The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is in full swing in Prayagraj, attracting millions of devotees to the world's largest religious gathering.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Prayagraj Hosts World's Largest Spiritual Gathering

The Uttar Pradesh government is constructing a tent city to house the millions of pilgrims expected for the 2025 Mahakumbh. Watch this report for more details!

Mahakumbh Mela To Host 400 Million Pilgrims in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

<p>In what came as a rude reminder of the August Kolkata rape case, a medic in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh was allegedly gang-raped by two men while others pinned her down. There are allegations that the accused even put chilli powder in the survivor’s genitals and also inserted a stick inside.</p>

<p>A police statement said the woman was having an extramarital affair with another person and was beaten up by his family members. Police have launched a probe into the incident following grave allegations by the nurse.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The incident took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district when the woman was travelling to work on her scooter Thursday morning (Nov. 28). There are allegations the woman was stopped by some men midway and was dragged to nearby bushes where she was violated.</p>

<p>The husband of the woman said a man, along with his nephew and others, beat her up.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: 3 Die In Clashes Over Survey Of Mosque In UP's Sambhal District</strong></p>

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<p>"My wife, who works as a nurse, was heading to work around 9 am. She called me and told me what had happened. A man, his nephew, and some other people beat her up. Four of the men held her down, and two people gang-raped her. A stick was inserted, and chilli powder was put in&nbsp;her private parts. The police have sent her for a medical check-up and treatment," the husband said.</p>

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<p>According to Additional Superintendent of Police (Jalaun) Pradeep Kumar Verma, a police team was rushed to the site, and the survivor was taken to the hospital for treatment.</p>

<p>"The woman was having an affair with a man from the same village. The man and her family beat her up. A police team took her to a hospital. She has made some serious allegations. We have registered a case and are investigating," Kumar said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In what came as a rude reminder of the August Kolkata rape case, a medic in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh was allegedly gang-raped by two men while others pinned her down.

In what came as a rude reminder of the August Kolkata rape case, a medic in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh was allegedly gang-raped by two men while others pinned her down. There are allegations that the accused even put chilli powder in the survivor’s genitals and also inserted a stick inside. A police statement said the woman was having an extramarital affair with another person and was beaten up by his family members. Police have launched a probe into the incident following grave allegations by the nurse. What happened? The incident took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district when the woman was travelling to work on her scooter Thursday morning (Nov. 28). There are allegations the woman was stopped by some men midway and was dragged to nearby bushes where she was violated. The husband of the woman said a man, along with his nephew and others, beat her up. Watch: India: 3 Die In Clashes Over Survey Of Mosque In UP's Sambhal District × "My wife, who works as a nurse, was heading to work around 9 am. She called me and told me what had happened. A man, his nephew, and some other people beat her up. Four of the men held her down, and two people gang-raped her. A stick was inserted, and chilli powder was put in her private parts. The police have sent her for a medical check-up and treatment," the husband said. Also read: Car cruising down ‘bridge to nowhere’ plunges into river in UP, three dead According to Additional Superintendent of Police (Jalaun) Pradeep Kumar Verma, a police team was rushed to the site, and the survivor was taken to the hospital for treatment. "The woman was having an affair with a man from the same village. The man and her family beat her up. A police team took her to a hospital. She has made some serious allegations. We have registered a case and are investigating," Kumar said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nurse brutally 'gang-raped' in India’s UP; accused put chilli powder in genitals

A court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal led to violence, deaths, and arrests. The survey was part of a broader religious and historical debate in Uttar Pradesh.

Sambhal Violence: Rahul Gandhi Blames BJP, Owaisi and Other Leaders React Strongly

Sambhal Violence: Survey Of 500-Year-Old Mosque Triggers Unrest In Uttar Pradesh

<p>Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday (Nov. 25) said that the death sentences should be issued against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, instead of arrest warrants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in India's Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, three people died and around two dozen other people were injured after violence broke out over the survey of a mosque. The violence was reported between the locals and the police after a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday morning.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

