The Times of India

In Uttar Pradesh, the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is making strides in uplifting economically disadvantaged communities by organizing seamless, dowry-free group weddings. Since its inception in 2017, over 5.54 lakh couples have availed of this initiative, which provides a generous financial support of Rs 1 lakh per couple alongside an increased income cap.

Uttar Pradesh's Vivah Anudan Yojana provides a financial boost of Rs 20,000 to underprivileged families, alleviating the often burdensome costs associated with weddings for their daughters. The program, aimed at ensuring legal-age marriages, embraces diverse social categories including SC, ST, and OBC. Recent updates, such as increasing the OBC income threshold to 1 lakh, have broadened assistance, with direct bank transfers enhancing the process for numerous families across the state.

Leading the charge in the PM SVANidhi initiative, Uttar Pradesh has issued collateral-free loans to street vendors, with more than 60 lakh vendors benefitting from an impressive 12,000 crore fund. This program notably empowers small businesses, especially those led by women. Extending through 2030, the scheme offers interest subsidies and digital perks, enhancing access to credit and encouraging robust business growth throughout the region.

Eight individuals arrested in connection with alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram temple have been remanded to judicial custody until Monday. Authorities recovered over Rs 79 lakh in cash from most of the accused. While no government employees are currently implicated, the investigation's scope may broaden, with charges including criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.

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Gorakhpur To Get First Adda

A leopard's intrusion into a Bahraich village caused panic Friday, as it attacked seven people before vanishing into sugarcane fields. Forest and police teams are conducting a massive search operation to safely capture the animal. Injured villagers are receiving treatment, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and report sightings.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged theft from Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi temple donation boxes has led to eight arrests and the recovery of over 79 lakh. CCTV footage reportedly shows an accused repeatedly stealing cash, with allegations of a cover-up involving a relative of a co-accused. Trust leadership has resigned, and Chief Minister Adityanath vows no one will be spared in the ongoing investigation.

Eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged theft of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple donations have been remanded to judicial custody until June 29. Investigators have recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh believed to be linked to the embezzled funds. Preliminary findings suggest six of the accused, employed by a bank's outsourced cash management agency, were directly involved in counting the donations when the alleged misappropriation occurred.

Panic gripped Maharajganj's Parsa Khurd village after a man, allegedly drunk, climbed an 11,000-volt electricity pole. Villagers watched in fear as the man remained perched for hours, disrupting power supply. Authorities swiftly cut power and launched a risky rescue, safely bringing him down. He later became aggressive, leading to an FIR for endangering public safety.

Champat Rai, a key player in the Ram temple initiative and general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has stepped down following allegations of misappropriating donations. With extensive insights into Ayodhya and a track record of chronicling the movement, his exit comes after an FIR and subsequent arrests tied to the suspected misappropriation. This situation has ignited a wave of political discourse.

Ayodhya is experiencing a remarkable economic surge, transforming from a pilgrimage-centric town into a thriving urban center. Significant investments in infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism have fueled GDP growth and job creation. With visitor numbers soaring, the city is poised to become a major religious tourism hub, attracting substantial private investment and contributing significantly to Uttar Pradesh's economic ambitions.

Uttar Pradesh is empowering its youth through the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, distributing over 46 lakh free smartphones and tablets to students in higher education and skill development programs. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance employability, and provide access to online learning and e-governance services. The state continues to expand this ambitious digital inclusion program, fostering a digitally skilled workforce crucial for its economic growth.

Uttar Pradesh's Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana is revolutionizing competitive exam preparation for economically weaker students. Launched in 2021, this ambitious scheme offers free, high-quality coaching and mentorship from senior bureaucrats and experts. Providing study materials, mock tests, and an online platform, it ensures talented youth across all districts have equal opportunities, fostering merit and inclusive growth.

A devastating LPG tanker explosion at a Kaushambi toll plaza on Friday morning left five employees critically injured with severe burns. The tanker reportedly lost control, crashed, and ignited, causing a massive blaze that engulfed the plaza and vehicles. While the tanker driver and conductor escaped, the inferno trapped several staff. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the catastrophic incident.

Eight individuals have been apprehended in Ayodhya following allegations of embezzling donations meant for the Ram Temple. The arrests stem from a complaint by a trust member after a Special Investigation Team's preliminary report. Those detained were involved in counting cash and valuables received from devotees. The investigation is ongoing, with police questioning the accused.

A fire, suspected to be from a short circuit, erupted in the waiting area of Asha Jyoti Kendra at Lok Bandhu Hospital early Friday. Flames spread through the false ceiling, causing smoke and breathing issues for staff. Hospital employees quickly extinguished the blaze. This incident follows a major fire last year, despite ongoing fire safety upgrades.