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VHT: Jurels Unbeaten Century Helps UP Defeat Baroda, Assam Register Win Over Hyderabad
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel smashed a blazing unbeaten 160 off 101 balls to power Uttar Pradesh to a commanding 54-run victory over Baroda in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group B encounter at the Sanosara Cricket Ground 'A' on Monday. Jurel struck 15 boundaries and eight sixes as UP posted a mammoth 369/7 before dismissing Baroda for 315, despite fifties from Krunal Pandya and Shashwat Rawat, on the final ball of the match. The win earned UP four points, taking their tally to 12 after three rounds. Jurel, batting at number three after the departure of opener Aryan Juyal for 26, reached his maiden List A century in just 78 deliveries and tore into the Baroda bowling attack. He was particularly severe on pacer Rasikh Salam, plundering him for 55 runs off 14 deliveries. Jurel shared a crucial 131-run fourth-wicket partnership with big-hitter Rinku Singh, who contributed 63 off 67 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, having scored half-centuries against Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Sibsankar Roy struck a majestic century as Assam pulled off an improbable four-wicket victory over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground 'C'. Roy scored 112 off 109 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six, and shared a crucial 142-run third-wicket partnership with young opener Saurav Dihingia, who made 91 off 112 deliveries. Denish Das provided late impetus with a brisk 54 off 46 balls to lay the foundation for Assam chasing 312 in a thrilling fashion. Hyderabad openers Tanmay Agarwal and Rahul Singh Gahlaut gave their side a solid start after choosing to bat. Gahlaut top-scored with 79 off 71 balls, hitting 14 fours. Abhirath Reddy contributed 54 off 66 balls at number three, while Varun Goud's 42 and a late cameo from K. Nitesh Reddy, who smashed 53 off just 25 balls with four fours and three sixes, helped Hyderabad post 309, which wasnt adequate to stop Assam from registering an improbable win. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar's maiden five-wicket haul in List A, along with Abishek Porel's brilliant 106 & Shahbaz Ahmed's superb all-round show powered Bengal to a six-wicket victory over Chandigarh. Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Hyderabad 310/8 in 50 overs (Rahul Singh Gahlaut 79, Abhirath Reddy 54; Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 3-71, Sibsankar Roy 2-26) lost to Assam 314/6 in 49.3 overs (Sibsankar Roy 112, Saurav Dihingia 91; CV Milind 3-68, Varun 1-52) by four wickets Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir 311/9 in 50 overs (Yawer Hassan 79, Qamran Iqbal 54; Yash Thakur 3-73, Yash Kadam 2-10) lost to Vidarbha 315/5 in 48.3 overs (Aman Mokhade 139, R Samarth 114; Yudhvir Singh 3-69, Auqib Nabi 2-65) by five wickets Article Source: IANS
'Won't Rest Until They Get Capital Punishment': Unnao Survivor To NDTV
The woman from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, who was raped by former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, today thanked the Supreme Court for staying the Delhi High Court's verdict that suspended the convicted man's life sentence.
LUCKNOW: Bajrang Dal members gate-crashed a birthday celebration at a caf in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh and accused attendees of 'love jihad'. Bareilly Police lodged a complaint against two accusedRishabh Thakur and Deepak Pathakand 25 unidentified associated on Monday. All of them were absconding. Two Muslim youths who were present at the party were fined. The caf staffer was also fined for disturbing the peace. According to the complainant, the incident took place around 2 pm on December 27, when a nursing student and her friends were celebrating her birthday in the restaurant. Rishabh and Deepak, accompanied by 25 others suddenly arrived and created a ruckus. The group allegedly began to abuse the staff and guests, and even issued death threats. As the situation escalated, the police intervened and restored order. A video purportedly showing activists creating a ruckus inside the caf was circulated on social media. According to Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam, the police responded promptly after receiving information about the incident. Two guests, Shaan and Waqaib, along with the caf owner Shailendra Gangwar were detained for breach of peace only to be released later on bail on personal bonds, officials said. The information about a fight at a restaurant under Prem Nagar police station area was reported on December 27. Based on the information, the police team reached the spot and restored order. A complaint was filed at the Prem Nagar police station, and a case has been registered against two named individuals and other unknown persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Shivam told media persons. While it was alleged that Rishabh and Deepak were connected to Bajrang Dal, the organisations Bareilly coordinator Aryan Chaudhary denied the claim, saying they had no association with the outfit. In the FIR, it was alleged that Rishabh and Deepak are self-proclaimed cow vigilantes and have in the past created disturbances in the area over 'love jihad' and other issues. The FIR against the vigilantes was registered under sections 333 (house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 351 (criminal intimidation), 324 (mischief), 191 (rioting) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
