Uttar Pradesh News
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Cough syrup racket: Varanasi police issue lookout circular against prime accused, three others
LUCKNOW: Varanasi Police has issued a lookout circular against Shubham Jaiswal, the prime accused in multi-crore codeine cough syrup case on Tuesday. Police also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 upon receiving information regarding the accused. According to Varanasi Police sources, lookout circulars were issued against three other accused including Divesh Jaiswal, Amit Jaiswal and Akash Pathak, all Shubham Jaiswals accomplices. Additionally, Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said that a reward of Rs 50,000 has been announced for anyone providing information leading to Jaiswals arrest. As per the intelligence inputs, Jaiswal had fled the country and is suspected to be in Dubai. Sources claimed that the three other accusedAkash, Divesh and Amitwere entrusted with different responsibilities in running the racket of smuggling and illegal diversion of the syrup. While Akash was given the responsibility of taking care of the bank transactions of the rime accused, Divesh and Amit got the fake firms registered. A comprehensive verification exercise is also underway, wherein, the land records, building approvals and transaction histories associated with Jaiswal are under the scrutiny of the authorities concerned. Even the source of Jaiswals funds used to acquire assets are on the radar of probe agencies as they suspect that the proceeds may be linked to the racket. Responding to queries on whether properties worth Rs 40 crore linked to the accused had been identified in the city, Varanasi Police Commissioner said the verification process was on and that the value of the assets under scrutiny could increase as the investigation would progress. He did not rule out coercive action against the properties saying it would be initiated only after documentary evidence and ownership records were fully verified. Sources said that the police authorities had shared details of the properties with the registry office and the tehsil administration for the ownership verification and transaction records. While confirmations were received for some properties, verification in several others was pending, said the informed sources. The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has also been roped in, with officials asked to examine whether the construction of the identified properties conforms to the maps and approvals granted by the authority, sources added. As per the official information, in all 78 persons have been arrested so far across the state in connection with the cough syrup racket and action has been initiated against 134 firms. It may be recalled that in the wake of the magnitude of the racket spanning multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh and other states, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Inspector General rank, was established by the UP government to oversee the probe into the illegal storage, sale and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup and other narcotic medicines. According to an official, the SIT will also examine illegal financial transactions linked to the trafficking of codeine syrup, including diversion of consignments, inter-state syndicates and suspected money laundering. The team has further been tasked with initiating extradition proceedings against accused persons who have fled the country to evade arrest. Coldrif cough syrup racket rocks Uttar Pradesh Assembly; CM denies deaths due to fake medicine
Trouble mounts for Salman Khurshids wife as Lucknow court takes cognisance of money laundering case
NEW DELHI: Trouble mounts for Congress leader and former Union minister Salman Khurshids wife, Louise Khurshid, as the Lucknow court has taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint seeking confiscation of Rs 45.92 lakh and conviction in the money laundering case related to the distribution of artificial limbs. The agency, on August 11, 2025, had sought confiscation of properties worth Rs 45.92 lakh and conviction of the accused persons, Louise Khurshid, Mohammad Athar and Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, involved in money Laundering. The case was related to the misuse of government funds in the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment by the trust for their personal gains. The federal investigation agency had initiated an investigation based on 17 FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Polices Economic Offences Wing against Pratyush Shukla, a representative of Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, and others. The police have filed charge sheets in all 17 cases against Athar Farooqui, alias Mohammed Athar, as the then Secretary of the Trust, and the then project director, Louise Khurshid. The federal agency found that the grant-in-aid of Rs 71.50 Lakh received by the Trust was not used for holding camps as sanctioned by the Central Government. The funds were instead allegedly diverted by Pratyush Shukla, Mohammad Athar, and Louise Khurshid for the interest of the Trust and their personal gain. The case pertained to 2009-10, when a programme for the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment was organised by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust for Disabled Persons, run by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust of Louise Khurshid in the Bhojipura area of the district. The government got the matter investigated after receiving allegations of discrepancies. It was found that government funds were misused by using fake seals and signatures in the programme. ED had earlier provisionally attached 15 immovable properties worth Rs 29.51 lakh, in the form of agricultural land in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh and Rs 16.41 lakh lying in the four bank accounts linked to the Trust. Last year, the agency had questioned Louise Khurshid for alleged misuse of government funds.
UP court rejects BJP govt plea to withdraw charges against Akhlaq lynching accused
A court in Surajpur in Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Tuesday, December 23, rejected the Uttar Pradesh governments plea to withdraw all charges against the accused in the 2015 mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq, an incident that triggered national outrage over religious intolerance in India. Additional District Judge Saurabh Dwivedi directed that the case be Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Uttar Pradesh Court rejects government plea to withdraw charges against Akhlaq murder accused
Additional District Judge Saurabh Dwivedi rejected the Public Prosecutors plea under Section 321 of CrPC, which sought to drop charges against the 14 accused
Google activates Android emergency location service in India
Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to fully integrate this advanced caller location technology with its 112 emergency services.
