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Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
For the seventh year running, Uttar Pradesh has frozen power tariffs. The UPERC rejected a Rs 3,838 crore smart meter cost recovery from consumers, citing insufficient evidence of financial benefits. Increased government subsidy and improved efficiency are expected to bridge the revenue gap, with a focus on reducing distribution losses and encouraging EV adoption through new tariffs and discounts.
A massive cash-handling operation at the Ram Temple, processing up to Rs 75 lakh daily, is under intense scrutiny following allegations of large-scale donation diversion. A police probe and an SIT report have flagged procedural lapses, including ignored norms on pocket-less clothing, CCTV blind spots, and weak frisking. Investigators are examining how these weaknesses may have been exploited, leading to the arrest of eight individuals.
Uttar Pradesh's nine-year development drive under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prioritizes inclusive growth, aiming to bridge historical regional and social divides. The strategy focuses on balanced development across all districts, empowering backward regions through Aspirational Districts and Blocks programs. Expanded social security, women's welfare, and targeted initiatives for vulnerable communities are key to ensuring no one is left behind as the state targets a trillion-dollar economy.
Uttar Pradesh's Project Praveen is transforming education by introducing vocational training to students in Classes IX-XII. Supported by UPSDM, this pioneering initiative helps over 61,000 students acquire essential skills through practical courses, enabling them for future jobs and entrepreneurship. By concentrating on growing sectors and providing government-endorsed certifications, the project is instrumental in developing a proficient workforce and promoting 'Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh'.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Divyangjan Dukaan Nirman/Prachalan Yojana is transforming the lives of persons with disabilities by promoting economic independence. Under this scheme, beneficiaries receive financial support to start small businesses such as tea stalls and repair shops. Guided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision, the initiative has already empowered over 9,000 individuals, creating a movement of dignity and local impact.
Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable urban overhaul in the last nine years, transforming into modern, tech-driven hubs. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has prioritized infrastructure, digital governance, and affordable housing, extending development beyond major cities. This comprehensive approach, encompassing Smart Cities, improved civic services, and heritage conservation, is propelling Uttar Pradesh towards its economic goals and enhancing citizens' quality of life.
Over the past nine years, Uttar Pradesh has undergone a remarkable rural transformation centered on self-sufficiency. Significant accomplishments include granting land leases to the landless, increasing irrigation across vast areas, and enhancing the livestock sector. The state has also improved village connectivity, adopted digital governance, and implemented effective sanitation measures, contributing to economic development and raising the standard of living for rural communities.
Lucknow's district magistrate and joint police commissioner meticulously inspected UPTET 2026 examination centres, ensuring robust arrangements. Officials reviewed candidate entry, security protocols, biometric verification, and question paper integrity. With 96,454 candidates appearing across 46 centres, stringent CCTV surveillance and zonal magistrate deployment are in place to guarantee a smooth and secure examination process. A central control room is actively monitoring operations.
Arrested accused Avinash Shukla has revealed a meticulous plan to steal Ram Temple donations. The gang studied CCTV blind spots, used human shields during counting, and smuggled cash out in small batches. A key to the counting room was held by an individual with no official role, further compromising security. Recoveries include over Rs 79 lakh in cash and valuables, highlighting significant lapses in the donation handling process.
Uttar Pradesh is making strides in promoting women's empowerment in rural areas through its State Rural Livelihood Mission. Led by Yogi Adityanath, this initiative has seen over a crore women join Self-Help Groups, gaining vital skills and financial opportunities to thrive as micro-entrepreneurs. The focus on sustainable agriculture and varied livelihood models is not only improving household incomes but also bolstering the economic fabric of the region.
The ODOP Margin Money Scheme in Uttar Pradesh is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs through credit-linked subsidies tailored to their districts unique products. Since its inception in 2018, this program has resulted in project sanctions exceeding Rs 6,000 Crore, generating more than 3.16 lakh jobs and considerably boosting the states exports.
Tragedy struck Gonda district as a rebar-laden truck overturned on the Gonda-Belsar road, claiming three lives. The accident occurred near Madhavpur village when the driver reportedly lost control on a rain-soaked stretch. While four labourers miraculously escaped, three were trapped and later declared dead at Gonda Medical College. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences and ordered prompt assistance for the affected families.
A horrific head-on collision between a speeding truck and a Scorpio SUV on the Ayodhya-Lucknow National Highway claimed three lives and left four injured on Thursday morning. The mangled SUV trapped occupants, requiring a rescue operation. Authorities are investigating the cause, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences and directed officials to provide full support to the affected families.
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The investigation into the Ayodhya temple donation scandal is deepening, with recent searches uncovering cash, gold, and a QR-coded donation box. Authorities have traced over Rs 77 lakh in cash linked to various suspects. The inquiry is now examining around 400 private security personnel. This controversy erupted over claims of mismanaged donations, prompting a Special Investigation Team probe and an FIR against eight individuals, who are currently in judicial custody.
In a remarkable leap for train safety, North Central Railway has implemented Kavach Version 4.0 on the TundlaPanki Dham route. This cutting-edge system now allows trains to operate at speeds reaching 130 kmph across 652 route km. With successful integration and trials, this technology aims to reduce accidents and ensure smoother travel experiences on this crucial railway corridor.
The Ayodhya police are ramping up their investigation into allegations of embezzlement related to Ram temple donations. Recent searches have uncovered a QR-coded donation box alongside substantial amounts of cash, gold, silver, and foreign currency. The scope of the investigation now encompasses approximately 400 private security personnel, with plans for legal repercussions against those who have breached regulations.
A grieving widow is demanding justice after her seafarer husband's body returned from Venezuela with all major organs missing. Rakesh Chauhan, who reportedly died in an accident, was repatriated without an autopsy report. A subsequent post-mortem in India found extensive surgical stitching and the absence of vital organs, leaving the cause of death undetermined and raising serious questions.
Max Amount Recovered From Avinash; Ayodhya Police Expand Donation Theft Probe
Lucknow's Prashasti Srivastav has made history as the first woman to lead as Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for North Eastern Railway's Varanasi Division. A decorated IRTS officer, she previously earned national acclaim for an innovative freight loading system. Srivastav aims to enhance passenger amenities, ensure safe travel, boost revenue, and foster accountability in her new role.
Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has initiated a significant step for Lucknow Metro's Phase 1B, inviting bids worth over Rs 1,800 crore for constructing seven underground stations and tunnels. This crucial underground stretch, from Charbagh to Chowk, is part of the East West Corridor. The project aims to connect Charbagh with Vasant Kunj, enhancing connectivity to Old Lucknow and its medical facilities, with construction expected to take 36 months.
Samajwadi Party workers celebrated Akhilesh Yadav's birthday by unveiling a poster depicting him as Lord Krishna holding the Constitution. This move drew sharp criticism from the BJP, accusing the SP of religious appeasement and insulting Sanatan Dharma. SP leaders defended the poster, stating it symbolizes Yadav's commitment to justice and righteousness, drawing parallels with Lord Krishna's teachings and the prophesied Kalki avatar.
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has been admitted to the ICU in Lucknow after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The 89-year-old was found unconscious and is under critical care. This development comes just days before a crucial trust meeting on July 6, which will address the resignation of two trustees amid controversy over missing donations.