Varanasi ghats prepare to host Kashi Ganga Mahotsav from November 1
Varanasi's ghats will come alive with the Kashi Ganga Mahotsav from November 1-4, featuring renowned artists like Padmashri Geeta Chandran, Malini Awasthi, and Hansraj Raghuvanshi. The four-day festival will showcase a blend of North Indian folk traditions, Bharatnatyam, classical music, and devotional renditions, celebrating India's rich cultural legacy.
Mirzapur movie team wrap up Varanasi schedule, to film next portion in Mumbai
The cast of Mirzapur: The Movie, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Shweta Tripathi, has wrapped up the Banaras schedule after two weeks of intense filming. The team will now resume shooting in Mumbai post-Diwali, with fans eagerly awaiting the films release
Rajouri District earns recognition at National Best Practices Seminar organized by NITI Aayog
Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Oct 27: District Rajouri received notable recognition at the National Seminar (North) on Regional Best Practices in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks organized by NITI Aayog at Varanasi. Representing the district, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, District Statistics and Evaluation Officer Rajouri gave a presentation on the best practices implemented in Aspirational Block Khawas in the education sector. The presentation highlighted the challenges initially faced in the block, the administrative interventions undertaken, and the positive outcomes achieved through strategic [] The post Rajouri District earns recognition at National Best Practices Seminar organized by NITI Aayog appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
School holiday on 28th Oct: Educational institutes closed in these UP districts for Chhath Puja 2025
schools in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Varanasi will remain closed on October 28 for Chhath Puja 2025, as per district administration orders. The holiday affects all private and govt schools from nursery to Class 12. Authorities in Varanasi have completed preparations at ghats, including cleaning, lighting, and security arrangements for devotees. Parents were informed through official notices and social media updates. Other districts in Uttar Pradesh await official notifications regarding school closures.
Jitendra to replace Vikrant Massey in Mirzapur The Film
Mirzapurs film adaptation is underway, with Jitendra Kumar joining the cast as Bablu Pandit, replacing Vikrant Massey. Filming is happening in Varanasi and Mumbai. Jitendra, known for Panchayat, brings warmth to the role. The makers plan a formal announcement after shooting concludes early next year.
Gyanvapi dispute: Parties agree to replace torn cloth on lock of wazookhana
Varanasi: Both the Hindu and Muslim parties to the Gyanvapi dispute, which is in court, have orally agreed to replace a cloth tied on the lock of the sealed wazookhana in the mosque complex here as it has become torn and worn out over time, officials said on Friday. District Government Advocate Rajesh Mishra informed 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 .
BHU creative brilliance shines in Ayodhya during Deepotsav
Banaras Hindu University's creative excellence was showcased in Ayodhya with the 'Tilak Dwar' installation. This monumental gateway, designed by Professor Manish Arora and Rahul Kumar Shaw, symbolizes Lord Ram's triumphant return. The structure draws inspiration from the sacred Tilak and represents India's past, present, and future. It affirms Lord Ram as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Railways Big Chhath Push: 25 Special Trains via Varanasi Cantt, crowd control measures in place
IndiGo flight enroute to Srinagar lands in Varanasi after fuel leak alert; all 166 passengers safe
NEW DELHI: An IndiGo plane enroute to Srinagar from Kolkata landed at the Varanasi airport on Wednesday evening following a reported fuel leak, officials said. Sources said malfunction of a sensor in the aircraft led to a false alarm of fuel leakage, following which the plane landed in Varanasi. However, according to the Gomti Zone Police, the IndiGo flight 6E-6961 was diverted to Varanasi after the pilot detected a fuel leakage mid-air. Assessing the gravity of the situation, the pilot immediately contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Varanasi and sought permission for an emergency landing, they said. The aircraft safely landed the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at 4.10 pm, police said. All 166 passengers on board were reported to be safe and were escorted to the arrival hall soon after landing, they said. A technical team is inspecting the aircraft to identify and fix the fault. Authorities said the situation is completely normal and under control. IndiGo flight 6E 6961, operating from Kolkata to Srinagar, made a precautionary landing at Varanasi airport due to a suspected technical issue. As a safety measure, the aircraft has been grounded for necessary checks, and an alternate aircraft has been arranged to continue the journey, the airline said in a statement. The flight was operated with A320neo aircraft, as per information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.
Patna Municipal Corporation hosts Deepotsav and Ganga aarti to promote cleanliness ahead of Chhath
Patna Municipal Corporation initiated a four-day Deepotsav and Ganga aarti, blending devotion with a strong emphasis on cleanliness ahead of Chhath Mahaparv. The event, inaugurated by divisional commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, featured thousands of lamps, rangoli decorations and a Ganga aarti by a Varanasi team.
IndiGo plane enroute to Srinagar lands in Varanasi after fuel leak alert; all 166 passengers safe
On Wednesday evening, an IndiGo flight traveling from Kolkata to Srinagar diverted to Varanasi for an emergency landing due to a potential fuel leak. Fortunately, all 166 passengers onboard are unharmed, and the aircraft is currently undergoing inspections. An alternative plane has been organized to allow the travelers to resume their journey to Srinagar shortly.
IndiGo plane enroute to Srinagar faces tech issue; makes precautionary landing in Varanasi
An IndiGo flight traveling from Kolkata to Srinagar safely touched down in Varanasi on Wednesday night after encountering what appeared to be a technical issue. In the interest of safety, the aircraft was grounded for maintenance checks. Passengers will board an alternate flight to continue their journey, temporarily impacting their travel schedules.
Kolkata-Srinagar Indigo Flight Lands In Varanasi After Technical Issue
NEW DELHI, Oct 22: An Indigo flight made a precautionary landing at the Varanasi airport on Tuesday. The flight from Kolkata to Srinagar, landed at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in UPs Varanasi following a technical issue. On October 22, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E 6961, operating from Kolkata to Srinagar, made a precautionary landing at Varanasi Airport due to a suspected technical issue, a spokesperson for Indigo airline said. The spokesperson added that the flight had been grounded for [] The post Kolkata-Srinagar Indigo Flight Lands In Varanasi After Technical Issue appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Varanasi After Fuel Leak: Cops
An Indigo flight from Kolkata to Srinagar made an emergency landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, following a fuel leak.
Suspected fuel leak: IndiGo Kolkata-Srinagar fight diverts safely to Varanasi
Kolkata-Srinagar IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Varanasi Airport Due To Fuel Leak
An Indigo flight from Kolkata to Srinagar, carrying 166 passengers and crew members made an emergency landing in Varanasi due to a fuel leak.
An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Srinagar, Flight 6E-6961, made an emergency landing in Varanasi due to a detected fuel leak. All 166 passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries. Airport operations have resumed as authorities investigate the cause of the leak.
