Mirzapur, November 5: Six women were killed on Wednesday morning when they were hit by a train at Chunar railway station in Mirzapur district. According to railway officials, the incident occurred at around 9:30 am as passengers who had arrived by the Chopan Express stepped down onto the tracks instead of using the foot overbridge and were struck by the oncoming Netaji Express.

As per agency report, those who died had travelled to the area for Kartik Purnima rituals. Authorities said the Chopan Express had halted at platform number four, and despite the availability of an overbridge, several passengers attempted to cross the tracks, leading to the collision. The Government Railway Police confirmed six fatalities and identified the victims as Savita, 28; Sadhana, 16; Shiv Kumari, 12; Anju Devi, 20; Sushila Devi, 60; and Kalawati, 50.

District and railway officials initiated emergency measures at the site, with instructions for swift rescue and relief operations. The administration said that national and state disaster response teams were being deployed to assist. State authorities conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed that the injured receive prompt medical attention. Local representatives also expressed grief over the tragedy and urged officers to expedite assistance and ensure adequate treatment for those hurt.

Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh). The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) opened its gates to tourists on Saturday for the winter season, marking an early start to the tourism schedule. The reserve was formally inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena.

As per agency report, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve usually opens to tourists on November 15 each year, but this time, it has been opened from November 1. Minister Saxena described the early opening as a “Diwali gift” from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

However, visitors this season will have to pay higher entry charges. The governing body of the Dudhwa Tiger Conservation Foundation (DTCF) decided to revise the tariffs during a meeting held on Friday evening. The entry fee per person has been increased from Rs. 200 to Rs. 250, while the rhino safari zone fee has gone up from Rs. 150 to Rs. 200. The camera fee has also been doubled from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200.

During the event, Minister Saxena made two key announcements to enhance the tourist experience. He informed reporters that two new forest routes have been developed for the Dudhwa safari — one near Nishangarha in Katarniaghat and another as Route No. 23 in Dudhwa itself — offering visitors better opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat.

He further said that accommodation facilities within the reserve will be expanded to cater to a larger number of tourists at reasonable rates.

Located along the India-Nepal border in Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of species including Royal Bengal tigers, wild elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, swamp deer, reptiles, and numerous bird species, making it one of northern India’s most vibrant wildlife destinations.

A tragic accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district claimed the lives of 11 pilgrims, including nine members of a single family, when their SUV veered off the road and fell into the Saryu canal near Belwa Bahuta in the Itiyathok area on Sunday. Four other passengers were rescued with injuries and are currently undergoing treatment, police officials confirmed.

As per agency report, the victims were en route from Sihagawan village under Motiganj police station limits to offer sacred water at the renowned Prithvinath temple in Khargupur when the incident occurred. The SUV, carrying 15 people including the driver, lost control due to slippery road conditions caused by ongoing rainfall and plunged into the canal.

Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal stated that the deceased included six women, two men, and three children. The rescue operation involved local residents, the police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), who retrieved the bodies from the submerged vehicle and transported the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. The deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination, and an investigation into the accident has been initiated.

The victims were identified as Bina (44), her daughters Kajal (22) and Mahak alias Rinki (12), her brother-in-law Ram Karan (36), his wife Ansuya (34), their children Saumya (9) and Shubh (7), another brother-in-law Ramroop’s wife Durgesh Nandini (35) and son Amit (14), along with their neighbor’s wife Sanju (26) and her sister Gudia alias Anju (20). The injured survivors include Bina’s son Satyam, daughter Pinky, neighbor Ram Lalan Verma, and the vehicle’s driver Sitaraman.

The state government responded promptly, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressing deep grief over the incident. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and instructed the district administration to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

In a condolence message posted on social media platform X, the Chief Minister described the loss of lives as heartbreaking and extended his prayers for the peace of the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families. He also hoped for a speedy recovery of the injured.

A witness, Rahul Verma from Itiyathok, said the accident occurred after the driver applied brakes on the slippery road, causing the vehicle to skid and fall into the canal. Local villagers quickly called the police and helped pull the SUV out using ropes.

One of the rescued girls recounted that the group was on its way to the temple, singing devotional songs, when suddenly everything went blank.

Senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Shashibhushan Lal Sushil, District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan, Chief Development Officer Ankita Jain, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ashok Kumar Gupta visited the hospital to check on the condition of the injured and instructed doctors to provide all necessary medical assistance.