Court dismisses UP government plea to drop charges in Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case
A court in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday rejected the State government's plea to withdraw the prosecution case against all the accused involved in the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in 2015. Additional District Judge Saurabh Dwivedi dismissed the Public Prosecutor's plea under Section 321 CrPC which sought to drop charges against the 14-surviving accused, Live Law reported. The court also directed the day-to-day hearing of the case and also passed order to ensure the protection of the evidence related to the case, the report said. The Fifty-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq was brutally lynched by his neighbours, including the son of a local BJP leader, in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri. The lynching led to nationwide protests involving slogans, Not in my name, to denounce the spike in Hindutva mob violence against Muslims. The State government filed the withdrawal application - seeking to withdraw the case against all the accused involved in the lynching- in the court on October 15. Meanwhile, Akhlaq's wife moved the Allahabad High Court against the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to withdraw the case against the accused as well as the withdrawal application filed by the Prosecutor in the Gautam Budh Nagar court. On September 18, 2015, a mob gathered outside Akhlaq's home in the Bisada village in Dadri after an announcement from the local temple alleged that he had slaughtered a cow and stored its meat in the fridge. The mob --led by Vishal Rana, son of a local BJP leader, and cousin Shivam-- dragged Akhlaq and his son Danish out of their home and assaulted them until they fell unconscious. While Akhlaq died at a Noida hospital, Danish survived after suffering severe head injuries and undergoing major surgery.
National Farmers' Day: Remembering former PM Charan Singh, a staunch champion of farmers' welfare
The true India resides in its villages, said India's former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh. Today, National Farmers' Day is celebrated in remembrance of his birth anniversary. He championed for the farmers' cause and welfare and was the architect of several key legislations that changed the lives of farmers, once and for all. Beginning his political career with the Congress party and first elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (then provincial) in 1937, he held portfolios, including Revenue, Agriculture, Home, and Local Self-Government. He formulated and finalised the Debt Redemption Bill 1939, which was later enacted as the United Provinces Agriculturists and Workmen Debt Redemption Act in 1940.The Act paved the way for thousands of farmers to save their fields from public auction and curbed money lender exploitation. The Act also enabled processes like debt conciliation and liquidation. As Revenue Minister, he was keen on the abolition of the Zamindari system and formulated the Land Utilisation Bill, the precursor of the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reform Act. The Act razed the feudal system, abolishing intermediaries (Zamindars), and transferred land ownership to actual tillers. Later, as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, he played a decisive role in bringing about the Land Holding Act of 1960, which ensured equitable distribution of land among farmers. In a brief stint as India's Prime Minister from 197980, he staunchly called for rural development and farmer-oriented governance. Of many books he authored, Indias Poverty and Its Solution, an extraordinary work to date , argued that 'agricultural neglect' was the 'root cause' of rural poverty. He was against excessive urban-industrial bias and promoted remunerative prices for crops, which later transformed into price-support mechanisms. He advocated for cooperative institutions and institutional rural credit. He protected the interests of small and marginal farmers at any cost. Born in an agrarian family, shaped by Gandhian principles, Charan Singh rose to power, well-marked for his simplicity, integrity, and ethical conduct throughout his political discourse. The farmer is the master of this country, but he has forgotten his power, Charan Singh once said, and the statement still holds deep meaning and many aspects to ponder upon!
Five Labourers From UP Die of Suffocation At Haryana Resort
In a tragic incident at a private resort in Haryana's Kurukshetra, five labourers from Uttar Pradesh died due to suffocation.
UP Police Home Guard Recruitment 2025: Written Exam Dates Announced For 41,424 Posts
UP Police Home Guard Recruitment 2025: The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 41,424 Home Guard posts across Uttar Pradesh. The examination will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode using an OMR-based system.
Sharing offensive content on social media a cyber offence; up to 1 crore fine, 7 years jail: UP govt
Uttar Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna announced that cyber offenses, including the circulation of obscene content on social media, can lead to penalties of up to Rs 1 crore and seven years imprisonment. The government has established a robust mechanism for swift action against such cases, with cyber facilities now available in every district and police station.
J&K: Army Subedar dies of cardiac arrest in Nowgam sector
Srinagar, Dec 23: An Army Subedar died of a suspected cardiac arrest while on operational duty in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district, officials said on Tuesday. Subedar Laike Ram, a resident of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, was posted in the Nowgam sector when he suffered a severe cardiac arrest during operational duty, they said. The [] The post J&K: Army Subedar dies of cardiac arrest in Nowgam sector appeared first on Northlines .
Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary has outlined his leadership style. He stated he is not a manipulative leader and prefers a straightforward approach. Chaudhary aims to involve everyone in party decisions. He also described the opposition's poll narrative as a 'Parivarik Dal Alliance'. His focus is on consensus and working with party workers.
