Uttar Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh/ After Ayodhya, Badrinath, Donation Row Hits MPs Famous Shakti Temple, Probe Ordered

This is the third famous place of worship of Hindus after the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand, found to be embroiled in the donation theft row.

Government, corporates and global foundations join hands on PRAGATI to empower 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently launched PRAGATI, a nationwide initiative to build 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs and directly benefit 20 lakh smallholder farmers through climate-resilient, regenerative agriculture.    Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan launching the PRAGATI initiative   The programme is backed by a coalition of institutions including the PepsiCo Foundation, State Bank of India Foundation, Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation's International Association (SAFIA), Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), and Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF).   Building on an existing network of 26,000-plus agri-entrepreneurs that already supports 2.6 million farmers, PRAGATI aims to add 20,000 more entrepreneurs and reach over 2 million additional smallholders across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The initiative targets a 30% rise in farmer incomes and a 15-20% yield boost in paddy, maize and potato, with regenerative practices adopted by at least a fifth of participating farmers. Entrepreneurs will run 20,000 village-level kiosks offering agronomy advisory, soil health services, mechanization, credit linkages and market access, alongside a push for financial and digital inclusion.   Speaking at the launch, Chouhan said "the vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved without a developed agricultural sector and prosperous villages," adding that the government's focus extends beyond output to cutting cultivation costs, raising incomes, and promoting value addition and agri-entrepreneurship. He cited horticulture, livestock, fisheries and beekeeping, along with drones and digital advisory tools, as key levers for the sector's future, stressing that traditional farming alone will not be enough for small and marginal farmers.   Industry and philanthropic partners echoed that sense of urgency. Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact at PepsiCo and President of the PepsiCo Foundation, said farmers are "at the heart" of the company's business and that supporting their livelihoods is "essential to building a more resilient food system." Jagrut Kotecha, CEO of PepsiCo India and South Asia, called PRAGATI "a much needed intervention" bringing together partners with shared intent, reflecting the company's "Partnership of Progress" philosophy.   For SBI Foundation, the initiative marks a shift in banking's role in rural India. Its MD & CEO, Swapan Dhan, said PRAGATI is "not just about creating agri-entrepreneurs" but about building "a nationwide movement of local changemakers who will drive farmer prosperity, climate resilience, and financial inclusion".   International partners framed PRAGATI as a scalable model for the Global South. Alan Johnson of the Global AE Academy and IFC (World Bank Group) said the programme scales "a proven agri-entrepreneurship model" that turns rural youth and women into "catalysts of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable agricultural transformation." Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor-India at EDF, said it places "farmers and local entrepreneurs at the center of climate-smart, efficient solutions," combining data-driven insights with last-mile delivery. Dr. Simon Winter of SAFIA called it "a bold step towards enabling a new generation of rural changemakers to accelerate the transition to regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture."   Rina Soni, Executive Director of Passing Gifts Pvt. Ltd., a Heifer International subsidiary, said the platform treats farmers "not as passive beneficiaries" but as "entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers," with the potential to make farming "a profitable, sustainable, and aspirational choice for the next generation."   With its scale and multi-stakeholder design, PRAGATI is set to become India's largest privately led agri-entrepreneurship programme, positioning local entrepreneurs as central agents in building a more inclusive and climate-resilient rural economy.

Yogi Adityanath defends Ram temple trust; says Congress, SP trying to malign Ayodhya, Lord Ram's legacy

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the Ram temple Trust. He stated an SIT found evidence against only eight individuals involved in donation counting. Adityanath criticized opposition parties for attempting to defame Ayodhya and Lord Ram's legacy. The Chief Minister highlighted the Trust's recommendation for the Special Investigation Team probe. He emphasized that the entire Trust should not be blamed for a few individuals' actions.

CM Yogi Launches Cashless Medical Scheme for 12 Lakh Teachers, Announces Rs.1,200 DBT for 1.1 Crore Students

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a cashless medical scheme for 12 lakh teachers and announced a Rs.1,200 DBT for parents of 1.1 crore students to support educational expenses.

