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Kantara 2; Varanasi: When Indian filmmakers ditched green screens
Filmmakers are increasingly embracing real locations for authentic cinematic experiences. From the spiritual backdrops of 'Kantara' in coastal Karnataka to the grand recreations and jungle adventures of SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi', and the breathtaking Kerala landscapes in 'Raavan', these films leverage natural beauty. The Malayalam classic 'Manichitrathazhu' also utilized heritage structures for its chilling atmosphere, proving the power of real-world settings.
Varanasi introduces Indias first Hydrogen water taxi
Varanasi's Namo Ghat now hosts India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered water taxi. The city becomes a pioneer in eco-friendly water transport, combining hydrogen and electric energy. The post Varanasi introduces Indias first Hydrogen water taxi appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Fake woman cop arrested in Azamgarh
BHU muralist to showcase art in France
4 inter-state thievesheld after encounter
Cattle smuggler arrested in encounter, 37 animals rescued
Cultural events to mark 4 yrs of KVD renovation today
KTS 4.0: Students put forth their talent at art and quiz competition
Prisoner flees from hospin Azamgarh
Students of today should become leaders of new era
Railways eases norms to boost parcel business
LA-based Aditya Prakash to present his immersive gig theatre ROOM-i-Nation in Varanasi and Bengaluru
Ahead of his India tour, the vocalist and composer lays bare the need for diaspora artistes to tell their own stories through their work.
FSDA writes to UP district magistrates to invoke Gangster Act in illegal cough syrup case
LUCKNOW: While government agencies are conducting raids and cracking the whip on those allegedly involved in illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup and trafficking of narcotic-category medicines, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has shot of letters to 31 district magistrates (DMs) across Uttar Pradesh to book the alleged syndicate operators under the UP Gangsters Act. The FSDA has told the DMs to initiate action under the laws provisions that include seizure of properties disproportionate to the known source of income. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids in a palatial bungalow worth crores, owned by dismissed police constable Alok Kumar Singh in Lucknow on Friday. Alok Kumar Singh, who was arrested in connection with the cough syrup scam, is currently languishing in jail. The ED raided 25 locations simultaneously across six cities in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Gujarat on Friday morning in connection with a major illegal network dealing in codeine-based cough syrup, officials said. The size of Alok Kumar Singhs bungalow and its overt opulence were there to take everyone in awe. Meanwhile, the development regarding the letters written by FSDA to the DMs has come three days after the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Inspector General of Police, Law & Order, LR Kumar, to investigate the case. The UP Police and FSDA authorities have carried out raids in 332 firms across 52 districts in UP, during the past two months, lodging FIRs against 133 of them across 31 districts. UP forms SIT to crack Rs 425-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling racket According to FSDA Secretary and Commissioner Roshan Jacob, the department conducted months of intensive investigation spanning Jharkhand, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and collected evidence, including the business links of Uttar Pradeshs super stockists and wholesalers with those states, before launching the raids two months ago. Jacob has also written to district magistrates to initiate action against the jailed operators under the Gangsters Act. As per the FSDA commissioner, CM Yogi had issued directives for stringent action against the culprits ensuring that no diversion takes place from Uttar Pradesh to any other state or country. He (CM) instructed officials not to trouble small traders during enforcement but ensure firm action against super stockists and wholesalers involved in illicit activities, Jacob said. According to officials, for the first time, cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup. Earlier, such violations were dealt with only through licence cancellations. Informed sources reveal that while probing the records of 332 drug-selling establishments, it was found that many of them did not actually exist and were functioning only as billing points with no purchase or sale records. Many others lacked proper storage arrangements. Out of the 332 firms, 133 were found to be involved in the organised illegal diversion of these medicines for non-medical use. It was discovered that the diverted stock was being routed primarily through state capital Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich to Nepal, and from Varanasi and Ghaziabad to Bangladesh. Cases of trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup for drug abuse have been identified in cities including Varanasi, Jaunpur, Kanpur Nagar, Ghazipur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow, Bahraich, Bijnor, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sitapur, Sonbhadra, Balrampur, Raebareli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Bhadohi, Amethi, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Unnao, Basti, Ambedkarnagar, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Sultanpur, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Banda, and Kaushambi, officials said.
Uttar Pradesh: Azamgarh police nab fake female cop for impersonation, cheating
Azamgarh police apprehended a woman impersonating a police officer in the Roadways premises. Neetu Chauhan, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, was found wearing a UP Police uniform and admitted to using it to travel without tickets. She has been booked under sections related to fraud and impersonating a public servant.