Lucknow district administration has ordered the closure of all pre-primary and nursery schools until December 27 due to severe cold and dense fog. Classes for students from Grade 1 to 8 will now operate between 10 am and 3 pm, starting December 24, to protect children from harsh weather conditions.
From false starts to fashion wins: A lively day at the races
Lucknow's race course buzzed with excitement for the Millennium Cup. Burak clinched the Indian-bred horse race trophy, while a false start briefly halted the Thoroughbred race. The event also celebrated style with fashion awards, recognizing best-dressed individuals and couples, adding a glamorous touch to the day's equestrian thrills.
UP money laundering case: CBI court takes cognisance of ED complaint against ex-MLA Vijay Mishra
A Lucknow CBI court has taken cognizance of a money laundering complaint against former MLA Vijay Mishra and former MLC Ram Lali Mishra. The Enforcement Directorate alleges they used a real estate firm to launder 36.07 crore in disproportionate assets. Assets worth 25.46 crore have been attached, with the probe ongoing.
UP Police Home Guard recruitment 2025: Written exam dates announced; details on uppbpb.gov.in
UP Homeguard Exam Date 2026: Uttar Pradesh Police Home Guard recruitment for 41,424 posts will see its written exam held from April 25-27, 2026. This objective test covers general knowledge and current affairs, requiring a minimum 25% to pass. Successful candidates will proceed to physical and document verification stages. Admit cards will be released soon on the official UPPRPB website.
Uttar Pradesh: Two killed, 16 injured as 6 vehicles collide due to fog in Amethi
Two people died and 16 others were injured after six vehicles collided amid dense fog near an under-bridge in Uttar Pradeshs Amethi district on Tuesday morning. Station House Officer Vivek Singh said the accident occurred near the Amethi-Sultanpur turn when a truck hit the roadside railing due to poor visibility caused by fog
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission has announced 2,158 Group B vacancies. Positions include Medical Officer and Dental Surgeon. Registration begins December 22, 2025, and closes January 29, 2026. Interested candidates must check eligibility on the official website. This recruitment drive offers significant opportunities for qualified individuals across various medical and allied fields.
Video: 18 Odisha Wrestlers Sit Near Train Toilet Due To Unconfirmed Tickets
At least 18 athletes from Odisha, set out to represent their state at the 69th National School Wrestling Championship in Uttar Pradesh, were allegedly forced to travel in inhumane conditions, sitting near train toilet.
UP Police Home Guard recruitment 2025: Written exam date for 41,424 posts announced
Uttar Pradesh Police Home Guard recruitment for 41,424 posts will see written exams on April 25-27, 2026. The selection process includes a written test, physical efficiency and standard tests, document verification, and a medical examination. Applicants should prepare for general knowledge, current affairs, and reasoning, and monitor the UPPRPB website for admit card releases and updates.
BTech student gets new life with kidney from mother, aid from Adani
Police use social media trap to rescue kidnapped 15-yr-old girl
SGPGI improvises method to give relief to frozen shoulder patients
Cops set to issue notice against 3 aides of Ponzi scheme accused
Sri Lankan national held at Indo-Nepal border for entering India illegally
UP cabinet approves investment proposals worth Rs 15,189 crore for 12 industrial units
SP govt turned hosps into cattle sheds
Vande Mataram beyond religion: Shivpal
3.4 crore for restoration of Chhatar Manzil
Govt urged to rebuild Sanjay Setu soon
3,500 cr to strengthenmed infra
1,246cr for linking Jewar airport, e-way
PCL seeks 3.7kcr to cover losses
Grant for LU study on Himalayas
500cr for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Glass City to green gateway: Firozabad basks in its new identity
Robotic event for students held
Fake job racketbusted in Ballia,four arrested
Woman killed in coldblood, husband held
DM opens 1st commercial EV charging stn
Gita Press launches franchisemodel, opens outlet in Nepal
Kinnars 3-storeyhouse reduced torubble, probe on
Day 1 of Khadi exhibition sees brisk sale of 18 lakh
Rly Boards EDCC inspects Banaras rly stn
Three suspected cow smugglers held in Deoria
Mathematics wizard Ramanujan remembered for his contribution
IMS-BHU conducts live hysteroscopy
ICAR-IIVR to celebrate Farmers Day today
Natl meet on Bharatiya Bhasha Pariwar
Rs 24k Cr supplementary budgetfocuses on infra, power, health
Congs dilution of Vande Mataram was outcome of appeasement politics: CM
Ram Temple 2nd anniv celebrations from Dec 27-Jan 2
Fog triggers e-way crash in Sultanpur, 3 die
Barabanki girls innovation bags her Bal Puruskar
Class act! At 82, theatre veteran Anil Rastogi is 100 not out
Wolf attack claims life of boy, 3, in Bahraich; panic grips villages
Wolf kills 3-year-old boy in Bahraich, panic grips locals
A chilling wolf attack claimed the life of a three-year-old boy in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, amplifying widespread fear in rural areas. This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal attacks, with 13 people, mostly children, succumbing to wolves in the district over the past three months.