UP BJP divided over Brahmin MLAs meeting in Lucknow
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh BJP appears to be a divided house over a recent meeting of the partys Brahmin MLAs and MLCs in Lucknow. While the newly appointed state unit chief, Pankaj Chaudhury, warned lawmakers against holding such caste-based meetingssaying they would be deemed acts of indiscipline in the futureDeputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and several other leaders maintained that there was nothing wrong with the gathering. On December 23, during the winter session of the Uttar Pradesh legislature, a group of Brahmin MLAs met in Lucknow. The meeting, which drew considerable attention, included rebel MLAs from the Samajwadi Party as well as BJP legislators. It was held at the Lucknow residence of BJPs Kushinagar MLA, Panchanand Pathak, on the occasion of his wifes birthday. Around 4550 Brahmin MLAs from Purvanchal and Bundelkhand attended the gathering. They were served litti-chokha, while those observing Tuesdays fast were offered falahar (a fruit-based meal). According to sources, after the meeting, the Chief Ministers Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Sarvan Baghel, called Pathak to inquire about the event. Pathak reportedly clarified that it was not a political meeting but a community feast. Subsequently, state BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhury issued a stern statement, asserting that caste-based meetings go against the Constitution and the partys values, and warned that any repetition would be treated as indiscipline. However, a section of BJP leaders, including Deputy CM Keshav Maurya, disagreed with this view. The perspective is wrong, not the objective. People meet, and they should, Maurya said. If an MLA attends someones birthday, anniversary, or goes to eat litti-chokha, it should not be seen as a caste-based meeting. Ministers Dharamveer Prajapati and Sunil Sharma echoed similar sentiments. When the session is on, MLAs gather and hold meetings. This should not be linked to casteism, Prajapati said. Sharma added, When the House is in session, four to six people always sit together. If people from western Uttar Pradesh sit together, it is labelled accordingly. There was no political intention. Those present must have discussed strengthening the nation, Sanatan, and the party. Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also supported the meeting, saying, I do not consider it wrong. Those who do, let them. Sensing an opportunity, the opposition Congress and Samajwadi Party sought to woo Brahmin voters. Congress state president Ajay Rai urged Brahmin leaders within the BJP to take a strong stand. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said those being publicly warned and humiliated by being labelled indisciplined would eventually make the arrogant rulers ungoverned. It seems the arrogant government has forgotten the outcome of the oath taken while standing in the holy waters of the Saryu. If the rulers cannot respect anyone, they should at least refrain from insulting them, Akhilesh said. Meanwhile, BJP Rajya Sabha member, national vice-president, and former state president Laxmikant Bajpai said conclusions should not be drawn without proper inquiry. What was the purpose of the meeting? Who attended it? Was there a problem in their areas or difficulties faced by them? We cannot say anything without knowing these facts. It also needs to be examined who inspired the Brahmin MLAs to hold the meetingthere must have been a reason, he said.
Uttar Pradesh govt orders closure of schools till January 1 amid intense cold wave
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the closure of schools up to 12th grade till January 1 due to the intense cold. Districts, including Varanasi, Kanpur, Aligarh, Sambhal, and 30 other districts, were shrouded in dense fog on Monday. Visibility had dropped to zero in 810 cities. Roads remain deserted with cold winds and dew creating a drizzle-like effect. The Meteorological Department warned of an intense cold wave to continue for the next four days. With Meerut recording the lowest temperature at 6.7C, over 100 trains were running late in Gorakhpur, Jalaun, Varanasi, and Lucknow. Dense fog and lack of visibility led to delayed flights. Meanwhile, UP CM Yogi Adityanath instructed the officials to immediately assess the situation and arrange bonfires and blankets at public places. The Meteorological Department advises people to avoid unnecessary travel and take extra care of elderly and children. On Monday, temperatures remained below 10C in 38 districts. As per weather scientist Atul Singh, in the next few days, the cold will be more intense during the day and night because of snowfall in the Uttarakhand hills. Meanwhile, owing to the intense cold wave sweeping the state, number of patients with cold and fever has increased in hospitals. The weather is dangerous for cardiac patients as well. People are thronging hospitals with symptoms such as anxiety, heaviness in the chest, and pain. As per the health department sources, at the OPD of KGMU and Lohia Institute, the number of heart patients has increased by up to 30 percent. Due to the impact of cold and fog, potato and mustard crops are under threat. Farmers say that if the temperature continues to drop, production may decrease.
