Guarding The Young: Child Safety, Trial Integrity Must Trump POCSO Bail Pleas, Says SC
The observations were made as the top court set aside a bail order granted by the Allahabad High Court to a youth from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
School assembly news headlines January 10: Top national, international sports & business updates
News headlines for January 10th cover national, international, sports, and business events. Key national stories include an ED money laundering case in Kerala and CCTV installation in Uttar Pradesh cow shelters. Internationally, China is restricting rare earth exports to Japan, while world food prices dipped in December.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy hails UPs infrastructure boom at Ashok Leyland EV plant launch
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated Ashok Leyland's electric bus unit in Lucknow, highlighting Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure growth. He emphasized India's commitment to net-zero emissions and self-reliant mobility, supported by government schemes like FAME-II and PLI Auto, fostering electric vehicle adoption and domestic manufacturing for a sustainable future.
Intense Cold Wave Hits North India; Dal Lake Freezes, Delhi Smog Persists
North India faces intense cold as Dal Lake freezes in Srinagar, Delhi drops to 5C with poor air quality, and IMD forecasts cold wave for Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Glass Jar Interactive Raises Rs. 2.3 Crore in Seed Funding from UP Angel Network (UPAN)
Glass Jar Interactive (GJI), a DPIIT-recognised video game and entertainment studio, has raised Rs. 2.3 crore in seed funding from UP Angel Network to support the development of its original, IP-driven games for global PC and console audiences. Glass Jar Interactive The investment reflects growing investor interest in video game studios as technology enablers within the broader entertainment ecosystem, alongside segments such as VFX, AR/VR, and digital production. With the rapid expansion of OTT platforms reshaping home entertainment consumption, video games are increasingly becoming a central component of the ecosystem, with the potential to extend beyond standalone products into films, series, comics, and merchandise, creating long-term, multi-format IP value. Commenting on the investment, Vinayak Nath, Managing Director, UP Angel Network , said, “ With the rapid growth of OTT platforms, home entertainment has seen a structural shift, and video games are becoming a core part of that ecosystem. Games today are not just standalone products; they have the potential to extend into films, series, comics, and merchandise, creating long-term, multi-format IP value. ” He added that UPAN has partnered with BSIS (Bharat Startup and Innovation Society) , India’s largest startup ecosystem industry association, to support investments and knowledge-building programmes for startups and investors. The investment aligns with BSIS’ USD 100 million pledged fund corpus for startups, of which UP Angel Network is a participating partner. It is also noteworthy to mention that Glass Jar Interactive was recently in the news for securing government-backed grant support and joining the CREATE Incubation Centre at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Lucknow. The startup is recognised under the Startup India initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The financial terms of the government grant were not disclosed. CREATE (Confederation for Research, Entrepreneurship & Technology Enablement) is the incubation and entrepreneurship centre of IIIT Lucknow and is recognised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under its StartInUP framework. The centre provides startups with access to structured mentorship, academic and technical resources, and linkages to state and national startup programmes. “ Building games from India for a global audience requires patience, creative freedom, and the right institutional support. Being part of CREATE at IIIT Lucknow gives us the space to experiment, learn, and focus on creating original IP without losing sight of global quality and long-term impact. The Rs. 2.3 crore seed funding from UP Angel Network further strengthens our ability to scale our vision and invest in long-term IP creation. Ghatika is Glass Jar Interactive’s debut original IP, a narrative-driven action-adventure game currently in production. Set in a fantasy world, the game follows the downfall of an empire, with players leading a group of survivors and uncovering the secrets of their people ,” said Raunaq Kavalu, Co-founder and Director, Glass Jar Interactive . IIIT Lucknow is a government-backed technical institution, and through CREATE it supports incubated startups via incubation programmes, workshops, seminars, and industry interactions aimed at accelerating early-stage innovation and entrepreneurship. Glass Jar Interactive operates as a video game and entertainment studio focused on original IP-driven game development for PC and console platforms, with an emphasis on interactive storytelling and gameplay-centric experiences. The studio aims to create globally competitive yet culturally grounded interactive experiences from India. The development comes amid a broader push by the Government of India to strengthen the domestic gaming and media ecosystem. India’s media and entertainment sector is projected to cross $100 billion by 2030 , with gaming expected to be a key growth driver.
Yogi Adityanath, Rajnath Singh inaugurate Ashok Leyland EV plant in UP
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Ashok Leyland's new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh. This significant investment highlights the state's growing industrial confidence. The plant aims to boost employment and contribute to environmental protection. Uttar Pradesh is transforming into a hub for industrial growth and development.
