The Times of India News

Kashi is set to host the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship from January 4-11, featuring 73 teams and over 1,000 players. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a formal invitation for the event, which aims to boost Kashi's sports infrastructure and inspire youth. Local mascots, 'Nandu' and 'Neera', will represent the championship.

Banaras Hindu University has launched an Odia Studies academic programme for the 2025-26 academic year, aligning with NEP 2020. This Ability Enhancement Course aims to strengthen regional language education and cultural literacy by focusing on Odia language, literature, and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

IIT-BHU, Varanasi, is spearheading an Agritech Business Park initiative to economically empower farmers in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Collaborating with BHU, FPOs, and scientists, the project aims to triple farmer incomes by integrating modern technology, value addition, and direct market access. This aims to boost local economies and reduce rural migration.

Banaras Hindu University researchers have developed the world's first molecular classification of oral cancer, identifying five distinct biological groups. This groundbreaking study, published in Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, moves beyond traditional methods to guide precision therapy, particularly for Indian and Southeast Asian populations.

Police have arrested an inter-district conman in Azamgarh. The accused posed as a priest to trick women into giving him their gold jewelry for religious rituals. He would then flee with the valuables. Authorities recovered jewelry worth 1.25 lakh, cash, a weapon, and a motorcycle. The conman was apprehended after a brief exchange of fire.

Banaras Hindu University's German Studies department achieved a significant milestone. Two research papers will be presented at the GiG 2026 conference in Bangkok, Thailand. These papers explore themes of social exclusion and grief across cultures. The presentations highlight the department's global research impact and foster international academic collaboration. This achievement strengthens ties between German and Indian academic communities.

An organized drug trafficking racket was exposed in Sonbhadra district, leading to the investigation of Bhola Prasad, father of kingpin Subham Jaiswal. Prasad allegedly used fake documents to obtain a drug license and establish fake firms, illegally smuggling codeine-based cough syrup. His ill-gotten gains are estimated at 30 crores, with authorities initiating proceedings to attach his properties.