UP vigilance raids ex-transport officer's residence, recovers Rs 1.62 crore cash and gold worth Rs 20 crore

Uttar Pradesh Vigilance searched former ARTO Lalit Kumar's Lucknow residence for disproportionate assets. The searches recovered approximately 1.62 crore rupees in cash concealed within the premises. Valuables including thirteen kilograms of gold and nine kilograms of silver were also seized. Investigators identified ownership of at least fifteen properties across several Uttar Pradesh districts. The ongoing probe aims to determine the full extent of assets acquired beyond known income sources.

He was just 14 when he cracked JEE Advanced, now, this Hindi-medium student from UP is inspiring a generation of young learners

At just 14, Yuvraj from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, cleared JEE Advanced with a category rank of 1640 after preparing through a Hindi-medium online coaching programme. His achievement highlights how talent, dedication, and access to digital education can overcome barriers of language, location, and background. While his journey is exceptional, it also offers a broader lesson for parents and students about nurturing individual potential, encouraging curiosity, and creating supportive learning environments.

ED raids 11 locations in money laundering probe against UP ex-SP MLA Deep Narayan Singh Yadav

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at eleven locations in Jhansi and Lucknow. These searches are part of an ongoing money laundering investigation against a former Samajwadi Party MLA. The probe focuses on assets allegedly acquired through illicit means and criminal activities. Investigators are examining documents and digital devices seized during the operations. This action follows recent property attachments by Uttar Pradesh Police.

UP Cabinet approves Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission: one platform for founders

Uttar Pradesh has just handed its innovators a single front door. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh welfare upgrade: Fivefold boost in pensions announced for women, elderly

Uttar Pradesh has expanded social security for vulnerable groups. Pensions for the elderly and disabled have seen significant increases. Disability empowerment includes assistive devices and ID cards. Minority welfare programs address basic amenities and development needs. Food security and labor reforms aim for broader societal upliftment.

UP government's USTTAD scheme for artisans: Check eligibility, free training, stipend and other benefits

The USTTAD scheme aims to preserve India's rich traditional arts and crafts. It upgrades artisan skills and connects them to national and international markets. Minority youth are trained in traditional crafts through a guru-shishya model. Beneficiaries receive stipends and access to credit and market platforms. This initiative ensures a sustainable future for these valuable cultural practices.

ED raids ex-Samajwadi Party MLA Deep Narayan, his associates in Uttar Pradesh

The ED conducted searches in Jhansi and Lucknow as part of an ongoing investigation into former MLA Deep Narayan Singh Yadav. The probe aims to uncover evidence of illicit financial transactions and acquired assets. Incriminating documents and digital devices were seized during the extensive search operations. The investigation is based on allegations of disproportionate assets and money laundering.

Name any car that faced issues due to ethanol-blended petrol: Gadkari

Amid criticism of the mandate for E20 petrol (20 per cent ethanol-blended) sales and complaints about reduced fuel efficiency of vehicles, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday dared critics to identify a single car that faced problems due to the mixed fuel. Addressing the 'Viksit Bharat Conclave' here, Gadkari further said that India's dependence on fossil fuels is both an economic burden - as Rs 22 lakh crore is spent annually on fuel imports - and an environmental hazard, making clean energy adoption crucial for the nation's progress. There is no case of any car facing issues due to E20 petrol. Has there been any car in the country that faced issues due to the use of E20 petrol? Just name one. ...false narratives are being spread about the roll-out of higher ethanol-blended petrol. These are paid campaigns, he said. India has already achieved 20 per cent blending of ethanol (produced from biomass like sugarcane, corn or rice) with petrol to create a cleaner-burning fuel, reducing reliance on imported crude oil and cutting carbon emissions. Vehicle owners in India do not have an option to choose different fuels at the petrol pump, unlike their counterparts in Brazil, where customers are presented with a choice of fuels with differential pricing. Under Brazilian law, there has to be a pricing discount for higher ethanol blends. On allegations that companies owned by his family members are involved in ethanol production, and that is why he is pushing for the roll-out of higher ethanol blended petrol, the road transport and highways minister said his family members own sugar factories, and their companies are not dependent on ethanol production. The minister stated that since ethanol is surplus in the country, the move to make ethanol from corn has generated an additional income of Rs 45,000 crore for farmers of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. When we decided to make ethanol from corn, the corn's market price was Rs 1,200 per quintal, and the MSP was Rs 1,800 per quintal. After the decision, corn's price went up to Rs 2,800 per quintal. Additional Rs 45,000 crore went into the pockets of farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, he said. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed amendments to vehicle emission rules to widen the scope for higher ethanol blends and alternative fuels, paving the way for flex-fuel and pure bio-fuel vehicles across all vehicle categories. The draft changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 aim to provide for wider use of fuels, such as E85 (85 per cent ethanol with petrol) and E100 (which would allow vehicles to run on nearly pure ethanol), as well as B100 bio-diesel and hydrogen-CNG combinations.