44% Indian Cities Face Chronic Air Pollution, Only 4% Under National Clean Air Programme
The PM2.5 assessment for 2025 ranks Byrnihat (Assam), Delhi, and Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) as India's top three most polluted cities with annual concentrations of 100 g/m, 96 g/m, and 93 g/m, respectively.
Ashok Leyland aims to be among global top 10 commercial vehicle makers:Dheeraj Hinduja
LUCKNOW, Jan 9: Hinduja Group Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja on Friday said Ashok Leyland is aiming to be among the worlds top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers, as the company inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh. Speaking at the inauguration of Ashok Leylands state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant here, Hinduja said the new facility marked a significant milestone for both the company and the state. This is our first manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh and it stands as [] The post Ashok Leyland aims to be among global top 10 commercial vehicle makers:Dheeraj Hinduja appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Uttar Pradesh government installs CCTV monitoring in over 4,300 cow shelters
Uttar Pradesh is taking strides to improve its cow shelter infrastructure. As part of the plan, CCTV cameras are being installed in numerous shelters to ensure continuous monitoring. Additionally, several districts have activated centralized control rooms, which enable real-time oversight and significantly uplift cattle welfare.
'We Now Manufacture Our Weapons': Rajnath Singh Hails UP's Rise As Defence Manufacturing Hub
Rajnath Singh says India now produces its own weapons, with Uttar Pradesh leading defence manufacturing and over Rs 34,000 crore invested in its defence corridor across six cities.
Ashok Leyland opens EV manufacturing plant in Lucknow, boosting UP industrial growth
CM Yogi said Uttar Pradesh has moved from an unfavourable investment climate before 2017 to becoming a preferred destination for domestic and global investors.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was addressing a gathering after inaugurating Ashok Leyland's electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Lucknow
Over Rs 34,000 crore investment made in UP defence corridor nodes: Rajnath
LUCKNOW: (Jan 9) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major hub of defence manufacturing, with investments of over Rs 34,000 crore already made across six nodes of the states defence corridor, marking a decisive shift towards Indias self-reliance in weapons and ammunition production. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Ashok Leylands state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant here, Singh said India is no longer dependent on other countries for weapons, missiles or defence equipment, [] The post Over Rs 34,000 crore investment made in UP defence corridor nodes: Rajnath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ashok Leyland sets sights on global top-10 league with Uttar Pradesh debut plant
Ambitiously aiming for a place in the global commercial vehicle elite, Ashok Leyland has launched its inaugural manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh. This cutting-edge facility in Lucknow is dedicated to the production of electric vehicles, catering to the demands of future transportation. It's set to invigorate local job opportunities and stimulate industrial development within the area.
LMC group studies waste to energy project in Guj
Squatters back a day after drive
Encroachments in Balaganj cleared to ease traffic
Shubham made 800cr by selling codeine syrup: ED
Awadhi flavours to meet Bengals rhythms at Sanatkada fest this yr
No action so far against students who failed to reply to show cause notices in LU violence case
Agriculture to drive $1 trn vision of UP
More than 1,000 fined for drinking in public
Guv invites research scholars for RDay
What LDA & LMC propose to do with Sahara land, asks HC bench
Flights diverted to Lucknow due to low visibility in Delhi, Varanasi
Newspaper reading now must in Atal schools in UP
RSS plans mega hyper-local outreach drive
UP places over 83k youth as apprentices in industries in 2025-26
BJP launches campaign to trace missing & absent voters in UP
Mulakkaram adjudged the best play at Bengali drama contest
KGMU panel for sacking of doctor booked for sexually harassing colleague
Barabanki man gets life term for hacking sister to death
Shiv Sena (UBT) slams BJPs AIMIM, Congress alliances as ideological betrayal
The editorial alleged that the BJP has frequently utilised Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM as a hidden helper in elections across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra to divide opposition votes
Atalnagar scheme: 1,665 get 1BHK flats
Lucknow Metro Phase 1B moves ahead with elevated stations
Lucknows metro expansion has taken a key step forward as work on the second corridor gathers momentum. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has floated a 492.22 crore tender to build five elevated stations under Phase 1B. The post Lucknow Metro Phase 1B moves ahead with elevated stations appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Severe cold wave and dense fog have forced several Indian states to extend winter holidays. Delhi schools remain closed till January 15, while Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and other states have announced closures or revised timings to ensure student safety amid harsh weather.