Pharma company making illegal psychotropic drugs busted in Rajasthan, three arrested
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has busted a major interstate narcotics racket in Rajasthans Bhiwadi, seizing 22 kg of illegal substances and arresting three key accused, marking the second big drug crackdown in a single month. The trail of the investigation led straight into a pharmaceutical factory hiding a narcotics assembly line in the neighbouring state. What looked like a routine industrial unit in Bhiwadis Rocco Eyal area was, in reality, a covert hub manufacturing banned psychotropic drugs for the black market. The operation began quietly, with a tip-off that the company APL Pharma was illegally producing drugs like Azazolam and feeding the supply chain through a key distributor, Sunny Yadav. The information appeared sensitive and explosive, an ATS officer said, so we cross-verified every detail using technical surveillance and human intelligence before moving in. Under the supervision of senior ATS officials and the leadership of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, a dedicated team meticulously mapped the network. Names emerged, links connected, and patterns repeated, pointing to a well-oiled racket rather than a one-off crime. On December 28, the ATS, along with a special unit of the Rajasthan Police, stormed the APL Pharma premises. Inside, officers found a fully functional illegal manufacturing unit. The seizure was massive and alarming -- 22 kilograms of psychotropic substances, including 5 kg of Alprazolam, 17 kg of a combination of Prozepam and Temazepam known for high abuse potential. Three men were taken into custody at the site -- Anshul Shastri (40) from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Maurya (41) from Takora, Rajasthan, and Krishna Yadav (33), also from Takora. Investigators revealed that Anshul Shastri owned a firm supplying raw materials used to manufacture the illegal drug Azolamide. He allegedly partnered with Akhilesh Maurya to plan and execute large-scale production. This was not experimentation, an officer noted, adding, It was organised manufacturing with clear intent to supply. The drugs were produced at APL Pharma and allegedly sold across various regions, including parts of Maharashtra, through distributors like Sunny Yadav. Money trails, buyer networks, and additional collaborators are now under the scanner, with the ATS convinced that the racket has been operational for a long time. All three accused have been booked under Sections 8 and 22 of the NDPS Act at Vishwa Bhawan Phase-3, UIT Sector-3, Rajasthan. Officials say further arrests are likely as financial records and call data are analysed. Significantly, this is the ATSs second major narcotics bust in December. Earlier this month, a methamphetamine factory in Jodhpur was dismantled, leading to the arrest of six accused and the seizure of 40 kg of drugs and chemicals.
The Unnao rape survivor on Monday expressed satisfaction in the Supreme Court order which stayed the Delhi High Court order suspending the life sentence of convict and former BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar. She also vowed to continue the legal fight until he is hanged. I am very happy with this decision. I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I have been raising my voice for justice from the very beginning, the survivor said, reported PTI. I do not make any allegations against any court. I have faith in all courts, but the Supreme Court has given me justice and will continue to do so, she said. Hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) , the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi HC order that had suspended Sengar's life sentence and granted him bail in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The top court also issued a notice to Sengar, directing him to file his response. Vowing to continue the legal fight, the survivor said, I will not rest until he is hanged. I will keep fighting. Only then will my family and I get justice. We receive threats even today. Family members also expressed relief over the intervention by the SC, saying their faith in the justice system had been restored. The survivor's sister said she had complete faith that the court would ensure the accused is not released. He is a monster. First, he raped my sister and later destroyed the entire family. I am satisfied today. His bail should remain rejected, she said, adding that the family would continue to pursue the case. The survivor's mother thanked the apex court for the relief and told reporters that those who killed her husband should receive the death sentence. Reacting to the order the activist Yogita Bhayana said the order had wider implications. This is not a fight of one victim alone, but of all girls. The Supreme Court itself noted that while stays are not usually granted, this case stands on a different footing, she said. Triggering widespread protests and concerns over the security of the rape survivor, the Delhi HC on December 23, suspended the life imprisonment awarded to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh during the pendency of his appeal. The court imposed certain conditions, directing him not to enter within a five-kilometre