The Times of India

In a decisive action, the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UPRERA) has sent show cause notices to 76 project promoters for their failure to file necessary annual audit reports, which were due for the financial year 2024-25. These reports are essential for fostering transparency and ensuring trust among buyers.

Uttar Pradesh has recently witnessed an impressive increase in domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, with over 1.60 lakh newly established, totaling 22.27 lakh. This development aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the City Gas Distribution network within the state. Nonetheless, there is still a notable gap in actual usage as residents predominantly depend on LPG, showcasing a disconnect between connectivity and active consumption levels.

A major fire broke out at a mattress and quilt store in Johiyapur, Jaunpur, on Saturday, leading to a swift response from local fire services. Firefighters are currently battling the flames, but the cause of the fire remains uncertain. As of now, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities, and further updates will be shared once the firefighting efforts are completed and damage evaluations begin.

A notorious sharpshooter, carrying a Rs 1 lakh bounty, was killed in an encounter with UP STF early Saturday. He was the main shooter in the daylight murder of a Lucknow property dealer, allegedly paid Rs 10 lakh for the hit. The encounter occurred near Juggaur Regulator on Kisan Path.

A devastating slab collapse at an under-construction guest house in Barabanki's Haidergarh area has left at least eight workers injured and several others feared trapped. A massive rescue operation is underway, involving police, fire services, and the SDRF. Preliminary reports suggest a shuttering failure led to the incident, burying labourers under debris. Authorities are working tirelessly to locate and rescue those still missing.

The resignation of two prominent officials from the Ram temple trust in Ayodhya, led by general secretary Champat Rai, has generated discussions after an FIR was filed by a trust member. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri confirmed the resignations, emphasizing that all donations are safe and urging calm among devotees while vowing to investigate the matter openly for complete transparency.

A four-year-old girl, missing since Thursday night from Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, was found critically injured on Saturday. Police launched an intensive search and rescued the child around 4 AM Friday. Medical examination confirmed rape, leading to charges under POCSO. The victim is receiving treatment and counselling, while authorities are actively pursuing the accused.

Eight individuals are named in the Ram temple cash embezzlement controversy, each with specific roles. While personal driver Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu oversaw operations, a retired banker, Subhash Srivastava, supervised cash counting. Six others from a private agency, including counting agents like Anukalp Mishra and Lavkush Mishra, were involved in counting and transporting donations, with some relatives of accused also implicated in alleged anomalies and fraudulent receipt generation.

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.

Pankaj.Shah1

Gorakhpur To Get First Adda