Uttar Pradesh: NDRF's Prompt Action Saves Devotee From Drowning in Varanasi's Ganga
The rescuers reached the spot and used a lifebuoy to pull the devotee out of the deep waters.
Country's second sleeper Vande Bharat to halt at Prayagraj and Kanpur; check schedule, other details
The country's second Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has received approval, and this high-speed train will run between Varanasi and New Delhi. The train will also stop at Kanpur Central and Prayagraj. This will provide passengers from Purvanchal, central Uttar Pradesh, and the industrial city of Kanpur with a new travel option between Delhi and Varanasi.
NDRF rescues 63-year-old devotee from drowning in Varanasi Ganga
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Varanasi MLC polls: Nomination filing opens, no candidate files papers on Day 1
Missing student found dead; girlfriend, kin detained
2 wanted inter-dist gang members held in encounter in Azamgarh
Kashi ropeway project 95% complete, set for Nov-end launch
IAF air show: Officials step up crowd, traffic plans
Yogi visits flood-hit Kushinagar; announces Rs 4L ex gratia, housing support
Yogi to pay tributes to Mahant Avaidyanath at memorial event today
Those opposed to Lord Ram uncomfortable with Ayodhyas rise: Yogi
BLWs Arjun Yadav wins wrestling cship opening bout
World Heart Day observed at AIIMS Gorakhpur
This bronze feels like gold, Jaunpurs Asiad winner Rohit tells dad on phone
Those who fail to understand UPs sacred cities cannot understand India: CM
Strict action if public grievances face delay or negligence: CM
Women dance to vulgar songs at Varanasi temple, police say AI
Varanasi: A video showing women dancing while men cheer, howl and scream at the famous Lat Bhairav Temple in Varanasi during the annual Baba Lat Bhairav baraat procession has raised many eyebrows. It shows women in ghaghra and sleeveless choli, dancing to non-religious, mainly Bhojpuri songs with vulgar lyrics, surrounded by Varanasi Police personnel, allegedly 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 .
Controversy has erupted after the video of two women dancing at Lat Bhairav temple complex in Varanasi has surfaced on the internet. However, apart from controversy, the behavior of the police in the video has been questioned as well.
Vulgar Temple Dance Video Viral, AI-Generated: Varanasi Police
The video had triggered criticism from various quarters, with several people questioning the presence and conduct of policemen allegedly seen watching or recording the performance on their mobile phones.
Varanasi temple dance video row: Police call viral clip AI-generated, bid to tarnish image
BJP declares names of six candidates for Uttar Pradesh MLC elections
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 29 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced its list of 10 candidates for the upcoming Legislative Council elections 2026 for two states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The elections are scheduled in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the Graduate and Teachers' constituencies on October 23. In Uttar Pradesh, a total of 11 seats, comprising Graduate and Teachers' constituencies, are set to go to the polls next month. BJP announced names of six candidates on Tuesday, covering the constituencies namely Varanasi, Jhansi, Meerut, Agra, and Gorakhpur regions. It has fielded nominees Kedar Nath Singh from Varanasi Graduate, Dinesh Goyal from Meerut Graduate, Ashok Kumar Rathore from Allahabad-Jhansi Graduate, Dr Pramod Mishra from Varanasi Teachers', Engineer Hari Kishore Tiwari from Agra Teachers', and Dhruv Tripathi from Gorakhpur-Faizabad Teachers' constituency. The MLC election in Uttar Pradesh is being held as a direct contest between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the BJP, with both taking to electioneering. Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has announced names of all 11 of its candidates for the MLC elections. The SP chief, declaring the list while speaking to the media in Lucknow on Monday, sought support for his party's candidates. Notably, the notification for the Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Uttar Pradesh was issued on Tuesday. The deadline for filing nominations is October 6, and the scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 7. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until October 9; voting will take place on October 23. The results for Uttar Pradesh MLC elections will be announced on October 27. In Bihar, the MLC elections are slated for eight seatsfour Graduate constituencies and four Teachers' constituencies. They include Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Kosi Graduates, and Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Saran Teachers. While announcing UP MLC candidates on Tuesday, BJP also released the names of its candidates for four Bihar Legislative Council seats for the upcoming biennial elections.
