Uttar Pradesh Government

Uttar Pradesh PCS prelims conclude with only 42% candidates turnout

The PCS prelims, hit by large-scale protests at the beginning, were concluded on Sunday, with only about 42 per cent of the candidates appearing. Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Secretary Ashok Kumar said the exams were conducted peacefully under the watch of police and other agencies. "The PCS Pre exam was completed peacefully on Sunday. For the fairness of the exam, a double-layer system was put in place in which the police and the agency were conducting separate investigations," he told PTI. He said all exams were conducted under the watch of CCTV and live streamed and candidates' iris and other biometrics were screened to filter out proxies. "Every candidate of every centre was monitored from the control room set up in the commission. This monitoring was done through CCTV cameras installed in 1,331 centres across the state. As soon as any candidate was seen roaming around, we immediately alerted the concerned centre about what the particular candidate was doing,

UP govt makes special arrangements for insect-free Maha Kumbh Mela

The Uttar Pradesh health department has made special arrangements to provide an insect-free experience during the Maha Kumbh. Officials on Sunday said an innovative system had been introduced that would deploy automatic mist blowers in the Maha Kumbh area. These blowers are capable of eradicating mosquitoes and flies within 30 minutes of receiving a call. The system ensures a swift response and a hygienic environment for all attendees, they said. Significant efforts are being made to maintain a clean and insect-free environment in the akharas and the expansive tent city, they added. A total of 110 state-of-the-art mist blowers and 107 mini foggers are being deployed across the site. These devices are expected to enhance the devotees' overall experience and ensure a healthy environment throughout the grand gathering, the officials said. According to Dr VP Singh, nodal joint director (vector control) for the Maha Kumbh, insecticide spraying would be carried out across the entire ve

UPSIDA accelerates development projects in Surajpur area near Noida

On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority has fast-tracked several key infrastructure projects in the industrial areas of Surajpur in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, officials said on Friday. The initiatives aim to bolster industrial growth, attract large investors, and contribute to Uttar Pradesh's ambition of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy, according to UPSIDA Chairman Mayur Maheshwari. Speaking on the developments, Maheshwari, a senior IAS officer, said, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, UPSIDA is continuously working to upgrade the state's industrial infrastructure. "These projects will not only benefit industrialists in the region but also the local population, fostering economic growth and job opportunities," he said. A major aspect of the UPSIDA's push is the fast-tracked development of key infrastructure in Surajpur. One of the focal points of the ongoing improvements is the ...

FIR lodged against SP's Sambhal MP Ziaur Rehman Barq for power theft

The Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Ziaur Rehman Barq was booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday for alleged theft of electricity at his residence in the Deepa Sarai neighbourhood here. The parliamentarian was booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, (theft of power or unauthorised use of electricity). "On checking the meter of the consumer received from the electrical testing laboratory, it is clear that electricity theft has been done by bypassing the meter and using electricity illegally," stated the FIR lodged on a complaint by a power department official. The department inspected the Sambhal MP's residence on Thursday morning amid heavy security. Barq is among those booked by the police in connection with the November 24 violence that led to the death of four locals in a clash with security personnel during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in the city's Kot Garvi area. He has filed a writ petition in the Allahabad High Court, seeki

UP to surpass 1 bn tourist visits, generating Rs 3 trn revenue: Minister

Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti and Namami Gange Minister Swatantra Dev Singh said on Wednesday that the state is on track to surpass one billion tourist visits, generating Rs 3 lakh crore in economic activity. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a 180-foot-tall Shiva temple being constructed by the Ram Janki Temple Trust, Singh credited this surge in tourism to the development of corridors across various religious sites and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "So far, 60 crore tourists have visited the state due to corridor development. Additionally, we estimate around 45 crore visitors for Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh. With these numbers, Uttar Pradesh will surpass one billion tourists," Singh said. The minister highlighted the shift in public sentiment towards religion and safety in the state. "After Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi took charge, people's faith in the Sanatan Dharma has grown immensely. There is also a

No attempt to build Ayodhya mosque, reclaim given land: BJP leader to UP CM

A BJP leader here has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking him to reclaim the land allotted for the construction of a mosque here and claiming that no substantial endeavour has been undertaken to build it. On November 9, 2019, settling a fractious issue that went back more than a century, a five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, at the site where the 16th century Babri Masjid once stood. It also ruled that an alternative five-acre plot would be found for a mosque in the holy town. The Sunni Central Waqf Board later formed the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation to build a new mosque on the land allotted by the state government in the Dhannipur area of the district. BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque". Th

Complete ban on any kind of demonstration around Vidhan Sabha: UP police

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed outside the Congress office in Lucknow

Tethered drones deployed for aerial surveillance of Maha Kumbh 2025

Tethered drones have been deployed in the Maha Kumbh area to provide comprehensive aerial surveillance ahead of next year's event, officials said on Tuesday. The high-tech device capable of capturing high-resolution images, videos, and sensor data leaves no corner of Mahakumbh Nagar unmonitored, they said. Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from January 14 to February 26. The state-of-the-art system is a major step towards safeguarding the devotees, officials said, adding that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi has appointed an expert team to oversee its operation. Calling it a unique and advanced security tool, Dwivedi highlighted its ability to switch to alert mode within seconds. "The tethered drone's secure data transmission ensures that it captures every detail, big or small, from above, making it a cornerstone of the hi-tech security measures in place," the officer said, adding that it will act as an "third eye" of t