'Ekla chalo re should be our life motto
Her name means strong-willed, steeped in creative art. Abhradita Banerjee has lived up to her name, staying steadfast on the artistic path her father once encouraged her to take. Hindustani music is her forte, but her understanding of music as a science and an emotional stream extends beyond academics. Music, for her, is a way of life. Through music, she connects with people who turn to music not just for enjoyment or calm, but also for healing and sharpening their faculties. Her work with children with special abilities, especially, is laudable for its impact and empathy. Abhradita arrived in Thiruvananthapuram in 1996, when Hindustani music wasnt as popular as it is today here. She persevered, musically and culturally, to belong in this land. From those days to becoming one of the leading gurus of Hindustani music in Kerala, her journey has been quite mellifluous. Excerpts: How did you begin your music journey? I started learning at the age of six. Back then, I loved dancing more. But my father used to tell me that dance would require greater physical effort to maintain, whereas singing was easier to sustain. Though I switched to music, I still love dance a lot. My first music lessons were with a lady in my neighbourhood. My serious lessons began when I was eight, with Sumati Rajimwale madam. But it was in Class 7 that the true guru-shishya parampara was established, under the tutelage of Padma Shri Pandit Madan Chauhanji. I am still under his guidance. An artist from Bengal in a place where Hindustani was not prevalent. How was the journey from the time you shifted to Kerala till now? I was born and raised in Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, though in a Bengali family. I came here in October 1996. Those days Poojappura, where I lived, did not even have street lights. Coming from a Hindi belt, it was tough to adjust here.Moreover, I was in a good space there as a performing artist and an AIR-graded one. Coming here meant dropping below zero. But I didnt give up. Thanks to guru kripa, I was determined to take music forward. I first performed at the Bengali association here. I tried to meet people, especially those connected with music. Slowly, I started to belong here. How was the cultural adaptation? There are similarities (with Bengal) at the intellectual and sahitya level. Lifestyle-wise too. But culture-wise, there is a difference. One, there was no Durga Puja here. And during Diwali, it was a struggle to get colours for the rangoli. Even diyas would be available more during Thrikkarthika. However, I did not bother much about all these. I continued with my own culture while adapting to the culture of this land. What brought you to Kerala? My husband, Moinak Banerjee, came here as a scientist at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. He loved the place so much that he did not want to go anywhere else. I initially wanted to move out. But after my children were born, I decided to stay here because the education was good, and it was a safe place. (Sings Rabindrasangeet.) Hindustani was not very popular in Thiruvananthapuram those days. How did you connect with the audience? I believe any kind of art is an emotion a soul-to-soul connection. If the voice does not reach the heart, there is no use of the art. When I began performing in Thiruvananthapuram, I used to explain the song situation, raga, and so on. I thought no one would understand Hindi, but Kerala is unique. People here may not speak Hindi, but they understand the language. You might not get applause like wah wah, but if a person sits till the end of a performance, it means he liked it. I learnt to read such aspects of the culture. That helped me connect with the people here. The connection endures. Now I can explain in Malayalam as well. So, it is all a work of emotion. We cannot divide art as Hindustani or Carnatic, though there might be technical differences. Raga Kalyani in Carnatic is Raga Yaman in Hindustani; Shankarabharanam is Bilawal; Mayamalavagowla is Bhairav. Now you see a lot of change. One of the positives of social media is the exposure for performing arts. On the other side, gharanas (genres) are not actually followed. It is important to understand that there is no shortcut to practice and devotion to art. How important is purpose in art? That is another level. One may perform just for personal peace and happiness. Yet the question remains: what do you give back to society? Bhava (emotion) is needed. You have to be empathetic, and that comes from diving deep and practising sincerely. Personally, I do not look out for performances. I sing only where my music is genuinely wanted. I seek no financial benefit. I also teach children. Not all can be performers some learn to perform, others to enjoy. Its not just Tansens we need; we need Kaansens too (kaan meaning appreciative ears here). Music can help ease stress. It can also help neurodivergent children improve their attention span. In children with autism and ADHD, the Indian classical music system based on alankars (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa) has huge potential. I do therapeutic sessions. Any specific ragas for this? Shuddha Swara is a bright swara. Raga Bilawal, which is Shankarabharanam in Carnatic, has that brightness. When a child is hyperactive, we need a slightly calmer form of raga or swara. In such cases, I prefer using Bhairav, which helps control anxiety. Once anxiety is controlled, children with ADHD start to listen. Even just the sound of the tanpura, if you keep it playing for some time, helps. So, depending on the childs behaviour, I change the swaras (breaks into a song). Children with autism are often sensitive to sound, so I adjust how much projection is needed and how much of the tanpura sound to use. Do students with ADHD respond well to the sessions? Once they start sitting regularly, a daily routine of singing helps a lot. I dont give them recorded patterns because the digitisation of everything irritates them. There has to be a human connection. It is working very nicely. How long have you been doing this? It has been a long time. Initially, I used to take one child at a time at my institution, Mukthaangan (attached to her house at Thirumala in Thiruvananthapuram). But after the pandemic, I started taking in more children. I have made it my mission to use my art to do something for them. Now I also travel to different cities for this. It has become part of my research as well. I follow a 45-day module, and after that, we observe the childs development. Based on that, the next course is decided. This is a one-woman project, right? I have done two masters degrees one in clinical psychology and another in vocals. I attended an autism workshop once, and from that time onwards, I had it in my mind that I wanted to work for these children. In India, most institutions for special children follow Western patterns. I wondered: Why not our own Indian pattern? The main challenge for special children lies in emotions. These aspects are already discussed in Natya Shastra, Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita, and many other ancient Indian texts. People sang during rituals to enhance concentration and calmness. Everything is linked to the brain. In India, over the past 400-500 years, the connection with our manuscripts and knowledge systems has been lost. On the other hand, Westerners are researching them. I always had in my mind: Why not use Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa as music therapy? Could you explain what exactly gharanas are? In simple terms, they are styles of singing. In Carnatic, they are called banis. Carnatic music is mainly practised across four southern states, so the number of banis is fewer. But in north India, there are many states, and that is why the number of gharanas is much more. If we go towards the eastern side, the style of presentation is softer. You can see that in Rabindra Sangeet and Baul traditions. So even their classical forms, like the Agra Gharana and Kirana Gharana, have a softer touch. Long ago, before India was divided, the Lahore Gharana was one of the strongest and most prominent genres of classical music. Later came the Patiala Gharana. In Rajasthan and Gujarat too, there are traditional styles. Every region, every state, has its own tradition, its own singing style, and its own folk roots. Classical music evolved from folk traditions. That is why the influence of folk can be found in every gharana. How has south Indian culture influenced Hindustani music? The influence mainly comes from the swara combinations. There is a misconception that Carnatic musicians cannot sing Hindustani. That is not true. Our brains can store both. The main thing is to understand the technical nuances like voice projection changes, gamaka patterns (melody), and pace shifts. On grasping these, one can easily follow both. It also depends on the teaching. I always tell my students not to differentiate between the two. Hindustani singer Abhradita Banerjee interacting with TNIE team of journalists as part of the Express Dialogues series. Have you sung Carnatic songs? I learnt Carnatic for three years when I was young. I won a prize at a national competition, too, when I was 12 or 13. I could not continue as there were no teachers in Raipur. I learnt music because of my father, and before his death, when I was in Class 9, he introduced me to many genres. I was also introduced to the Veena. My father used to take me to the veena gurus house, 15km away from our home, on a bicycle. After I took part in competitions, the judges advised me to continue both. Unfortunately, I could not. [M S] Subbulakshmi songs were an integral part of my childhood (sings her favourite Bhavayami Gopalabalam). As a person who has learnt both, how do you view the so-called Carnatic-Hindustani conflict? What is a Carnatic kriti? It expresses emotions towards a deity. Hindustani, too, is emotions both to a deity and to different human moods. Whatever the genre, it is the soul that is being touched. In Hindustani, the time theory is more defined. Hindustani concerts are time-based, and raga selection follows that. Nobody will sing Yaman, an evening raga, during a morning concert. In south India, there are no time-based concepts for Carnatic concerts, so they mix and match. I am, however, for experimenting. I believe you should have a projection of voice strong enough to create that concept of time. If I sing Bhairav (a morning raga) in the afternoon, the listeners should feel the morning dawning. My voice should have that power. How do you view stories like that of Tansen singing to bring rain? Being a researcher, I try to understand the basic theory. Such stories are documented. There is always a chance that when you sing Raag Meghmalhar, the situation of rain is created. As I said, it is about creating the mood through music. I once had a similar experience. When I was teaching on a sunny afternoon, I was singing Raag Bhairav. My eyes were closed, and when I opened them, my students were staring at me. Outside, the sunny afternoon had turned cloudy, dawn-like. Scientifically, it might just have been the weather, but my students still remember that day and often tell me how different that class felt. How do you look at someone who does not have bhakti singing Carnatic? Bhakti is about emotions. That is why teaching is important. When we teach, the words must be explained. Whether it be Carnatic, Hindustani, Kajri or folk, you need to explain the meaning. If you teach a Carnatic kriti that way, the sense of bhakti will come, whatever faith you belong to. It is about visualising. Even atheists believe in some kind of emotion. If there are no emotions, I do not think they can sing a kriti. We are referring to people like T M Krishna... I understood. His way of singing has evolved through several years of practice. And while singing, he connects with some kind of emotion that we may not know. Because without emotion, I do not think anything can emerge in any form of art. There can also be no connectivity with our own self or with the listeners. Religions may urge us to form communities, but art is beyond community. There is, however, a force and that force can be felt through emotions while performing. An example is Ustad Rashid Khan, who used to cry while singing a composition on Durga during Navaratri. I teach that connectivity to my students, who come from varied communities. What was the style followed by Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote emotional poems? If Hindustani is Bharatanatyam, Rabindra Sangeet is Mohiniyattam. The emotional aspect is rich in Gurudevs lyrics. The music was composed by several people, including his family members and even Shantiniketan students. The lasya element and composition made the music technically and emotionally rich. (Sings Rabindra Sangeet.) Many classical singers have gone on to sing in films. Did you ever consider it? I was always away from the networking circles needed for film music. As an A grade artist in AIR in the ghazal stream, I did get some offers. But I always wanted to keep myself within the classical stream. I, however, have done aakars (background vocals) for some films. I do respect the way film music is planned, and if someone wants the kind of music I present, I am still open (smiles). Hindustani music is now increasingly featured in film songs... Yes, and many of my students are now prominent singers. Srikant Hariharan, Narayani Gopan and Reshma Raghavendran among them. Malayalam films have had a long-time connect with Hindustani I have been a judge for many reality shows. I have heard the compositions of Baburaj and Johnson Raag Yaman was his signature, as seen in Anuragini and Devanganangal. Southern Kerala had lesser influence earlier, but that is no longer the case. Carnatic and Hindustani are just a few gamakas apart. Some composers have even mixed Western influences. When Hindustani is fused with Western, the difference is not as conspicuous as when Carnatic is. Nowadays, there is hardly any pure Carnatic music in contemporary film songs. There are many ghazal fans too in Kerala Yes, even Malayalam ghazals exist. Ghazal is primarily a style of writing. Hariharan sir has used Carnatic ragas in ghazals, but the essence of ghazals lies in lyrics and emotion. Abida Parveen, Chithra Singh, Ghulam Ali each brings a distinct pattern of singing. Ghulam Ali often blends ragas (sings his famous Chupke, chupke), while Mehdi Hasan always stayed true to one raga (sings his Ranjish hi sahi). Jagjit Singh created beautiful compositions that incorporated Western influences. He took ghazals to the common people; until then, they were the preserve of the elite. Nowadays, classical music is also breaking out of elite circles Thanks to social media, people now learn about different programmes and genres easily. In Kerala, classical concerts still draw a select audience. These days, people often relate classical music to film songs you can see listings like Ten film songs based on Raag Yaman. Thats fine, but why not also explore the raga structure itself? Adnan Sami does this he even plays pure classical kritis on the piano. That way, people are tempted to know more. About 10 years ago, I started a band called Srishti to popularise Hindustani khayals and ragas. We need to approach popularisation with a visionary mindset. 'Not many are aware of Swathi Thirunals Hindi kritis You have also worked on Swathi kritis in Hindustani, havent you? Yes. I have compiled 20 of Maharaja Swathi Thirunals 38 kritis. Seven were released by Saregama as an album. One famous composition is Vishweshwara, dedicated to Kashi Vishwanath. It is remarkable the maharaja never visited Kashi, yet his composition vividly depicts the citys geography. Sadly, not many are aware of his Hindi compositions. I made some improvisations and performed Vishweshwara in Kashi at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Art, BHU, and AIR Varanasi, which recorded the session (sings Vishweshwara). I would like to end this conversation on a musical note. There is a song written by Gurudev in 1905, protesting the partition of Bengal. Its essence is: Walk alone if you believe you are on the right path. It is ingrained in every Bengali heart and I feel it should be our lifes motto (concludes with Ekla chalo re).
