The Times of India
Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
Consumers in Uttar Pradesh will no longer be charged for past power purchase dues through monthly surcharges. The state electricity regulator has ordered power utility UPPCL to cease including prior period liabilities in the Fuel and Power Purchase Adjustment Surcharge (FPPAS) calculations. This ruling follows UPPCL's admission that a flawed formula was used for over a year, leading to potential excess recovery from consumers.
An executive engineer in Lucknow has been suspended for alleged negligence in enforcing electricity load regulations at a building that later faced scrutiny after a fire. Despite repeated violations of sanctioned load norms, mandatory administrative actions were reportedly not taken. The building's electricity connection was officially converted to commercial in 2016, with tariffs varying significantly by category.
Despite prior government directives for mandatory electrical safety checks following a fatal hotel fire, a recent tragedy in Aliganj, claiming 15 lives, highlights a disturbing lapse in enforcement. Commercial establishments, including the ill-fated building, often bypass crucial safety clearances, prioritizing revenue over public safety. Consumer groups are now demanding stricter adherence to regulations to prevent future disasters.
Lucknow Metro's East-West Corridor is set to get a major boost with a Rs 384 crore contract awarded to Ranjit Buildcon Ltd for an elevated section. This project will construct a 4.6 km viaduct and five stations, including Thakurganj and Vasantkunj, aiming for completion within 24 months. Additionally, a Rs 127 crore contract for the Vasantkunj Metro Depot has been awarded, enhancing urban mobility.
A devastating fire in Lucknow's Aliganj area tragically claimed the lives of a young couple, Neelesh and Anamika, who were joyfully preparing for their wedding. Their families had met, and wedding plans were well underway, with relatives set to travel for further arrangements. The blaze also claimed Anamika's cousin, Somilya, leaving both families shattered by unimaginable loss just hours after discussing their future.
A devastating fire in Aliganj has claimed 15 lives, with two survivors currently receiving medical attention. Jayant Gupta, 26, remains in critical condition at KGMU's ICU, undergoing scans for a potential spinal fracture. The other woman survivor is stable in casualty. Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the massive blaze that engulfed a commercial building.
A Special Investigation Team has submitted its initial findings to the Uttar Pradesh government regarding allegations of embezzlement of donations for the Ayodhya Ram temple. The probe, initiated by the temple trust, is actively continuing as investigators gather more information. Officials confirmed the preliminary report was handed over to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) by the Lucknow Divisional Commissioner, with further details expected as the investigation progresses.
Following a tragic fire that claimed 15 lives, the Lucknow Development Authority has issued a fresh demolition notice for an Aliganj building. The structure, illegally converted from residential to commercial use, had a prior demolition order revoked under suspicious circumstances. An inquiry into official laxity is underway, with four individuals suspended and arrests made as authorities investigate the building's history.
Following a tragic fire, a reality check across Lucknow's coaching hubs revealed alarming fire safety deficiencies. Narrow staircases, exposed wiring, overcrowding, and absent fire alarms plague institutions in areas like Kapoorthala and IT Crossing. Students voiced concerns about potential chaos during emergencies due to congestion and lack of preparedness, highlighting a critical need for immediate safety improvements.
A devastating fire in Lucknow's Aliganj, claiming at least 15 lives, appears to have originated from a pet shop's air-conditioner. Fire safety experts highlight a confluence of factors, including poor building design, inadequate ventilation, and combustible materials, that exacerbated the tragedy. The structure, originally residential and later converted for commercial use, lacked proper evacuation routes, trapping students and employees amidst rapidly spreading flames and accumulating smoke.
Yogi blames SP MLAs for development lag, launches Rs 658 crore works in Firozabad
Lucknow police have arrested three individuals and filed an FIR against six named accused in connection with the Aliganj fire that tragically claimed 15 lives. The blaze engulfed a commercial building housing a pet shop, library, and gaming studio. Investigations are underway to determine negligence and violations of fire safety norms, with a state SIT tasked to submit findings within seven days. Further arrests are anticipated as the probe intensifies.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formed a two-member Special Investigation Team to probe a deadly fire in Lucknow. The team, comprising Amrit Abhijat and Praveen Kumar, will investigate the fire's causes, building safety compliance, and any negligence. They are tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within seven days to guide further action against those found responsible for the tragedy.
