The severe post-Diwali air pollution crisis across North India has snowballed into a fierce political confrontation. While Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath robustly defended festive fireworks, opposition leaders launched blistering attacks against the administration
Chhath rush: Indian Railways rolls out massive preparations as thousands head home
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) With Chhath Puja approaching, railway stations across the country are witnessing a massive surge in passenger footfall as thousands of people head to their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the festival with their families. From Delhi and Mumbai to Varanasi, Howrah, Lucknow and other major railway hubs, crowds of passengers can be seen gathering at platforms and station premises, creating an unprecedented rush during the festive travel period. In view of the heavy passenger movement, Indian Railways has stepped up its preparations, introducing a series of measures aimed at ensuring safe, smooth and organised travel. Several arrangements have been made at several stations to manage the festive rush. These include special trains, additional reserved and unreserved services, designated passenger holding areas, enhanced security arrangements, and round-the-clock monitoring. The huge rush is particularly visible at Delhi's Anand Vihar Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station. Large numbers of passengers are gathering to board trains at these stations to their hometowns ahead of Chhath Puja. Passengers carrying luggage and travelling with their families can be seen waiting for trains. Many of these passengers are opting for general-class tickets. Some passengers acknowledged that the arrangements were satisfactory. However, some pointed to the massive crowds at the station. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the improved infrastructure and crowd-management arrangements at New Delhi Railway Station. One passenger told IANS that the creation of separate areas helped reduce congestion compared with previous years. This is how the station experience is considerably better, he added. The tremendous pressure on railway infrastructure during the festive season has been analysed by the railways. The Northern Railway has announced the operation of 31 special trains from major stations in the Delhi area to facilitate passenger movement on a high-demand travel day. Officials said that additional reserved and unreserved services are also being operated on important routes to accommodate the increased demand. Central Railway has introduced precautionary measures at major stations in Mumbai to prevent overcrowding. Unhindered passenger movement is being ensured. According to Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila, the sale of platform tickets has been suspended at major stations across its divisions, broadly between November 5 and 15, depending on the location. Moreover, parcel traffic has been suspended for around eight to ten days at key stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). The move is intended to free up space and prevent congestion so that passengers boarding and alighting from trains do not face inconvenience. Special arrangements have been made at Varanasi Junction to deal with the anticipated increase in passenger footfall. The Railways have established a dedicated holding area where passengers can wait in an organised manner before boarding their respective trains. Help desks have also been set up at both entry gates to assist passengers and provide necessary information. Similar arrangements are being implemented across Eastern Railway stations. At Howrah, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are continuously monitoring passenger movement through a dedicated control room to ensure effective crowd management. TTEs and RPF staff are working in close coordination to regulate queues, guide passengers towards their designated coaches and facilitate systematic boarding. A specially designated passenger holding area with carpeted flooring has also been created at Howrah Station to provide Chhath-bound passengers with a more comfortable waiting experience. A medical booth has been made available to provide immediate medical assistance to passengers in need. The festive atmosphere is also being reflected at railway stations. At Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in Chandauli, traditional Chhath songs are being played through loudspeakers, bringing a touch of the festival to the railway premises. Passengers have welcomed the initiative, with many appreciating the festive ambience as they begin their journey home. Holding areas have also been created at stations such as Ballia to ensure that passengers can wait safely without overcrowding platforms. Travellers have expressed gratitude for these facilities, acknowledging the efforts being made by railway authorities to improve passenger convenience. Across the network, the Railways is also relying on AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, additional security personnel and coordinated monitoring to keep a close watch on passenger movement. These measures are intended to identify potential congestion points, regulate crowds and ensure that boarding and alighting take place in a controlled manner. The Railways has also expanded festive connectivity through additional reserved and unreserved special services. Unreserved special trains are being operated between Muzaffarpur and Howrah, as well as Jaynagar and Sealdah, to cater to the large number of passengers travelling towards Bihar, West Bengal and adjoining regions. Special services from Mumbai towards Gorakhpur are also providing relief to passengers travelling home. Travellers aboard the CSMT-Gorakhpur special train have appreciated the seating facilities and arrangements, expressing satisfaction with the efforts of Central Railway. The festive travel arrangements also include additional services towards Patna, including Vande Bharat and other special trains, alongside enhanced crowd-management measures. Passengers have acknowledged the availability of additional trains and improved station facilities, particularly during the busy Chhath travel period. As millions of devotees prepare to return home to observe Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, the challenge before the Railways is not merely to run additional trains but also to manage the enormous crowds gathering at stations. With passengers travelling with families, children and heavy luggage, even routine boarding and alighting operations can become challenging during peak hours, say officials. The creation of holding areas, suspension of platform ticket sales at selected stations, temporary restrictions on parcel traffic, enhanced security deployment, and dedicated passenger assistance facilities are therefore crucial to maintaining order, they add. The Railways has urged passengers to rely on official railway announcements and information rather than rumours or misleading social media reports regarding train services and festive arrangements.
