Delhi to bar non-BS-VI vehicles from outside city from Nov 1 as pollution curbs kick in
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The National Capital will begin restricting the entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards from November 1, as part of the government's measures to tackle rising pollution levels during the winter season. The restriction will remain in force until January 31, 2027. According to estimates from the transport department, more than 10 lakh vehicles across Delhi-NCR, including Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, do not meet the BS-VI emission standards. The proposed restrictions could affect a significant number of commuters who regularly travel to the capital from neighbouring cities for work, business and other purposes. In Gurugram and Faridabad, nearly two lakh vehicles fall short of the BS-VI norms, with around 70 per cent of them belonging to the BS-III and BS-IV categories. The two Haryana districts also have approximately 50,000 commercial vehicles that do not meet the prescribed emission standards, according to estimates cited in an NDTV report. The number of non-compliant vehicles is even higher in Uttar Pradesh's adjoining urban centres. Noida and Greater Noida together account for more than four lakh vehicles that do not meet BS-VI standards. BS-IV vehicles make up over half of this category, with petrol-powered cars forming a major share of the total. Ghaziabad also has around four lakh vehicles that fall below the BS-VI emission standards, a senior official said, highlighting the scale of the challenge for authorities seeking to limit the movement of more polluting vehicles into Delhi during the winter months. However, the restriction will not cover every vehicle included in these estimates. Vehicles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electricity have been exempted, along with ambulances, fire tenders and certain vehicles engaged in specified essential services. Vehicles registered outside Delhi that comply with BS-VI emission norms will also be permitted to enter the national Capital, according to the NDTV report. The restrictions will specifically target non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi. Vehicles registered within the national Capital will not be covered by this particular provision, although other existing pollution-control measures and regulations governing vehicle age will continue to apply. With the restrictions set to take effect from November 1, officials are preparing to strengthen enforcement at Delhi's entry points to prevent vehicles that do not meet the required emission standards from entering the city. Authorities are planning to use technology-based monitoring systems to identify potentially non-compliant vehicles at border checkpoints and other strategic locations. Artificial Intelligence-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will scan vehicle registration plates, helping officials flag vehicles for verification and enforcement action. The monitoring system is expected to play a key role in identifying vehicles approaching the capital from neighbouring areas, particularly those travelling along heavily used routes connecting Delhi with Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad. In addition to deploying surveillance technology, authorities are strengthening arrangements at entry points to facilitate physical checks and enforcement.
Meeting of BJP General Secretaries underway in Delhi under Nitin Nabin's chairmanship
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) A key meeting of the BJP's National General Secretaries began on Thursday under the chairmanship of party President Nitin Nabin at the party headquarters in New Delhi. BJP National General Secretaries, including B.L. Santhosh, Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde, Smriti Irani, Satish Poonia, Sanjay Bhatia and Biplab Kumar Deb, among others, are attending the meeting. The meeting is expected to discuss the Opposition's programmes, the prevailing political situation in the country and the party's organisational strategy to counter the Opposition's campaign. The BJP leadership is also expected to deliberate on preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. The focus of the meeting is on strengthening the party organisation and chalking out election strategies. The meeting assumes significance as the BJP begins preparations for the upcoming electoral battles while assessing the Opposition's political activities and the evolving political situation. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Nitin Nabin led a march through Delhi's Chandni Chowk as part of the BJP's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign. The march was held amid escalating political tensions over the allegations of vote theft and alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise that have been raised by the Congress and other Opposition parties. The ruling party has sought to counter the Opposition's campaign by mobilising its own leaders and workers. As part of these efforts, Nitin Nabin personally led the march in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday, underscoring the party's focus on the issue. He took potshots at the Gandhi family, saying that the 'Congress-I', a faction of the grand old party formed by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in January 1978, stands for Italian Congress rather than Congress-Indira, while terming the party's electoral defeats as purification by citizens.
