40 C The Times of India
Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
A 10-day purification ritual has begun in Ayodhya for alleged donation theft. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust initiated this special ceremony. This ritual involves daily recitations of the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra. The Valmiki Ramayan is also being recited as part of the purification. This event follows weeks after the alleged theft triggered political controversy.
Uttar Pradesh Police's AI initiative has significantly reduced traffic congestion across commissionerates. This system uses real-time data and AI to predict and manage road congestion effectively. Prayagraj and Ghaziabad saw the highest congestion reductions after implementation. The project aims for safer and more time-bound transportation facilities for citizens. This data-driven approach is now expanding to other cities and districts statewide.
The Special Investigation Team probing Ram Temple donations seeks more time. An interim report will be submitted directly to the Supreme Court on Monday. The SIT was formed at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. An earlier report led to eight arrests and recovery of nearly eighty lakh rupees. The Trust will meet on July twenty-second to discuss findings and measures.
A 12-year-old boy was killed by a crocodile in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district. The reptile dragged the child into the Ghaghara River while he washed his hands. Villagers attempted a rescue but the crocodile disappeared with the boy. His body was recovered nearly five hours later from the river. The incident highlights growing human-crocodile encounters along the Ghaghara River.
Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable strides in enhancing its forest and tree cover through comprehensive policies and active public participation. Over 240 crore saplings have been planted statewide, aided by scientific monitoring to boost survival rates. The introduction of agro-forestry practices and urban greening projects further contribute to expanding green spaces, with a target set for a 15 percent green cover by 2030.
On July 16, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate launched extensive searches across several states as part of a continuing investigation into money laundering. This investigation focuses on an alleged network involved in terror funding and unlawful infiltration. Authorities suspect that multiple charitable trusts have channeled foreign funds towards unlawful activities, and they are diligently gathering evidence related to the financial framework that sustains this network.
The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department has declared a road within Azam Khan's university campus a public thoroughfare. Signboards were installed at the university's main gate, indicating public access to the road. This 3-km four-lane road was constructed by the PWD in 2016-17. Public access had been blocked since 2019 after the university administration closed the main gate. The department is pursuing legal action for early hearing and public access.
The Rampur Development Authority ordered the demolition of thirty-eight buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University. Officials stated these structures were built without approved building plans, violating planning laws. The university argued its jurisdiction was not under the authority when constructions began. However, the RDA rejected these claims, citing mandatory approval requirements at the time. This action has sparked political accusations against the ruling government.
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