The Times of India

A legislator whose popularity went beyond politics

MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, MLAs Son Stoked Unrest; Police Action Checked Communal Flare-up

Bahujan Samaj Party's sole Uttar Pradesh MLA, Umashankar Singh, died on Wednesday. He represented the Rasra assembly constituency in Ballia district for the party. Party chief Mayawati expressed deep grief and offered condolences to his family. Akash Anand also described the loss as irreparable for the Bahujan Samaj Party. Singh was known for his loyalty and dedication to the party's principles.

After a concerning video surfaced showcasing inadequate mid-day meals, a head teacher has been suspended. An inquiry confirmed that the food provided to primary school students was of poor quality, and the milk distributed was insufficient. This isn't an isolated incident, as other government schools have reported similar cases of diluted milk. The school administration warns of firm repercussions if such irregularities continue.

The National Highways Authority of India has proposed declaring PNC Infratech a non-performer entity. Toll collection on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has been suspended until repairs are completed. Action has also been initiated against sitting and former project directors for alleged negligence. An IIT Kharagpur team will investigate the cause of the road slippage. The concessionaire will bear the cost of rectifying the damaged stretch.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has leveled accusations against the BJP, suggesting they deliberately lost the recent bypolls to distort public opinion on election integrity. He pointed out that the BJPs departure from its typical campaign strategies was aimed at undermining opposition claims about EVMs. Yadav also promised that upcoming vacancies within the UP government would be filled by loyal party supporters.

Toll collection on the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway has been suspended by NHAI. This action follows widespread complaints about damaged portions and poor construction quality. Disciplinary action has been initiated against the concessionaire and several officials involved. The concessionaire must rectify the affected stretch at its own cost. NHAI remains committed to maintaining high standards of infrastructure quality.

A woman died in Barabanki after being tied to a pillar for ten days. Self-styled godman Munna and others performed faith healing rituals for her illness. Her husband, the godman, and an associate have been arrested by police. The woman's father alleged exorcism rituals led to her deteriorating condition. Further legal action will follow the post-mortem and investigation findings.

The Mango Mania event at Madhav Udyan and Madhav Meadery welcomed over a hundred eager participants for a unique winery tourism experience. Attendees were immersed in the art of mead-making, from local mangoes and honey to exquisite drinks. Guided tastings enriched their palates while horticultural experts shared valuable information about mango cultivation and the diverse ecosystems present, culminating in a delightful tasting of local mango varieties.

The newly inaugurated Lucknow-Kanpur expressway shows erosion and cavities after initial monsoon showers. Extensive repair work is ongoing and expected to continue for three months. Traffic diversions are in place for commuters on a 6-km stretch. Officials confirmed the expressway remains safe for travel despite ongoing repairs. Project managers and engineers faced debarment for quality control lapses.

Family Appeals To Central Govt For Urgent Help

Minor Rescued Within 6 Hrs, Accused Held