Questions Raised Over Ram Temple Donation Controversy

Lucknow, July 8: Manoj Kumar Paras, the MLA from the Nagina assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh, has raised questions regarding the Ram Temple donation controversy and several related issues. He criticized the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, stating that the recent theft incident at the temple has hurt the religious sentiments ... Read more Questions Raised Over Ram Temple Donation Controversy

Noida CP watches as her fathers killers get life term after 24-yr legal battle

Fresh spell of showers from today: IMD

Four ex-students arrested for kidnapping juniors, forcing 20,000 UPI transfer

Burglary goes wrong as night shift ends in lockup for two

LDA to conduct fire safety audit of 8 lakh buildings in city

Two inquiries launched into Lok Bandhu hospital newborn death

From timetables to tough concepts: AI powers success of AKTU toppers

AI tech tops at AKTU startup awards

Girls outshine boys at AKTU convocation, win 52 medals to boys 31

Governor to govt engineering teachers: Improve teaching so students win more medals

MoU signed to promote natural and cow-based agriculture

Five robbers arrested after exchange of fire with cops in Jaunpur

Disowned over frequent elopement, teen ends life at Azamgarh one stop centre

Men enter Ballia school on admission pretext, snatch teachers gold chain

31 passports found dumped in pond in Mirzapur

BHU security personnel trained on life-saving skills

National Waterway-l: Ganga dredging to ensure year-round cargo movement in Ghazipur

MGUG NCC cadet selected for prestigious Super SSB-55 training camp

Ahead of Shrawan, officials review crowd management plan for KVT

Yogi in Varanasi to roll out major welfare schemes for students, teachers

Yogi orders timely completion of key projects, reviews Shrawan preps

UPPCL announces automatic revision of sanctioned electricity load

UP STF neutralises notorious dacoit carrying 1 lakh reward in pre-dawn operation

Pathak asks Akhilesh to speak on Babri Masjid donations

Accuses Oppn Of Appeasement Politics

VHP says decision on Champat Rais role in organisation after probe

No friendship, no fear, always found solutions: Ex-colleagues recall Krishna Mohans administrative qualities

Cops get 24-hr remand of 3 accused for questioning

SP ex-MLA alleges death threats

3rd T20I: Prince, Harshit Claim Two Each As Salt's Fifty Helps England Post 201/7