State Archives to train youth in manuscript conservation
KGMU resident doc a habitualconversion offender, say cops
Thai-based kingpin behind Rs54L fraud
2nd major fraud in just 1 week of new yr
CM: UP govt committed to resolving every grievance
Jailed ex-IPS Amitabh Thakur admitted to PGI; condition stable
Work to raze bldgs steps up to widen Dalmandi road
Vijay Singh Gond, SPs 8-term MLA, dies at 68
Man stabbed to death over drunken brawl in Jaunpur
Snack warehouse set afire, owner stabbed in Mau;FIR Against 10
Village on edge as brothers clash in Ballia, 10 injured
Vijay Hazare Trophy - Hyderabad falls apart as Nabi, Vanshaj turn it around for J&K
The two batters undo the efforts of the losing sides pace battery that initially reduces its opponent to 90 for seven; earlier Aman and Nitish help in stabilising a middle-order collapse; winning team is now fifith with Uttar Pradesh as the group topper Vidarbha enters the quarterfinals
Parties in Uttar Pradesh gear up to enroll eligible voters amid deletion in draft rolls
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav calls for unity to save every single vote
As per the India Meteorological Department, dense to very dense fog will persist during the morning hours across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and capital city Delhi. Similar conditions are also likely in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with visibility expected to dip to zero in several parts.
Ashok Leyland to inaugurate EV manufacturing plant in Lucknow on January 9
Ashok Leyland is set to inaugurate its new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Lucknow on Friday, January 9. The facility, located in the Sarojini Nagar Extension-1 industrial area, signifies Uttar Pradesh's growing prominence as a hub for electric mobility and green industrial growth. The plant aims to boost EV production, create employment, and attract further investment in the state.
UP boosts youth jobs via industry-linked apprenticeships
Uttar Pradesh has placed over 83,000 young individuals as apprentices in industrial and MSME units during 2025-26, fostering hands-on experience and employment. This initiative, supported by reimbursement schemes, aims to enhance skill development and industry linkage, positioning the state as a hub for skilled human resources.
From skill training to shop upgrades: How a local barber became a businessman in Baghpat district
A young barber from Baraut in Uttar Pradesh leverages formal credit and skilling support to expand services and hire hands as demand grows.
UP exports surge: Govt drives global hub ambitions
Uttar Pradesh is rapidly transforming into a global IT hub, significantly boosting its IT and electronics exports. The state has seen a remarkable surge in export values since 2017, aiming to double its national share by 2030. This growth is attributed to improved infrastructure, policy reforms, and a burgeoning tech ecosystem, creating substantial employment opportunities for the youth.
BJP Leader Says 'Don't Need Muslim Votes', Party Distances Itself From Remark
A senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh was heard saying that he does not need Muslim votes, and that he will not engage with the community in their joys and sorrows.
Ayushman Bharat: UP cuts claim pendency sharply, speeds up hospital payments
Uttar Pradesh is making waves in healthcare with significant advancements in settling Ayushman Yojana claims. The state is firmly committed to timely reimbursements for partner hospitals, leading to a culture of transparency in claims processing. These initiatives have slashed the backlog of pending claims, ensuring that hospitals provide swift treatment to Ayushman card holders.
Uttar Pradesh Bank Holidays in 2026 - Complete list
Check out the detailed state-wise (Uttar Pradesh) list of bank holidays in India for 2026 on businessline
Women Entrepreneurs Are Entering Sectors Once Dominated by Men: Tide Insights
India is witnessing a decisive shift in the way women participate in entrepreneurship, with rising numbers of young women from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities entering sectors traditionally seen as male-dominated — from device repair to accounting and compliance services, according to new internal data released by Tide1, the UK’s leading business management platform. Women between 27 and 31 years old form a significant share of new business owners on the Tide platform, reflecting India’s broader working-age population profile. With over 180,000 women entrepreneurs, women currently account for 18.7% of Tide’s India member base. This age cohort represents India’s largest demographic segment and is increasingly visible on digital business platforms — as part of a wider formalisation shift among women choosing entrepreneurship as a viable and structured livelihood pathway. Women Entrepreneurs Are Entering Sectors Once Dominated by Men: Tide Insights This surge is most visible outside metros. Across smaller towns such as Gulharia in Uttar Pradesh, Harnul in Maharashtra, Bisrakh in Uttar Pradesh, and Indore in Madhya Pradesh, women from India’s working-age population are formalising skill-based and service-led enterprises through digital platforms. While women in their late twenties and early thirties are prominently represented — in line with India’s largest demographic cohort — the growth reflects broader participation across working-age women, pointing to a structural shift towards entrepreneurship for long-term financial independence and flexibility in non-metro India. Women Expanding Beyond Traditional Sectors – New Categories Gain Momentum While sectors like tailoring and beauty services have long been dominated by women, Tide’s data reveals a notable rise in women-led businesses across skilled services and tech-driven categories. These include: Mobile, tablets, and computer repair, led by women in West Bengal and urban clusters of Tier 2 cities Accounting and tax services, with young women taking up formal financial and compliance-led business roles Nursing and personal care services, emerging strongly from Madhya Pradesh Sewing machines and micro-manufacturing now formalising through digital payments and accounting tools This shift underscores how Indian women are breaking occupational stereotypes, entering previously male-dominated sectors, and adopting digital tools to scale their income. Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide in India, said, “What’s most inspiring is how women are breaking stereotypes — whether it’s repairing devices, managing accounting services, or running nursing-led service models. This shift represents a generational transition. Women in their late twenties and early thirties enter entrepreneurship with stronger digital familiarity and a clear desire for self-determined growth. For many, this phase has become the launchpad for building businesses that contribute directly to household incomes and local employment.” More Women Are Formalising Their Businesses — A Post-2025 Trend The rise of women-led businesses is closely tied to digital adoption. Tide’s data shows a sharp jump of 111% in new women-led businesses between March and November 2025, indicating a broader trend of women moving towards formalisation, digital payments, and regulated business practices. This trend is especially strong among women in their early careers (late 20s to early 30s), many of whom are running solo businesses while managing families, caregiving responsibilities, or flexible work arrangements. These behaviours are strengthening credit visibility and enabling more women to access financial products needed for growth — a persistent hurdle for women microentrepreneurs in India. Key Tide Products Driving Growth for Women-Led Businesses Women-led businesses on Tide are not only growing in number but are also emerging as high-engagement digital users on the platform. The top three products used by women entrepreneurs are: 1. Debit Services Women entrepreneurs are actively using Tide’s debit services to streamline day-to-day business spending. With seamless card management, real-time tracking, and secure transactions, debit usage helps them maintain tighter control on their business finances. 2. Bill Payments Women are increasingly adopting digital bill payments to manage utility expenses, vendor payments, and recurring business costs. This shift towards structured financial management helps them maintain clean records and improve creditworthiness. 3. Payment Acceptance via QR Codes QR-based payments are playing a central role in helping women-run microbusinesses — from sewing shops to repair desks to home-based services — accepting customer payments instantly and securely has removed cash-dependence and improved business visibility. Tide will continue to expand its digital tools, financial education initiatives, and on-ground programmes to support women-owned businesses across Tier 2, 3, 4 and 5 India, as part of its commitment to help 500,000 women entrepreneurs start and run their businesses by 2027. About Tide Launched in 2017, Tide is the leading business management platform in the UK. Tide helps SMEs save time (and money) in the running of their businesses by not only offering business accounts and related admin services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions from invoicing to accounting. Tide has nearly 800,000 SME members in the UK (14% market share) and 1,000,000 SMEs in India. Tide launched in Germany in May 2024 and in France in September 2025. Tide has also been recognised with the Great Place to Work certification three years in a row. Tide has been funded by Anthemis, Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, amongst others. It employs more than 2,500 Tideans worldwide. Tide’s long-term ambition is to be the leading business management platform globally. www.linkedin.com/company/tide-banking Twitter: twitter.com/TideBusinessIND Instagram: www.instagram.com/tidebusinessindia Facebook: www.facebook.com/TideBusinessIndia
Lucknow joins nationwide protest against SC order on community dogs
Over 200 activists in Lucknow protested Supreme Court orders to relocate community dogs, demanding coexistence and humane solutions. The citizen-led movement highlights interim orders being treated as final, leading to indiscriminate removal of dogs. Protesters seek a stay on the order and an expert committee for humane solutions.
From desks to decades: 25 yrs later, old friends meet again
Old boys from St Francis College, batches of 1998 and 2000, celebrated their Silver Jubilee reunion after 25 years. Over 140 alumni, joined by families and nearly 20 former teachers, traveled from India and abroad to relive their school days. The event fostered a sense of camaraderie and acknowledged the teachers' impact.
Cow Dung pots to replace Polythene in Plactic free drive of UP
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths self-reliant cow shelter model, Uttar Pradesh is preparing to use organic pots made from cow dung instead of polythene for tree plantation to make it plastic-free. For this purpose, these pots will be ...