radius of the victims residence in Delhi and not to threaten the survivor or her mother. Sengar, however, remained in jail since he is also serving a 10-year term in connection with the custodial death of the rape survivor's father and has not been granted bail in that case. Sengar was convicted to life imprisonment in the case, by a trial court in December 2019. According to the prosecution, the Unnao rape survivor, a minor, was kidnapped and raped by Sengar between June 11 to June 20, 2017 in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao area. She was then sold for Rs 60,000, after which she was recovered at the Maakhi police station. The court found Sengar guilty of rape under section 376 (Rape) of the Indian Penal Code and sections 5(C) and 6 of the POCSO Act, holding that the victim's testimony was 'unblemished, truthful and of sterling quality'. (With inputs from PTI) Justice Delayed: The Unnao rape survivor's long-running legal battle
A 60-year-old pastor and his son were arrested on Sunday after members of right-wing extremist group Bajrang Dal protested outside a church in Fatehpur district, accusing the duo of forced conversion by luring Hindu women with money and other promises, reported PTI. The protesters also briefly surrounded the police vehicle in which the pastor, David Gladion, and his son Abhishek Gladion (30) were being transported. During a prayer meeting at the church, the Bajrang Dal workers gathered outside and held a protest for nearly three hours, alleging that Hindu women were being lured to the church with promises of money, jobs and free education for their children. They also alleged that around 150 people, including a large number of women, were present inside the church at the time. On receiving information about the protests, Circle Officer Veer Singh reached the spot with a large police contingent. However, the police took the pastor and son into cutsody. According to Radha Nagar Station House Officer Vinod Kumar Maurya, a case has been registered under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act against the pastor, his son and seven unidentified persons, based on a complaint filed by a local, Dev Prakash Paswan. Meanwhile, a police officer was quoted by the PTI as saying publicity vehicles were being used to invite villagers to prayer meetings. One such vehicle was seized during the protest, and religious literature was recovered from it, he said. CO Veer Singh told PTI that the 'purpose' of the women's presence at the church was being verified. He said an investigation was underway and further action would be taken based on evidence. The arrest came days after the United Christians Forum (UCF), in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed concern regarding the disturbing pattern of religious persecution of Christians in the country. In the letter dated 26th December, a day after the country witnessed multiple attacks against Christmas celebrations across several states, the organisation stated that it has recorded a total of 814 incidents of violence against Christians with an average of 69.5 incidents per month in 2024. As of November 2025, a staggering 706 incidents targeting Christians have been recorded by the UCF, the letter said. The UCF said the primary reason of these attacks have been false allegations of fraudulent conversions and noted that Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leading state with 184 such incidents, followed by Chhattisgarh with 157 cases. The letter also cited a report titled 'Criminalising Practice of Faith' which documented incidents where the police allegedly colluded with Hindutva groups and turned a blind eye to offences commited against Christians. (With inputs from PTI)
Thick fog reduces visibility at Taj Mahal, grips several UP cities
Dense fog engulfed the Taj Mahal and several cities across Uttar Pradesh as cold wave conditions persisted, affecting visibility and air quality. The city`s air quality was poor this morning, reporting `moderate` conditions in pockets. The Manoharpur area reported an AQI of 234
One dies as overloaded truck mounts divider, topples onto SUV in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur
Police from multiple stations, senior officers and fire services were present at the spot to manage rescue and traffic operations
For Key Question On Unnao Rape Convict's Bail, CBI Cites LK Advani Case
The Supreme Court on Monday stepped in to halt the release of former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, staying a Delhi High Court order that had suspended his life sentence and granted him bail in the 2017 Unnao rape case.
We're Accountable To Survivor: What CBI, Supreme Court Said In Unnao Rape Case Hearing
The Supreme Court stayed a Delhi High Court order suspending ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar's life sentence in the rape case of a woman - then a minor - in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017.
Ex MLA Kuldeep Sengar To Stay In Jail, Supreme Court Stays Bail In Unnao Case
The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order suspending ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar's life term for the rape of a woman then a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017.