Air India announces 174 weekly flights as part of Northern Winter Schedule
NEW DELHI: Air India has announced the addition of 174 weekly flights on key domestic and short-haul international routes, operated by its single-aisle aircraft, as part of the Northern Winter Schedule.The domestic additions are effective from October 26. This expansion enhances connectivity to major cities in India and Southeast Asia which are in high demand. An official release listed additions to these international routes:Delhi-Kuala Lumpur:Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from November 15) andDelhi-Denpasar (Bali):Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from December 1). These are the additions to domestic routes, all of which are effective from October 26: Flights to Rajasthan: Delhi-Jaipur (new route):three daily flights;Delhi-Jaisalmer (new route):two daily flights;Delhi-Udaipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Mumbai-Jaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Udaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Jodhpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights toMadhya Pradesh: Delhi-Indore:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Delhi-Bhopal:Increasing from two to three daily flights; andMumbai-Indore:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights to Gujarat:Mumbai-Bhuj:Increasing from one to two daily flights andDelhi to Rajkot:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Other frequency additions, effective from the same date: Delhi-Varanasi:Increasing from two to threedaily flights;Delhi-Raipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Delhi-Port Blair:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Aurangabad:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Guwahati:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Nagpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Dehradun:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Patna:Increasing from one to two daily flights andMumbai-Amritsar:Increasing from one to two daily flights.
Varanasi court quashes plea against Rahul over remarks on Sikhs
Varanasi: A Varanasi court on Friday dismissed a petition against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning the Sikh community made during his visit to the US last year. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (MP/MLA court) Neeraj Kumar Tripathi quashed the complaint, observing that the petitioner had merely expressed an apprehension that Gandhis comments could 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 .
Rishab Shetty will be visiting the historic Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar, which is considered the world's oldest functional temple, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to express his gratitude for the success of Hombale Films' Kantara: Chapter 1.
3 lakh diyas made by womens group to light up Varanasi this Dev Diwali
Dev Diwali 2025: Know date, shubh muhurat, rituals, significance of Dev Deepawali this year
Dev Deepawali 2025 is the festival that marks Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura. Devotees lit diyas, bathed in the Ganga, and celebrated divine triumph in Varanasi.
2026 travel trends are out, and this Northeastern city is Indias next big travel crush!
Indian travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences closer to home, with destinations like Jorhat and Varanasi topping flight searches. This trend, dubbed 'personal travel,' emphasizes culture, heritage, and meaningful connections over crowded tourist spots. Travelers are rediscovering India's richness through offbeat explorations and immersive cultural encounters.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel urged young women to avoid live-in relationships, citing safety concerns and tragic consequences. Her remarks at Varanasi and Ballia convocations have triggered widespread debate.
Air Force Day 2025: Hindon Airport airspace closed, flights suspended; What passengers need to know
Several flights from Hindon Airport faced cancellations on Tuesday morning. This was due to a full dress rehearsal for the Indian Air Force's Foundation Day celebrations. Flight disruptions were expected until 11:30 am. Major cities like Bengaluru, Varanasi, and Chennai were affected. Road restrictions were also implemented near the Air Force Station.
Shweta Tripathi begins shooting for Mirzapur: The Film
Shweta Tripathi returns as Golu in Mirzapur: The Film, which explores fan-favourite characters in Varanasi, and is set for release in 2026
'Remove encroachments on government land immediately': UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs officials
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed development projects and law and order in Varanasi, emphasizing prompt resolution of revenue disputes and removal of encroachments. He directed officials to expedite public welfare infrastructure, improve civic amenities in outer wards and slum areas, and ensure timely completion of all development projects.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended a skill development event in Varanasi. He distributed sewing machines and laptops to around 250 participants. The program highlighted the government's commitment to women's self-reliance and skill enhancement. The initiative aligns with the Mission Shakti program. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the textile sector for employment generation.
EESL, APEPDCL Expand Clean Energy Partnership
The state has also installed over 30 lakh LED streetlights, with the Vizag Model of street lightingdeveloped post-Hudhud cyclonenow replicated in cities including Varanasi, Jaipur, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, and lauded globally at a BRICS Conference.
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Bihar cabinet approves honorarium hike for ANMs, doubles scholarship, clears key projects
PATNA: In a significant pre-election move, the Bihar government has approved a series of welfare and infrastructure development proposals, including an increase in the monthly honorarium for contractual Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) workers in urban areas from Rs 11,500 to Rs 15,000. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday, which saw approval of 129 proposals in total. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Cabinet Department, Arvind Kumar Choudhary, said the revised honorarium would include a 5% annual increment, aimed at strengthening the states vaccination efforts. In another key decision, the cabinet doubled the annual scholarship for Class 9 and 10 students belonging to the general category (including minorities) under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship scheme. The scholarship amount has been increased from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,600 per student, resulting in an estimated additional annual expenditure of Rs 99.21 crore. The cabinet also gave its nod to the establishment of the Bihar Film and Theatre Institute, designed to address the lack of institutional training in film and theatre arts in the state. To boost tourism infrastructure, approval was granted for the construction of a five-star hotel on 3.24 acres of land at the Bankipore bus stand in Patna. The project will be undertaken by a Kolkata-based private firm, which has been issued a Letter of Award. Additionally, an Ahmedabad-based firm has been appointed chief consultant for the integrated development of the Vishnupad Temple area in Gaya, modelled on Varanasis Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. For womens safety and rehabilitation, the cabinet approved the conversion of short-stay homes under the Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana into Shakti Sadan centres. These centres will offer comprehensive shelter and support to women in distress, including survivors of human trafficking. In a move to simplify processes for pensioners, the government has selected CSC E-Governance Services India Ltd, a special purpose vehicle, to handle annual life certification. Pensioners can now complete the process free of cost at nearby CSC kiosks. Earlier on Friday, the state government also announced a 3% hike in dearness allowance for employees and pensioners, raising it from 55% to 58%, effective ahead of Diwali and Chhath festivals.
Karnataka sees sharp rise in road accidents; Bengaluru among top five cities
Among 53 cities across India, Bengaluru ranked in the top five with a 30.3% increase in accidents; it was preceded by Ranchi (50.3%), Varanasi (46.3%), and Pune (35%)
Mahesh Bhatts Varanasi Tale Stirs Online Fury
Netizens say it disrespects the sanctity of funeral rituals
India's first urban public transport ropeway trial begins in Varanasi
Varanasi commenced the trial run of India's first urban public transport ropeway, a 3.8 km eco-friendly corridor featuring five stations. Constructed at a cost of Rs 815 crore, including 15 years of operation and maintenance, it will utilize 148 gondolas to transport nearly one lakh passengers daily. This visionary project received special attention in the Uttar Pradesh budget.