Man freed in 2008 Rampur CRPF camp attack case shot dead near police station
Mohammad Sharif, a man once sentenced to death over the attack on the CRPF Group Centre in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, was shot dead on Tuesday by two motorcycle-borne gunmen. He was not a CRPF member. He was one of the accused in the 2008 attack on the forces camp, and the killing came about a [] The post Man freed in 2008 Rampur CRPF camp attack case shot dead near police station appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Keshav Prasad Maurya Criticizes Akhilesh Yadavs Political Aspirations
Uttar Pradeshs Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya warns Akhilesh Yadav against arrogance, claiming BJP will win again in 2027. Keshav Prasad Maurya Criticizes Akhilesh Yadavs Political Aspirations
An HC acquittal failed to shield Mohammed Sharif from prejudice
Uttar Pradesh: Bike-borne assailants pumped about 16 bullets into the body of a Muslim man while he was returning home from the Rampur Police Station in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, November 10. The deceased, Mohammad Sharif, was an accused in the 2008 Rampur Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre attack case that snatched away 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 .
Former MP Arvind Chaudhary Joins BJP Ahead of UP Assembly Elections
Arvind Chaudhary and Anil Yadav join BJP, boosting party strength ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. Former MP Arvind Chaudhary Joins BJP Ahead of UP Assembly Elections
Uttar Pradesh Ministers Criticize Akhilesh Yadav Over Alleged Focus on Muslim Votes
Uttar Pradesh ministers target Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of prioritizing Muslim votes over state development. Uttar Pradesh Ministers Criticize Akhilesh Yadav Over Alleged Focus on Muslim Votes
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Distributes 1,146 Job Letters, Releases
Recruitment drive and accident-relief payments spotlight jobs and financial support for farming families in Uttar Pradesh.
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 11 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday lent support to the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations and also called out the political opponents over 'meltdown' on its impact on pollution levels. If the people set off fireworks, many raised an alarm over air pollution. If it has happened, it will also dissipate, the Chief Minister said, addressing the audience. Calling out Opposition's track record, Chief Minister Adityanath questioned as to why similar concern was not raised against those who polluted the entire system with their misdeeds. The Chief Minister also said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Uttar Pradesh government had decided against imposing any restrictions or prohibitions, so that people could celebrate the festival wholeheartedly even if it led to some rise in air pollution. We decided not to impose any prohibitions. I, too, was in the middle of fireworks in Ayodhya, he remarked. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's endorsement of firecrackers for Diwali celebrations came during his address at an appointment letter distribution program, where he handed over letters to more than 1,000 newly recruited junior assistants in the Revenue department. The Chief Minister's comments came amid the raging national debate over the need and urgency to ban firecrackers for making the cities livable. He compared the criticism against one day of celebrations to what he termed silence over systemic wrongdoing. Slamming the previous dispensations, Chief Minister Adityanath said that before the BJP government formation in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, riots would break out beforehand even before the onstart of festivals like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Janmashtami, Shivratri, Christmas, Eid, Guru Purab, or Makar Sankranti. He also said that 'Munna Bhais' operated in the government recruitment system, before 2017. Before 2017, 'Munna Bhais' were operating in the government and the recruitment process. One person would appear for the examination, while someone else would receive the appointment letter. Several such appointments took place before 2017, the Chief Minister claimed.
President's Bodyguard Saurabh Tomar Shot In Head In Baghpat, Names Shooter In Hospital Video
A member of President Droupadi Murmu's bodyguard team, Saurabh Tomar, was shot in the head during a dispute over firecrackers on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district. The incident took place in Gopalpur Khadana village, where an argument between neighbours
Watch: Yogi Adityanath dismisses Deepavali pollution concerns, says it will subside
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defends bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, dismisses pollution concerns and questions critics over their silence on corruption.