Jammus Rujula shines at State Lawn Tennis Cship in UP
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Lawn tennis sensation Rujula Dubey, daughter of Vishal Dubey and Sunita Goswami of Jammu, brought laurels to her family and school (Shiv Nadar School, Noida) by winning two gold medals at Uttar Pradesh State Lawn Tennis Championship held in Ayodhya. Representing the Meerut division, Rujula triumphed in both the singles and doubles categories. The championship took place at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar International Stadium from December 16-17, 2025. In the singles final, Rujula defeated Abir [] The post Jammus Rujula shines at State Lawn Tennis Cship in UP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Yogi calls Akhilesh, Rahul Gandhi '2 characters'; SP chief says swipe aimed at Delhi
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath labeled Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi as 'Do Namune' who flee the country during national crises. He alleged potential Samajwadi Party links in the codeine-based cough syrup case, a claim met with a sharp retort from Yadav, who accused the BJP of publicizing internal party disputes.
A Christmas event scheduled to be held at a hotel run by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar has been cancelled following objections from Hindu outfits, a hotel official said on Monday. Several activities for children were scheduled for December 24 at Hotel Bhagirathi on the occasion of Christmas, but they will not be held now, hotel owner Neeraj Gupta said. After information about the Christmas event at the hotel spread on social media, Hindu organisations began protesting against it. Ujjwal Pandit, an office-bearer of the Shri Ganga Sabha, in a post on social media, warned that Christmas celebration on the banks of the Ganges would not be tolerated and asked the organisers to cancel it immediately. Pandit, secretary of the Ganga Sevak Dal of the Ganga Sabha, said, Events related to foreign culture will not be tolerated on the banks of the Ganges. This event is an insult to the religious sanctity of Haridwar and the dignity of the Ganges. Christmas has nothing to do with our Hindu religion. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also opposed the Christmas celebration on the banks of the Ganges. RSS' Shetriya Prachar Pramukh Padamji told PTI that whether it is the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department or any other organisation, everyone should 'respect the religious beliefs, traditions and dignity' of Haridwar. He said, Haridwar is the city of the Ganges, the land of gods, and here beliefs and traditions in accordance with Hindu culture have been followed for centuries, and no one has the right to disrupt them. However, when contacted, the management of Hotel Bhagirathi said that no event was planned on Christmas that would have gone against the dignity of Haridwar, Hindu culture and its traditions. Hotel owner Neeraj Gupta said, We were not organising any such Christmas-related event at the hotel. A Christmas tree was indeed decorated at the hotel reception, but the plan was to organise games for the children on this occasion. He said that in addition, a grand Ganga Aarti was to be performed on the banks of the Ganges, and keeping in mind the religious significance, sanctity, and purity of the Ganges, only pure vegetarian food was to be served. Gupta said non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited at the hotel. He said that due to the protests by Hindu organisations, the programmes planned for children at the hotel have now been cancelled, and only the grand Aarti will be held on the banks of the Ganges on this occasion.
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged minorities, who traditionally support the ruling Trinamool Congress, to remain united at a time when the partys suspended MLA Humayun Kabir floated a new political platform , the Janatar Unnyan Party (JUP). The move has raised concerns over a possible split in the minority vote bank barely four months ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled next year. Addressing a meeting of Trinamool Congress Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in the city, Banerjee appealed to minorities not to panic. I am telling you to take a decision and get united against the BJP, she said. BJP is trying to play division politics among you. But you have to be united against them, the Chief Minister added. Humayun Kabir, the Trinamool Congress legislator from Bharatpur, was recently suspended by the party leadership on charges of anti-party activities. These included allegedly making communal statements and laying the foundation stone of a mosque in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, modelled after the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. On Monday, Kabir formally announced the launch of his new party, the Janatar Unnyan Party. Addressing a public meeting in Beldanga, Kabir named eight candidates whom his party will field in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. He said he would himself contest from two seats, Rejinagar and Beldanga in Murshidabad district, and would soon release the names of other candidates. Kabir claimed that the JUP would field candidates in 90 Assembly constituencies across the state and would emerge as a decisive factor in the elections. People have already dethroned the Congress. Now they will also bring the Trinamool Congress and BJP down from power in the state and at the Centre, the JUP chairman said. My party will fight for the cause of common people in the state. He also announced that table would be the partys symbol and said an application would be submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking recognition. He added that rose could be used as an alternative symbol if the table is not approved. In the 2016 Assembly elections, Kabir had contested as an independent candidate using the same symbol. West Bengal has earlier witnessed the formation of a new political party, the Indian Secular Front (ISF), which had forged an electoral alliance with the CPI(M)-led Left Front in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. ISF chairman Naushad Siddiqui is currently the partys sole MLA from the Bhangar constituency in South 24 Parganas. Political observers believe that the emergence of the JUP could significantly impact the Trinamool Congress vote base, particularly in minority-dominated Assembly segments in districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, South Dinajpur, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. Murshidabad district, which has around 70 per cent Muslim voters, could pose a serious challenge to the Trinamool Congresss electoral prospects following the formation of the JUP, observers said.