Hindustani classical singer Chhannulal Mishra dies at 89
MIRZAPUR: Padma Vibhushan vocalist Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a towering figure in the Hindustani classical music, died early Thursday (October 2, 2025). He was 89. His daughter said Mishra breathed his last around 4 a.m. after a prolonged illness. The vocalist had been living in Mirzapur with his youngest daughters family for some time. Mishras health deteriorated late Wednesday night, and he was admitted to a hospital, where he died during treatment. He was admitted to the hospital for the last 17-18 days with age-related issues. He passed away at home this morning at around 4 am, his daughter, Namrata Mishra, told PTI . Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to Mishras family, and hailed the vocalist for his invaluable contribution to the Indian arts. - pic.twitter.com/tw8jb5iXu7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2025 In a condolence message posted on X, PM Modi said it was his good fortune that he always received his affection and blessings and noted that Mishra was one of the proposers for his candidature from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in 2014. Born in Azamgarh in 1936, Mishra grew up to be a doyen of Hindustani classical music, contributing immensely to such styles of the form as Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri, and Bhajan. Mishra received music training from his father, Badri Prasad Mishra, as well as Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of Kirana gharana, and Thakur Jaidev Singh. He was an exponent of the Banaras gharana and the Purab Ang tradition of Thumri. He won Padma Vibhushan in 2020 and Padma Bhushan in 2010. Mishras last rites will be performed in Varanasi at 5 p.m. He is survived by his son, tabla player Ramkumar Mishra, and three daughters. His wife died four years ago.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently recalled a bizarre incident from his early career struggles. A tantrik in Varanasi gave him human flesh, advising him to feed it to a potential investor in Gaya for funding. Despite attempting to do so by putting it in a paan, the desperate effort ultimately failed, and no financing was secured from the zamindar.
Chhannulal Mishra, Hindustani classical singer, dies at 89
Mishras last rites will be performed in Varanasi at 5 p.m.
Ala Hazrat family decries 'police excesses' in Bareilly, demands a stop on arrests of Muslims
BAREILLY: The influential Ala Hazrat family on Wednesday decried the police crackdown against Muslims here following the arrest of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) national president Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, a member of the clan. The family alleged that innocent Muslims were being targeted and subjected to collective punishment. In a statement released by Tauqeer Raza's elder brother, Maulana Tauseef Raza Khan, accused the police of filing false cases and arresting people on fabricated charges of attack on security forces with firearms, petrol bombs, and acid bottles. He warned the administration that if atrocities on Muslims do not stop, the family would be compelled to take concrete steps. The family alleged that the police raided mosques, harassed imams and worshippers, and even prevented people from offering namaz in some places. This is a blatant violation of the constitutional right of Muslims to freely practice their religion, Tauseef Raza said. The family also claimed that police brutality had created unease not only in Bareilly Sharif but among millions of Sunni Muslims across India and abroad. I love Muhammad protest: Bareilly clerics aides arrested It demanded an immediate halt to the arrests of Muslims, withdrawal of false cases, an end to bulldozer actions against their homes and alleged police excesses. The family alleged that many detainees were paraded before the media in an injured state, they were denied food and water in custody, and that even women and children were not spared the police excess. It cited a video shot purportedly near Indira Market and widely circulated on the internet, to claim that some miscreants had pelted stones both at police and Muslims with the intention of disturbing peace, but no action was taken against them. The Ala Hazrat family maintained that had Tauqeer Raza been allowed to submit his memorandum peacefully, the situation would not have escalated, but his arrest triggered unrest. Police are yet to respond to the allegations made in the statement. Police intensify crackdown on 'I Love Muhammad' campaign; prominent Muslim cleric among several arrested in UP Violent clashes were witnessed in Bareilly on September 26, when a crowd of over 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in Kotwali area after Friday prayers, followed by stone-pelting. The unrest was triggered by the cancellation of a proposed protest over the ' I Love Muhammad ' poster row called by Khan. Ala Hazrat and his descendants are a prominent Islamic scholarly family associated with the Barelvi movement. Family patriarch Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (18561921) was a distinguished Islamic scholar, jurist, and Sufi mystic, renowned for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his leadership in the Barelvi movement. Four persons held in Varanasi for taking out I love Muhammad procession without permission
Hockey legend Mohammed Shahid's house demolished in Varanasi, family protests
The family of the Padma Shri awardee said that no compensation was received for the road-widening drive; authorities claim otherwise
UP on an unstoppable path of growth under CM Yogi Adityanath: Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
LUCKNOW: The third edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2025) concluded on Monday with a grand closing ceremony in the presence of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, as the chief guest on the final day. While congratulating the Uttar Pradesh government on the event's resounding success, the Union Minister said that UPITS reflected the economic, industrial, and cultural potential not only of the state but of India as a whole. He urged a collective commitment to promote indigenous products, encourage entrepreneurship, and realize the vision of a Viksit India by 2047. Highlighting transformation in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years, the Union Minister attributed it to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the decisive governance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying the state was now on an unstoppable growth trajectory. He emphasised that a secure business environment and robust infrastructure had made Uttar Pradesh emerge as the preferred destination for investors. The Minister highlighted UPITS 2025 as unique in its inclusivity, bringing together ministers, government officials, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and startup founders. When all stakeholders come together, it creates the perfect synergy, which is the true secret behind Uttar Pradeshs development journey, remarked the union minister. Referring to GST Savings Festival which commenced from September 22, the minister noted that the reduction in taxes on everyday items was a significant gift for consumers during Navratri. He described September 22nd as a historic milestonethe largest reform since independence, the impact of which would be felt for decades. He said that India now stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world and would soon become the third-largest, with substantial foreign exchange reserves. Goyal added that Indian passports are now symbols of respect and trust, and that developed nations worldwide are eager to establish free-trade agreements with India. Referring to the situation in Uttar Pradesh prior to 2017, Goyal stated that the state was in the grip of an atmosphere of fear and crime. Traders felt unsafe, half of Noida's projects remained incomplete, and many factories had shut down. However, the scenario transformed after Yogi government came to power. Law and order were strengthened, investor confidence returned, and a new era of inclusive development began when the people of Uttar Pradesh voted the BJP to power in 2017 with a two-thirds majority. Goyal highlighted that Uttar Pradesh was the first state to establish a separate Ministry for Export Promotion. The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has expanded to over 750 districts nationwide, with more than 1,200 products gaining global recognition. Today, whether visited by the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Union Minister, or foreign Ambassador, ODOP products are proudly presented as gifts, boosting the morale of entrepreneurs, he stated. Referring to Unity Malls, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, Goyal said these malls were being developed in every state. In Uttar Pradesh, three malls would be established in Lucknow, Agra, and Varanasi, showcasing ODOP products from all 75 districts of the state and across India. Those malls would serve as platforms for women entrepreneurs and young people, opening up new avenues of opportunity. Emphasising Prime Minister Modi's definition of Swadeshi, Goyal urged citizens to pledge to purchase indigenous products wherever possible. He explained that Swadeshi represents goods made with the blood and sweat of Indian people, produced on Indian soil. While companies, investments, and technology can come from abroad, production and employment should remain in India. Goyal said that UPITS had provided a vast platform, giving Uttar Pradeshs products global recognition. From glassware from Firozabad, brass work from Moradabad, Banarasi sarees, Lucknow chikankari, to Agras leather products, the event has showcased the states craftsmanship to the world. He emphasised that UPITS is not just an exhibition but a living example of Uttar Pradeshs new industrial policy, and that the recent reduction in GST rates will further boost local consumption, benefiting all participants.