Supreme Court directs Uttar Pradesh to identify undertrials jailed despite bail conditions
The News Mill
The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to undertake an exercise across all districts to identify undertrial prisoners who continue to remain in jail despite being granted bail due to their inability to fulfil bail conditions, including furnishing sureties. A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale clarified that the exercise must cover all such prisoners, irrespective of whether they are represented by private lawyers or have sought assistance from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The apex court said the DLSAs must extend assistance to all undertrials who are unable to secure their release after being granted bail. It emphasised that there cannot be any distinction between prisoners represented by private counsel and those receiving legal aid, as the underlying difficulty in both cases is the inability to comply with the bail conditions imposed by the trial courts. The bench made it clear that the proceedings cannot be treated as adversarial litiga...
Mau Drug Bust: CBN Seizes Mephedrone Worth Rs 15 Crore
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has busted a clandestine synthetic drug manufacturing facility in Mau district, Uttar Pradesh, seizing 11.65 kilograms of mephedrone, precursor chemicals, and laboratory equipment. Two persons were arrested in the operation, which also led to the seizure of chemicals worth an estimated Rs 15 crore. This is part of CBN's ongoing efforts, having busted six such labs this year.
Demonetisation will prove to be'vote ban' for BJP; UP battle now at 95-5: Akhilesh Yadav
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 11 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav, in a scathing critique of the BJP-led dispensation, described the demonetisation (note ban) as the most corrupt decision in the worlds history and warned that this will prove to be a vote ban for the ruling party in the state. Addressing a press conference here, Akhilesh Yadav said that the countrys economy suffered a death blow due to the note ban, imposed by the Narendra Modi government in 2016, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) witnessed the worst setback. He alleged that demonetisation failed to achieve its stated objectives, hurt small businesses and MSMEs, and damaged the countrys banking system. Notably, the Central government had brought demonetisation of high-value currency notes, effective from November 8, 2016, for reining in rampant tax evasion and curbing the influence of black money. Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the demonetisation will lead to a vote ban for the BJP, asserting that the electoral battle in Uttar Pradesh would not be an '80-20' or '20-80' contest, rather, it would be '95-5' now, implying that the BJP would be completely wiped out. He also took a Khazanchi dig at the BJP, stating that the boy born during demonetisation has now turned ten years old, yet the BJP never once celebrated his birthday. The BJP should now 'adopt' himthough not in the same way its leaders 'adopted' villages. To this day, it is the Samajwadi family that continues to look after Khazanchi and his education, he remarked. Calling out the economic failures under the present government, he said that BJP leaders talk about 2047 but decisions like demonetisation have actually set the country's economy back, much to what it looks like 1947. He also challenged the BJP leadership for an open debate on the issue. The SP President targeted the Yogi Adityanath government over the state's law and order situation, asserting that corruption in Uttar Pradesh has reached its peak and cited instances like Hathras and others to question the law and order situation in the state. He further claimed that the people of Uttar Pradesh have made up their minds in favour of the Samajwadi Party. He reiterated that the BJP will face a crushing defeat in the upcoming elections and that the states political landscape is set to change.
Akhilesh Yadav marks ten years since demonetization with sharp criticism of the BJP, predicting a significant electoral shift in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP on Demonetizations Anniversary, Predicts Major Electoral Shift in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has questioned the criticism over firecrackers during Diwali. He said people should be allowed to enjoy the festival and added that any pollution caused by the celebrations would eventually go away. He also accused critics
A night of Bollywood, fireworks and festive fervor
UP Anganwadi Sant Kabir Nagar Anganwadi Helper Recruitment 2026
Uttar Pradesh Anganwadi Sant Kabir Nagar has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 112 Anganwadi Sahayika posts. Online applications will be accepted till 06 December 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, upanganwadibharti.in.
Ayodhya has emerged as a major political battleground in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Assembly elections, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav scheduled to visit the Ram Temple next month. Several BJP leaders have criticised...