CBSE has rescheduled its Orientation Programme on Entrance Exams and Career Pathways for Principals and Counsellors in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Originally postponed due to rising river levels, the offline event will now take place on December 30, 2025, at Seth M. R. Jaipuria School. The initiative aims to bolster career guidance and align school practices with NEP 2020.
Uttar Pradesh property owners will soon benefit from a new 16-digit land unicode system. This initiative aims to enhance property tax tracking and collection across municipal corporations. The system will provide unique identification numbers for properties, aiding in the prevention of fraud and land disputes. It will also facilitate easier access to property information and streamline transactions for citizens.
Codeine syrup seized in UP; six held in separate operations in Etah, Mirzapur
ETAH:The Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified their crackdown on the alleged illegal trade, diversion and distribution of regulated codeine-based cough syrup, arresting six persons in separate operations in Etah and Mirzapur districts, officials said on Monday. The action comes as the probe widened into the alleged codiene syrup trafficking racket, suspected to be involved in illicit trade estimated to be worth hundreds of crores -- with links stretching across several states and possibly beyond international borders. In Etah, a joint team of the Agra anti-narcotics unit and Aliganj police recovered 47 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, estimated to be worth around Rs 50 lakh, from a tobacco warehouse under Aliganj police station area limits Sunday night. Four persons, including a retired serviceman, were arrested on the spot, police said. According to police, the raid was carried out at a warehouse in Nagla Bani village following a tip-off. Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized cough syrup bore the name of a Baddi-based pharmaceutical company, 'Wings', but the batch numbers printed on the wrappers had been deliberately scratched off, indicating that the consignment was illegally manufactured. Yogis do namune jibe backfires as Akhilesh calls remark a BJP self-goal The arrested accused have been identified as Jitendra Yadav, Jitendra Shakya, Pramod Shakya and Punjab Singh, a retired soldier. Cases have been registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and other relevant sections, and further investigation is underway, police said. Official sources said the Etah recovery is suspected to be linked to Varanasi-based drug trader, Shubham Jaiswal, who is allegedly associated with an international drug syndicate. A lookout circular has already been issued against him, while his father was arrested earlier from Kolkata. The main accused remains absconding, officials said. In a separate development, Mirzapur police arrested two more accused -- Ajit Yadav and Akshat Yadav -- in connection with a case of illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrup registered at Adalhat police station. The arrests were made on Sunday evening following sustained investigation of the suspects, police said. According to officials, the two accused had allegedly floated firms using forged Aadhaar cards and supplied cough syrup through fake documentation. During investigation, police found that transactions worth over Rs 1 crore had been routed through bank accounts opened in Varanasi in the name of the fake firms. Police said Akshat Yadav, proprietor of a firm named A K Distributors, was supplied around 36 litre of New Phensedyl cough syrup (100 ml bottles) from a trader based in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The firm was found to be non-functional on the ground, and records showed it had been opened only once or twice without carrying out any genuine pharmaceutical business. Further scrutiny revealed that the Aadhaar card used for obtaining the drug licence carried a Mirzapur address and was forged, while a different Aadhaar card with a Varanasi address was used for banking purposes, pointing to deliberate fabrication of documents, police said. The firm's bank account in Varanasi showed a turnover of around Rs 1.28 crore. The two accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act and sent to jail. Police said involvement of more suspects is likely and the investigation is ongoing. Officials said the recoveries and arrests form part of a broader state-wide investigation into the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup, a regulated drug.