Congress protests severe waterlogging in Varanasi amid UP floods
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Wanted murder accused carrying Rs 25,000 reward injured in police encounter in Lucknow
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 29 (IANS) The Krishna Nagar police of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and surveillance team arrested a 22-year-old wanted accused carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 in connection with the murder of a woman following a police encounter, officials said on Tuesday. During the encounter, the accused, identified as Bhola Rajput, sustained a bullet injury to his right leg and was subsequently admitted to Lok Bandhu Hospital for treatment. Police recovered an illegal .315-bore country-made pistol, one live cartridge, one empty cartridge and the scooter allegedly used in the crime. The accused was wanted in a case registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). DCP Md Mustaque said that an intensive checking drive had been ordered, and police teams were deployed accordingly in the Krishna Nagar police station area. Tonight, an order was issued for an intensive checking drive. In line with that order, under the Krishna Nagar police station area, our police team stopped a few suspects. Among them, one accused fired at the police. In self-defence, the police team retaliated, during which one accused sustained a gunshot wound. He was immediately taken to the hospital for medical treatment, the DCP said. He added that preliminary inquiry established the identity of the accused as Bhola and that he was wanted in connection with the murder of a woman. In the initial inquiry, we got to know that his name is Bhola. He was wanted in connection with the murder of a woman and was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000. We have also recovered a pistol from him, Mustaque said. Meanwhile, in a separate incident on September 23, a man who shot his wife and two priests and held three children hostage in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh was killed in a police encounter. During the standoff, the accused, identified as Arvind, also shot one of his children, a son. Both Arvind and his son were taken to a hospital, where they later died of their injuries, police said. According to Naveen Arora, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Varanasi Zone, police initially exercised restraint as Arvind refused to come out of the house and insisted that they wait until morning. The situation escalated after Arvind opened fire from inside the premises, forcing the police team to enter the house as a last resort.
Turpentine oil godown catches fire, over 20 houses evacuated
Cattle smugglers caught after encounter in Ghazipur
Sonbhadra charts plan to revive Lauwa river
VMC to hold workshop on scientific solid waste mgmt
Chowk police station first in city to get ISO-9001:2015 cert
Cong seeks sacking of CEC, cancellation of Varanasi LS poll result
Cong stages protest over alleged SIR irregularities
Fan factory fire damages warehouse, no casualties reported
SHO, 3 cops suspendedin Azamgarh
25-yr-old killed in dispute over power cable repair, 4 held
Grooms brother among 3 electrocuted during walima preparations in Mau
UPITS showcases states strength, draws buyers from 90 nations: Yogi
Door-to-door e-waste collection, recycling drive launched in city
Bhagwat Katha can bring welfare of all beings: Swami Rajendradass
Varanasi: Producer reveals timeline for Mahesh Babu-starrer's post-production
Producer S S Karthikeya, who is one of the producers of ace director S S Rajamouli's 'Varanasi', featuring actor Mahesh Babu in the lead, shared that post-production work on the film was going on at a brisk pace at present and that they should ideally be completing it by January next year
Ganga Water Level Surges in Varanasi: Boat Operations Halted Amid Pitru Paksha Rush
IIT (BHU) Lab Attendant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline
Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for Lab Attendant posts. A total of 1 vacancy has been announced under this recruitment drive. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications up to 19-10-2026. The prescribed application form and detailed notification are available on the official website.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Ashok Singhal on his birth centenary, describing him as a formidable personality who was firm in his convictions and remarkable in his simplicity. The Prime Minister said Singhal combined spiritual commitment with tireless organisational work and remained unwavering in his dedication to social unity. PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, Shri Ashok Singhal was formidablefirm in conviction and remarkable in his simplicity. He combined spiritual commitment with tireless organisational work and an unwavering dedication to social unity. The Prime Minister also penned a detailed tribute to Singhal under the headline, A great personality, committed to nation-building. In the tribute, PM Modi began by quoting a well-known couplet highlighting the importance of living for the welfare of others. There is a beautiful saying, Vriksh kabahun nahin phal bhakhai, Nadi na sanchai neer. Parmarath ke karane, sadhun dhara sarir. It means the tree does not consume its own fruit, nor does the river retain its waters. Both exist for the benefit of others, he wrote. Our saints and seers have long taught