UP CM Adityanath dismisses Diwali pollution concerns, says it will subside
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended Diwali firecracker celebrations, playing down concerns over the resulting rise in pollution. Saying the pollution would subside, he questioned why critics were not equally vocal about those who had allegedly polluted the system through corruption, and said his government had imposed no restrictions.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dismissed concerns over pollution caused by Diwali celebrations, saying, don't worry; pollution would be mitigated as well. Addressing a government programme in Lucknow, Adityanath said people had celebrated Diwali with enthusiasm, and there was no need to be overly concerned about the pollution issue.He also criticised a section of people for remaining silent against who polluted the entire system with their corrupt misdeeds. If the public burst crackers one day, it created pollution! If pollution occurred, it would be mitigated as well. No problem. It is good that people celebrated Diwali with 'dhoom-dhadaka' and burst crackers. We decided not to impose any prohibitions, he said.
Dowry Harassment: 5 Booked In Ballia
A man and four of his family members have been booked in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly subjecting his wife to cruelty over dowry. The complaint states the husband misrepresented his income before marriage, leading to harassment for additional dowry.
Bike lessons as bait: 12-year-old kidnapped, strangled in UP forest; 2 held after encounter
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday defended the Diwali celebrations amid criticism over pollution, saying people who burst crackers should not be blamed while those who polluted the entire system go unquestioned. He was speaking at an appointment letter distribution programme where he handed over letters to 1,146 newly recruited junior assistants. He also disbursed
Hyderabad set for grand Chhath Puja celebrations at 28 venues
Hyderabad: Preparations are underway for Chhath Puja celebrations in Hyderabad. The celebrations are being organised by the Bihar Association. In the city, the celebrations will take place on November 14, 15 and 16. Devotees from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal are expected to participate in large numbers and offer prayers to 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 .
Yogi Adityanath to Distribute Appointment Letters to 1,146 Junior Assistants in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will distribute appointment letters to 1,146 junior assistants while supporting farmers with financial aid in Lucknow. Yogi Adityanath to Distribute Appointment Letters to 1,146 Junior Assistants in Uttar Pradesh
Body of Young Man Found in Banda Forest, Gunshot Wound Discovered
A young mans body was found in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, with a gunshot wound to the head, prompting an investigation into the circumstances. Body of Young Man Found in Banda Forest, Gunshot Wound Discovered
President's bodyguard jawan shot in head after dispute over firecracker in UP's Baghpat, critical
A 26-year-old man, serving as the President's bodyguard, was seriously injured after he was shot in the head following a dispute over bursting firecrackers during Diwali in Uttar Pradesh 's Baghpat district, police said. According to the police, the incident took place at Gopalpur Khadana village under Ramala police station area.
EC bars re-employed retd govt officials from political activities during polls
No property tax relief for petrol pumps under UPs proposed tax reform
Yogi greets people on Bhai Dooj, Chitragupta Jayanti
City records 4.8k emergency distress calls
UP cancels staff leave for Chhath Puja
5 held after clash at firecracker market in Azamgarh
4cr drugs seized, four traffickers held
Yogi to hand job letters to 1,146 revenue dept recruits today
Anganwadi workers thank govt for hike
Villager beaten to death in Jaunpur; 8 named in FIR
21 quintal bhog offered, procession taken out at KV Dham on Annakoot
One killed, two hurt as car hits tree while avoiding nilgai in Azamgarh
Muslim women perform Maha Aarti as city celebrates Diwali
19K students enrolled under coaching plan
Man killed in gambling row, pradhan surrenders
Shopkeeper, 5 kin beaten over credit refusal in Mirzapur
Experts discuss ways for achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Youth found hanging at home in Gorakhpur; kin allege murder
20-yr-old woman found hanging at finance firm office in Gorakhpur; kin allege murder
Bihar parties eye UP turf, but poll gains wont be easy
15 lakh visit Ayodhya in a week, homestays cash in on Deepotsav rush
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511 quintals of Chhappan Bhog offered to Maa Annapurna on Annakoot
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Take justice closer to people; resolve grievances at thana, tehsil levels: CM
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Ex-SP functionary among 8 booked for celebratory firing, video goes viral
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Three children suffer burns in Sultanpur after explosion in pot filled with firecracker gunpowder
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Five held for illegal sutli bomb manufacturing, sale in Bahraich; 17.5 kg explosives seized
Speeding truck hits migrant workers tractor-trolley on Purvanchal Expressway; 1 dead, 16 injured
TN Invites Applications For Financial Aid For Buddhist, Jain And Sikh Pilgrimages
Eligible pilgrimage destinations for Buddhist applicants include key spiritual centres such as Bodh Gaya and Rajgir-Vaishali in Bihar, Kushinagar and Sarnath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and Lumbini in Nepal.