UP MLC result: SP wins Varanasi, calls it 'reflection' of upcoming Assembly elections 2027
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 29 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party (SP), after securing five seats in the latest Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections, has described its performance as an indication of the public mood ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, asserting that the results reflect what could unfold in the next state polls. Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party received a significant boost ahead of the crucial Assembly elections after winning five of the 11 Legislative Council seats contested in the latest round of polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured the remaining six seats. While the BJP managed to retain its pre-election tally, the SP improved its position by adding two seats to its previous strength. One of the most notable outcomes came from Varanasi, where the Samajwadi Party won both the Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies. The result has drawn particular attention because Varanasi is the Lok Sabha constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to IANS, SP spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand said the results demonstrated that the BJP faced difficulties when elections were conducted through ballot papers. He also alleged that the ruling party had attempted to influence the process at certain places. In Uttar Pradesh, when elections were held through ballot papers, the BJP lost. The BJP also slowed down the voting process in ballot paper elections and, in some places, its workers misused the administration to influence certain seats through their arbitrary actions. They tried to stop the Varanasi results; however, they were not able to stop the public from expressing their stand, Chand said. Taking aim at the BJP over its response to the election results, the SP spokesperson said the party should explain its defeat in Varanasi rather than seeking political satisfaction from the Congress' setbacks elsewhere. The BJP, which is trying to find happiness in the Congress' sorrow, will not answer questions about how it lost in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. Those who want to find happiness in others' sorrow can do so. However, this is what is on the public's mind. This is just a reflection of what will happen in the 2027 Assembly elections, he added. Reacting to the results in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the Samajwadi Party had managed to win in a constituency where such an outcome was not anticipated. He said the BJP would examine the reasons behind the result. The Samajwadi Party has opened its account where it was not expected, Maurya said, adding that the BJP would look into the outcome. Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to the results through a post on social media platform X, referring to the victory of the PDA, a political grouping promoted by the Samajwadi Party. They are secretly happy about the PDA's victory too - no one becomes a stranger just by leaving home, Yadav wrote. If the scheming BJP folks hadn't pulled that double-cross in Gorakhpur, the same fate as in Varanasi would have befallen them there too. All in all, the BJP has suffered a moral defeat in Gorakhpur as well. Until the final results from Banaras come in, this is our appeal to all our workers: No rest until we have proof of victory in our hands, his post read. The MLC elections have packed off the BJP's bag and baggage. Despite extreme dishonesty and administrative tampering, no one could avert the BJP's downfall. All those corrupt officials who served the BJP will be hauled before the people's court once the PDA government takes power, he added.
UP govt bars those advocating violent regime change from govt jobs
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 29 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for candidates selected for direct recruitment to government jobs, declaring that individuals associated with organisations advocating violent changes to the existing social system will be considered ineligible for appointment. The move comes amid controversy over calls for 'regime change' during a recent protest and has drawn criticism from the Opposition Samajwadi Party and Congress. Under the revised guidelines, participation in protests or activities aimed at changing the existing system through violence could render candidates ineligible for government employment. However, the government has clarified that no candidate will be disqualified solely on the basis of their political ideology. The directive was issued by M. Devraj, Principal Secretary of the Appointments Department, and applies to direct recruitment in government departments, corporations, councils and local bodies. According to the order, individuals who are members of organisations whose stated objective is to change the existing social system through violence will be considered unsuitable for government appointments. Notwithstanding anything contained in the above paragraphs, no person will be considered unsuitable for appointment solely because of their political ideology. However, individuals who are members of an organisation whose stated objective is to change the existing system of society through violence will be considered ineligible for appointment under the government, the order stated. It further specifies that participation in such activities after attaining the age of 21 and within three years preceding the verification will be treated as evidence that the individual remains actively involved, unless concrete evidence demonstrates a change in their tendencies during that period. The revised policy also clarifies that the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) or a pending investigation will not automatically disqualify a candidate from government employment. Candidates who have been acquitted, cases settled through compromise and matters covered under juvenile justice laws will also not attract automatic disqualification under the guidelines. The government has further clarified that delays in receiving character verification reports need not necessarily hold up appointment letters. Authorities may issue provisional appointment letters after obtaining the prescribed documents and a self-declaration from candidates. However, if a candidate is subsequently found ineligible during verification or is found to have furnished false information, the appointment will be cancelled immediately, and legal action may also be initiated. The order also exempts employees already serving in government departments from undergoing character verification afresh. The appointing authority may, however, seek relevant information from their previous departments, wherever necessary. The police have been directed to submit character verification reports within 30 days to ensure that the recruitment process is not unnecessarily delayed. The government said the revised guidelines seek to streamline the character verification process while ensuring that pending investigations and procedural delays do not automatically deprive eligible candidates of government employment.