Prince Yadav: Prince Yadav and Harshit Rana claimed two wickets each, but England rode on a 43-ball 70 by opener Phil Salt and some late hitting by Sam Curran (41*) to post a challenging 201/7 in 20 overs in the crucial third T20I of the five-match series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Tuesday. Yadav, who was brought in place of Ravi Bishnoi for his first match against England, claimed his first two international wickets in claiming 2-30 while Rana bagged two in two balls in the middle overs for 2-40 as India fought back after Salt and Jos Buttler (38) had given the hosts a slow but good start in what is a must-win match for the visitors who have lost the second match in Manchester after the first game was abandoned without a result because of heavy rains. They reached 49/1 in the Power-play with Buttler back in the den after being castled by him with a yorker, which deflected off the batter's toes onto the leg stump, for his first wicket, The pacer from Uttar Pradesh then got England captain Harry Brook, getting him to offer a catch to Abhishek Sharma for 16 off 12 balls. Rana then got into the act, taking the wickets of dangerman Jacob Bethell (13) and Tom Banton off successive balls as England slipped to 111/4 at the 12th end of the 12th over. Salt, who had kept going from the other end, raised 47 runs for the fifth wicket with Curran, going on to reach his fifty in 36 balls, hitting six boundaries and one six. He was eventually out for 70 off 43 balls, caught by Arshdeep Singh off Axar Patel. He slammed seven fours and three sixes, claiming 18 runs in one over before Axar had the last laugh. Curran then took over the mantle of scoring quick runs for England, hammering four fours in his 24-ball 41 not out. Will Jacks struck a couple of sixes in his 14 off seven balls to help propel England past 200. This is the first time that India will be chasing 200 against England in a T20I, as they need to win the match to prevent the hosts from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with two matches remaining. Curran then took over the mantle of scoring quick runs for England, hammering four fours in his 24-ball 41 not out. Will Jacks struck a couple of sixes in his 14 off seven balls to help propel England past 200. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England 201/7 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 70, Sam Curran 41*, Jos Buttler 36; Prince Yadav 2-30, Harshit Rana 2-40) against India Article Source: IANS

SP functionaries seek FIR against BJP MP over posts linking Akhilesh to Ram temple donation theft accused

NCP men join Cong in Delhi

DGP orders op to crack down on cybercrime

Portrayal of Lord Hanuman at Nabin roadshow draws VHPs ire

Introduce more short term, employment-oriented courses, minister asks officials

UP DGP orders 7-day 'operation Cy-Vajra' to crack down on cyber crime; Rs 530 crore frozen in fraud cases

Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna launched a statewide cybercrime drive named Operation Cy-Vajra. Police blocked over 2.9 lakh mobile numbers and 1.8 lakh devices linked to cyber fraud. Authorities also froze approximately 530 crore rupees involved in financial cybercrime cases. The state police are enhancing cyber policing and victim assistance mechanisms. This initiative aims to strengthen public confidence and improve cyber security across Uttar Pradesh.

Panel on simultaneous polls unlikely to finalise report by Monsoon Session

The panel chairperson P.P. Chaudhary indicated that more consultations are in the offing before the report can be finalised; the panel is headed to Uttar Pradesh on July 9

'I am observing maun vrata': Full text of Champat Rai's open letter to Ram devotees amid Ayodhya donation row

Champat Rai broke his silence on the Ram Temple donation embezzlement controversy. He will respond to allegations after the Special Investigation Team completes its probe. CCTV footage allegedly shows theft during donation counting, triggering widespread public discussion. An Ayodhya court granted police custody of three accused for further interrogation. The Special Investigation Team found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during donation counting.

UP's Badshahnagar gets Indian Railways' first AI sign language info system

Lucknow division of North Eastern Railway introduced an AI sign language system. This system provides live train announcements and platform information on LED screens. Hearing impaired passengers can now access travel details independently without assistance. A successful trial was conducted with deaf and mute organization representatives. The project was developed with Techtron Infotech and implemented after a trial.

UP Government to Set Up Large-Scale Biogas Plants with IIT Delhi's Technical Support

The Uttar Pradesh government has partnered with IIT Delhi to establish biogas plants across the state, promoting natural farming, clean energy, organic manure, and model villages.

Name any car that faced issues due to ethanol-blended petrol: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to name any car facing issues with E20 petrol. He stated that India's fossil fuel dependence is an economic and environmental burden. Higher ethanol blends reduce reliance on imported crude oil and cut carbon emissions. Ethanol production from corn has generated significant income for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The ministry is proposing wider use of alternative fuels like E85 and E100.

Video of Assault Survivor From Hardoi Falsely Shared as Incident From Rajasthan

The videos show the victim of a case of kidnapping in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh.