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<p>The opposition Congress party in India said on Sunday (Nov 24) that the violence in Uttar Pradesh's (UP) Sambhal district was a "well-planned conspiracy." The violence erupted earlier on Sunday during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved 'in principle' a ceasefire deal with Lebanon militant group Hezbollah during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night (Nov. 24), CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, said on Monday that the PTI march towards Islamabad would not end until Imran Khan joins them, Pakistan-based Aaj News reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>French prosectors said on Monday they were seeking the maximum 20-year jail term for the man charged with enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily-sedated wife, in a trial that has shaken France.</p>

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<p>The Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Nov. 24) rejected pleas that challenged the inclusion of the 'secular' and 'socialist' in the Preamble of the Constitution under the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency.</p>

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<p>ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who has been based in Bangladesh and has been a key advocate for Hindu minorities, was detained at Dhaka airport, as per media reports.</p>

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<p>Australia skipper Pat Cummins said there won't be many changes in the side for the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Adelaide. The comments come despite Australia losing the first Test in Perth on Monday (Nov. 25) by 295 runs.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Bestselling British-American writer Barbara Taylor Bradford, whose first novel "A Woman of Substance" turned her into an overnight success, has died aged 91, a spokeswoman said on Monday.</p>


Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday (Nov. 25) said that the death sentences should be issued against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, instead of arrest warrants.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday (Nov. 25) said that the death sentences should be issued against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, instead of arrest warrants. Meanwhile, in India's Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, three people died and around two dozen other people were injured after violence broke out over the survey of a mosque. The violence was reported between the locals and the police after a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday morning. Click on the headlines to read more ‘Warrant not enough,’ Iran’s Khamenei demands death sentence for Netanyahu, Gallant Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Monday (November 25) that death sentences should be issued against Israeli leaders instead of arrest warrants. Sambhal violence: Cong calls incident a 'planned conspiracy'; security tightened outside mosque The opposition Congress party in India said on Sunday (Nov 24) that the violence in Uttar Pradesh's (UP) Sambhal district was a "well-planned conspiracy." The violence erupted earlier on Sunday during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. Israeli PM Netanyahu approves 'in principle' ceasefire deal with Hezbollah: Report Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved 'in principle' a ceasefire deal with Lebanon militant group Hezbollah during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night (Nov. 24), CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter. Indian Parliament Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned till Wed amid uproar by oppn over Adani case The Winter Session of the Indian Parliament began on Monday (Nov. 25) but both Houses—the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha—were adjourned till Wednesday amid uproar by opposition parties over several issues, including the Adani bribery case. 'PTI to continue protest until Imran Khan joins them,' says Bushra Bibi as march moves towards Islamabad Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, said on Monday that the PTI march towards Islamabad would not end until Imran Khan joins them, Pakistan-based Aaj News reported. Prosecutors demand maximum term for husband who drugged wife in French rape trial French prosectors said on Monday they were seeking the maximum 20-year jail term for the man charged with enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily-sedated wife, in a trial that has shaken France. SC rejects pleas challenging ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in Indian Constitution’s Preamble The Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Nov. 24) rejected pleas that challenged the inclusion of the 'secular' and 'socialist' in the Preamble of the Constitution under the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency. Bangladesh police detain ISKCON leader Krishna Das at Dhaka airport: Report ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who has been based in Bangladesh and has been a key advocate for Hindu minorities, was detained at Dhaka airport, as per media reports. BGT 2024-25: Will Australia drop struggling Marnus Labuschagne in Adelaide? Skipper Pat Cummins answers Australia skipper Pat Cummins said there won't be many changes in the side for the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Adelaide. The comments come despite Australia losing the first Test in Perth on Monday (Nov. 25) by 295 runs. Barbara Taylor Bradford, author of bestselling novel Woman Of Substance, dies aged 91 Bestselling British-American writer Barbara Taylor Bradford, whose first novel "A Woman of Substance" turned her into an overnight success, has died aged 91, a spokeswoman said on Monday.

Top 10 world news: Iranian leader demands death sentence for Netanyahu; Sambhal violence updates, and more

Clashes broke out during a survey of a mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Four people died, several others and police were injured. To prevent further violence, internet services were suspended across the district for a day.