Maha Kumbh 2025 to offer unique digital experience with AI chatbot

The Maha Kumbh-2025 will offer a unique digital experience to people across the globe, allowing them to get a memorable token of the event. The Maha Kumbh-2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. This initiative, part of the Digital Maha Kumbh vision led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, introduces AI Generative Chatbot technology for the first time, officials said on Monday. By simply scanning the QR code, users can receive a personalised Maha Kumbh certificate with their photo on it, which can also be saved digitally or printed. The AI chatbot also provides complete details about every event and major programme of the Maha Kumbh. Regional Tourism Officer, Prayagraj, Aparajita Singh, said under the chief minister's guidance, preparations are underway on war-footing to make the Maha Kumbh a grand, spiritually elevating and hi-tech event. In line with this vision, officials from the Tourism Department, along wit

UP govt's infra push spurs Rs 5.3 trn capex, eyes global tech hubs

Looking ahead, the Yogi Adityanath government aims to leverage this infrastructure development to build a robust network of GCCs

UP govt ready to engage in discussions on all issues in Assembly: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged all parties to ensure smooth proceedings of the state assembly and expressed the government's readiness to engage in discussions on all issues concerning the youth, women, farmers and security of the state. Ahead of the Winter session of the assembly, he said the government is ready for meaningful discussions on public and developmental issues. "We seek everyone's cooperation in making the legislature a platform for constructive debate. I also urge my colleagues in the opposition to come prepared," he told reporters. "Development, security, prosperity, respect for faith, and modernity that Uttar Pradesh is experiencing today, originates from this very legislature," he said while welcoming all members to the Winter session. The chief minister called for a smooth and productive session, emphasising that the House should serve as a platform for constructive debates on key issues. Describing the Uttar Pradesh Legislature a

Sambhal admin launches drive against encroachment near Jama Masjid

The campaign will continue for two to three months and all encroachments will be cleared

UP govt to establish unique 'Har Ghar Jal' village at Mahakumbh 2025

Uttar Pradesh government will set up a unique 'Har Ghar Jal' village at Mahakumbh 2025 to showcase the state's achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, officials said on Thursday. Spread over 40,000-square-foot area and themed Solution to Drinking Water: The Identity of My Village, the initiative will feature a 'Jal Mandir', symbolising the life-giving essence of water and promoting its conservation, they said. The initiative will narrate the inspiring journey of providing tap water to every household in Bundelkhand under the Jal Jeevan Mission, once grappling with severe water scarcity, the officials said. Devotees, tourists, and Kalpvasis will witness transformation journeys of 'New Villages' in a 'New Uttar Pradesh' as part of a 'New India', they said. The Rural Water Supply and Namami Gange Department are preparing an exhibition at the village, running from January 5 to February 26, to highlight these achievements, an official statement said. It will feature 51 programs and

Bulldozer action carried out against illegal encroachments in Sambhal

Few residents had even made such encroachments that the electricity pole was inside their house

After Sunil Pal, actor Mushtaq Khan reveals he was kidnapped, tortured

According to Mushtaq Khan's business partner, the kidnappers tortured the actor for 12 hours and demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore

UP govt set to introduce AI in ICUs to enhance patient care at Mahakumbh

Preparations are underway at an unprecedented scale in the Mahakumbh fair area to accommodate devotees

UP govt imposes 6-month ban on protests, strikes; 'undemocratic', says Oppn

BJP spokesperson says ban is part of preparations for major events like the Kumbh Mela and other significant programmes to ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted for residents

Akhilesh Yadav slams Union govt over reports of GST hike on various items

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday attacked the BJP government at the Centre on reports that the GST on several items might be hiked, saying the BJP plans to "increase corruption" instead of increasing revenue. In a post on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "BJP was saying 'one country, one tax' but this statement of theirs also turned out to be a 'jumlaai jhoot' (rhetoric) because now they are bringing new slabs of tax." "When there is 'one tax, many slabs' then the slogan of 'one tax' has proved to be a lie in the true sense. Actually, there is a big game behind increasing the tax rates. This is the BJP's plan to increase corruption instead of increasing revenue to do 'vasuli' (extort money) from shopkeepers and businessmen through the officials by exerting more pressure on them," he charged. His remarks come after reports that the GoM on GST rate rationalisation has suggested tax rate on sin goods like aerated beverages, cigarettes, tobacco and ..

SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood asks UP govt to send political delegation to Sambhal

Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to send a political delegation to meet the families of victims of the November 24 violence in Sambhal district. Talking to reporters on Wednesday evening, the Sambhal MLA alleged the BJP wants to divide people and as a result, the country is lagging behind. On Wednesday, a delegation of Congress leaders led by Rahul Gandhi on its way to Sambhal was stopped by Uttar Pradesh Police at Ghazipur border here amid a ban on the entry of outsiders in the district. Last week, several Samajwadi Party (SP) MPs were stopped from entering the district. "The government should send its political delegation here to meet families of victims and send out a message that everyone should live together with unity," Mehmood said. He said the BJP should follow RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's advice that there is no need to look for shivling in every mosque. "It should be followed to avoid spread of hatred in society and increase brotherh

Gaurav Gogoi seeks LS adjournment over stopping of Rahul's Sambhal visit

In his notice, Gogoi stated that by preventing LoP Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, the government "disregarded" the right of opposition to hold the government responsible