says MP
Soon, flights will be launched from Vijayawada to Varanasi, Goa, Pune, Ahmedabad and Cochin, says Kesineni Sivanath at a meeting organised on the occasion of completion of one year as MP
VARANASI: A meeting of the Central Zonal Council, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was held in Varanasi on Tuesday, where key discussions took place on regional law and order, border security, disaster response and environmental protection with chief ministers and senior officials of four states. The CMs of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand attended the 25th edition of the high-level meeting, which was conducted at Hotel Taj. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the aim of the meeting was to strengthen inter-state coordination and promote cooperative federalism. The last meeting of the council was held on October 7, 2023, in Uttarakhand. Zonal councils provide a structured mechanism for dialogue and discussion on issues affecting two or more states or between the Centre and states. They serve as an important platform to foster cooperation. Shah, who arrived in Varanasi on Monday for a two-day visit, led the discussions with the chief ministers of the four states and other senior officials. According to government sources, the deliberations centred around social development, transportation and border issues, law and order, environmental concerns, and matters related to minorities. In a post on X, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has identified cooperative and competitive federalism as a powerful medium for the holistic development of the country. In this spirit, I participated in the 25th Central Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in Varanasi. Adityanath had earlier posted that the council strengthens federal unity, national integrity, and regional development. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami posted on X, During the meeting, I requested increased support through the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to strengthen road, communication, and security infrastructure in the border areas. I also stressed the need for faster expansion of BharatNet and satellite communication services under the Vibrant Village Programme, he said. Dhami stated that he requested the simplification of the grant process under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, called for the repealing of the 1989 Remote Valley Notification, and asked for additional central assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to repair roads damaged during natural disasters in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. He also requested the Centres support for setting up a glacier research centre, biodiversity conservation institute, and an international adventure sports training centre. Additionally, I sought assistance for successfully organising the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra (2026) and the 2027 Kumbh Mela, he said. Dhami added that the state government is working towards making Uttarakhand an active contributor in building Viksit Bharat. MP CM Mohan Yadav said the discussion focused on cooperation between states, development, security, health and tourism. He shared a photo from the meeting. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said the meeting saw detailed discussions on a range of critical issues and described it as a key step towards cooperative and competitive federalism. Earlier in the morning, Yadav and Sai offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple ahead of the meeting. There are five zonal councils in the country, which are statutory bodies set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. These councils provide a common meeting ground to the states and Union territories in each zone for the resolution of inter-state and regional issues, fostering balanced socio-economic regional development and building harmonious Centre-state relations.
Darshil Mishra's Vande Bharat Express journey from Varanasi to Delhi turned disastrous when the train's roof leaked, drenching him and fellow passengers. The onboard staff's dismissive response and the TTE's absence compounded the issue, forcing passengers to endure a humid and uncomfortable ride. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage online, prompting calls for accountability and improved maintenance.
Youth capable of making Indiathe skill capital of world: Jayant
Led by Bhadohi, UP contributes over to 60% of Indias carpet exports: CM Yogi
Ahead of CZC meet, Shah accorded warm welcome in PM constituency
Will revive hockey in Kashi: Lalit Upadhyaya
Bring them back, say kin of Bahriach men stuck in Israel
Lightning strikes kill 3 in Gorakhpur; CM announces Rs 4L aid
Murder accused held in Guj after evading cops for 27 yrs
UKhand tourist footfall 8 times higher than its population, says Dhami.
Varanasi DC inspects beautification, restoration works at Ganga Ghats
Shah reaches Varanasi, to chair central zonal council meet today
Amit Shah To Chair 25th Central Zonal Council Meet In Varanasi Tomorrow
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair on Tuesday the 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Varanasi where a host of issues concerning the nation and the states are expected to be discussed.
BHU anaesthesiologist Dr Dubey felicitated at Bharat-Bhutan Friendship Summit
Dr. Rajeev Kumar Dubey, a Professor of Anaesthesiology at Banaras Hindu University, has been honored with the Vishisht Chikitsa Seva Ratna Award at the 6th Bharat-Bhutan Friendship Summit in Thimphu. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to medicine, particularly his dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, public health initiatives, and medical education advancements.