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the recent verdict of the Delhi High Court, which suspended the life sentence imposed on former Uttar Pradesh legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case and directed his release on bail. The Vacation Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice JK Maheshwari, and Justice Augustine [] The post Supreme Court stays Delhi High Court verdict granting bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao rape case appeared first on India Legal .
Unnao rape case: Kuldeep Sengar won't walk free, Supreme Court stays Delhi HC bail order
The Supreme Court has halted the Delhi High Court's decision to grant conditional bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar, a former Uttar Pradesh MLA, was convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The CBI had appealed the bail, highlighting the severity of the crime and the survivor's safety. The apex court's intervention ensures Sengar remains in jail.
Adityanath orders closure of schools across Uttar Pradesh till January 1 amid cold wave
The safety of children is paramount during the cold wave, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated, says UP CM Adityanath
UP Police hashtag tops global trending list on X for over two hours
Lucknow: A social media hashtag related to a two-day conference of senior Uttar Pradesh police officers generated more than 1.7 billion impressions and trended at the top of the global list on the social media platform X, officials said. According to an official statement issued on Sunday night, the Hindi hashtag #UP_Police_Manthan, linked to the 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 .
UPSSSC is starting the online application process for Lekhpal Recruitment 2026 today for 7,994 posts across Uttar Pradesh. The recruitment has drawn attention after the commission revised the category-wise vacancy list, increasing OBC, SC and ST posts following objections over reservation rules. The revised list reduces General category seats while keeping EWS numbers unchanged. Eligible candidates can apply online within the notified schedule and selection will follow PET-based shortlisting.
Japanese tourists mistreated over swimsuits, Santa caps in Varanasi
Some Japanese tourists reportedly faced mistreatment for wearing swimsuits and Santa Claus caps during a visit to a ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on December 25, when the tourists were preparing to take a bath at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Some devotees stopped the tourists and accused them of urinating in the river. 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 .
Congress Stumbles Over Data Chief's Tamil Nadu Debt Levels Alarming Post
A Congress functionary's remark unfavourably comparing Tamil Nadu's debt levels with BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh has dropped his party in hot water before next year's Assembly election.
Nearly 200 UP villagers get rabies shots after consuming curd from buffalo that died after dog bite
BUDAUN: Nearly 200 residents of Piprauli village in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun got rabies vaccination as a precautionary measure after they discovered that the raita (a curd-based dish) they consumed at the funeral was made from the milk of a buffalo that died after being bitten by a dog. According to the villagers, a funeral ceremony was held in the village on December 23, where they had raita. Later, it came to light that the buffalo whose milk was used to make the dish had been bitten by a dog a few days earlier. The buffalo died on December 26, after which panic spread in the village due to the fear of infection. The villagers reached the Ujhani community health centre and got vaccinated. Chief Medical Officer Dr Rameshwar Mishra on Sunday said that they had received information that a buffalo in the village had been bitten by a rabid dog and had died due to symptoms of rabies. It was reported that the villagers had consumed 'infected' raaita. As a precaution, everyone was advised to get a rabies injection. Prevention is better than cure. Everyone who had any doubts was given the anti-rabies vaccine. Normally, there is no risk of rabies after boiling the milk, but the vaccination was done to prevent any potential risk, Mishra said. According to the health department, no disease has spread in the village so far, and the situation is completely normal. The CMO also said that anyone who came to get the anti-rabies injection was immediately given the injection at the Ujhani Community Health Centre. For this purpose, the primary health centre/community centre was kept open on both Saturday and Sunday. He said that the village is being monitored as a precaution to prevent the spread of any kind of rumours or panic. Another villager Dharmpal said that the buffalo was bitten by a dog, due to which it fell ill and later died. The fear of infection arose because the 'raaita' was made from the milk of that same buffalo, so they got the rabies injection.
All schools In Uttar Pradesh Closed Till January 1 Due Cold Wave
The state government is ensuring adequate blankets, bonfires, and night shelters for the needy, with officials instructed to provide timely relief and maintain cleanliness and food at shelters.
