The Ministry of Tourism has launched the 'Meri Kashi Ambassadors Programme' in Varanasi, featuring the 'Meri Kashi Creators Pathshala'. This initiative aims to train local influencers and youth in storytelling and social media content creation, focusing on Kashi and Sarnath's rich history.

Banaras Hindu University's Centre of Excellence for Adolescent Health and Development observed National Nutrition Week, emphasizing the theme Eat Right for a Better Life. Experts highlighted the crucial role of balanced diets in preventing non-communicable diseases like PCOD and addressing nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

A South African delegation visited Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW). The purpose was to assess locomotive manufacturing capabilities. Tsiko Africa Energy & Infrastructure's CEO, Shivapragasen Naidoo, led the delegation. They aimed to potentially purchase 3100 horsepower locomotives. These locomotives would be converted to Cape gauge. The delegation toured workshops and received a presentation. They learned about BLW's production processes and history.

Varanasi's iconic Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats, where thousands of cremations occur annually, are undergoing a significant eco-friendly renovation slated for completion by 2026. The project aims to streamline the cremation process, beautify the ghats, and minimize pollution in the Ganga, incorporating a patented technology that reduces wood usage and treats emissions.

During her engagement ceremony in Bari village, a 19-year-old girl was attacked with acid by her uncle, Mukesh, who was allegedly in love with her. Mukesh was later arrested after an encounter with police, during which he sustained a bullet injury to his leg. Investigations revealed that Mukesh had previously been caught trying to contact the girl.

In Varanasi, the 'Bikethon 2025' cycle rally commenced at Shaheed Udyan, Sigra, spearheaded by the district magistrate and police commissioner. The event, drawing participation from NDRF personnel, district administration, NGOs, and students, aimed to promote health, hygiene, and environmental conservation. The five-kilometre rally encouraged bicycle use to reduce pollution and improve public health, as emphasized by DIG Manoj Kumar Sharma.

Responding to a visually impaired student's plea, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the creation of digital libraries in Varanasi. Funded through Corporate Social Responsibility, two state-of-the-art facilities will be established, one at the district library and another at Banaras Hindu University, equipped with assistive technologies to empower visually impaired students in their education and self-reliance.

Police in Ghazipur arrested Reyaz Ahmed Ansari, a close associate of the late Mukhtar Ansari. Reyaz, chairman of Bahadurganj Nagar Panchayat, faces charges under the Gangster Act. He is allegedly involved in extortion and property fraud. Reyaz and his wife, Nikahat Parveen, were previously arrested in a fake marksheet case.