India: Four killed in Sambhal Violence, Prohibitory Orders Imposed

Schools closed, internet snapped in Sambhal as mosque survey turns violent and kills at least 3. Opposition parties blame the BJP for inciting violence through a mosque survey, while the BJP accuses the INDIA alliance of triggering unrest due to recent Lok Sabha poll failure. Survey was conducted following a court directive issued in response to a complaint. Watch to know more!

Sambhal Mosque Violence: 3 Dead As Protest Against Mosque Survey Turns Violent | World DNA

<p>At least three people were killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (Nov. 24) as clashes erupted between a mob and police over the survey of a mosque in Sambhal district.</p>

<p>A massive mob of hundreds of people gathered near Shahi Jama Masjid and opposed the survey, which had been initiated following a court order. There are allegations that the mosque was built at the site after the demolition of a temple by the Mughals.</p>

<h2><strong>Clashes erupt&nbsp;as mob opposes&nbsp;survey</strong></h2>

<p>As officials arrived at the scene to conduct the survey, the mob started pelting stones at them, and the situation turned violent. In retaliation, police fired tear gas shells at the crowd. Dozens of cops also sustained injuries during the showdown.</p>

<p>Police later confirmed the deaths of two people in the clash but have not revealed their identities. As per reports, the two people succumbed to bullet injuries, but the cause of death will only be ascertained through the autopsy report.</p>

<p>As the clashes erupted, the mosque leader made an announcement from inside the Shahi Jama Masjid, urging people to disperse but to no avail.</p>

<p>Prashant Kumar, a top cop with Uttar Pradesh police, said the situation was now under control.</p>

<p>"A survey was being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court. Some anti-social elements have pelted stones. Police and senior officers were present on the spot. The situation is under control, the police will identify the stone pelters and take appropriate legal action," he said.</p>

<p>The police detained at least 18 people from the spot, and a drone survey was also conducted to identify the violent protesters.</p>

<p>The survey of the mosque has been ordered following a plea by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, claiming there used to be a Hindu temple at the spot before Mughals razed it.</p>

<p>Authorities were prepared for any untoward incident, and a heavy police deployment had been ordered. A similar survey was earlier conducted at the site on Nov. 19.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least three people were killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (Nov. 24) as clashes erupted between a mob and police over the survey of a mosque in Sambhal district.

At least three people were killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (Nov. 24) as clashes erupted between a mob and police over the survey of a mosque in Sambhal district. A massive mob of hundreds of people gathered near Shahi Jama Masjid and opposed the survey, which had been initiated following a court order. There are allegations that the mosque was built at the site after the demolition of a temple by the Mughals. Clashes erupt as mob opposes survey As officials arrived at the scene to conduct the survey, the mob started pelting stones at them, and the situation turned violent. In retaliation, police fired tear gas shells at the crowd. Dozens of cops also sustained injuries during the showdown. Police later confirmed the deaths of two people in the clash but have not revealed their identities. As per reports, the two people succumbed to bullet injuries, but the cause of death will only be ascertained through the autopsy report. As the clashes erupted, the mosque leader made an announcement from inside the Shahi Jama Masjid, urging people to disperse but to no avail. Prashant Kumar, a top cop with Uttar Pradesh police, said the situation was now under control. "A survey was being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court. Some anti-social elements have pelted stones. Police and senior officers were present on the spot. The situation is under control, the police will identify the stone pelters and take appropriate legal action," he said. The police detained at least 18 people from the spot, and a drone survey was also conducted to identify the violent protesters. The survey of the mosque has been ordered following a plea by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, claiming there used to be a Hindu temple at the spot before Mughals razed it. Authorities were prepared for any untoward incident, and a heavy police deployment had been ordered. A similar survey was earlier conducted at the site on Nov. 19. (With inputs from agencies)

UP mosque survey: Three dead as massive mob clashes with police in Sambhal

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in seven out of nine seats as the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh goes for bypolls on Saturday (Nov 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is facing a significant setback with early trends showing BJP as the frontrunner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP won Ghaziabad and Khair seats and was leading Kundarki, Phulpur, Majhawan and Katehari. Meanwhile, its ally the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), was ahead in the Meerapur seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-assembly-polls-eknath-shinde-says-will-collectively-decide-on-the-cm-post-778604"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Maharashtra Assembly polls: Eknath Shinde says will 'collectively decide' on the CM post</strong></a></p>