4 held for religious conversion under guise of prayer meet in UP
Shahjahanpur: Four persons, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly carrying out religious conversions under the guise of a prayer meeting in Uttar Pradeshs Shahjahanpur district, police said on Monday. Acting on information about alleged conversion, police on Sunday raided a colony under Roza police station limits here, where a gathering was underway in a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Yogis do namune jibe backfires as Akhilesh calls remark a BJP self-goal
Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Monday sought to turn Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths do namune jibe into a political gotcha moment, claiming the remark was a self-goal that amounted to an open admission of an alleged rift within the Bharatiya Janata Party, particularly between its Delhi and Lucknow power centres. The sharp exchange unfolded amid a political slugfest over the alleged illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup, with Adityanath taking potshots at opposition leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi while speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Monday. Replying to allegations raised by the Samajwadi Party during the second day of the Vidhan Sabhas winter session, the chief minister dismissed the charges as politically motivated and said the uproar created by the opposition reflected a case of chor ki dadhi mein tinka (a guilty conscience). There are two namune in the country, Adityanath said. One sits in Delhi and the other in Lucknow. Whenever there is any discussion on any issue in the country, these individuals immediately flee abroad. ... , , ... pic.twitter.com/vv0eabVu2S Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 22, 2025 He went on to add, I think the same thing is happening with your Babua. He will also leave the country again for a trip to England, and you people will keep shouting here, using a term he frequently employs to target Akhilesh Yadav during political rallies. The chief ministers barbed remarks came amid an escalating war of words over the alleged codeine cough syrup smuggling case. Last week, Akhilesh Yadav had claimed at a press conference that the racket originated from the Prime Ministers parliamentary constituency, a charge that drew sharp pushback from the BJP and the state government. Strongly rejecting the Samajwadi Partys allegations that the illegal trade had run into thousands of crores of rupees and had allegedly claimed the lives of hundreds of children, Adityanath said the matter was under investigation and asserted that the trail could eventually point towards the opposition party itself. I think if you delve deeper into this matter, it will all boil down to the same thing that some leader or individual associated with the Samajwadi Party is involved, he said. Adityanath further claimed that financial transactions linked to the alleged syrup racket had passed through the account of an office-bearer of the Samajwadi Partys Lohia Vahini. The transaction in this syrup case also went through the account of an office-bearer of the Samajwadi Partys Lohia Vahini. The Special Task Force is investigating the matter, he told the House. Citing legal developments, the chief minister said the High Court had ruled that the entire case should be prosecuted under the NDPS Act. The Uttar Pradesh government has fought this battle and won, he said. Laying out figures to underline the scale of action taken so far, Adityanath said 79 cases had been registered, 225 accused named and 78 people arrested. He added that raids had been conducted on 134 firms in connection with the alleged racket. Warning that the government would not go soft on anyone involved, the chief minister said the racket was far bigger than what had surfaced so far and vowed bulldozer-style action against all mafias, even if they belonged to the Samajwadi Party. No accused in this case will escape. And dont worry, when the time comes, preparations will also be made for bulldozer action. Dont complain then, he said. Reacting sharply, Akhilesh Yadav said the chief ministers do namune remark amounted to a self-admission and exposed the internal discord within the BJP. In a post on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the statement showed that the DelhiLucknow tussle within the ruling party had reached an unexpected level. Self-admission. No one had expected that the DelhiLucknow fight would reach this point. People holding constitutional positions should maintain at least some sense of propriety and not cross the limits of decorum, Yadav said. He also took a swipe at the ruling party for airing its internal differences in public. BJP leaders should not bring their partys internal infighting to the crossroads. If someone takes offence, they may have to retreat, Yadav added. (With inputs from PTI)
Yogi jibes at Rahul, Akhilesh, says two namoone flee the country during crisis
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, without taking names, took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying there are two namoone who flee the country whenever a serious matter comes up in the nation. He made these remarks while replying to SPs allegations over Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
UP govt tables supplementary demands of Rs 24,497 crore for FY2026
Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented supplementary demands for grants totaling Rs 24,496.97 crore to meet immediate revenue needs and boost infrastructure investment. This supplementary budget, representing 3.03% of the original outlay, will increase the total budget size to Rs 8,33,233.04 crore, prioritizing economic growth and public welfare sectors.
Two namoone who flee when serious matter comes up, says Yogi Adityanath; Akhilesh Yadav hits back
The Uttar Pradesh CM made these remarks while replying to SPs allegations over the illegal trade of codeine cough syrup during the second day of the Vidhan Sabhas winter session
'Do namoone' who flee when serious matter comes up, says Yogi Adityanath; Akhilesh Yadav hits back
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, calling them individuals who leave the country during national issues. Adityanath linked Samajwadi Party office-bearers to an illegal codeine cough syrup trade. Akhilesh Yadav responded by calling Adityanath's remarks an admission of internal BJP conflict between Delhi and Lucknow.
A video has gone viral online which shows a man opting for a filmy-style proposal for his girlfriend to express his feelings. The video, reportedly shot at Gaur Central Mall in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, shows a man bending on his knees to his girlfriend with ring, vermillion and a manglasutra. The video is gaining traction online.
Uttar Pradesh: Police arrest 4 wanted members of fake trust gang in Ballia
Police in Ballia district have apprehended four individuals linked to a fake trust racket. Dilip Bharti, operating a fraudulent charitable organization, allegedly issued fake appointment letters for sweeper and supervisor positions to unemployed youth, collecting substantial sums. Following complaints and public outcry, authorities intervened, leading to the arrests and ongoing legal proceedings.