Congress should introspect after MLC poll results, says JD(U), BJP leaders
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Janata Dal (United) and the BJP on Thursday criticised the Congress party over its performance in the recent Legislative Council elections, saying the party and its INDIA bloc allies should respond to the questions raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of ballot papers. The remarks came after PM Modi took a swipe at Congress over the results of the Legislative Council elections held across 28 constituencies in four states using ballot papers. In a post on X on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said, MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big states - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won. Speaking to IANS, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said Congress and its INDIA bloc allies should respond to the points raised by the Prime Minister. Congress and its INDIA bloc allies should respond to the points raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet. Congress has repeatedly demanded voting through ballot papers instead of EVMs. However, in elections held across 28 constituencies for the Legislative Councils in four states, Congress failed to achieve success anywhere except the Nagpur Graduates' constituency. In Karnataka, where Congress is in power, the BJP and JD(S) together won all four seats contested, he said. Ranjan further said Congress had failed to open its account in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections and had suffered a setback in Bihar, where it previously had one MLC. This clearly shows that instead of demanding elections through ballot papers or other methods, Congress and Rahul Gandhi should reconsider the party's strategy on public issues. Rahul Gandhi should introspect and atone for bringing Congress to such a poor state, he added. BJP MP Yogender Chandoliya also criticised the Congress for repeatedly questioning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Congress had been demanding for a long time that votes should not be cast using EVMs, even though EVMs were introduced during the Congress government's tenure in Uttar Pradesh. Our view is that Congress managed to win one seat, opening its account with great difficulty. Now, will Rahul Gandhi accept this outcome or not? he said. Chandoliya alleged that Congress would once again raise questions about the election results, and that the party had developed a habit of making allegations over various issues. Getting even one seat seems like a huge achievement for Congress, as making allegations on everything has become a habit for them. Otherwise, the results across the country are not going to be in their favour, whether they talk about EVMs, SIR or ballot papers, he added. The BJP won 13 of the 28 Legislative Council seats contested across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka, while Congress secured only one seat.
The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for candidates selected for direct recruitment in government departments, corporations, councils and local bodies, stating that individuals involved in violent activities aimed at overthrowing the existing...
Delhi Police bust bank account impersonation syndicate, arrest two; assets worth Rs 2.5 crore seized
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Delhi Police's Central District has busted a syndicate involved in impersonation of bank account holders and arrested two accused for defrauding bank officials of Rs 22.56 lakh through fraudulent Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) instructions, officials said on Thursday. Assets worth approximately Rs 2.50 crore, including gold jewellery, 101 gold coins, cash and a SUV, have been seized in the present and connected cases. One of the arrested accused was also found to be a proclaimed offender who had been absconding for more than seven years in a forged currency case, police said. The case originated from a complaint filed by the Branch Manager of Bank of India, Rajendra Place, New Delhi. On August 5, a person impersonating Deepak Malhotra, a director associated with multiple corporate entities maintaining accounts at the branch, contacted bank officials. According to the police, the caller initially discussed creating a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) worth Rs 1 crore to gain the officials' confidence. He later contacted them, claiming that the company needed to make a payment but had exhausted its cheque book. He requested that the transaction be processed through email. The accused sent a forged payment request using an email ID closely resembling the company's registered address. The email, bearing a forged company letterhead, instructed the bank to transfer Rs 22,56,922 to another account. When bank officials sought mandatory indemnity documents, the caller pressured them by claiming that similar transactions had been processed earlier and stressing the urgency of the payment. The bank subsequently processed the fraudulent RTGS transfer. An e-FIR was registered at the Cyber Police Station of Central District under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During the investigation, police traced the defrauded amount to a mule bank account maintained with Bandhan Bank in West Bengal. Technical analysis of telecom records, digital evidence and communication details helped investigators identify the suspects. A police team led by Sub-Inspector Kamlesh Kumar arrested the accused, identified as Vinay Kumar Yadav, 36, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Anil Kumar Sehgal, 65, a resident of Noida. The investigation revealed that the accused used forged company letterheads, deceptive email IDs, social engineering and mule accounts to target corporate bank transactions. The money was subsequently diverted into other assets, including gold purchased from a jeweller in West Bengal. Police said both accused had previous criminal involvement in financial fraud cases across several locations, including Ghaziabad, Saharanpur, Ayodhya and Faridabad. They allegedly became acquainted while in jail and had previously been associated with cheque-related frauds involving so-called magic pens. The arrests have also helped police work out six similar cases registered in Gurugram, Palwal and Delhi, involving fraud amounts ranging from Rs 16.65 lakh to Rs 2.98 crore, along with an attempted fraud of Rs 88 lakh.
Uttar Pradesh Special TET 2026 Admit Card Release Soon; Check Steps To Download
UPESSC will likely release the Special TET 2026 admit card on October 31 for the exam scheduled on November 3 across Uttar Pradesh.
Imran Masood criticises BJP over electoral setbacks and alleged vote manipulation in Uttar Pradesh
The News Mill
New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Inauguration, Train Timings, Amenities And Other Details
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will together flag off the service on October 31.