ED raids in multiple states in UP illegal cough syrup case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations across several states as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged illegal cough syrup trafficking racket in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The searches, which began around 7:30 am, are being conducted at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The ED has registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the illegal manufacturing, trade and transportation of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), including suspected cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh. Locations linked to the absconding main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his alleged associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh, along with certain cough syrup manufacturers and Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal, are being searched, the officials said. The agencys action is based on around 30 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police after the state government took cognisance of widespread misuse and illegal circulation of CBCS. The estimated proceeds of crime in the case amount to about Rs 1,000 crore, according to ED officials. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai, while his father has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. A total of 32 people have been taken into custody so far, and the state police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Varanasi has launched India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered water taxi, offering eco-friendly travel between Namo Ghat and Ravidas Ghat.
Make sure no eligible voter left out, none ineligible included in SIR: CM in Kashi
Target of 100 institutions by MPSP Centenary Year: CM
CM promises housing, medical aid to needy
Anganwadi worker killed in her house, probe begins
Over 8,000 jobs offered at employment mahakumbh
Gram pradhan kin kills elderly man for blowing whistle on graft; 4 booked, killer at large
Rs25K award for arrest of codeine racket kingpin
Capacity building training for agribusiness professionals
Countrys 1st indigenous hydrogen fuel passenger vessel flagged off in Varanasi
Indias first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel enters commercial service in Varanasi
India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel has commenced commercial operations in Varanasi, marking a significant step in sustainable maritime transport. This vessel, powered by a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system, releases only water as a byproduct, contributing to the rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
In a seven-minute-long clip, Rahul Mishra alleged that his wife was cheating on him. He also said he was not allowed to meet his son.
Sarbananda Sonowal flags off India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi, a significant step for clean and sustainable inland water transport. This initiative highlights India's technological advancements and commitment to green energy, joining a select group of nations operating such vessels.
Varanasis water taxis run on a hybrid electrichydrogen engine and can carry up to 50 passengers.
Sarbananda Sonowal flags off Indias first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi
At a ceremony held at Namo Ghat, the Ports, Shipping, and Waterways minister inaugurated the vessel's commercial operations
Priyanka heads back to the US: Varanasi star poses with paps
Priyanka Chopra made a swift 12-hour return to Mumbai for promotions, gracing 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' and charming paparazzi at the airport with early New Year wishes. She's set to star in SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, slated for a 2027 release, alongside Hollywood ventures 'The Bluff' and 'Citadel Season 2'.
A 30-year-old man in Varanasi allegedly died by suicide, leaving a video accusing his wife, her friend, and his mother-in-law of harassment. Police have registered a case of abetment of suicide against the three individuals based on a complaint filed by the deceased's mother.
Cyber gang using police app for extortion busted
MPSP, seeded in 1932, now a sprawling banyan tree: CM
Ukhand guv urges youth to dream with eyes open
CM orders swift action in encroachment cases
Govt committed to save all from harsh winter: Yogi
SIR: 99.5% voter verification work completed in Varanasi
Union min to open 1st fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell vessel in city today
NER Kashi Div inks MoU with BoI
CM Yogi in city today, to review SIR drive progress
KTS: Vehicle expedition celebrates cultural unity from TN to Kashi
Failed to get ambulance, rabies-infected boy dies in Mau
Body of man accused of forcing girl to convert, attacking her found in Ganga
1 more arrested in codeine cough syrup scam
BHU to hold 105thconvo on Dec 12
A Gorakhpur bride sought divorce just three days after her wedding, claiming her husband revealed his infertility on their wedding night. A medical report confirmed the groom's inability to father children. The bride's family demanded the return of wedding expenses and gifts, leading to a settlement where the groom's family agreed to repay Rs 7 lakh and return all presents.
Tamil Karkalam to take language to 1.5K north students
VARANASI: Continuing its efforts to counter the long-standing charge that the BJP promotes Hindi cultural dominance, the BJP-led union government has initiated numerous efforts to teach Tamil through multiple languages of the country, particularly through Hindi. It is evident from the theme of the Kashi Tamil Sangamams fourth edition (KTS 4.0) going on from December 2 to 17 Tamil Karkalam (Let us learn Tamil), the event is aimed at teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students. The roads of Varanasi are filled with flex banners showing the picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words Tamil Karkalam along with its Hindi transliteration. Under this programme, 300 college students from Uttar Pradesh will visit Tamil Nadu in 10 batches to learn Tamil. They will attend an orientation at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) Chennai, followed by Tamil language classes and cultural sessions conducted at leading institutions across the state, including IIT Madras; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Shastra University, Thanjavur; Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore and Ganapathi Tulsis Jain Engineering College, Vellore. The programme ensures that young learners from North India gain direct exposure to Tamil language, heritage and contemporary cultural practices. In Varanasi, 50 Hindi-speaking teachers from Chennai trained by the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prasar Sabha, using the textbooks prepared by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), are teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students in 50 schools in Varanasi. In total, 1,500 students will learn introductory Tamil through this initiative. The classes last for a period of 15 days. In just one week, the students of PM Shri Government Queens College were able to learn how to address and greet people in Tamil. Some of them explained how they loved learning Tamil. At Namo Ghat in Varanasi, where KTS 4.0 events are going on, CICT director Dr R Chandrasekaran said that within a month or two, the institute will launch a free online course for learning Tamil through Hindi. The CICT has published a series of books for learning Tamil through Hindi, including a handbook for practising Tamil grammar, a handbook for writing Tamil letters, a glossary of Tamil equivalents for Hindi words used in day-to-day life and a book of simple conversations in Tamil.