The incident has cast a shadow of mourning across the region, highlighting the need for heightened safety measures on rain-affected rural roads.

Ayodhya, June 14 – The Ram Darbar, located on the first floor of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, was officially opened to devotees on Saturday, marking another significant milestone in the temple's ongoing development. The decision to allow public access was taken late Friday evening by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

According to Anil Mishra, a member of the Trust, devotees can now enter the Ram Darbar area starting Saturday, initially with limited access. On the first day, entry was restricted to two time slots: 5 PM to 7 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM, with passes issued to control the number of visitors.

The Trust, in coordination with the local administration, has introduced a pass system similar to that used for darshan of Ram Lalla. General Secretary Champat Rai granted the approval after a consultation meeting, allowing devotees to witness the royal form of Lord Ram.

The Ram Darbar features deities of Lord Ram along with Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughna, and Hanuman. These idols, along with those in eight newly constructed temples within the temple complex, were consecrated on June 5.

As per the Trust’s plan, six daily darshan time slots will be available for the Ram Darbar, with 300 passes issued for each session: 7–9 AM, 9–11 AM, 1–3 PM, 3–5 PM, 5–7 PM, and 7–9 PM. Of these, 150 passes each will be handled by the district administration and the Trust. Within this allocation, 100 passes are reserved for special darshan and 50 for facilitated darshan.

The Ram Mandir complex, built in the traditional Nagara architectural style, spans 2.77 acres and measures 360 feet in length, 235 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. It houses 392 intricately carved pillars and 44 ornately designed doors. Statues of various Hindu deities adorn the temple's corners and wings, including Shiva, Ganesh, Surya, Annapurna, Hanuman, and Bhagwati.

The opening of the Ram Darbar is expected to enhance the spiritual experience for pilgrims and add to the religious significance of the Ram Janmabhoomi premises.

Jaunpur, June 1 – Rising Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is set to tie the knot with Priya Saroj, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Machhlishahr constituency in Uttar Pradesh, representing the Samajwadi Party. The engagement ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 8 in Lucknow in the presence of close family members and friends.

As per agency report, Priya’s father, Tufani Saroj, who is a sitting Samajwadi Party MLA from the Kerakat assembly seat, confirmed the upcoming union on Sunday. He revealed that the wedding will be held later this year on November 18 at the Taj Hotel in Varanasi. Preparations are already underway to invite prominent personalities from the cricketing world, Bollywood, business circles, and national politics for the grand celebration.

The alliance was finalized following a meeting between both families in Aligarh. According to Tufani Saroj, Rinku and Priya have known each other for some time. They initially met through the father of one of Priya's close friends, who is also a cricketer. Their relationship developed with the support and consent of both families.

Priya Saroj, 26, a lawyer by profession, entered Parliament for the first time in the recently concluded general elections. Rinku Singh, 27, has represented India in two One Day Internationals and 33 T20 Internationals, earning fame for his aggressive batting style. He plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Close aides of the Saroj family stated that the wedding will follow traditional customs. Both Rinku and Priya have taken the time to understand each other and are now ready to begin a new chapter in their lives together.

Lucknow, May 15 – At least five people, including two children, lost their lives when a private bus traveling from Begusarai, Bihar to Delhi caught fire early Thursday morning in the Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

As per agency report, the incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Kisan Path, when flames engulfed the moving bus. According to Additional Police Commissioner (Mohanlalganj) Rajneesh Verma, the fire claimed the lives of two children, two women, and one man.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire was so intense it could be seen from nearly a kilometer away. The bus reportedly carried between 80 and 90 passengers. Many were rescued by breaking the windows, with help from local residents and police personnel. However, the bus’s emergency exit failed to open, which hampered escape efforts.

The deceased were identified as Lakkhi Devi (55), Soni (26), Devraj (3), Sakshi Kumari (2), and Madhusudan (21). Several others sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit in the gear box area of the vehicle. Following the incident, both the driver and the conductor fled the scene.

Rajneesh Verma stated that arrangements are being made to help the surviving passengers reach their intended destinations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life. In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office mentioned that he has instructed district officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure the injured receive timely medical attention.

An official investigation into the fire and safety compliance of the vehicle is underway.

New Delhi, May 14 – The Indian government on Wednesday approved the HCL-Foxconn semiconductor joint venture, which will set up a wafer fabrication plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, with an estimated investment of Rs 3,706 crore.