Cong no longer relevant, should stop politicising every issue: BJP MP on MLC election results
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Thursday said that the results of the Legislative Council elections had made it clear that the Congress is no longer relevant in Indian politics, adding that the party should introspect and stop politicising every issue. His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the Congress over the results of the Legislative Council elections held across four states using ballot papers. Speaking to IANS, Khandelwal said, This has made it clear that the Congress is no longer relevant in politics. Earlier, it used to be said that EVMs were hacked, and the blame was pinned on the Election Commission. Then allegations of vote theft were made, which had no basis. Now, the Congress was demanding elections through ballot papers, and the MLC elections were held using the same ballot papers. The Congress has now been wiped out, and the party should introspect and realise that there should not be politics over every issue. People give a befitting reply when the time comes and deliver their verdict, he added. Backing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement regarding the MLC election results, the BJP MP said that demanding resignations had become a habit of the opposition parties. What the Home Minister said is right because demanding resignations has become a habit for them. They demand resignations over every small or big issue, turn every matter into a controversy and call for resignations. So, when will they resign over the ballot box? What Home Minister Amit Shah said is completely right, Khandelwal said. He further alleged that Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and other opposition leaders would avoid taking responsibility for the election results. Now, Rahul Gandhi and all the opposition parties will run away, hiding their faces, but the public is watching all of this, he added. Khandelwal also reacted to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's remarks targeting the BJP over the Varanasi Legislative Council election results and said that the SP chief was also gradually losing his relevance in politics. Akhilesh Yadav, too, like other parties, is gradually losing his relevance. Consequently, while he used to speak with some sense occasionally in the past, he is now making baseless statements that have no foundation, Khandelwal said. The BJP won 13 of the 28 Legislative Council seats contested across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka.
Uttar Pradeshs Transformation Driven by Speed, Scale, and Connectivity: CM Yogi
CM Yogi Adityanath highlights Uttar Pradeshs growth in connectivity since 2017, emphasizing its impact on prosperity and development. Uttar Pradeshs Transformation Driven by Speed, Scale, and Connectivity: CM Yogi
UP MLC results: SP scores wins in 5 seats including Varanasi, Agra
Samajwadi Party achieved victories in five of the 11 seats contested in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. The party secured wins in significant areas like Varanasi and Allahabad-Jhansi. Bharatiya Janata Party managed to retain six seats, including Bareilly-Moradabad and Lucknow Teachers' constituency. Political leaders from both sides accused each other of electoral malpractice during the elections.
MLC poll results: Cong stuns BJP in Maha; NDA wins 16 seats
The NDA alliance secured 16 out of 28 legislative council seats across four states, while the Congress managed to win only one seat. The Samajwadi Party made significant gains in Uttar Pradesh, and the Jan Suraaj Party opened its account in Bihar. The results show mixed fortunes for major parties, with notable setbacks for the BJP in Nagpur and the Congress in Karnataka.
UPESSC UP PRT Assistant Teacher Recruitment 2026 Last Date Extended - Apply Online for 12,405 Posts
Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 12,405 Primary Assistant Teacher posts. Eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 16 September 2026 and the last date has been extended to 04 November 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, upessc.up.gov.in.
Uttar Pradesh Elections 2027: A Tight Contest Between BJP and SP in Basti District
The 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections saw a fierce battle between BJP and SP in Basti, with key issues shaping the outcomes. Uttar Pradesh Elections 2027: A Tight Contest Between BJP and SP in Basti District
UP MLC election results: BJP bags 6 seats, SP wins 4, leads on 1 in close contest
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won six of the 11 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seats contested in the elections, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) has secured four. Counting is continuing into the third day, with the SP leading on the remaining seat, the Varanasi graduates' constituency, where its candidate Ashutosh Sinha has maintained a steady lead over BJP candidate Kedar Nath Singh.
Uttar Pradesh Transformed Under Modis Leadership, Says CM Yogi Adityanath
CM Yogi Adityanath highlights the transformation of Uttar Pradesh under PM Modis guidance, emphasizing speed, scale, and connectivity. Uttar Pradesh Transformed Under Modis Leadership, Says CM Yogi Adityanath
Safety, connectivity crucial to strengthening tourism, economy
Criminals now selling bananas in Uttar Pradesh: Harsh Gujral to CM
Yogis 8-Frame Reel Captures New UPs Growth Story
Court orders FIR against 20 cops for fake case against man-son
Hanuman Ansh: Faith & folk music strikes a chord
Notices served, shops shut during FSDA quality check
Belongingness wrapped in affection for fasting ladies
Saadatganj triple murder: Cops seek PCR of main accused, two still missing
UP in drivers seat against hosts Puducherry
Nepali crypto scam accused caught at Lucknow airport with Indian passport
Formalin spill on Kisan Path neutralised after 32 hrs
Cyclone may bring rain, thunder to parts of UP
SGPGIMS to set aside Rs 4 crore annually for residents research
Free breast cancer screening at Kalyan Instt
LU starts biometric verification of scholarship applicants
Triple murder accused is a state-level shooter
UP MLC polls: BJP, SP end contest with a 6-5 scoreline
BJP Retains 5 Of 6, Gains 1; SP Retains 3, Gains 2
ED attaches Azam Khan's university in money laundering probe
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached the land and buildings of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, promoted by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. The agency alleges diversion of government funds for public works and illegal land occupation, estimating the current market value of the attached property at Rs 1,170 crore.