UP government tables supplementary demands of Rs 24,497 crore for FY2026
Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented supplementary demands for grants of Rs 24,496.97 crore for the current financial year. The net additional burden on the state's consolidated fund will be Rs 22,299.74 crore after deducting the central share. The government plans to finance this through revenue targets and curbing unproductive expenditure, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Yogi Adityanath's 2 Namoone Jab, Akhilesh Yadav's BJP Infighting Twist
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's do namoone jibe, apparently aimed at opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, has drawn a sharp response from Yadav, who has twisted the Chief Minister's post
CAF jawan shot dead by colleague in Chhattisgarhs Khairagarh
RAIPUR: A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) constable shot his colleague dead inside the barrack camp during the intervening night of Sunday-Monday in Khairagarh district, about 130 km west of Raipur. The firing incident occurred in 17 CAF battalion at Ghagra base camp following an altercation between the accused jawan and his colleague. There was some heated arguments between the accused constable Arvind Gautam and the deceased Sonbir Jaat, a mess commander, over some issue late at night. The argument led to a scuffle between the two. Later, Gautam, during his patrol duty around midnight, took the extreme step and killed his colleague with his INSAS rifle while Jaat was sleeping inside the barrack. He died on the spot, Mamta Ali Sharma, sub-divisional police officer Khairagarh, told TNIE . The incident created panic and shock inside the barrack. The accused CAF constable has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. Both Gautam and Jaat are residents of Uttar Pradesh, Sharma stated.
As part of its steadfast commitment to advancing India’s digitization mission, and further driving financial inclusion agenda, PayU, a leading fintech platform, executed a host of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in 2025. Designed to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities nationwide, PayU’s multi-faceted programs have directly benefited over 50,000 rural beneficiaries and over 140 women across key villages in states like Maharashtra, etc. and about 450 students and educators in India since 2024. To drive this mission forward, PayU partnered with the key organizations including partnerships with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), NeevJivan NGO, etc. PayU conducted engaging sessions on cybersecurity for students in partnership with DSCI’s Cyber for Youth Program " PayU's commitment to social impact goes beyond financial inclusion – we're building digitally safe and economically empowered communities from the ground up ," said Richa Mukherjee, Senior Director – Corporate Affairs and Public Policy . " These programs represent our belief that technology and entrepreneurship can transform lives. When we see rural students mastering cybersecurity concepts or women launching sustainable businesses, we're creating lasting change that supports the Digital India mission ." Pioneering Digital Safety Education In partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) for its Cyber for Youth Program, PayU revolutionized cybersecurity education in rural Karnataka. Through engaging activities such as interactive quizzes, poster competitions, and live demonstrations conducted in local languages, covering critical topics including cyberbullying prevention, social media safety, and digital payment fraud awareness. The program's impact was validated through rigorous pre- and post-assessments, with students showing knowledge improvement rates ranging from 62.5% to 82.3% across different schools. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Sustainable Livelihood Programs By collaborating with NeevJivan NGO, PayU implemented its ‘Model Village Program’ focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the Nashik, Dahanu, and Jawhar regions of Maharashtra. The initiative introduced sustainable livelihood projects including bee-keeping, mushroom farming, poultry farming, and vermicomposting, providing women with viable alternate income sources. The program provided comprehensive support including 30-45 days of entrepreneurship training and strategic branding assistance, with products like " Madhu " for honey and "Mastshroom" for mushrooms. The initiative successfully established 14 sustainable projects, with every participating household gaining access to new income-generating opportunities, demonstrating PayU's commitment to economic empowerment through innovation. Leadership-Driven Educational Impact PayU further strengthened its educational commitment through a strategic partnership with Teach for India. PayU's senior leaders engaged directly with over 450 students and educators through extended mentorship sessions, facilitating knowledge sharing and providing real-world insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and career development. This initiative reinforced PayU's belief in leadership-driven social change and the power of direct engagement in shaping young minds. All these initiatives build upon PayU's established track record of impactful CSR programs. Last year, the company successfully implemented two major initiatives: the Village Adoption Program under RBI's framework, which brought digital payment literacy to 5,000 beneficiaries across five villages in Uttar Pradesh under the theme ‘ Har Payment Digital ’ and the Digital Vans initiative in partnership with MeITY's CSC, which delivered financial and digital literacy training to over 50,238 citizens in remote areas around Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. These programs demonstrate PayU's consistent commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing financial inclusion across India's rural landscape. About PayU PayU , India's leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers). PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.
UP Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Bill gets Governor's assent
The Uttar Pradesh Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Bill, 2025 has officially become an Act following the Governor's assent. This new law, previously passed by both houses of the state legislature, aims to enhance temple administration, transparency, and devotee facilities while upholding religious traditions.
Drunk trucker rams into six vehicles, caught after 10-km chase
BENGALURU: A truck driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, rammed into six vehicles at different locations, leaving two people seriously injured, on Chandapura Road in Anekal taluk on Sunday afternoon. Motorists chased the truck for nearly 10 km before catching the driver and handing him over to the police. The police said an Uttar Pradesh-registered truck, driven by Prem (35), was heading towards Chandapura from an Attibele warehouse. The driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, first rammed into two vehicles in Anekal, in which two persons sustained serious injuries, and sped away. He later hit three vehicles at Surya City and another vehicle in Attibele police station limits. Passing motorists caught the driver after a chase, thrashed him and handed him over to the police. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered at the Anekal police station, the police said adding that the two injured persons are out of danger.