As per agency report, the decision was announced by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed facility will produce display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, and other electronic devices.

According to the official statement, the plant will manufacture 20,000 semiconductor wafers per month and is expected to generate employment for approximately 2,000 people. The minister emphasized that display driver chips play a crucial role in controlling the quality and format of visuals shown on electronic screens and are a part of advanced semiconductor technology.

This will be the sixth semiconductor fabrication unit approved under India’s semiconductor initiative and marks a significant step in strengthening the country's electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

Foxconn, the world's largest electronics contract manufacturer and key assembler of Apple’s iPhones, is partnering with Indian IT major HCL Technologies for this venture. Vaishnaw noted that the establishment of this unit could potentially pave the way for full-fledged display panel manufacturing in India, addressing up to 40 percent of the country’s demand and even supporting global supply requirements.

The HCL-Foxconn semiconductor facility is scheduled to become operational by 2027. Vaishnaw added that India's electronics manufacturing sector currently employs around 2.5 million people, and the semiconductor ecosystem is expected to have a multiplier effect on employment and industrial growth.

He reiterated that semiconductors are a foundational component for all electronics and that this project will significantly enhance India’s capacity and self-reliance in advanced manufacturing.

Hardoi, May 13 — Three children lost their lives after a small boat capsized in the Ramganga River near Khaddipur Chain Singh village in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, while four others were rescued, according to local police.

As per agency report, the incident occurred around 8 PM on Monday when Divari Lal, a resident of Khaddipur Chain Singh in Arwal police station area, along with seven family members, was attempting to cross the river using a small boat. Midway through the journey, the boat suddenly overturned, throwing all occupants into the water.

The group included Divari Lal, his sister Nirmala, wife Suman, daughter Kajal, niece Sonia, and two other children, Sunaina and Shivam. Authorities confirmed that Divari Lal, Nirmala, Suman, and Kajal were successfully rescued.

However, Sunaina (7), Shivam (14), and Sonia (13) drowned in the river. Their bodies were later recovered by divers and sent for post-mortem examination.

Police Circle Officer Shilpa Kumari stated that the rescue operation was carried out with the help of local divers, and further investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Lucknow, May 11 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the capabilities of the BrahMos missile system while speaking at the inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow. Referring to the recent military operation codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’, Adityanath stated that the world had witnessed a glimpse of the missile’s prowess and, if that wasn't enough, people should ask Pakistan about its impact.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the time had come to completely eliminate terrorism and urged the nation to unite under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s recent declaration that any future terrorist attack on Indian soil would be treated as an act of war. Adityanath characterized terrorism as a persistent threat and said it must be dealt with in the same language it understands. According to him, ‘Operation Sindoor’ sent a clear message to the world about India’s stance.

As per agency report, Adityanath expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for choosing Uttar Pradesh as a key hub in India’s defense production roadmap. He highlighted the strategic significance of the BrahMos facility and credited Singh for championing the establishment of the facility during his tenure as Defence Minister.

The BrahMos facility in Lucknow is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which was announced during the 2018 Investors Summit. Spread across six nodes—Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot—the corridor aims to boost defense manufacturing and self-reliance in the sector. The state government provided 80 hectares of land for the facility at no cost.

The BrahMos manufacturing unit, built over three and a half years, is set to produce one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, with a range of 290 to 400 kilometers. During the event, the Chief Minister handed over appointment letters to selected youth and was also presented with a model of the missile.

Adityanath further stated that any self-reliant nation must be capable of producing its own defense equipment, citing Israel as an example of how internal capabilities can ensure external security. He expressed confidence that India is progressing strongly in this direction.

The Chief Minister detailed how Uttar Pradesh has already made significant strides in defense manufacturing. He noted the successful launch of an ammunition production unit in Kanpur and the arrival of anchor units such as PTC in Lucknow, which supports not just BrahMos but also other aerospace-related manufacturing.

According to the Chief Minister, around seven anchor units linked to BrahMos are being established. He shared that Uttar Pradesh’s target is to attract Rs. 50,000 crore in investment in the defense corridor and generate one lakh jobs. So far, 57 MoUs have been signed with an estimated Rs. 30,000 crore in investments and the potential to employ nearly 60,000 youth.