Those who divide nation are like Jaichand and Mir Jafar: CM Yogi
State to emerge as global skill hub: Yogi
Trident-shape floodlight posts at Ganjari cricket stadium in Kashi
Op Torch targets Bangladeshi,Rohingya settlements in Kashi
30K codeine cough syrup bottles worth Rs60L seized in Kashi
Delegation from Russia visits SSU, accorded Vedic welcome
Gang of cyber cons that duped people of Rs110cr busted in Azamgarh; 15 held
UP forms IG-led SIT into syrup racket with links to Nepal, Bdesh
CM Yogi to open Sainik School auditorium today
Rs50cr grant for MMMUT to set up Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence
Cyber fraud racket using fake call centre busted in Gkp; two arrested
KTS 4.0: 3rd academic session focuses on cultural rootedness, civilizational continuity
MoE delegation visits IIT-BHU, discuss research & infra on campus
Tamil agri experts receive traditional welcome, offer prayers at KVT
Close aid ofMukhtar heldin Ghazipur
2nd accused in Swarveda temple trust fraud arrested
Over 20K youths register forSansad Rozgar Mahakumbh
UP forms SIT to crack Rs 425-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling racket
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday announced the formation of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to dismantle an organised racket involving the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup for narcotic abuse. The smuggling case came to light around 20 days ago when a truck loaded with codeine-based cough syrup was seized in Sonbhadra. Speaking to the media, FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob, accompanied by Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad and DGP Rajeev Krishna, said the SIT had been formed to investigate the case. Three accused have been arrested so far. Jacob said misleading information was being circulated on social media. Police have taken action. A truck of cough syrup was caught in Sonbhadra some 20 days ago and based on that evidence, a second truck was recovered in Ranchi, she said. She clarified that the UP case has no connection with a similar case reported in Madhya Pradesh. She said the investigation had been expanded to 300 drug dealers to trace the main supply channels. We want to reach the big traders, not the small retailers, Jacob added. UP DGP Rajeev Krishna said that using cough syrup for any purpose other than its normal medical use amounted to a legal offence. Several pieces of evidence have been found in the last two months. FSDA has registered 128 FIRs across 28 districts, including 38 in Varanasi, 16 in Jaunpur, eight in Kanpur, six in Ghazipur and four each in Lakhimpur Kheri and Lucknow, he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the health portfolio, said in Jaunpur that strict action would be taken against the guilty irrespective of their social standing. The DGP added that 279 medical stores were inspected, and many were found to be non-existent. Others had serious anomalies in sale and purchase records. It reflects that the firms were selling cough syrup in an organised manner as an intoxicant, not a medicine. The drug was being supplied from Lucknow, Lakhimpur, Bahraich, Varanasi, Ghaziabad and even Nepal to Bangladesh, he said. In a parallel crackdown, the SIT constituted by the Varanasi Police Commissionerate to probe the smuggling racket run by Shubham Jaiswal of Varanasi arrested two close associates of the kingpin. The racket was operated through his firm, Shelly Traders. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai along with his associates Gaurav Jaiswal and Varun Singh on November 5. His father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, was arrested at Kolkata airport on November 30 while attempting to fly to Dubai. The two accused arrested on Monday, Vishal Jaiswal and Badal Arya, revealed key details during interrogation. They allegedly earned large sums by setting up shell firms, receiving Rs 25,00030,000 per consignment. The SIT also uncovered suspicious transactions worth Rs 425 crore linked to Shubham Jaiswal over the past two years. DCP Gaurav Basbal said Shubham Jaiswal had left India and look-out circulars were being issued. A Red Corner Notice would also be sought through Interpol. The arrested duo told interrogators that CA Devesh Jaiswal had full access to Shubhams bank accounts. They said they had conducted business worth around Rs 7 crore with him within a year. One of the accused, Badal Arya, claimed Devesh Jaiswal helped him open his firm. The other accused, Vishal Jaiswal of Hukumganj, also said Devesh Jaiswal helped him open a firm named Hariom Pharma. I would place orders but the syrup never came to my shop. I used to get Rs 20,00030,000 in cash, he said. SIT chief ADCP Kashi Zone Saravanan T said two more suspects were being questioned and their documents were being scrutinised.