ED raids in six states in Govt jobs scam case
NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday undertook searches at 15 locations in six states as part of a money laundering probe into a scam under which fraudulent joining letters for government jobs were sent, officials said. An organised gang is under the scanner of the agency. The Patna office of the ED is conducting searches in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the officials said. They said the scam was initially detected [] The post ED raids in six states in Govt jobs scam case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shishir Bajaj Remembers Grandmother Jankidevi Ji Bajaj on Her 133rd Birth Anniversary
On the 133rd birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj, Mr. Shishir Bajaj, patriarch of the Bajaj Group, paid tribute to his grandmother, remembering her as a beacon of simplicity, courage, and selfless service to the nation. (Left) Bajaj Group’s Instagram post remembering Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj. (Right) A rare photo of Mr. Kushagra Bajaj (Group Chairman) on his Great Grandmother’s lap Remembering her life and legacy, Mr. Shishir Bajaj said, “ My grandmother, Jankidevi Bajaj, lived her life rooted in discipline, compassion and unwavering commitment to Gandhian values. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, she embraced swadeshi, khadi and a life, dedicating herself to the service of society, women empowerment and rural upliftment. My son Kushagra was blessed to have played on her lap, and I am glad that her quiet strength and moral clarity continue to guide the Bajaj Group’s philosophy of nation-building through ethical enterprise. ” Born on 7 January 1893 in Jawra, Madhya Pradesh, Jankidevi Ji devoted her life to social reform and public service after marrying Jamnalal Ji Bajaj at a young age. She moved with him to Wardha, Maharashtra and actively got involved in India’s freedom movement. She worked for women’s education, social equality, animal welfare and rural development. She played a significant role in the Bhoodan Movement alongside Acharya Vinoba Bhave and served as President of the Akhil Bharatiya Goseva Sangh. Awarded the Padma Vibhushan by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1956 for her exemplary contribution to society, Jankidevi Bajaj remained a living embodiment of humility and service. Her autobiography, “Meri Jeevan Yatra,” reflects the values of simplicity and discipline that defined her life. Click to watch. About Bajaj Group Founded in 1926 by the eminent freedom fighter and philanthropist Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group has emerged as one of India’s most respected and diversified conglomerates. The Group’s flagship companies include Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd., India’s largest integrated sugar company operating 14 sugar mills and 6 ethanol plants; Bajaj Energy Ltd., running 6 power plants in Uttar Pradesh with a total capacity of 2,430 MW supplying about 10% of the state’s electricity demand; and Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd., market leader in the premium hair oil category with its flagship brand Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil. The Group continues to blend industrial excellence with social responsibility, embodying its enduring philosophy of “ Nation Building Through Business and Service .”
ED Raids in 6 States in Govt Jobs Scam Case
The Patna office of the ED is conducting searches in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh
Mountaineer cop scales another summit in IPS career
Surgical tool left inside patient for 2yrs; FIR against docs, staff
BJP manipulating SIR to its advantage: SP
Explain steps taken to improve traffic around campus, asks HC
IndiGo to start Kanpur-Navi Mumbai flight by Jan-end
BJP launches drive to add voters left out in draft roll
Cong activates its dist committees on SIR
AAP questions SIR voter data, alleges mass deletions
Name change first step to scrap MGNREGA: Akhilesh
BSP drive on to help people get names in voters list
ACO traps revenue official accepting bribe in Bareilly
UP health dept reviews roadmap to strengthen services under Viksit Bharat vision
CM office to pick nodal dept for girls fee waiver scheme
Pathak distributes blankets among needy
Schools asked to frame plans to ease snarls near campuses
Army veterans organs save lives, after fatal accident in Lucknow
A 61-year-old Army Medical Corps veteran's organs are saving lives after a fatal road accident in Lucknow. His family's consent for organ donation led to a successful transplant of two kidneys, a liver, and corneas, coordinated across multiple military and medical institutions.
UP trains 20 lakh farmers on modern farming, schemes through kisan pathshala
UP villages steer crusade against TB eradication
CM cancels asst prof exam over irregularities
The DGCA has given its approval for the operation of the Prayagraj-Jewar flight, and the airline is expected to finalise the schedule soon. The summer schedule, which includes the new flight, will come into effect in the last week of March.
Aparna Kumar is Lucknows Ist woman JCP
Burglars decamp with cash, valuables in Jankipuram, PGI
NCLAT upholds LDA plea in Ansal insolvency case
Jaipuria mgmt institute opens winter school to boost mgmt research
DSMNRU to set up 4 facilities to support disabled students