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Marks Major Expansion with Four New Showrooms in One Day
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 28: Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, a jewellery retail brand with a legacy dating back to 1940, has expanded its retail presence by opening four new showrooms in a single day across Bahraich, Bettiah, Lucknow and Mirzapur. With these launches, the company's store network has grown from 16 to 20 stores. It aims to expand this network to 30 stores by March 2028, strengthening its presence across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Uttar Pradesh 2027 Elections: Hardois Political Landscape Shifts as Parties Gear Up
As 2027 elections approach, Hardois political significance rises with parties strategizing for a competitive race. Uttar Pradesh 2027 Elections: Hardois Political Landscape Shifts as Parties Gear Up
Diwali gift: Free LPG refills for 2.69 lakh Ujjwala families in Varanasi
Bangladeshi nationals held for theft in Sarnath
Kashi temple flowers find new life as incense, dhoop and herbal products
3 of a family killed in Mirzapur road accident
IIT-BHU to award 2,048 degrees at 15th convocation on Oct 31
Woman, 2 kids run over by train in Azamgarh
Cyclone Arnab Weakens, IMD Chief Warns Of Flooding Risk | Exclusive
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra explains Cyclone Arnab's movement, its landfall and its weakening from a very severe to a severe cyclonic storm. Andhra Pradesh has been the worst affected, followed by Odisha. The IMD chief warns that risks will persist while wind speeds remain high, advises fishermen to stay away from the sea and urges people in affected areas to remain indoors unless necessary. Rainfall warnings have also been issued for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for October 29 and 30, with heavy rain posing a risk of localised flooding and inundation in low-lying areas. Watch the exclusive interview for the latest on Cyclone Arnab and the IMD's warnings.
Congress Scores Zero In 4-State MLC Polls, BJP Turns Up The Heat | Top News Of Oct 28, 2026
The BJP has intensified its attack on Congress after the party failed to win a single seat in MLC elections across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at Congress over its zero-seat tally, while BJP chief Nitin Nabin and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mocked the partys performance.
Recounting of votes wont halt PDAs march to victory: Akhilesh
North Central Railway enhances winter safety measures
Gaushalas to be illuminated, Gau Pujan, other events to be held during Diwali
Birth anniversary of Sardar Patel to be observed as National Unity Day on Oct 31
City may witness storm, heavy rain till Oct 31
70th state school cricket championship: Kanpur division beats Ayodhya by 71 runs
IIT-K to host three-day literary festival from Oct 29
UP Board proposes 116 exam centres for high school, intermediate exams in Kanpur
Kannauj police arrest man in attempted murder case
20-year-old youth found dead outside neighbours house
Minor found hanging; kin accuse loader driver of assault
Man arrested for extortion, sexual exploitation
SP scores big win in Alld-Jhansi graduate MLC seat
Expedite construction of Varanasi medical college: Pathak
Kanpur DM directs timely, quality completion of road projects
Rehab centre ex-employee to be chargesheeted in obscene video circulation case
Fatehpur women cops get surprise leave for Karwa Chauth
Prayagraj woman presumed dead resurfaces in Gujarat after 3 years
Prayagraj's cow dung-lac diyas to illuminate Diwali overseas
SRN hospital opens dedicated medicine emergency unit
Indira marathon route unchanged, repairs and traffic plan set
UPPSC declares LT Grade maths result; 710 qualify, 383 posts vacant
Ruckus in court: Identify lawyers for contempt proceedings, orders HC
Aadhaar cannot prove age for marriage registration: HC
Students at Siddharth University take anti-drug pledge
MLC Election: BJP protest during counting at Pahadiya Mandi
Dont blame the process, introspect: Rajasthan CM advises Congress on MLC poll defeat
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 28 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has criticised the Congress for questioning the electoral process following repeated election defeats, saying the party should introspect on its leadership, policies and declining public support instead of blaming the system. Sharma said that whether elections are conducted through ballot papers or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), questioning the process cannot change the people's mandate when voters have distanced themselves from a political party. He cited elections to 28 Legislative Council (MLC) seats in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka, conducted using ballot papers, to question the Congress's electoral performance. He said the results should prompt the party to examine the reasons behind its setbacks rather than raise questions about the electoral process. The Chief Minister alleged that despite repeated electoral defeats, the Congress was unwilling to acknowledge its weaknesses or establish accountability within its leadership. Instead of undertaking a serious review of its performance, the party was questioning the electoral system, he said. Sharma maintained that the Congress needed to look beyond EVMs and assess its leadership, policies and diminishing support among voters to understand the reasons for its electoral losses. Emphasising the importance of democratic values, Sharma said the people's verdict was