Adityanath reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing land and logistical support for all future defense-related requirements, including those from DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace. The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with local MLA Rajeshwar Singh and other dignitaries.

With this new facility, Uttar Pradesh has solidified its position as a key contributor to India’s defense production ecosystem, becoming the second state after Tamil Nadu to establish a dedicated defense industrial corridor.

Jalaun, May 7, 2025 — A tragic road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district claimed the lives of five members of a single family early Wednesday morning when a car collided with a truck on the Bundelkhand Expressway. According to police officials, the accident occurred near Girthan village under the Et area at around 5 AM.

The victims, residents of Motipur in Bahraich district, were reportedly on their way to Jhansi when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car broke through the road divider and crashed head-on into an oncoming truck. The impact was so severe that the car was completely mangled.

Police confirmed that 42-year-old Brijesh, his wife Preeti (40), their son Ashutosh (13), a relative named Sangeeta (33), and Brijesh’s three-month-old daughter died on the spot. Two other passengers, identified as Manvi and Nanda, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the medical college in Orai for treatment.

Authorities stated that the victims' bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination and their family members have been informed. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have occurred due to the driver dozing off at the wheel. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the crash.

Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), April 25 – A tragic incident occurred in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh on Friday morning, where five laborers died due to suffocation caused by heavy smoke inside a rice mill, while three others are being treated in the hospital. The incident took place in Rajghariya Rice Mill located in the Dargah police station area.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (City), Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha, preliminary information suggests that smoke began emanating from the dryer of the rice mill, possibly due to moisture. Some laborers entered the dryer chamber for inspection but lost consciousness due to the dense smoke. Firefighters were called to the scene and rescued the workers, who were immediately rushed to the district hospital. Five were declared dead on arrival, while three others are under medical supervision.

Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. M. M. Tripathi confirmed the identities of the deceased as Rajesh Kumar (26), Babulal Prajapati (28), and Ghaffar (22) from Kannauj district, Zahoor (60) from Shravasti, and Bittu Shah (30) from Madhepura, Bihar. The injured have been identified as Surendra (40) from Bahraich, Devi Prasad (25) from Shravasti, and Sukhdev (30) from Tarn Taran, Punjab.

Vinod Agrawal, Director of the rice mill, stated that the automated dryer system used for removing moisture from paddy does not require human entry and operates without gas or fire. It typically uses hot air generated by steam. However, on Friday morning between 5 and 6 AM, a worker reportedly noticed smoke and entered the chamber to inspect. When he did not return, seven other workers followed him and were similarly overcome.

District Magistrate Monika Rani confirmed the incident and stated that a joint investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause. This committee includes the Chief Fire Officer, Assistant Labour Commissioner, General Manager of the District Industries Center, and technical experts.

As per agency report, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He directed the local administration to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister's Office posted on social media platform 'X' urging swift and appropriate action for the injured and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Prayagraj, April 20 – Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has affirmed that the opposition 'INDIA' alliance will remain intact for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference in Prayagraj on Sunday, Yadav also launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of functioning like a land mafia by attempting to seize properties through the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Yadav declared that the PDA—comprising backwards, Dalits, and minorities—will uproot the BJP from power in the 2027 elections. As per agency report, when asked about the future of the 'INDIA' bloc, Yadav stated that the alliance not only exists but will continue going forward.

Criticizing the BJP's policies, Yadav alleged that the party introduced the Waqf amendment to illegitimately take over land wherever it sees opportunity, calling the ruling party a "land mafia organization." He also accused the BJP of seizing public money through demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, while simultaneously undermining reservation rights.

Yadav criticized the state government's handling of the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, alleging that the administration misreported casualty figures and financial data from previous events. He claimed that during the stampede in January, drones and CCTV surveillance—meant to ensure safety—either failed or were deliberately shut off. He alleged that the government tried to pressure the families of victims into altering the cause of death.

Responding to a question regarding a recent remark by SP MP Ramji Lal Suman about historical figure Rana Sanga, Yadav maintained that history that promotes divisions or hinders progress should be left in the past.

At the press conference, Yadav also distributed a booklet comprising his suggestions for the 2025 Mahakumbh, previously shared on social media. He further provided journalists with a study report conducted by Harvard University on the 2013 Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj.

Akhilesh Yadav was in Prayagraj to attend the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Samajwadi Party’s state president, Shyam Lal Pal.