AISPLB seeks anti-lynching laws, higher representation
CM honours police officers with outstanding service medal from 2022 to 2025
Drop in temperature gives rise to heart attack, stroke cases
Police Manthan concludes with focus on disaster management, organised crime
LMC to implement new system for house tax assessment
Class 11 student ends life as family fails to meet iPhone demand
A severe cold wave has disrupted normal school schedules across several North Indian states. According to media reports, Uttar Pradesh has ordered the closure of all schools until January 1, 2026, while Bihar and Jharkhand have announced temporary closures with revised timings in some areas. Heavy snowfall has extended winter holidays in Himachal Pradesh. Rajasthan continues scheduled winter vacations, while schools in South and East India remain open with normal classes.
Living patient declared dead: 3 suspended
Civic drive at mayors meets in Ayodhya
Musical bonanza like bonfire on chilly Sunday
City prof gets IHC award for book on Nalandas past
Step up monitoring of checks on sanitation, officials told
BBAU scholars library management design gets patent
2025 was Zero Dacoity year for Lucknow
Plea challenges PCS prelims result, HC asks UP govt, UPPSC to file reply
Insider track | NIA boss wanted, CVs welcome
The race to find the next National Investigation Agency chief has picked up pace after DG Sadanand Vasant Date was sent back to his home cadre. The 1990-batch officer, feted for his role during 26/11, is now widely tipped to take over as Maharashtra DGP. Names are now being tossed around in closed-door meetings for his successor. Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Kumar Dekas name did surface, despite him already enjoying two extensions till June 2026. But the mood in government circles favours a 1994-batch officer with solid anti-terror credentials. Several Special DGs in paramilitary forces exist on paper, but none seem to have made the cut. R&AW officers are also being kept out, with continuity preferred amid a fast-changing geopolitical backdrop. Spotlight on Bengals new variable As West Bengal heads toward the 2026 Assembly elections, political attention is turning to Humayun Kabir. The suspended TMC leader, now leading his Janata Unnayana Party, is drawing crowds, particularly among Muslim voters, and plans to contest every Muslim-majority seatincluding TMC strongholds like Ballygunge. Delhi circles are debating whether Kabir could play a role similar to AIMIM in Bihar, splitting the opposition vote and indirectly helping the BJP. While the saffron party remains publicly quiet, opposition leaders worry that Kabirs rise could chip away at the TMCs support more than challenge the BJP. With a new political dynamic emerging, his presence is set to reshape the electoral landscape and make several closely fought constituencies more unpredictable in 2026. Pay panel without a pay office The 8th Central Pay Commission has been announced, named, and chaired, but it still doesnt know where to sit. More than a month after its constitution under former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission has not been allotted office space. This is despite a looming deadline, as the 7th Pay Commission expires on December 31, 2025, with revised salaries due from January 1, 2026. Though the panel has an 18-month window to submit recommendations, it hasnt formally begun work. Whispers in bureaucratic corridors suggest the delay is tactical: a pay award announcement closer to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, followed by payouts with arrears nearer the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, could be politically convenient. Extension denied, contract supplied The Centre may have said no, but UPs Yogi Adityanath government has proved that administrative detours are always available. After the Union Home Ministry rejected the proposal to extend Prashant Kumars tenure as DGP, the state quietly brought him back on a three-year contract. The 1990-batch retired IPS officer is the new chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission, which handles recruitment for secondary and higher education teachers. The timing is telling, with the state keeping a close watch on the 2027 Assembly elections. The UPESSC itself is a relatively new creation, formed in 2024 by merging two education recruitment bodies. The message from Lucknow is unmistakable: denial in Delhi does not always mean retirement at home. CWC meets, pens nearly fly The Congress Working Committee meeting had more sparks than planned, and not all of them came from Digvijay Singhs comments on the RSS and BJP. A pointed exchange between Shashi Tharoor and party spokesperson Pawan Khera also raised eyebrows. Tharoor reportedly pressed Khera to detail his public allegations about goings-on in the Prime Ministers Office, linked to claims involving former IAS officer Navneet Sehgal. Khera is said to have explained his position during the meeting, but his parting quip Why dont you also write about it? didnt go unnoticed. Some leaders saw it as a swipe at Tharoors prolific writing and social media posts praising Prime Minister Modi, which have made sections of the party visibly uncomfortable.
Complete breakdown of law & order in UP: Akhilesh
As cold wave intensifies, CM orders closure of schools till Jan 1
Gosainganj BJP corporator injured in attack
The completion of these expressways is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy, with improved connectivity likely to attract investments and boost trade in the region. The increased accessibility will also benefit the local population, making it easier for people to trave.