SP, Congress 'attacking' Sanatan faith, keep mum on Waqf issues: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized opposition parties for their stance. He questioned their silence on Waqf land issues while they attacked Sanatan faith. Adityanath alleged the Samajwadi Party desired the structure of Babri, referencing Mughal rule. He stated the grand Ram temple now stands, which causes them pain. The Chief Minister urged citizens to question the opposition's right to discuss Ayodhya's faith.

SP, Congress attacking Sanatan faith: Adityanath

Pratapgarh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, July 7, slammed the Congress and Samajwadi Party for attacking Sanatan and asked why their mouths were glued shut when it came to Waqf issues. He was addressing a gathering during a programme in Pratapgarh. Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, which are attacking Sanatan faith over Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

What is UP's Project Alankar? Inside Yogi govt's school infrastructure upgrade scheme

Yogi Cabinet approves Uttar Pradesh Data Center Policy-2026

Rs 1 lakh bounty gangster Asif, wanted in multiple murder and dacoity cases, killed in UP STF encounter

A notorious criminal carrying a one lakh reward was killed in an encounter. Asif alias Vicky Chhaimar was a wanted gangster involved in several serious cases. He led a gang specializing in house-invasion dacoities and murders across multiple states. The encounter took place in Ambedkar Nagar district on Tuesday morning. His death is expected to provide closure to many pending investigations.

Man Kills Married Lover Over Chat, Chops Body, Dumps Parts Across UP

A man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh for murdering and dismembering a woman over a mobile chat dispute.

Seekho Aur Kamao: Uttar Pradesh gets highest allocation under PM VIKAS

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Scheme: How it is transforming girls' education in Uttar Pradesh

The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme provides residential education for disadvantaged girls. This initiative now extends classes up to grade twelve, enhancing educational access. Uttar Pradesh has established many such schools, enrolling thousands of young women. These institutions offer free boarding, lodging, and quality education in safe environments. The scheme aims to reduce dropouts and empower girls for future contributions.

Trust action brings relief as pilgrims keep faith in Ayodhya Ram temple

Arvind.Chauhan

UP IPS officer is dir of Natl Police Academy

UP eyes global stature for Bhatkhande with new campus, major revamp

Homecoming for space reforms architect at IIT-Kanpurs 59th convocation

Lko Police tops UP in grievance redressal

SGPGIMS docs remove 5-kg uterine fibroid, preserve uterus

13 Bangladeshis, 2 Rohingyas get 5-year jail in trafficking racket

ABVP seeks probe into money collection row at pvt college

Honeymoon row ends in tragedy; newlywed dies, hubby, 5 kin booked

LMC taps into AI to check air quality, pollution

Bizman duped of Rs 18 lakh in citys first Boss Scam

CM: UP to plant record 35 crore saplings in 1 day

Congress' next release: Unity tests for brass

Congress leadership faces difficult tasks uniting party units for upcoming elections. Internal rifts in Punjab Congress create uncertainty about leadership and party unity. New appointments in Uttar Pradesh raise questions about alliance strategies with Samajwadi Party. Uttarakhand Congress struggles with internal divisions and a lack of mass leadership. The party's success hinges on Rahul Gandhi's approach to these critical challenges.

VHP meeting likely to discuss admin issues linked to donation theft

SIT probing Rs 124cr spent by Trust on Ram temple events

Trust chief says deeply hurt by donation theft, seeks strict action

Issue Shouldnt Be Politicised

AAP MP claims Champat Rai purchased land for Trust at inflated cost

Demands Dissolution Of Trust

HC bins PIL seeking probe into Ram temple theft

Accountability, transparency to drive Ram Temple Trust: Krishna Mohan

8 looters arrested in encounter with cops in Varanasi

Yogi to launch DBT for 1.1cr students, cashless health scheme for teachers in Kashi

BHU launches 142 new SWAYAM Online courses

MP LEAD Fellows visit BHU

BHU new academic session commences

Man held for killing girlfriend, dismembering body over WhatsApp chats

Fake Maldives job racket busted in Azamgarh, 1 held

VMC swings into action to clear waterlogging after heavy rain

Delhi HC shields Ravi Kishans personality rights, orders removal of AI-generted content