Ballia celebrates former PM Chandra Shekhars oath-taking anniversary with grand Deepotsav
Digital Desk | Ballia, Nov 10 (IANS) A grand Deepotsav was organised at Chandra Shekhar Park in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of Chandra Shekhar taking the oath as the Prime Minister of India on November 10, 1990. The special event, organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), paid tribute not only to the former Prime Minister, late Chandra Shekhar, but also to other eminent personalities associated with Ballia. Lamps were lit in front of Chandra Shekhars statue, and statues of prominent personalities installed at various locations across the district. His son and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Shekhar said the initiative was aimed at remembering his father while expressing respect and gratitude towards all the great personalities associated with the land of Ballia. Recalling the historic day, Neeraj Shekhar said his father had taken the oath of office as Prime Minister on November 10, 1990. To mark the occasion, it was decided that lamps would be lit not just at Chandra Shekhars statue but also in front of statues of other distinguished personalities across the district. He expressed happiness over the enthusiastic participation of young people, who actively supported the initiative and lit lamps at various locations. Neeraj Shekhar said the tribute was not limited to Ballia, as people from several parts of the country also participated in the campaign. He received calls from places such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Uttarakhand. People in Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, besides Uttar Pradesh, also responded to his appeal by lighting lamps. He highlighted his father's special connection with Haryana and said he was deeply moved by the affection and respect shown by people from different parts of the country. Expressing gratitude to everyone who participated, Neeraj Shekhar particularly appreciated the young generation for remembering the former Prime Minister. He said many of the participating youngsters might have been born after his father's demise, making their enthusiasm and willingness to honour his legacy especially meaningful. According to Neeraj Shekhar, nearly 10,000 earthen lamps were lit at Chandra Shekhar Park. Lamps were also illuminated at statues of the former Prime Minister in Devsthali and along the roadside. Across the district, the initiative covered around 70 locations, where lamps were lit in front of 70 statues of prominent personalities. He said the central message of the event was that all great personalities associated with Ballia deserve respect and will continue to inspire generations. The lighting of lamps was an effort to remember their contributions and preserve their legacy. Appealing to the youth, Neeraj Shekhar urged them to learn about the lives, ideals and contributions of the great personalities of Ballia. He stressed that every distinguished figure from the district deserved recognition and that their memories and achievements should be passed on to future generations. He expressed hope that young people would draw inspiration from their ideals and contribute towards the progress and development of Ballia.
Three friends killed after truck hits SUV on Agra-Lucknow eway
Dog beaten, hacked to death; case registered
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MUV Club drub Amar Club by 6 wickets in Saryaveer Gupta memorial T-20 cricket
Crackers worth Rs 10 crore burst in city
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Kanpur AQI hits hazardous levels, experts warn public
Kanpur celebrates Diwali with joy, festive traditions and prayers
SP functionary killed, 2 injured after car hits iron railing on eway
4 injured over firecrackers dispute in Knp; FIR lodged
Man killed by father-in-law over domestic dispute in Kanpur Dehat
4 killed, woman critical as car, bike plunge into pit after collision in Jalaun
Three killed, one critical as speeding Thar rams motorcycle in Kannauj
Fire breaks out in locked house; none hurt
Man Strangles Lover In Bijnor Over Marriage Demand
A married man in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly murdered his 26-year-old lover after she pressured him for marriage. He reportedly spiked her drink, strangled her, slit her throat, and dumped her body in bushes. Police have arrested the accused, Vikas, who confessed to the crime.
Congress Aims for Victory in 2027 Elections, Claims Ajay Rai
Ajay Rai criticizes PM Modis policies and expresses confidence in Congresss success in the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. Congress Aims for Victory in 2027 Elections, Claims Ajay Rai
Govt aims to turn 51,000 artisans into entrepreneurs
39 history sheets closed In Fatehpur
Annakoot festival celebrated at Jagannath Temple
Prayagraj air quality deteriorates sharply after Diwali, AQI hits 248