Lucknow Diary | Unwanted guest at Yogis entourage
The stray animal issue been pinching the ruling BJP in election after election, and not to anyones surprise, it was CM Yogi Adityanath who fell victim to the menace. A cow intruded into the CMs convoy during his recent visit to Gorakhpur. As soon as the CMs entourage halted, Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan stepped out of the car, followed by CM Yogi. Suddenly, a cow rushed towards Yogi. However, the security personnel jumped into action and saved the CM. However, the Gorakhpur Municipal corporation supervisor, Arvind Kumar, was suspended for failing to sanitise the area ahead of the VIP movement. An internal probe has been ordered into it. YouTubers ill-gotten wealth puzzles officials Days after intelligence sleuths were left wide-eyed seeing the palatial bungalow of a humble constable, an accused in the codeine syrup racket case, the ED team was surprised to find four luxury vehicles- including a Lamborghini Urus worth ` 4.18 crore and a Mercedes- from the Nawabganj residence of popular YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi in UPs Unnao. Dwivedi is accused of amassing illicit wealth funneled through hawala networks. All four vehicles were flagged as proceeds of crime under the (PMLA). Probes revealed that Dwivedi pocketed huge payments via hawala operators, mule accounts, cash drops through middlemen. IIT-K alumni pledge Rs 11 crore to alma mater In a heart-warming gesture, the alumni of Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur who passed out 40 years ago have pledged `11 crore to support three landmark legacy projects on campus. The Class of 1986 made this announcement during their reunion held from December 18 to 21. It brought together alumni from across the globe to contribute to IIT Kanpurs future. The pledged amount will be directed towards three initiatives that address student life, wellbeing, and community engagement on campus: the SAC Extension Auditorium, the Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and a Tower in the New Hall of Residence. Namita bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
IMD weather update: The IMD has said dense fog is likely to tighten its grip in northern India and dense fog conditions are likely in Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim. A cold day warning has been issued for Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab. The dense fog has also disrupted rail and air travel across the country.
Cashing in! UPI transactions soar as Keralas digital aspirations take flight
KOCHI: Its a digi-tell all! In a clear pivot from cash, Kerala is increasingly taking to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) figures reveal that 444.9 million UPI transactions were processed in the state in November, marking a 29.6% year-on-year increase. The value of these transactions rose 28.6% to `59,793 crore. Per capita usage climbed to 12.7 transactions a month, up from 9.8 a year earlier, indicating not just wider adoption but also more frequent use. Over the past three years, rising merchant acceptance, expanding smartphone penetration and a sustained, state-supported push towards cashless behaviour have together reshaped everyday money interactions in Kerala. The states performance mirrors a broader national surge. An NPCI-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report released at the Global Fintech Festival 2025 highlights the scale of UPIs expansion across India. As of August, the country had 504 million unique UPI users nearly half of the adult population and close to 65 million merchants accepting UPI payments. UPI now accounts for 84% of all digital retail payments, with monthly transaction run rates 34% higher than a year ago. Within this nationwide expansion, Kerala contributes around 4% of Indias total UPI transaction volumes, placing it between ninth and eleventh nationally, depending on the month. Larger states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu continue to dominate the top tier with double-digit share of the pie. In several pockets, UPI is already the default mode. In others, adoption is rising sharply, said Indraneel Ajitkumar Pandit, executive vice-president and chief digital officer, Federal Bank. Kerala stands out for its exceptional engagement among senior citizens, with digital literacy among the elderly reaching near-universal levels through systematic campaigns, he added. UPI-first state ESAF Small Finance Bank executive director George K John described Kerala as a true UPI-first state, citing women-led digital participation through Kudumbashree networks, senior-citizen digital literacy initiatives and near-universal merchant QR code adoption as defining features. In urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur, UPI penetration is close to universal, especially for small-ticket payments across retail, transport, healthcare, hospitality and education. Merchant acceptance is extremely high, with even micro-merchants routinely using QR codes, he pointed out. According to Madhavankutty G, chief economist, Canara Bank, Keralas broader socio-economic profile also plays a role. It is a state with a high degree of consumerism. Banking penetration is very high, implying the number of bank accounts per capita is well above the national average, he said. High levels of urbanisation and internet penetration further support digital payments, while the large migrant workforce using UPI to send money to home states adds to transaction volumes, he added. Indraneel also pointed to the growing link between digital payments and credit growth. Studies show that business loan growth has a strong correlation with UPI adoption. Districts recording over 100% UPI growth reported a 4.2 times higher CAGR in business loans, he said. EMI collections and debt repayments through UPI have doubled over the past two years, underlining the rise of high-value and recurring transactions on the platform.
UP cuts down power sector debtby 25% in last 5 years: LS data
UP cut down power sector debtby 25% in last 5 years: LS data
Ensure all eligible persons are added to voter list, CM, UP BJP chief tell workers
2 wanted criminals killed, 5held in 3 encounters in UP
Cops bust Rs 1.5 cr fake degree racket run by PhD holder
Police Satark Mitra bot to help people report criminal activities
Golden Boy, Angel in My Heart excel