us that a life devoted to the welfare of those around us acquires a meaning far greater than individual achievement. If there is one person in whom this spirit was constantly reflected, it was Shri Ashok Singhal Ji, PM Modi said. Starting 27th September, we mark his birth centenary to celebrate an outstanding personality who brought together spiritual pursuit, cultural awakening and decades of dedicated organisational work, he added. PM Modi recalled his personal interactions with Singhal and said he considered it a privilege to have had numerous opportunities to meet him and receive his affection. I consider it a privilege that I had innumerable opportunities to interact with Ashok Ji and receive his affection. One of the earliest instances dates back to 1981, when I was a young Karyakarta going about the organisational duties given to me. I received a handwritten letter from him. Naturally, it was a noteworthy moment for me. He talked about an important upcoming programme and gave a few tasks to be done, he said. The Prime Minister also shared the letter written by Singhal. Recalling Singhals extensive travels and organisational work, PM Modi said he had seen him work day and night and travel to remote and difficult areas. Over several decades, I saw him work day and night. He would undertake long and often difficult travels to the remotest of areas. He was particularly passionate about travelling across tribal areas of Gujarat. His mind was constantly running, thinking about what more one can do for those on the margins of society, he said. PM Modi also recalled Singhals contribution to relief efforts during natural disasters. Whenever any part of the nation was affected by a natural disaster, Ashok Ji was either among the first to reach there himself or among those guiding Karyakartas to help those affected. My own experience with him in the aftermath of the 2001 Kutch earthquake was unforgettable, he said. The Prime Minister said Singhals compassion and concern for others had taken shape early in his life despite his coming from a prosperous and distinguished family. This spirit of compassion and care for others is something that came to Ashok Ji very early in his life. He hailed from a very illustrious and prosperous family. His father, Shri Mahavir Ji, was a distinguished administrator. One of his brothers, Shri BP Singhal Ji, went on to become a police officer and later a Member of Parliament. Another brother, Shri VP Singhal Ji, was the Chief Secretary of Tripura when the state was just formed, he said. Other family members succeeded in the world of commerce and agriculture. But from a young age, Ashok Ji was attracted to something else altogetherthe revival of Bharat and bringing glory to Maa Bhartis children, PM Modi added. Recalling Singhals childhood in Prayagraj, the Prime Minister said his association with the Sangam and the people who visited the holy site helped nurture his understanding of Indias cultural ethos. Growing up in Prayagraj, Ashok Ji would sit for hours on the banks of the Sangam. The river naturally interested him, but so did the people who came, such as saints, seers and devotees. It nurtured an understanding of Indias cultural ethos and strengthened his intention to do something for society, he said. This desire to live for others drew him to the RSS. He embraced every responsibility that came his way with enthusiasm, discipline and a sense of duty, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister highlighted Singhals organisational abilities, oratory skills and his close association with fellow workers and religious leaders. Shri Ashok Singhal Ji nurtured institutions and movements through persistence and hard work. He was blessed with a formidable voice and an oratory that could hold an entire gathering in its spell. Equally noteworthy was his care for fellow Karyakartas, he said. Anyone who came into contact with him could not help but marvel at his remarkable simplicity. He shared a deep bond with the Sant Samaj and commanded immense respect among saints and seers across the country. They valued his counsel and listened to him with great regard, PM Modi said. He also recalled two incidents that, according to him, reflected Singhals organisational abilities and influence. My mind goes back to two instances which brought out the legendary persona of Shri Ashok Singhal Ji. The first was in 1993, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad organised a convention in the USA to mark 100 years since Swami Vivekanandas Chicago address, PM Modi said. The vision to host such a conference overseas, the planning and the bringing together of diverse stakeholders revealed the organisational genius of Ashok Ji, he added. The Prime Minister then recalled the World Hindu Conference held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2000. The second instance is from the year 2000. The World Hindu Conference was organised in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. I could see how his presence ignited so much enthusiasm among other delegates, he said. After my address, his words of appreciation were a very moving experience for me. I saw yet again how his encouragement filled every Karyakarta with so much energy, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also recalled Singhals prominent role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. No mention of Shri Ashok Singhal Ji is complete without recalling his pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement. Who