Tragedy struck Lucknow's Aliganj as a devastating fire ripped through a three-storey commercial complex, claiming 15 young lives, mostly students at an animation centre. Families received frantic calls as thick smoke and flames engulfed the building. Brave locals and first responders risked their lives in desperate rescue attempts, while firefighters battled the blaze. The incident has left many grieving and seeking answers.
A deadly Aliganj fire investigation reveals the building was approved for residential use but later converted to a commercial complex. Officials are probing lapses by 16 individuals, including former employees, for alleged negligence in monitoring and approvals. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation had been collecting commercial property tax since 2022, indicating awareness of its use. The probe aims to uncover administrative negligence and regulatory violations contributing to the tragedy.
A devastating fire at an animation centre in Lucknow's Aliganj claimed the lives of several students during their summer holidays. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, visibly emotional, reported seeing 14 bodies. Rescue operations were intense, with firefighters battling flames and evacuating trapped individuals. Leaders across political spectrums expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to the bereaved families, while the Congress party alleged negligence and demanded a probe.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath swiftly returned to Lucknow after learning of a devastating fire tragedy that claimed at least 15 lives. He was attending an event in Aligarh when informed of the incident. The CM pledged a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible, while also directing officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and express deep condolences to the affected families.
Tragedy struck Lucknow's Aliganj as a devastating fire engulfed a three-floor commercial building, claiming at least 15 lives, predominantly students at an animation coaching center. Thick smoke and flames turned the premises into a death trap, prompting desperate escape attempts and a massive rescue operation. Officials confirmed the fatalities, with many injured. The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for improved fire safety.
A disturbing surge in recruitment scams is preying on job seekers' dreams of government careers. Criminals are using forged documents, fake online exams, and impersonations of high-ranking officials like IAS and IPS officers to swindle aspirants. These elaborate frauds, often involving significant financial and emotional investment, highlight a growing trend of sophisticated cybercrime targeting hopeful individuals across India.
Uttar Pradesh is on the fast track to becoming an industrial giant by 2026, fueled by its proactive policies and commitment to manufacturing and services. The state's large workforce has led to impressive developments in sectors like MSMEs, electronics, EVs, and defense. The introduction of streamlined initiatives like Nivesh Mitra, coupled with strategic policy reforms, is inviting hefty investments, establishing UP as a crucial engine for India's economic progress.
Tragedy struck Lucknow's Aliganj area as a devastating fire engulfed a coaching-cum-gaming institute, leaving four feared dead and several injured. Panic ensued as the blaze spread rapidly, trapping individuals inside. Authorities launched a massive rescue operation, with the chief minister directing immediate on-site supervision and ensuring aid for victims. An investigation into the cause and safety lapses is underway.
In a shocking incident, a large beam collapsed at a bridge under construction in Hardoi district, leaving two labourers with critical injuries. The accident took place during the installation over the Sharda Canal on NH-731. In response, state authorities have initiated a high-level inquiry, while the Chief Minister has ordered immediate medical assistance for the injured. Ongoing rescue efforts are in progress.
Uttar Pradesh has significantly transformed women-centric governance over nine years, prioritizing safety, welfare, and economic empowerment. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, initiatives like Mission Shakti and 17 dedicated schemes offer a comprehensive support system from birth to old age. These programs address violence, education, social security, and financial independence, fostering a gender-inclusive society and empowering women as active participants in the state's development.
A high-profile criminal, Lalan Singh, wanted for multiple sensational crimes including the shooting of a sub-inspector and carrying a Rs 1.25 lakh reward, was killed in a police encounter in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Singh, from Bihar, was implicated in the murders of seven individuals, bank dacoities, and firearm looting. An associate escaped during the operation.
A shocking triple murder has rocked Gorakhpur district as a 16-year-old boy allegedly killed his elder brother, sister-in-law, and their three-year-old son while they slept. The brutal attack, reportedly fueled by a family dispute over business control, occurred early Monday. Police apprehended the teenager at the scene with the weapon. Investigations are ongoing, including an examination of the juvenile's mental state.

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