Varanasi has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, becoming a top destination for Indian travelers. Domestic tourist numbers skyrocketed by 77.59% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 11.46 crore visitors. Foreign tourist arrivals also experienced a significant increase of 34.21%, with numbers rising from 98,961 to 1.5 lakh, driven by the city's spiritual charm and enhanced infrastructure.

Zeba Afroz, a schoolteacher in Sonbhadra, has been suspended following complaints about her objectionable remarks on social media concerning a Navy official killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. The basic education officer took immediate action due to the comments being against service rules. An investigation is underway, and further action will be determined based on the investigation report.

A video went viral showing a saffron-clad activist in Varanasi harassing Muslim youths at a tea kiosk, demanding they frequent shops in their own localities. Police have launched an investigation into the incident after the video surfaced, raising concerns about potential communal tensions. This follows a previous incident where a Muslim youth was apprehended near a Ganga Aarti event.

Jaunpur police arrested Afzal Ali alias Sonu and Afzal Ali for allegedly conspiring to derail a train. They placed a steel drum on the Varanasi-Lucknow rail line near Aunka village. Prompt action by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) prevented the derailment, leading to the arrest of the accused, who have been charged under the Railway Act.

A joint operation in Varanasi led to the rescue of ninety birds from Baheliya Tola. Forest officials and police arrested culprits involved in the illegal wildlife trade. The rescued birds, including Indian Parrots and Red Avadavats, received medical care at Sarnath Zoo. Later, the birds were released into the open sky.

The Ministry of Tourism's Varanasi office inaugurated a Youth Tourism Club (YTC) at Seerin Soni Public School, aiming to enhance students' knowledge of tourism, heritage, and culture. Assistant Director Pavas Prasoon emphasized the importance of India's rich cultural heritage and assured the YTC of the ministry's full support in promoting travel and tourism awareness among students.

On the birthday of Aghoracharya Baba Siddharth Gautam Ram Ji, a mass marriage ceremony was held at 'Baba Kinaram Sthal' in Varanasi. Thirty-three couples from needy families across the country were united in matrimony. The event, supported by the 'Aghoracharya Baba Kinaram Aghor Research and Service Institute', provided financial aid and essential amenities to the newlyweds, creating a joyous and homely atmosphere with traditional rituals and folk songs.

In Jaunpur, police arrested Ramji Rawat, aged 67. He is accused of raping a five-year-old girl. The incident occurred in a village on Monday evening. The girl was going to a religious site. Rawat allegedly caught and assaulted her. The girl informed her grandmother. Her father then filed a police complaint. Rawat has been jailed.

Varanasi's GI-tagged Gulabi Meenakari, or pink enameling, is experiencing a resurgence in both domestic and international markets, fueled by support from PM Modi and CM Adityanath. This traditional craft, recognized as an ODOP, has seen its annual business exceed Rs. 12 crores, providing employment to hundreds, especially women.

In Jaunpur, a one-month-old girl tragically died after a man, Sugriv Kumar, stole her from her sleeping parents at a railway station and jumped into a pond to evade capture. He was arrested, but the infant died in hospital. Separately, in Azamgarh, two newborn girls were found abandoned in bushes near the Tamsa river.