The police crackdown on the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign among Muslims has intensified in several districts across Uttar Pradesh, with a prominent cleric being among eight people arrested on Saturday. Prominent Muslim scholar and president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Parishad, Maulana Tauqeer Raza, along with seven others, were arrested on Saturday after being allegedly kept under house arrest following a call for protest against the police crackdown on the campaign on Friday. A local court has sent Raza and seven others to 14-day judicial custody for allegedly masterminding what the police called a violent clash on Friday. As many as ten FIRs have been registered in connection with the campaign across the Bareilly district, with each one naming between 150 and 200 Muslims as accused. According to police, a group of people carrying 'I Love Muhammad' posters clashed with police outside a mosque in the Kotwali area of Bareilly after Friday prayers. The crowd was reportedly angry over the last-minute cancellation of a proposed demonstration called by Raza, due to permission being denied by authorities. The police alleged that the violence was the result of a planned conspiracy, calling it an attempt to disrupt peace. A few days ago, an organisation proposed holding a march on Friday and submitting a memorandum in support of a protest. We informed them that written permission would be needed for any such programme, as Section 163 of the BNSS (power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) is in effect throughout the district, said Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Avnish Singh. Meanwhile, in the Barabanki district, a banner with I love Muhammed slogan was torn down by miscreants on Friday night, sparking tensions. According to locals, a watchman named Dhanni had broken the rope with a stick and brought down the banner, prompting Muslims to gather at the area. The entire incident was recorded on a CCTV camera installed at a nearby mosque. The footage reportedly shows Dhanni using a stick to topple the banner. Police have seized the video and launched an investigation. The additional superintendent of police and the circle officer arrived at the scene, and police from several police stations were called to the village. Meanwhile, the watchman's family had alleged that some people broke into their house, vandalised it and stole belongings. In the Mau district, a group of Muslims who took out a procession chanting 'I Love Muhammad' in the Nai Bazaar area after Friday prayers was chased away by the police using batons. Four Muslims were arrested in Varanasi for taking out similar processions and putting up posters with 'I Love Muhammad' slogans. A derogatory post targeting the campaign led to communal violence in Gujarat's Bahial on Wednesday, with local Muslims alleging that the police sided with Hindu right-wing groups as they targeted and attacked properties of the minority community. According to the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), as of September 23, at least 21 cases have been registered with over 1,324 Muslims accused and 38 arrested, in connection with banners displaying the slogan I Love Muhammad, accross the country. The crackdown started after an initial case was registered in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur during an Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession. Local Hindu groups objected to the banner, alleging that it was deliberately placed in a mixed neighbourhood where Hindu festivals like Ram Navami are raditionally celebrated. Tensions escalated as both communities accused each other of provocationHindus claimed their posters were damaged, while Muslims said they were targeted for expressing devotion. According to APCR, as many as 16 FIRs were filed in connection with the banners and more than 1,000 Muslims have been identified as accused across districts in UP, including Unnao (8 cases, 85 accused, 5 arrested), Baghpat (150 accused, 2 arrested), Kaiserganj (355 accused), Shahjahanpur (200 accused) and Kaushambi (24 accused, 3 arrested). Social media amplified the campaign, with hashtags like #ILoveMuhammad trending widely, prompting users to share images and change profile pictures. Political leaders, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, weighed in, noting that expressing religious devotion is protected under the Constitution. As the police action targeting Muslims in the name of the campaign intensifies, rights groups and lawyers have pointed out that the crackdown goes against the right to religious freedom of the community.
UP violence: Bareilly clashes trigger security alert in Barabanki, Mau
Tensions escalated across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Bareilly, Barabanki, Mau, and Varanasi, following I Love Muhammad campaign protests. Bareilly experienced violent clashes, prompting extensive police raids, arrests of a prominent cleric, and massive security deployment. Authorities are investigating pre-planned conspiracies to disrupt communal harmony.
Four persons held in Varanasi for taking out I love Muhammad procession without permission
LUCKNOW: Four men were arrested and cases filed against 10 unidentified others for taking out processions without permission and putting up postersI love Muhammad. The Varanasi police have expanded their crackdown in the I Love Muhammad case, targeting processions and posters across multiple sensitive areas of the city. After action in Madanpura, Lallapura and Lohta, police moved in Dalmandi under the Chowk police station limits on Saturday. A complaint filed by Dalmandi outpost in-charge Prakash Singh Chauhan led to the arrest of Azhar Malik from Hadha Sarai, Nafees Ahmad from Lallapura Matakund, Adil from Dalmandi, and Irfan from Bandi Tola. Police said the accused were identified through CCTV footage and local inputs. An FIR was registered at Chowk police station. Meanwhile, in Lohta, the CCTV footage showed processions where inflammatory slogans like Sar Tan Se Juda were raised alongside I Love Muhammad posters. Acting on the footage, police registered an FIR against 12 people, based on a complaint lodged by Mahmudpur outpost in-charge. Investigations were underway to trace and identify all participants. According to DCP, Kashi Zone, Gaurav Bansal, police action was being taken for taking out a procession without permission. A similar procession had earlier taken place in Lallapura under the Sigra police station. DCP Bansal confirmed that multiple FIRs were lodged in Sigra, Dashashwamedh, Lohta and Chowk areas of the city. He said posters were removed and strict action was being taken against those disturbing the citys atmosphere. The DCP stressed that processions without permission would not be tolerated. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Sep/26/police-locals-clash-after-friday-prayers-outside-bareilly-mosque-over-i-love-muhammed-campaign
The order was challenged before the special MP/MLA sessions court which allowed the revision and remanded the matter to magisterial court to hear it afre
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court on Friday junked Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's plea against an order remanding the plea for FIR against him, for his purported utterances in the US, to the magistrate court to decide afresh. Justice Sameer Jain was hearing the plea filed by the Congress leader. One Nageshwar Mishra of Varanasi was stated to have filed an application before the magisterial court dealing with MP/MLA cases in Varanasi. The court on November 28, 2024, rejected the application for FIR against Gandhi and said the purported speech was given in the US, so it was beyond its jurisdiction. Remarks on Sikhs: No intention to incite rebellion, submits Rahul Gandhi in Allahabad HC The order was challenged before the special MP/MLA sessions court which allowed the revision and remanded the matter to the magisterial court to hear it afresh. The complainant said in September 2024, during a program in the US, Gandhi said that the environment in India was not good for Sikhs. Mishra claimed there were protests against his statement, calling it provocative and divisive in society, and sought the registration of an FIR against the purported statement in the Sarnath police station of Varanasi. He moved the magisterial court after failing to get it registered. Senior Advocate Gopal Chaturvedi, who represented Gandhi, had submitted that Mishra's application did not mention the date of the purported statement. Additional advocate general Manish Goel, however, said that the point whether there was a prima facie case or not, the high court ought to examine whether it should be decided by the magistrate concerned. He said if it is a statement on foreign soil by the leader of the opposition against India, then it was a matter of investigation, and further, there was an admission that Gandhi made utterances. Rahul Gandhi says 1984 anti-Sikh riots 'wrong'
The Ganges River is drying faster than ever heres what it means for the region and the world
The Ganges, a lifeline for hundreds of millions across South Asia, is drying at a rate scientists say is unprecedented in recorded history. Climate change , shifting monsoons, relentless extraction and damming are pushing the mighty river towards collapse, with consequences for food, water and livelihoods across the region. For centuries, the Ganges and its tributaries have sustained one of the worlds most densely populated regions. Stretching from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the whole river basin supports over 650 million people, a quarter of Indias freshwater, and much of its food and economic value. Yet new research reveals the rivers decline is accelerating beyond anything seen in recorded history. In recent decades, scientists have documented alarming transformations across many of the worlds big rivers, but the Ganges stands apart for its speed and scale. The Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers combine to form the worlds largest delta, covering most of Bangladesh. Rainer Lesniewski / shutterstock In a new study , scientists reconstructed streamflow records going back 1,300 years to show that the basin has faced its worst droughts over the period in just the last few decades. And those droughts are well outside the range of natural climate variability. Stretches of river that once supported year-round navigation are now impassable in summer. Large boats that once travelled the Ganges from Bengal and Bihar through Varanasi and Allahabad now run aground where water once flowed freely. Canals that used to irrigate fields for weeks longer a generation ago now dry up early. Even some wells that protected families for decades are yielding little more than a trickle. Global climate models have failed to predict the severity of this drying, pointing to something deeply unsettling: human and environmental pressures are combining in ways we dont yet understand. Water has been diverted into irrigation canals, groundwater has been pumped for agriculture, and industries have proliferated along the rivers banks. More than a thousand dams and barrages have radically altered the river itself. And as the world warms, the monsoon which feeds the Ganges has grown increasingly erratic. The result is a river system increasingly unable to replenish itself. Melting glaciers, vanishing rivers At the rivers source high in the Himalayas, the Gangotri glacier has retreated nearly a kilometer in just two decades. The pattern is repeating across the worlds largest mountain range, as rising temperatures are melting glaciers faster than ever. Initially, this brings sudden floods from glacial lakes . In the long-run, it means far less water flowing downstream during the dry season. These glaciers are often termed the water towers of Asia. But as those towers shrink, the summer flow of water in the Ganges and its tributaries is dwindling too. Humans are making things worse The reckless extraction of groundwater is aggravating the situation. The Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is one of the most rapidly depleting aquifers in the world, with water levels falling by 1520 millimeters each year . Much of this groundwater is already contaminated with arsenic and fluoride, threatening both human health and agriculture . The role of human engineering cannot be ignored either. Projects like the Farakka Barrage in India have reduced dry-season flows into Bangladesh, making the land saltier and threatening the Sundarbans, the worlds largest mangrove forest. Decisions to prioritise short-term economic gains have undermined the rivers ecological health. Across northern Bangladesh and West Bengal, smaller rivers are already drying up in the summer, leaving communities without water for crops or livestock. The disappearance of these smaller tributaries is a harbinger of what may happen on a larger scale if the Ganges itself continues its downward spiral. If nothing changes, experts warn that millions of people across the basin could face severe food shortages within the next few decades. Saving the Ganges The need for urgent, coordinated action cannot be overstated. Piecemeal solutions will not be enough. Its time for a comprehensive rethinking of how the river is managed. That will mean reducing unsustainable extraction of groundwater so supplies can recharge. It will mean environmental flow requirements to keep enough water in the river for people and ecosystems. And it will require improved climate models that integrate human pressures (irrigation and damming, for example) with monsoon variability to guide water policy. Transboundary cooperation is also a must. India, Bangladesh and Nepal must do better at sharing data, managing dams, and planning for climate change. International funding and political agreements must treat rivers like the Ganges as global priorities. Above all, governance must be inclusive, so local voices shape river restoration efforts alongside scientists and policymakers. The Ganges is more than a river. It is a lifeline, a sacred symbol, and a cornerstone of South Asian civilisation. But it is drying faster than ever before, and the consequences of inaction are unthinkable. The time for warnings has passed. We must act now to ensure the Ganges continues to flow not just for us, but for generations to come. Mehebub Sahana , Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, Geography, University of Manchester This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .
Lucknow Diary | Kashi Ramlila faces crisis from road closures
The 500-year-old Lath Bhairav Ramlila in Varanasi has been disrupted due to road closures caused by flyover construction on the Lath BhairavSaraiya route. Barricading by Setu Nigam has blocked access to the Ramlila venue, forcing performances to stop. Committee members, devotees and artists staged a symbolic protest, demanding reopening of the main route. Children dressed as Ram, Lakshman, and Sita sat in protest outside the stage. The Ramlila committee said barricades had been removed earlier for Muharram processions and Baba Lath Bhairavs wedding festival, but were put back soon after, cutting off access again. Yogis plans for Bundelkhand tourism CM Yogi Adityanath has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking transfer of four ASI-protected forts to the Uttar Pradesh government. The forts are Talbehat Fort in Lalitpur, Kalinjar Fort in Banda, Madfa in Chitrakoot, and Barua Sagar Ghats in Jhansi. In his letter dated September 16, the CM highlighted Bundelkhands cultural and historic importance, describing it as the land of ten rivers and the heartland of India. He said the forts should be restored and developed for tourism. The state govt is already working to transform historic buildings into heritage hotels and cultural centres under the Public-Private Partnership model. Madam Suman now in Book of Records 2025 Jhansis assistant teacher, who shot to fame for developing an AI-powered humanoid teacher, Madam Suman, has now entered the India Book of Records 2025 for using the minimum amount of investment in creating an AI robot with a servo motor, wiring, and frame. Madam Suman has been taking classes since May and is able to answer questions across subjects. School attendance has risen from 65% to 95% as no one wants to miss her class; so has student enthusiasm in her riddles increased. The teacher said he designed the robot after noticing colleagues being assigned non-teaching duties, such as managing midday meals. Namita Bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
After Row Over I Love Muhammad, I Love Mahadev Posters Surface In UP
A counter-campaign has emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi after weeks of controversy around posters proclaiming I Love Muhammad. Religious leaders took to the streets on Tuesday with placards reading I Love Mahadev.
Allahabad HC adjourns hearing on Gyanvapi mosque wuzukhana survey plea to Oct 7
The Allahabad High Court has postponed the hearing regarding a plea for an ASI survey of the 'wazukhana' area, excluding the Shivling, within the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, scheduling the next hearing for October 7. This petition challenges a Varanasi judge's prior order that denied directing the ASI to survey the specified area.
All meat shops in Varanasi to remain shut during Navratri
Varanasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari orders closure of meat and fish shops during Navratri. The ban extends to all shops within municipal limits. Veterinary officer Dr Santosh Pal will conduct inspections. Violators will face action according to municipal rules. This decision aligns with restrictions during Hindu festivals. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh government banned meat sales near religious sites during Chaitra Navratri.
LUCKNOW: A passenger was detained by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Varanasi Airport on Monday after he allegedly attempted to access the cockpit mid-air on Air India Express flight IX-1086 from Bengaluru to Varanasi. According to sources at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, the individual was unsuccessful in his attempt and was taken into custody by CISF officials upon landing. Panic reportedly ensued on board when the passenger entered the correct code for the cockpit door. However, the pilot acted swiftly and locked the door from inside, preventing any breach. The accused, who was travelling with eight others, was questioned and later handed over to the Varanasi district police. In a statement, Air India Express clarified that the passenger was flying for the first time and had allegedly mistaken the cockpit for the lavatory. He approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory, said a spokesperson for the airline. We reaffirm that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised. The matter was reported to the relevant authorities upon landing and is currently under investigation. Sources further stated that when questioned about his actions, the passenger claimed he believed the cockpit door was the lavatory. After being informed of his mistake by the cabin crew, he reportedly returned to his seat quietly. Nevertheless, in accordance with standard protocol, he was handed over to CISF officials upon arrival in Varanasi. The CISF is currently interrogating the passenger and his travel companions. This incident comes just a day after a separate security lapse involving an Air India flight from London to Delhi, which was delayed after a passengers boarding pass was stamped, but the individual failed to board the aircraft, a discrepancy that was only noticed by the crew shortly before departure.
New Expressway to reduce travel time between Ayodhya and Varanasi by..., check details
The NHAI is building a 200-kilometre expressway between Ayodhya and Varanasi, which will reduce the travel time between them from five hours to just two. The expressway will also connect to the Purvanchal Expressway.
Passenger on Bengaluru-Varanasi flight tries to enter cockpit mid-air
Sources said that the passenger was a first-time flyerand mistakenly tried to enter the cockpit
Air India Express Passenger Attempts to Enter Cockpit Mid-Flight, Arrested on Landing
Varanasi-bound flight from Bengaluru lands safely; nine passengers, including the man, detained for questioning
Mid-Air Scare On Air India Express Flight, Flier Tries To Open Cockpit Door
In a shocking example of rogue fliers creating nuisance on planes, a passenger onboard a Bengaluru-Varanasi flight tried to open the cockpit door mid-air today.
Air India Passenger Tries To Enter Cockpit On Bengaluru-Varanasi Flight; Probe Underway
Assuring the safety of the passengers, the airlines said that the security protocols are in place and were not compromised.
Four killed, three injured as unidentified vehicle rams into stationary SUV in UP's Prayagraj
PRAYAGRAJ: At least four people were killed and three injured when an unidentified vehicle rammed into a stationary SUV on the Kanpur-Varanasi Highway here on Monday, police said. The accident took place near Bigahiya village in the Ganga Nagar area, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Gunawat told PTI. The SUV had broken down and was parked on the roadside. While four of its occupants were sleeping in front of it, three women were resting inside when the accident occurred. Gunawat said those killed have been identified as Suresh Saini, Suresh Bajpai, his wife, and Ramsagar Awasthi, all residents of Kanpur. Three people injured in the accident have been hospitalised. A 60-year-old passenger, Prem Narayan, had a narrow escape and later identified the victims, the DCP said, adding that efforts are on to trace the driver of the erring vehicle. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the deaths and directed officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite relief measures
Passenger booked after revolver, cartridges recovered from his bag at Pune airport
Chandrakant Prabhakar Bagal was scheduled to board a Pune-Varanasi flight when the weapon and ammunition were detected during baggage screening at Level 2B of the airport, a police official said
IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025: Ganga aarti for India's victory in Varanasi
The Indian and Pakistani cricket teams will once again face off on the field on Sunday. A Ganga Aarti was organised at Assi Ghat on Sunday to pray for the Indian cricket team's victory. Members of Namami Gange and Batuk participated in the event.