<p>The SP&nbsp;won in Sismau and was leading in Karhal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Batenge toh katenge'</strong></h2>

<p>UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the BJP's performance in the bypolls, saying that it was due to the good governance and welfare policies of the government.</p>

<p>He reiterated his 'batenge toh katenge' slogan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'ek hain toh safe hain' slogan and said that the bypolls were a testament to the people's unwavering faith in the PM's&nbsp;government.</p>

<p>He took to X, saying, "The victory of the BJP-NDA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly by-elections is a testament to the people's unwavering faith in the successful leadership and guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. This victory is the result of the security, good governance and public welfare policies of the double engine government and the tireless hard work of dedicated workers."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">उत्तर प्रदेश के विधानसभा उपचुनावों में भाजपा-एनडीए की विजय आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी के यशस्वी नेतृत्व एवं मार्गदर्शन पर जनता-जनार्दन के अटूट विश्वास की मुहर है।<br />
<br />
ये जीत डबल इंजन सरकार की सुरक्षा-सुशासन एवं जन-कल्याणकारी नीतियों तथा समर्पित कार्यकर्ताओं के अथक…</p>
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1860247902695703014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>During his campaigns in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Adityanath emphasised his 'batenge toh katenge' slogan. However, he faced criticism from the opposition as they accused him of creating religious divisions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Maharashtra Election Result Live: BJP-Led Mahayuti Leading In Over 100 Seats</strong></p>

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<p>Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed Adityanath, calling the slogan one of the most negative ones in history and claiming it echoed the British policy of 'divide and rule'.</p>

<p>The UP bypoll has been a turnaround for BJP and Yogi Adityanath after the setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Lok Sabha elections, the BJP bagged 37 seats whereas the INDIA bloc won 43 seats. Out of these 43 seats, the SP bagged 37 and the Congress could win only six seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh is currently underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in seven out of nine seats as the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh goes for bypolls on Saturday (Nov 23).

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in seven out of nine seats as the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh goes for bypolls on Saturday (Nov 23). Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is facing a significant setback with early trends showing BJP as the frontrunner. The BJP won Ghaziabad and Khair seats and was leading Kundarki, Phulpur, Majhawan and Katehari. Meanwhile, its ally the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), was ahead in the Meerapur seat. Also read: Maharashtra Assembly polls: Eknath Shinde says will 'collectively decide' on the CM post The SP won in Sismau and was leading in Karhal. 'Batenge toh katenge' UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the BJP's performance in the bypolls, saying that it was due to the good governance and welfare policies of the government. He reiterated his 'batenge toh katenge' slogan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'ek hain toh safe hain' slogan and said that the bypolls were a testament to the people's unwavering faith in the PM's government. He took to X, saying, "The victory of the BJP-NDA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly by-elections is a testament to the people's unwavering faith in the successful leadership and guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. This victory is the result of the security, good governance and public welfare policies of the double engine government and the tireless hard work of dedicated workers." उत्तर प्रदेश के विधानसभा उपचुनावों में भाजपा-एनडीए की विजय आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के यशस्वी नेतृत्व एवं मार्गदर्शन पर जनता-जनार्दन के अटूट विश्वास की मुहर है। ये जीत डबल इंजन सरकार की सुरक्षा-सुशासन एवं जन-कल्याणकारी नीतियों तथा समर्पित कार्यकर्ताओं के अथक… — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 23, 2024 × During his campaigns in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Adityanath emphasised his 'batenge toh katenge' slogan. However, he faced criticism from the opposition as they accused him of creating religious divisions. Watch | Maharashtra Election Result Live: BJP-Led Mahayuti Leading In Over 100 Seats × Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed Adityanath, calling the slogan one of the most negative ones in history and claiming it echoed the British policy of 'divide and rule'. The UP bypoll has been a turnaround for BJP and Yogi Adityanath after the setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In Lok Sabha elections, the BJP bagged 37 seats whereas the INDIA bloc won 43 seats. Out of these 43 seats, the SP bagged 37 and the Congress could win only six seats. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh is currently underway. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh bypolls: NDA leads in 7 of 9 seats, CM Yogi says it shows people's faith in Modi government