can forget his address at the Boat Club Rally in 1991? Or the defining image of an injured and bleeding Ashok Ji at the peak of the movement, he said. Today, if there is a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it is because of stalwarts like him who selflessly immersed themselves in the effort to make it possible. He would have been the happiest person on seeing the Ram Mandir take shape in Ayodhya, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister further highlighted Singhals emphasis on social harmony, equality and dignity. Shri Ashok Singhal Ji was blessed with remarkable clarity of thought, and one area where it was clearly seen was his belief that our society needs to be harmonious, that the message of brotherhood has to be reaffirmed. He worked towards strengthening social unity and equality, he said. He firmly believed that there could be no distinction of any kind in society and that every individual deserved equal dignity and respect, PM Modi added. He also referred to Singhals role in promoting social inclusion during activities associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and other community initiatives. It was his thought that the first brick of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would be laid by Shri Kameshwar Choupal Ji, a grassroots VHP Karyakarta from Bihar who hailed from the marginalised sections of society. At a Dharm Sansad in Kashi, he decided that the Dom Raja would be honoured and went on to work with him as part of various community efforts, PM Modi said. Beyond organisational and nation-building activities, PM Modi said Singhal had a deep interest in education, particularly Vedic education, as well as music. Beyond nation-building, Shri Ashok Singhal Ji had two areas that were very close to his heart: education (especially Vedic education) and music. As the MP from Varanasi, I feel very proud that the city I represent, the eternal Kashi, has played its part in Shri Ashok Singhal Jis life, he said. He was educated at BHU and was also known to be a good student. He was closely associated with the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative, which worked to extend basic education to remote villages, especially among tribal communities, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also described Singhal as a voracious reader and a good listener who encouraged younger organisational workers to read extensively. Those who knew Ashok Ji closely knew how well he sang! I recall meetings in Nagpur, where he would sing the Ekal Geet, leaving everyone mesmerised and setting the tone for the meeting, he said. PM Modi also recalled Singhals performance of Yeh matru-bhoomi meri, yeh pitru-bhoomi meri during his 90th birthday celebrations in 2015, which he said went viral. Concluding his tribute, PM Modi called upon the younger generation to learn about Singhals life and contributions. On his birth centenary, let us ensure that more youngsters know about his greatness. And let us renew our pledge to realise his dreams for our nation and our people, the Prime Minister said.
Anushman Jha: I make movies to connect, my attempt has never been transactional
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Actors Soni Razdan and Raghubir Yadavs Om Ka Hari is to have its special screenings for over 50 Army centres in India. The films producer Anshuman Jha calls it the old-school way of connecting with audiences and added further that he makes movies to connect. Anshuman will travel across 15 cities from Monday onwards, including Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Agra, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Patna to host special screenings. Anshuman said in a statement: This is the old-school way of connecting with audiences, not just selling a film to them. I make movies to connect, and my attempt has never been transactional; it has always been emotional. So I am willing to keep working harder and going further to reach my audience. Charlie Chaplin used to take his films from city to city. I want to do that with Om Ka Hari. I want to sit with audiences, watch the film with them, hear what they feel, and have conversations with them. He said that the love for Om Ka Hari is real, and he wants to keep walking that extra mile to take the film to more people and, hopefully, spread the message at its heart: express your love to your parents while you still have the chance. With 25 cinemas retaining the film into Week 2 and 50+ Army Centre screenings lined up across India, Om Ka Hari is now entering its second week with continued word-of-mouth momentum. The Army Centre screenings are expected to bring the film to thousands of viewers nationwide, with over 50 centres hosting screenings. Om Ka Hari explores the complexities of the father-son relationship through comedy, drama and the things families often struggle to say to one another. Directed by Harish Vyas, Om Ka Hari stars Anshuman Jha and Raghubir Yadav in the titular roles of Om and Hari. The film follows a stubborn father and his independent-minded son, whose relationship is shaped by generational differences, disagreements and deeply held expectations. When Hari believes he has only a few days left to live, he decides to make a journey to Varanasi, with Om accompanying him. What begins as a journey marked by conflict gradually becomes an opportunity for the two to confront the love, hurt and things left unsaid between them.