Rule of law made UP a preferred investment destination: Yogi
Use AI, advanced tech tools to dismantle conversion rackets, Yogi tells UP cops
Six accused arrested in codeine cough syrup racket from Varanasi, Mirzapur
Ram temple to remain open during second anniversary celebrations
Bodies of couple found hanging from tree under which they tied knot 22 days ago
2.8 Crore Names Removed From UP's Draft Voter Rolls After SIR
The draft electoral roll in Uttar Pradesh, which will be published on December 31, is likely to have the names of about 12.55 crore voters, with almost 2.89 crore names deleted from the pre-SIR voter list.
Surya Charishma Tamiri Lifts Maiden Senior National Crown
The womens doubles crown went to Karnatakas third-seeded duo Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K, who beat Manipurs Priya Devi Konjengbam and Uttar Pradeshs Shruti Mishra 21-14, 21-18.
Ram Temple to Become Global Spiritual Hub: Naidu
Naidu praised the Uttar Pradesh government for its development efforts and said UP was doing extremely well.
UP schools closed till January amid cold wave; CM Adityanath orders emergency winter measures
UP School Holiday: Uttar Pradesh faces a severe cold wave. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered all schools closed until January 1. He directed officials to stay alert and ensure no one sleeps in the open. Funds are released for blankets, shelters, and bonfires. Relief work is underway across the state.
Uttar Pradesh SIR: Nearly 2.89 crore names deleted from draft voter list
Those excluded will have a chance to contest the deletion starting January 1, the State's chief electoral officer says
UP SIR: Nearly 2.89 crore names deleted from draft voter list
Uttar Pradesh's draft voter list will feature 12.55 crore names. Nearly 2.89 crore voters were removed. Those excluded can reapply from January 1. Over 1 crore voters are unmapped and need to provide documents. Objections to the draft list can be filed until January 31. This process aims for a clean electoral roll.
Right-wing workers storm birthday party claiming love jihad in Bareilly
Chaos erupted during a birthday celebration after right-wing workers gatecrashed the party and allegedly assaulted two Muslim attendants, making claims of love jihad in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district on December 27. The birthday party was hosted by a Hindu girl, a first-year BSc nursing student, at a restaurant in the Prem Nagar area. It was 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 .
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged immediate action on discussions from the two-day Police Manthan, emphasizing its institutionalization as an annual event. He highlighted the need for proactive preparation against emerging security threats, citing illegal conversions as an example. The CM also stressed improved law and order, transparency, and human intelligence for effective policing.
UP law and order model cited as example in other states: Adityanath
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said the states law and order model is cited as an example in other states, asserting that a sense of security has driven investment and infrastructure growth. Addressing the concluding day of the two-day Police Manthan conference at the police headquarters here, Adityanath said, We have 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 .
Dense fog, cold wave and hazardous smog grip north India
North India woke up to a chilly Sunday, with dense fog and cold wave conditions affecting daily life across the region. In the national capital, temperatures dropped to 9C, while thick smog reduced visibility, prompting health advisories for residents. Despite the weather, services at Indira Gandhi International Airport remained unaffected as of 8 pm, according to a travel advisory. Other cities, including Karnal (Haryana) and Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh), recorded similar conditions with temperatures hovering around 9C. IMD issued an orange alert for Moradabad. Agras Taj Mahal was obscured by dense fog, while Kanpur residents huddled around bonfires to keep warm. In Guwahati, Assam, the minimum temperature fell to 15C under foggy, cold-wave conditions. The air quality in Delhi worsened, with the AQI reaching 391, entering the severe category, and some localities crossing 400. Anand Vihar recorded 445, Patparganj 425, Nehru Nagar 433, Shadipur 445, Mundka 413, and IGI Airport 320. The combination of cold weather, calm winds, and fog trapped pollutants, resulting in dense haze and smog across the city. Authorities have invoked Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activity, while enforcing the No PUC, No Fuel rule. In response, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of measures to improve environmental governance. Rs 100 crore will be allocated to rejuvenate 160 government-managed water bodies out of the 1,000 in the capital, aimed at pollution control. The government also approved the creation of Delhis first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spanning 11.5 acres, to operate on a 100% circular, zero-waste model. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, Rejuvenation of Delhis water bodies will play a crucial role in controlling pollution. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible support be provided to complete the work within the year. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, a thin layer of smog covered areas like Bandra Kurla Complex, with AQI recorded at 123 (moderate), highlighting that pollution continues to affect multiple urban centres across India. (With inputs from ANI)
Jasjit Kaur is a 2012-batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She has established herself as a strict and experienced administrator. However, a special court in Moradabad orders the seizure of her government residence due to a long-pending land acquisition compensation case.