Indian Railways cuts freight transit time with new time-tabled cargo services
CHANDIGARH: Indian Railways has introduced scheduled, commodity-specific, time-tabled cargo services to enhance freight logistics by connecting key production and consumption centres across the northern region. These include the Annapurna Service from Ludhiana to Varanasi transporting foodgrains, the Gati-Vahan Service from Farrukhnagar in Haryana to Lucknow for automobiles, the Niryaat Cargo Service from Garhi to Mundra Port for containers and the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service from Roopnagar in Punjab to Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir. In an official statement, the railways stated that these services aim to improve customer satisfaction, ensure reliable transit times and provide industry-aligned logistics solutions. The newly introduced services include the Annapurna Service from Ludhiana to Varanasi, transporting foodgrains over 704 km in an average of 17 hours; the Gati-Vahan Service from Farrukhnagar (Haryana) to Lucknow for automobiles, covering 557 km in 28 hours, down from the earlier 70-hour transit; the Niryaat Cargo Service from Garhi to Mundra Port for containers, covering 1061 km in 32 hours; and the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service from Roopnagar to Anantnag, transporting cement over 586 km in 31 hours, it read. The statement further said that extensive planning and coordination were undertaken with freight stakeholders, including the FCI, automobile operators, container train operators and adjacent railway zones, to chart suitable paths across inter-divisional and inter-zonal networks. Initially introduced as trial services, these time-tabled cargo trains have now stabilised and are operating efficiently. The feedback from customers has been highly encouraging. FCI appreciated the Annapurna Service for improving the dispatch of sponsored foodgrains from surplus areas of Punjab and Haryana to deficit regions in Uttar Pradesh, allowing better labour and truck planning at unloading points, it added. The statement noted that Maruti Suzuki Limited highlighted the Gati-Vahan Services reduction in transit time from 70 hours to 28 hours, helping ensure delivery commitments comparable to road transport. Exporters using the Niryaat Cargo Service reported transit times of less than 40 hours to Mundra Port, enabling timely coordination with ports and shipping companies. Cement firms welcomed the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service and the opening of the Anantnag goods shed, which streamlined labour and truck operations, boosting rake dispatches despite weather disruptions. With scheduled timings and advance information on train arrivals and departures, these services are enabling better logistics planning for both consignors and consignees, enhancing predictability and efficiency. Indian Railways remains committed to strengthening freight connectivity and providing world-class, reliable services that support industry, trade and regional development, it claimed.
Threat to rule of law, says Opposition on Varanasi lawyer-police clashes
Uttar Pradesh Congress unit president Ajay Rai demanded the intervention of the Prime Minister, who is also the local MP, to resolve the conflict and stop the harassment of advocates.
BHOPAL: In a first-of-its-kind move to promote investment in Madhya Pradeshs Vindhya region, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has announced the organisation of an Industry Summit in Prime Minister Narendra Modis parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, in November. With investors from one of the worlds oldest living cities, Varanasi, allegedly keen to invest in the neighbouring Vindhya region of Madhya Pradesh, the MP Chief Minister made the announcement while interacting with entrepreneurs in Chakghat (Rewa) one of Madhya Pradeshs gateways to eastern Uttar Pradesh. As many as 17 industrialists and representatives from the Ramnagar Industrial Area (spread across the Varanasi-Chandauli border) announced on Friday their plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore in the Rewa district. During one-on-one discussions, the investors from Varanasi told the MP Chief Minister that they were encouraged by the growing investment potential in the Vindhya region and the attractive investment policies of the MP government. With the delegation from Varanasi expressing to the Chief Minister their keenness to invest in Madhya Pradeshs Vindhya region, Dr Yadav announced that an Industry Summit aimed at hard-selling Brand MP would be held in Varanasi in November. Varanasi is emerging as a major development and business hub of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the wake of the unprecedented infrastructural development carried out there since Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his first Lok Sabha polls from the constituency in 2014. Since becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in December 2023, Yadav, with an eye on increasing investment in the central Indian state, has chaired multiple industry and investment summits in cities outside Madhya Pradesh, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore and Ludhiana. Varanasi will perhaps be the first city in the adjoining Uttar Pradesh where the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister will hold a similar investment promotion summit in November. During the one-on-one meetings with investors in Chakghat (Rewa) on Friday, the Chief Minister invited entrepreneurs to particularly set up industries in sectors such as stubble and food processing. He informed them about the availability of ample land in Mauganj district (Madhya Pradeshs gateway to eastern Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur district) and Teonthar (Rewa) and discussed dedicated plans for the development of industrial areas at both locations. He congratulated the region on the groundbreaking ceremony of a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Teonthar and expressed hope that it would benefit the local population, help resolve the issue of stubble burning and promote organic development. Addressing the Vindhya Vikas Sankalp Sammelan at Chakghat (Rewa) on Friday, Yadav announced the establishment of a new industrial area on 400 acres in Teonthar, the upgradation of the local Civil Hospital from 50 to 100 beds, the construction of a new ITI and the development of a river corridor along the Tamas River. He also performed the Bhoomi Poojan of a 125 crore Compressed Biogas Plant by IOCGPS Renewable Pvt. Ltd. The plant will purchase crop residue from farmers, thereby generating additional income and ensuring cleaner fields. While highlighting the Vindhya regions contribution to energy production in Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister said the region is emerging as the Energy Capital.
775 senior citizens from Odisha embark on special pilgrim train to Ayodhya and Varanasi
A special pilgrim train, carrying 775 senior citizens from five districts of southern Odisha, embarked on a journey to Ayodhya and Varanasi under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida flagged off the train from Berhampur railway station.
Narrow Escape: Speeding Thar Crashes Into Divider On Kanpur-Varanasi Highway | Video
The impact of the crash caused the vehicle to spin multiple times on the road. None is reported to be injured in the accident
Rajasthan: Mother throws 3-year-old girl in lake after partners taunts
In a shocking incident, a woman allegedly threw her three-year-old daughter into a lake in Rajasthans Ajmer district on Wednesday, September 17, after constant taunts by her live-in partner. According to the police, 28-year-old Anjali, hailing from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, was living with Alkesh after separating from her husband, with whom she had a 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 .
Sub-Inspector Beaten, Robbed Of Cash By Group Of Lawyers At Varanasi Court, Video Is Viral
A sub-inspector in Varanasi was allegedly assaulted by a group of lawyers on court premises over a land dispute. He claimed he was beaten unconscious and robbed.
Principal shot dead, woman teacher injured in chain snatching bid by bike-borne assailants in UP
BALLIA: A 57-year-old principal of a government school was shot dead while a woman teacher was injured after three motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly tried to snatch his gold chain, police said on Wednesday. The incident took place on Tuesday when Devendra Yadav was returning home on a motorcycle along with assistant teacher Kanchan Singh after attending a school cluster meeting in a government school in Deoria district. When the duo reached near Sahunpur village, the assailants intercepted them, snatched Yadav's gold chain and opened fire when he resisted. Both were rushed to the community health centre in Siar from where Yadav was referred to Ballia, then to Mau, and finally to the trauma centre in Varanasi. He succumbed to injuries on the way to Varanasi late Tuesday evening, police said. Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh said an FIR is being registered. Four police teams have been formed to probe the incident, and efforts are on to trace those involved in the incident using surveillance, CCTV footage and manual intelligence inputs.
Projects Worth Rs 111 Crore To Be Inaugurated On PM Modi's Birthday In Varanasi
On the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth Rs 111 crore here.
Sonia, Rahul call on visiting Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam
New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi called on visiting Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam here on Tuesday. Sources said the trajectory of bilateral ties and deepening partnership between the two countries was discussed during the meeting. Ramgoolam is on a state visit to India from September 9 to 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hosted his Mauritian counterpart Ramgoolam at his parliamentary constituency in Varanasi last week, in reflection of rich cultural links between India and Mauritius. During his India visit, Ramgoolam visited Mumbai, Varanasi,
Varanasi to Mark Modis 75th Birthday With Rs 111 crore Projects, Rituals
City to host inaugurations, cultural events and religious ceremonies as part of celebrations
Road Crash in UP Leaves Four Pilgrims Dead
Superintendent of Police, Jaunpur, Dr Kaustubh said the incident took place on the Lucknow-Varanasi National Highway in Sihipur village.
Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Chhannulal Mishra admitted to BHU hospital in critical condition
LUCKNOW: Prominent classical vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, who had not been keeping well for the last seven months, was shifted to the ICU of Sir Sunder Lal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, following a sharp deterioration in his health condition late on Saturday night. A medical bulletin issued by SSL Hospital on the health condition of the veteran vocalist on Sunday evening stated, Mishra, 89, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under the Department of Medicine of the hospital after being brought here at 11 pm on Saturday with fever and shortness of breath. So far, he had been receiving treatment at Ramkrishna Seva Ashram Hospital in Mirzapur. He has been unwell for the past seven months and is being treated for Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Osteoarthritis, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). During this illness, he developed bed sores, complicated by septicaemia, and has been currently diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) also. On Sunday, Mishra was put on non-invasive ventilator support and received appropriate antibiotic therapy, insulin, and other supportive treatment measures. His vital parameters have started showing signs of stabilisation, said the hospital sources, mentioning all necessary medical care being imparted to Mishra and claiming that a team of specialist doctors were monitoring his condition closely. Before the hospital released this bulletin, BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Chaturvedi visited ICU's bed-15 in the Super Specialty Block to see Mishra and sought details on the ailments diagnosed and also his condition. Initially, Mishra was admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram Hospital in Mirzapur, two days ago, but a sharp deterioration in his health condition prompted doctors to refer him to BHU. Immediately after his admission to the ICU of SSL Hospital, the director of the Institute of Medical Science BHU, Prof SN Sankhwar, started monitoring the treatment protocol after mobilising the teams of doctors and paramedical staff in the emergency, cardiology, chest, and other departments. Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra had been one of the proposers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi at the time of filing nomination papers for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Mishra was conferred with Padma Vibhushan in 2020, while he had received Padma Bhushan in 2010. He was also one of the Navratnas nominated by PM Modi for the Swachh Bharat Campaign in 2015.