paramount in a democracy and every political party had a responsibility to respect it. He argued that accepting the mandate and taking responsibility for electoral setbacks were essential to maintaining democratic conventions. The Chief Minister also called on the Congress to undertake introspection and identify the factors contributing to its declining electoral fortunes. According to him, questioning the electoral process without addressing internal weaknesses would not help the party regain public confidence. Sharma's remarks come amid the continuing political debate over electoral accountability and allegations concerning the voting process. His criticism centred on the need for political parties to accept election results and focus on strengthening their connection with voters. He reiterated that the Congress should identify the shortcomings in its leadership and policies rather than attribute its defeats to the electoral system, stressing that public trust remained central to electoral success
Life Imprisonment For Man Who Murdered Wife, Faked Abduction
A court in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced Dharmendra Tiwari alias Pappu to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife. Tiwari had initially attempted to mislead police by falsely reporting a robbery and his wife's abduction in 2011, but investigations revealed he had murdered her.
UP: Former BJP MP blames unsuitable candidate for defeat in Agra Teachers constituency
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Former Rajya Sabha member Harnam Singh Yadav has attributed the BJPs defeat in the Agra Division Teachers constituency of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council to the selection of an unsuitable candidate, saying the party had effectively lost the election the moment the nomination was announced. In a post on X, Yadav expressed strong dissatisfaction over the choice of the candidate, stating that the person had no connection with the teachers of the region, had never raised their concerns, and lacked understanding of the issues faced by the teaching community. It is beyond comprehension why such an individual was chosen as a candidate, he wrote. Yadav asserted that the decision to field a candidate disconnected from the electorate proved decisive. He said the moment the BJP announced the name, the outcome of the election was virtually sealed against the party. The former MP called upon the party leadership to conduct a serious review of the reasons behind the defeats across all seats where the BJP performed poorly. Emphasising the need for greater diligence in future, Yadav urged the leadership to exercise extreme caution while selecting candidates. He indicated that fielding individuals with a genuine connect to the concerned community and a track record of addressing their issues was essential for electoral success. The remarks by the former Rajya Sabha member come in the backdrop of the recent MLC election results, in which the BJP faced setbacks in certain teachers constituencies. Yadavs public criticism is significant as it reflects internal discontent over the ticket distribution process. Yadavs statement points out the view within sections of the party that organisational decisions, rather than broader political trends, contributed to the loss in Agra Division. The BJP leadership has not yet issued an official response to Yadavs remarks. Party sources said feedback from various stakeholders is usually examined after elections as part of internal assessments.
How many did Congress win?: HM Amit Shah blasts Rahul Gandhi over MLC poll results
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a swipe at the Congress party for failing to win a single seat in the biennial Legislative Council (MLC) elections across four states with a social media post on Wednesday. Taking to X, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader wrote in Hindi, which, roughly translated, means How many out of 28 did the Congress win 0, adding a barb, resign, Ballot Box in an apparent reference to the point that these polls were not held using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that the Congress has repeatedly been alleging as being manipulated. The accompanying illustration features what appears to be the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, sitting and staring at the results. Though MLC results do not determine future Parliamentary or Assembly poll outcomes, they do reflect political influence among specific sections of the society. The MLC elections were limited franchise contests involving graduates and teachers rather than the broader electorate. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Karnataka, with Janata Dal (Secular) a constituent, secured a clear 4-0 sweep in the state, leaving the ruling Congress in a quandary. In Uttar Pradesh, the principal contest was between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP), where the former secured victories in multiple constituencies, while the latter won key teachers seats and remained the primary Opposition force. Bihar results reflected a fragmented Opposition landscape, with the BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United) winning several seats, the RJD registering a victory, JSP opening its account, and independents securing wins. The trend continued to be reflected in Maharashtra as well, with the Congress drawing a blank everywhere. The results come amidst the Congress partys renewed thrust at launching Rahul Gandhi in a new, aggressive leadership role and as the face of a united Opposition.