Despite the buzz, Priyanka Chopras Rs 30-crore Varanasi commitment and global priorities leave little room for anything new
IIT-Madras brings innovation-based Tamil learning model Vidyashakti to Kashi
Youth Cong chief, workers held for anti-SIR protest
SIR work over in rural areas, to end in urban by tomorrow
UP govt flags detention centre for illegal immigrants in Gkp
On run for three moths, cop surrenders in wife murder case
Youth shot dead in Azamgarh; land dispute suspected motive
Move to name Bengal masjid after Babur ploy of wicked people: AIM
Woman, daughter consume poison in Mirzapur, both dead
Varanasi police launch week-long drive to check Bangladeshi, Rohingya settlers
VARANASI: Varanasi Police have launched a week-long special verification drive to identify Bangladeshis, Rohingyas and other illegal immigrants living in the district. The campaign, which began on Saturday, involves checks on makeshift settlements and roadside vendors across the city, officials said on Sunday. DCP (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal said police teams are verifying the identities and documents of individuals found in hutment clusters and informal work areas. Those staying without valid papers will face legal action, he added. All station house officers have formed special teams to conduct intensive checks in their areas. Additional DCP (Gomti Zone) Vaibhav Bangar supervised a verification operation in Koirajpur on Saturday, where teams recorded photographs and personal details of suspected individuals. The drive is underway across all police station limits under the Varanasi Police Commissionerate.
Smart City Innovation Award for Kashis unique 3D project
Mass wedding event to honour women on Dec 12
CM to open new govt ITI in Piprauli on Dec 9
KTS delegates explore south Indian art legacy & shared cultural heritage
TN writers receive grand welcome
SP MLC flags errors in voter rgn
IIT-BHU records 1k job offers in 5 days
Woman attacked by BF for refusing to convert for marriage
5 get life term for murder of biz rival
Coach sodomises minors with lure of selection, arrested
Discover Yourself Workshop Transforming Hearts & Minds
522nd DYS Workshop | St. Al-Haneef Educational Centre (Campus Hall), Chandauli Varanasi 78 November 2025 | For Teachers The Discover Yourself Workshop, conducted by Sadathullah Khan, brought a life-changing experience to the teachers. Through interactive sessions, spiritual reflection, and practical guidance, participants learned how to break free from negative thoughts, let go of ego, [] The post Discover Yourself Workshop Transforming Hearts & Minds first appeared on .
Ram temple construction re-established legacy that led to lasting peace: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, dubbed the construction of Ram temple on Ram Janmabhoomi premises in the temple town as the biggest achievement which re-established a virasat (legacy) in the country, leading to a lasting peace. He felt it was the biggest victory of Indian democracy and a stepping stone for investment, taking the States development trajectory upward. The UP CM was speaking at an event on Saturday, which, coincidentally, was the 25th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Notably, the Supreme Court of India had settled the vexed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue on November 9, 2019, by passing a unanimous order to allow the temple at the spot where Lord Ram had taken birth and making the provision of five-acre land for the Muslim side for a mosque at an alternative location within the periphery of Ayodhya. Vande Mataram rendition to be mandatory in all UP schools: Yogi On being asked about one thing that could be called a masterstroke of his tenure, Yogi said that though it was difficult to shortlist, he cited the construction of the Ram Temple after a wait of 500 years as one of the most iconic moments of his career. When Yogi was asked if issues like Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura would be next on the agenda after the completion of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the UP CM said: We will reach there as well. The question referred to disputed structures of the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi (Kashi) and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura. He also expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court, which, based on the evidence, delivered an order in 2019 allowing the construction of the Ram Temple and the verdict was received by all communities with peace. Political Islam undermined Sanatan, says UP CM Yogi; warns against purchase of halal products Elaborating on the investment growth, Yogi said his government had ensured a riot-free state, adding that a peaceful atmosphere with proper law and order in place was the first prerequisite for investment to come in. Today, being December 6, would have seen a curfew-like situation in UP. But its all peaceful. That is our achievement, added the UP CM. Claiming that the countrys most populous State was no longer one district, one mafia, but had transformed and was living up to the 'one district, one product,' 'one district, one medical college' philosophy. He also underlined improved connectivity, both air and surface, citing the example of the new airport set to be functional in Noida's Jewar. We will inaugurate it within the next two months, he said. The Jewar International Airport, Asias biggest such facility, is being built to handle 12 million passengers annually in its first phase, and will be expanded later to handle up to 120 million passengers by 2050.
UP: High alert, patrolling intensified in Varanasi on Babri Masjid demolition anniversary
Varanasi police are on high alert today. This is due to the 33rd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Special operations are underway. Police are patrolling various areas. Security has been increased at crowded public places. Checking drives are being held. Plainclothes personnel are monitoring dense localities. Security forces are deployed on rooftops in sensitive areas.