Ravi Kishan, BJP councillor waterlogging exchange goes viral
Sanskrit is basis of Indian culture, values: Experts
VMC steps up preps for Shardiya Navratri, Durga Puja
3 on hunger strike taken to hosp, protest stage removed by cops
Woman arrested for throwing acid on husbands private part in Azamgarh
NER intensifies monitoring, maintenance for safe train ops amid heavy rains
Yogi condoles death of Krishna Gopal Pandey
Avoid antibiotics at first sign of fever in children: IAP
Banaras Hindu University highlights AI, cultural diversity on World Tourism Day
Fake video of cop-lawyer assault made for views; 2 held
Gujarat-Varanasi Seva Sankalp Yatra Enters Haryana: CM Nayab Saini Leads Grand Welcome
Varanasi tops Uttar Pradesh health ranking for August 2026
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BHU workshop stresses early autism assessment, multidisciplinary care
Man-nephew among 4 killed in separate accidents in Kashi, Mau
Ravans rise marks the return of Ramnagars 31-day timeless Ramlila spectacle
Spotlight on Kashis urban growth at ICC summit
BHU kicks off Tourism Day celebrations with Heritage Walk
BHU, VCA Healthcare sign MoU for herbal research
BLW 3-Day inter-rly wrestling c'ship from Sep 29
Double-decker electric AC bus to link Gkp, Maharajganj from Sep 28
Officials inspect low-lying areas amid heavy rain forecast in Gorakhpur
Flooding in Varanasi Disrupts School Attendance, Claims Congress Leader Varun Chaudhary
Varun Chaudhary highlights severe flooding in Varanasi, affecting school access for children and raising concerns over local governance. Flooding in Varanasi Disrupts School Attendance, Claims Congress Leader Varun Chaudhary
Pilgrims Flock to Varanasi for Pitripaksha Rituals to Free Souls from Ghostly Realms
During Pitripaksha, Varanasi is a key destination for rituals to liberate souls, especially those who died untimely. Pilgrims Flock to Varanasi for Pitripaksha Rituals to Free Souls from Ghostly Realms
12 years on the run, 50k rewardee with Maoist links held in Assam
MMMUT alumna Sejal Gupta bags silver at Asian Bench Press Championship
No Raj Yog in Akhileshs stars for years: Ravi Kishan
Use Rath Yatra To See Development Under Yogi
Ayurveda docs med certificates valid across govt, pvt institutions
Awareness programme held at 11th NDRF on 11th Ayurveda-Day
Two interstate ganja smugglers arrested in Sonbhadra
Cultivate passion for learning instead of harmful habits'
Man awarded 20 years in jail for raping 15-year-old Dalit girl
Sowa-Rigpa specialist Dr Chhimi Dolkar honoured
Case against NSUI leader for illegal hoardings seeking restoration of student polls
Kashi readies for IAF aerial spectacle, 30 lakh expected
Cops pledge salaries to support girls orphaned in Azamgarh killings
Namami Gange and Varanasi MC intensify post-flood cleanliness drive
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Indian Railways is planning a Sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route via Prayagraj and Kanpur, with a possible Diwali launch. The 16-coach train will carry 823 passengers and run at up to 160 kmph. Fares and final timings are yet to be confirmed by the Railway Board.
Varanasi police boost crowd management for October air show
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Prove charges against ABVP workers
2 cops among five heldin loot, extortion cases
Azamgarh police arrest rape accused from Mumbai
Murder accused caught after encounter in Mau
Speeding auto kills toddler, injures infant in Gorakhpur
Trial run of Ghazipur-Ballia highway from Oct 1
3 sisters' IAS, IPS dreams brew in their tea stall
NERs spl drive to check drinking water quality