Weather Tomorrow: Met Department Forecasts Widespread Rain Across North India After Cyclone Arnab
An approaching western disturbance will interact with moisture influx from Cyclone Arnab and bring rains in Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Results were declared in all but one seat - Nagpur Graduates' constituency in Maharashtra which is heading for a nail-biting finish involving BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale and Congress' sitting MLC Abhijeet Wanjari.
Congress cites 'sting operation', says Prayagraj students sell blood to fund education, hostel costs
Students forced to sell blood to fund education in UP, alleges Congress
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of failing students, alleging that financially vulnerable youngsters were being forced to sell their blood to meet expenses on education, coaching and hostel accommodation. Addressing a press conference at the Congress office in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and national media coordinator Abhay Dubey raised concerns over scholarship cuts, examination paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and student suicides'. They alleged that the states education system was in disarray. Gautam referred to a sting operation by a media organisation that allegedly exposed the exploitation of economically disadvantaged students in Prayagraj. He claimed that middlemen operating around the blood bank of the Allahabad Medical Association were identifying financially distressed hostel residents and inducing them to sell blood using forged documents. Students were paid Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per unit, while recipients were charged up to Rs 8,000, the leaders alleged. Gautam warned that repeated blood donation could pose serious health risks and questioned why students had to resort to such measures to continue their education. The Congress leader also claimed that nearly five lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Uttar Pradesh had been deprived of scholarships. He said the Centres contribution towards post-matric scholarships for SC students in the state had fallen from Rs 674.83 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 366.02 crore in 2024-25. Gautam slammed the government for not revising scholarship income eligibility criteria and increasing financial assistance in line with inflation. He also highlighted alleged examination paper leaks and recruitment tests cancelled since 2018. He alleged that repeated irregularities had undermined students preparation and career prospects. Citing figures on student suicides, he claimed that an average of 132 students died by suicide every month in the state. Dubey accused the BJP government of failing to protect students interests, alleging that examination scams and the rising cost of education were pushing young people into distress. He also called for accountability over alleged links between people associated with those in power and paper-leak cases.
People rejected anarchistic politics: Nitin Nabin on Congs zero score in MLC polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday claimed that the Congress had scored zero on ballot papers in the recent MLC elections held in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, asserting that the public was repeatedly rejecting what he termed the partys anarchistic politics. In a post on X, Nabin said the results showed that whether through EVMs or ballot papers, the peoples trust and blessings remained firmly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congresss score on ballot papers too is 0 in the MLC elections of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh! The public is repeatedly rejecting Congresss anarchistic politics outright. Be it EVM or ballot, the publics trust and blessings are only with the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendramodi ji, he wrote. The BJP presidents remarks come in the backdrop of the oppositions sustained campaign questioning the integrity of electronic voting machines and alleging large-scale electoral irregularities. By highlighting the Congresss poor performance even in elections conducted through the traditional ballot system, Nabin sought to counter the oppositions narrative against EVMs. Party leaders interpreted the results as a clear endorsement of the Modi governments policies and a rejection of the Congresss political approach. They argued that the outcomes in the four states reflected the growing disconnect between the Congress and the electorate. Nabins statement is part of the BJPs broader strategy to project the Prime Ministers continued popularity and to dismiss opposition claims of electoral manipulation. The party has maintained that the Congress is raising the EVM issue only to cover up its own organisational and political failures. The MLC elections in the four states had been keenly watched as indicators of the relative strengths of the major political parties. According to the BJP, the Congresss inability to open its account in these contests underscores the publics preference for the ruling dispensation at the Centre. As political temperatures rise ahead of upcoming assembly and other elections, both the BJP and the Congress are expected to intensify their campaigns around issues of electoral integrity, governance and public trust. Nabins post indicates that the BJP will continue to project recent electoral outcomes as a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Modis leadership.