<p>Voting ends in Maharashtra for all 288 Legislative Assembly seats, with a voter turnout of 62.05 per cent. Meanwhile, Jharkhand also went to polls on Wednesday (Nov. 20), for the remaining 38 seats, as voting for 43 constituencies was held on November 13. The voter turnout recorded in Jharkhand was 68.01 per cent —&nbsp;surpassing the 67.04 per cent turnout in the 2019 assembly elections.</p>

<p>Along with the legislative assembly elections in these two states, bypolls for 15 assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand were also conducted on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voting began at 7 am in Maharashtra and&nbsp;concluded at 6 pm. While, in Jharkhand, the voting began at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm, except at sensitive polling stations where voting ended at 4 pm. The results for both states will be out on November 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-maharashtra-records-early-voter-turnout-of-661-jharkhand-at-1271-777570"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Assembly elections: Maharashtra records early voter turnout of 6.61%, Jharkhand at 12.71%</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Maharashtra elections</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in the opposition alliance, Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and the NCP (SP) 86.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Maharashtra's Parli, a polling booth was vandalised, and a worker from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) was assaulted in Parli assembly constituency, Indian news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p>Following the assault, a polling booth was vandalised as the attackers entered the booth, threw the EVM to the ground, and damaged furniture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Maharashtra Election 2024: Mahayuti Or MVA? Which Side Will Voters Pick?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Jharkhand elections</strong></h2>

<p>In Jharkhand, the ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance are facing each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Key candidates include Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and his sister-in-law Sita Soren from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the BJP, prominent candidates include former CM Babulal Marandi, Assembly Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto, AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto, and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Uttar Pradesh byelections</strong></h2>

<p>Voting was held for nine assembly seats in Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur, and Sisamau.</p>

<p>The voting began at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm, with votes to be counted on November 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are a total of 90 candidates in the UP electoral race. As of 1 pm, the voter turnout was 31.21 per cent.</p>

<p>In UP, a few incidents of violence have been reported. The Election Commission of India (ECI) asked authorities to ensure fair bypolls in the state after an issue was raised over checking voters' identity.</p>

<p>Amid this, the EC suspended seven police personnel for violating voter guidelines based on complaints by the Samajwadi Party.</p>

<p>"No eligible voter should be prevented from voting. Any kind of biased attitude during voting will not be tolerated. On receiving a complaint, there will be an immediate investigation. If anyone is found guilty, strict action will be taken," the ECI said in a statement.</p>

<p>This comes after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused police officers of unlawfully checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs, further urging the poll body to take action based on complaints on its official social media accounts about some communities being prevented from voting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Voting ends in Maharashtra for all 288 Legislative Assembly seats, with a voter turnout of 62.05 per cent. Meanwhile, Jharkhand also went to polls on Wednesday (Nov.

Voting ends in Maharashtra for all 288 Legislative Assembly seats, with a voter turnout of 62.05 per cent. Meanwhile, Jharkhand also went to polls on Wednesday (Nov. 20), for the remaining 38 seats, as voting for 43 constituencies was held on November 13. The voter turnout recorded in Jharkhand was 68.01 per cent — surpassing the 67.04 per cent turnout in the 2019 assembly elections. Along with the legislative assembly elections in these two states, bypolls for 15 assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand were also conducted on Wednesday. Voting began at 7 am in Maharashtra and concluded at 6 pm. While, in Jharkhand, the voting began at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm, except at sensitive polling stations where voting ended at 4 pm. The results for both states will be out on November 23. Also read: Assembly elections: Maharashtra records early voter turnout of 6.61%, Jharkhand at 12.71% Maharashtra elections The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. Meanwhile, in the opposition alliance, Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and the NCP (SP) 86. In Maharashtra's Parli, a polling booth was vandalised, and a worker from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) was assaulted in Parli assembly constituency, Indian news agency PTI reported. Following the assault, a polling booth was vandalised as the attackers entered the booth, threw the EVM to the ground, and damaged furniture. Watch | Maharashtra Election 2024: Mahayuti Or MVA? Which Side Will Voters Pick? × Jharkhand elections In Jharkhand, the ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance are facing each other. Key candidates include Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and his sister-in-law Sita Soren from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). From the BJP, prominent candidates include former CM Babulal Marandi, Assembly Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto, AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto, and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri. Uttar Pradesh byelections Voting was held for nine assembly seats in Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur, and Sisamau. The voting began at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm, with votes to be counted on November 23. There are a total of 90 candidates in the UP electoral race. As of 1 pm, the voter turnout was 31.21 per cent. In UP, a few incidents of violence have been reported. The Election Commission of India (ECI) asked authorities to ensure fair bypolls in the state after an issue was raised over checking voters' identity. Amid this, the EC suspended seven police personnel for violating voter guidelines based on complaints by the Samajwadi Party. "No eligible voter should be prevented from voting. Any kind of biased attitude during voting will not be tolerated. On receiving a complaint, there will be an immediate investigation. If anyone is found guilty, strict action will be taken," the ECI said in a statement. This comes after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused police officers of unlawfully checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs, further urging the poll body to take action based on complaints on its official social media accounts about some communities being prevented from voting. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly polls: Maharashtra records 62.05% turnout, Jharkhand 67.59%; sporadic violence reported