Highest officer liable for contempt for non-compliance with court order: Allahabad HC
Maintaining that the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary will be liable for contempt in cases relating to the Land Acquisition Act, 1984, as well as the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, the court said distribution of work between different departments cannot be used as a pretext for not implementing a court order.
Kuldeep Sengar: Power lord from the hinterland reemerges
Indian judiciary has an image to protect. When a victim becomes helpless and sees other pillars of democracy crumbling, she looks up to the exalted benches with hope for justice. The last refuge of the powerless can also deliver irony in the winter chill of the national capital, especially when the perpetrator is a man of brute, feudal and political power, that runs amok naked in the wild fields. In offering reprieve to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, former BJP MLA and convict of rape and murder, the Delhi High Court climbed down from the height the lady of justice sits. Even without a seat in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Sengar is powerful enough to scare the rape survivor and drive a nations conscience towards an agitation it would have preferred to avoid. The rape survivor, her mother, and activists sat on dharnas wherever they could, including outside the court premises. They could do so because, in a twist of unfortunate irony, Sengar is no ordinary one-issue convict. He got bail from the HC in the rape case, but will stay in jail, as he is serving another 10-year sentence for plotting the murder of the rape survivors father. He could walk out of jailan unimaginable scenario for the survivorif judiciary continues with its magnanimous streak towards the powerful and grants him bail in that case too. Senger is a quintessential north Indian politician of the hinterlands. Not suave, not a man of letters, not bothered about legal fine-print, not concerned about Article 21 of the Constitution: just a man surrounded by musclemen and a caravan of vehicles with red beacons. He might have considered himself an invincible frog in the small well of Unnao constitutency, something that led him to violate the 16-year-old survivor. Who can forget the April forenoon of 2018, when the minor survivor tried to immolate herself outside the heavily guarded residence of the chief minister in Lucknow in a desperate act to push the state government towards acknowledging her plight. The minor claimed that Sengar, the powerful BJP MLA of Bangarmau in Unnao, had raped her the previous year. She also accused the system of shielding him. When the media woke up to her tragedy, Sengars power was briefly curtailed. He was arrested and sent to jail, but he was still the power lord. He plotted an assault on the survivors father in custody as the father was picked by cops after getting implicated in a case of brawl with Sengars men. The father was being allegedly coerced by Unnao cops to ask his daughter to withdraw charges against Senger. The public outcry ensured that justice was delivered to the survivor. Politicians also joined in. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led a sustained campaign against him. The political pressure clipped his wings, as he was expelled from BJP. A POCSO court sentenced him to life in December 2019 and ordered him to pay `25 lakh as compensation to the survivor. But before he was delivered justice, Sengar, allegedly, had another shot at lawlessness. On July 28, 2019, the survivor was travelling in car with others which was rammed into by a truck without a registration number plate. The survivor became doubly survived in the accident. She emerged out of this episode critically injured, like her lawyer, but lost two aunts, all of whom were travelling in the same car. The police made Sengar, his brother, and few aides accused in the case. When Sengar was eventually convicted in the rape case, the nation heaved a sigh of relief, believing that he was done for life and an example had been set for the brute, unbridled power of the hinterland. But, his bail a few days back has brought back a sense of doom and fear of naked power. Under public pressure, the CBI has decided to appeal against the HC order in the Supreme Court. But, will the power be fettered at the highest level? We feel that the CBI has approached SC just for saving its face and to douse down the public anger against Delhi High Court order, says the survivors counsel Mehmood Pracha. This is Sengars relevance in the Indian milieu!
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The 525.590 km expressway will now have 86.600 km of its length in Gorakhpur-Kushinagar. The alignment work is underway, and we expect to complete the survey by March, says Lalit Pal, Project Director, NHAI.
Teachers, staff sensitised about PoSH Act
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Class 9 boy dies by suicide in Ayodhya