Ahead of the Asia Cup match, Varanasi fans performed aarti for India's win against Pakistan. A fan linked the match to military victories. Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the BJP for allowing the match after the Pahalgam attack. He questioned if match revenue outweighs the loss of lives. Anger stems from the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
J&K Bank strengthens corporate ties through customer meets in Delhi Zone
Excelsior Correspondent DELHI, Sept 13: Jammu & Kashmir Bank organized a series of corporate customer meets across the Delhi zone, reinforcing its engagement with corporate clients and addressing their evolving business needs. The meetings were held in Badohi, Allahabad, and Varanasi over the past two days. The sessions were chaired by MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee and attended by General Manager & Divisional Head (ROI) Khursheed Muzaffar, Cluster Head (Lucknow) Ashok Kumar, besides other senior officials of the Bank. A [] The post J&K Bank strengthens corporate ties through customer meets in Delhi Zone appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
LG highlights need for linguistic harmony to faster national unity
Excelsior Correspondent VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, Sept 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the Bhartiya Bhasha Samagam, organised by Hindustan Samachar Group, at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, here. In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the linguistic harmony and mutual respect and understanding of diverse languages and dialects to foster national unity and inclusive growth. A linguistically harmonious society lays the foundation for rapid socio-economic growth, strengthens the social bonds and promotes social equality. Linguistic diversity preserves cultural [] The post LG highlights need for linguistic harmony to faster national unity appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
LG Addresses Bhartiya Bhasha Samagam Organised By Hindusthan Samachar Group At Varanasi
Varanasi, Sept 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the Bhartiya Bhasha Samagam, organised by Hindusthan Samachar Group, at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi. In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the linguistic harmony and mutual respect and understanding of diverse languages and dialects to foster national unity and inclusive growth. A linguistically harmonious society lays the foundation for rapid socio-economic growth, strengthens the social bonds and promotes social equality. Linguistic diversity preserves cultural heritage and enables people [] The post LG Addresses Bhartiya Bhasha Samagam Organised By Hindusthan Samachar Group At Varanasi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Romanian Phd Student At BHU Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances
A Romanian student pursuing a PhD in Indian Philosophy at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her rented accommodation in Varanasi, police said on Saturday.
Bharat Gaurav train to Varanasi on October 5
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, speaking in Bhojpuri to highlight the deep cultural ties. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the spiritual connection between the two nations, rooted in shared traditions. The leaders discussed enhanced cooperation in various sectors, reinforcing the strategic partnership and India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
Uttar Pradesh Congress president alleges house arrest during PM Modis Varanasi tour
Around 100 Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) workers were also put under house arrest in Varanasi to stop a proposed protest against alleged vote fraud in the Prime Ministers presence in Varanasi.
Mauritius PM participate in Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
VARANASI, Sep 11: Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam participated in famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh ghat here on Thursday evening. Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam arrived at Dashaswamedh Ghat by Vivekananda Cruise from Ravidas ghat. He participated in Ganga Aarti along with his wife and 70 delegates . This time Aarti is being performed on the rooftop due to floods. The PM of Mauritius offered flowers to the Ganga and took her blessings. He captured these moments on his mobile and [] The post Mauritius PM participate in Ganga Aarti at Varanasi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India announces USD 680 million special economic package for Mauritius; two sides ink 7 pacts
India has pledged a substantial USD 680 million economic package to Mauritius, reinforcing their partnership through seven new agreements spanning maritime security, education, and space research. Prime Minister Modi, hosting his Mauritian counterpart in Varanasi, emphasized the shared priority of a secure Indian Ocean and highlighted the deep cultural ties, describing the nations as a family.
'India, Mauritius not partners but family': PM Modi
LUCKNOW: Reaffirming the deepening of ties between India and Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Mauritius were two nations with common dreams and destiny. While speaking at a joint media briefing after holding bilateral talks with his Mauritius counterpart Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on Thursday, PM Modi said: India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one. The PM added: I am proud to say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family. Mauritius is an important pillar of India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar. Describing his meeting with Mauritius PM as a spiritual union, Modi said: Our culture and values reached Mauritius centuries ago from India and became deeply embedded in its way of life. Just as the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga in Kashi sustains life, the continuous flow of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius. We welcome our friends from Mauritius in Kashi today, this is not merely a formal event, but a spiritual reunion. He said that he had visited Mauritius in March, this year, for attending the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. At that time, we gave our relations the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership, claimed the PM. PM Modi arrives in Mauritius, greeted with traditional Bihari welcome by Indian diaspora Mauritius PM Dr Ramgoolam arrived in Modis parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Wednesday evening and was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. At the joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi underscored that fact that India was fully committed to strengthening security and maritime capacity of Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius. Free, open, prosperous Indian Ocean is in our shared interest, he said. Modi said: Today, keeping the needs of Mauritius in mind, we have decided on a special economic package. This will strengthen infrastructure and create new employment opportunities. Indias first generic medicine centre abroad has now been established in Mauritius. Modi said: Today, we have reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation in detail. We also shared views on regional and global issues. I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement. The two leaders explored collaboration in health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure as well as in emerging domains such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure and the blue economy. PM Modi also said that the two nations will take steps to conduct trade in local currency. During his stay, Prime Minister Ramgoolam is expected to attend the Ganga Aarti on Thursday evening and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Friday morning before departing. He is likely to visit Ayodhya as well. PM Modi, however, left after hosting the lunch for the guest, officials said.
PM Modi Meets Mauritius Counterpart In Varanasi For Bilateral Talks: 10 Key Highlights
Four MoUs were signed between PM Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi
India, Mauritius to work towards facilitating bilateral trade in local currencies: PM Modi
Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam held talks in Varanasi
UP Congress chief alleges police intrusion, house arrests ahead of PM Modi's Varanasi visit
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai alleged that a team of police officers entered his Lucknow hotel room late on Wednesday night while he was asleep, informing him that he was being placed under house arrest ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Varanasi. Along with Rai, around 200 Congress and Samajwadi Party workers were also put under house arrest in Varanasi and adjoining areas to prevent a proposed protest against alleged vote fraud in the Prime Ministers presence. According to police sources, officers entered Rais room and told him not to travel to Varanasi. Taken aback by the late-night intrusion, Rai expressed strong displeasure, questioning why they had come at such an odd hour and telling the inspector that it was not the right time to visit a leaders private room. After a short conversation, Rai asked the police personnel to leave his room and immediately shut the door, signalling his protest. Officials claimed the move was a precautionary measure ahead of the Prime Ministers visit to Kashi on Thursday morning. Besides Rais confinement, around 200 leaders and workers of the Congress and Samajwadi Party were placed under house arrest across Varanasi and nearby areas. The state government took the step to avert the proposed protest by the two parties against what they alleged was vote theft by the Election Commission at the behest of the Centre. Anticipating demonstrations, police tightened security and moved swiftly to prevent any gatherings. Reacting to the late-night action, Rai took to the microblogging site X to criticise the government. Sending the police to stop opposition workers, locking leaders inside their rooms, and muzzling voices will not protect those responsible for vote theft. Every Congress worker will continue to fight, taking the message from streets to villages, and will keep challenging Modi over the issue of stolen votes, he posted. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi arrived in his parliamentary constituency on Thursday forenoon, leading a 3-km-long roadshow from the police lines to Hotel Taj, where he welcomed Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who is on the second day of his India visit. The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks before attending cultural events together. In the evening, Dr Ramgoolam will take a cruise from Namo Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti, accompanied by Indian officials. To honour the visiting dignitary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has organised a dinner.
PM modi is on a one-day state visit to Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Thursday, September 11. Here are 10 key points from this meet.
Modi in Varanasi, Meets Mauritius Counterpart
Modi and Ramgoolam are expected to hold discussions on crucial matters of bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on development partnership and capacity building
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi for bilateral talks, focusing on strengthening cooperation in development, capacity building, and various sectors like health, education, and renewable energy. This meeting follows Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025, where the relationship was elevated to an enhanced strategic partnership.
PM Modi, visiting Mauritius PM Ramgoolam all set for bilateral talks in Varanasi
Prime Minister Modi is set to host Mauritian Prime Minister Ramgoolam in Varanasi for a bilateral meeting emphasising development and regional cooperation. Discussions will span health, education, energy and emerging sectors like renewable energy. Ramgoolam's visit includes cultural events, highlighting the deep ties between the two nations.