Gym Trainer Arrested for Online Fraud in Gujarat, Duping Victim of
A gym trainer from Uttar Pradesh was arrested for his role in duping a Surat resident of 5.88 lakh through an online scam. Gym Trainer Arrested for Online Fraud in Gujarat, Duping Victim of 5.88 Lakh
No slogans, just look at results: Hardik Patels dig at Congress over MLC results
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 28 (IANS) Gujarat BJP MLA Hardik Patel on Wednesday took a swipe at the Congress over its performance in Legislative Council elections across four states, highlighting that the polls were conducted using ballot papers, but the party failed to win a single seat. In a post on social media platform X, Patel wrote: 4 major states. 28 MLC seats. Elections conducted using ballot papers! Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Now, take a guess: how many of these 28 seats did Congress actually win? No slogans. No excuses. Just look at the results! The post came amid counting and the declaration of results for 28 Legislative Council seats across the four states. The Congress failed to secure a victory in the election cycle, with the results providing ammunition for the BJP to question the Opposition partys arguments in favour of ballot papers amid its allegations concerning electronic voting machines (EVMs). The outcome in Karnataka was a particular setback for the Congress, which is in power in the state. The BJP-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance swept the four Legislative Council seats there, including the Bengaluru Teachers constituency previously held by the Congress. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won four seats, and the Samajwadi Party secured two, while counting continued in other constituencies. Bihar also witnessed setbacks for established parties. Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party won its first Legislative Council seat after its candidate Suresh Rai defeated former Bihar Congress president Madan Mohan Jha in the Darbhanga Teachers constituency. The Rashtriya Janata Dal also wrested the Patna Teachers seat from five-term BJP MLC Nawal Kishore Yadav. Counting for other constituencies was continuing, while results in Maharashtra were still emerging. Patels intervention carries an added political dimension given his own journey from being a prominent critic of the BJP to becoming one of its legislators in Gujarat. He rose to prominence in 2015 as the face of the Patidar reservation agitation, which challenged the then BJP-led state government. The movement made him a significant political figure ahead of the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections, when the Congress improved its performance against the BJP. Patel joined the Congress in March 2019 and was appointed working president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee in July 2020. However, differences with the party leadership grew, and he resigned from the Congress on May 18, 2022, criticising its functioning and leadership. He formally joined the BJP on June 2, 2022, in Gandhinagar, subsequently receiving the partys ticket from Viramgam for the Gujarat Assembly elections. Patel won the seat in December 2022, defeating Aam Aadmi Party candidate Amarsinh Thakor by more than 51,000 votes, and entered the Assembly as a BJP MLA. His latest post continues his criticism of his former party, using the ballot-paper results to challenge the Congresss political messaging on electoral processes.
'Zero Check Karlo Bhai': Piyush Goyal mocks Congress with AI-generated swipe at Rahul Gandhi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday shared an AI-generated image targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the party failed to win any of the 28 seats contested in Legislative Council elections across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. The image posted by Goyal depicted Rahul Gandhi as an employee at a petrol station. A fuel dispenser in the image displayed the names of the four states where the elections were held, while the meter showed figures reading .00, symbolising the Congress party's tally in the elections. Sharing the image on social media, Goyal captioned it, ero check karlo Bhai. The post was part of a broader social media campaign launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders following the election results. The BJP used the outcome to attack the Congress, highlighting the party's failure to secure a single seat in the contests held across the four states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several BJP leaders also took aim at the Congress over its repeated criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and its demand for a return to ballot-paper voting. The ruling party argued that the election outcome undermined the opposition's allegations regarding the electoral process. Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of politicising issues and casting baseless aspersions on Indian industry following his remark that the Tata Group was being criminally destroyed. Being the Leader of the Opposition, I suggest you refrain from politicising every issue. Also, casually labelling commercial and legal matters as criminal is unacceptable, the Finance Minister said in a post on X. Gandhi had alleged that Indian businesses were being treated as the plaything of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Tata is being criminally destroyed, and no business leader dares say a word. How long will you stay silent? Until they own you? the Congress leader had said.
MoS Somanna sees 2028 message in NDAs council poll sweep
Union Minister of State V Somanna highlighted the Congress party's failure in recent Legislative Council elections across multiple states. He pointed out that Congress did not secure any seats in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, or Uttar Pradesh. Somanna used these results to challenge Congress's claims regarding electronic voting machines and alleged electoral fraud. The outcomes are perceived as a negative reflection on the Congress government in Karnataka.
UP Court Awards Life Term To Three In Murder Case
A court in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district has sentenced a man's wife, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law to life imprisonment for his murder. The case dates back to June 24, 2009, when the victim, Shivlal Pasi, allegedly died by consuming poison after being harassed by his in-laws. The court convicted the three based on evidence and witness statements, also imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 on each.
ED attaches Azam Khan's Jauhar University worth Rs 1,170 crore in money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached the land and buildings of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur in a major money laundering investigation involving Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. The central agency said on Wednesday that the property, promoted by the jailed former minister, has an estimated current market value of Rs 1,170 crore. The ED has issued a provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), covering 59 buildings on the university campus. The agency has alleged that government funds meant for public infrastructure and civic works were diverted to construct and develop the private educational institution.
PM Modi mocks Congress for failing to win MLC elections across four states using ballot papers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Congress party for not winning any seats in recent elections. Despite their demands for ballot papers, Congress failed to secure positions in the Legislative Council. The elections took place in four major states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka. BJP gained five seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, while Congress did not win any.