<p>The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (Nov 16) formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jhansi, the fire department and the deputy inspector general of police to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours.</p>

<p>Amid claims that the medical college had expired fire extinguishers, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak asserted all firefighting equipment in the college was completely fine and a fire safety audit was carried out in February and a mock drill in June.</p>

<p>Principal of the medical college, Dr Narendra Singh Sengar, also termed the allegations "baseless".</p>

<p>The committee, to be headed by the Director General of Medical Education and Training, has been tasked with identifying the cause of the fire and determining whether any negligence was involved and asked to submit its report within seven days.</p>

<p>"Sixteen children are undergoing treatment in other wards of the medical college. The children, who were three to four days old, have been kept on a warmer," Pathak told PTI.</p>

<p>The blaze at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where the infants admitted were mostly prematurely born, has been doused but the air around is heavy with sorrow. Parents, mostly young mothers, and their families who gathered outside the children's ward clung to one another, drawing strength in their darkest hour.</p>

<p>Yakub Mansuri was sleeping on the pavement outside the children's ward Friday night when the fire broke out. He broke in through a window and managed to rescue some newborns but not his two daughters.</p>

<p>Santoshi, who gave birth just 11 days ago, sat on the ground sobbing with her face covered by her palms, not ready to accept the loss of her child.</p>

<p>Post-mortem of seven infants was carried out on Saturday while the autopsy of three could not be done as their parents have not been identified yet, Additional Superintendent of Police (City) of Jhansi Gyanendra Kumar Singh told PTI.</p>

<p>According to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the NICU wards of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in the state's Bundelkhand region, possibly due to an electrical short circuit.</p>

<p>President Droupadi Murmu termed the incident "extremely heartbreaking" while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased. The Uttar Pradesh government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the parents of the newborns who died and Rs 50,000 to the kin of each of the injured.</p>

<p>The incident sparked a political blame game in the state where by-polls to nine assembly seats are to be held on November 20. Opposition parties blamed the BJP government in the state and said the deaths raise many serious questions on the administration.</p>

<p>The Congress targeted the Adityanath dispensation with Rahul Gandhi saying such tragic incidents happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh speak of negligence of the government and administration.</p>

<p>Party president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an investigation into the accident and strict legal action against whoever was found guilty of negligence.</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Adityanath should leave the poll campaign and focus on improving the state's health and medical facilities. He also demanded that Rs 1 crore should be paid to all bereaved families, adding, "Gorakhpur should not be repeated".</p>

<p>A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government said that on Adityanath's directions to expedite the rescue work, senior officials took charge of the situation Friday night itself.</p>

<p>Most of the children were evacuated to safety within 15 to 20 minutes through the rescue operation, it said, adding that most of the infants were shifted to the PICU ward.</p>

<p>Expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased children, Adityanath directed the officials to provide all possible help to the victims.</p>

<p>At an election rally at Phulpur in Prayagraj, he said the fire was caused by a short circuit. "To ensure that other children were rescued, we were up all night coordinating (with officials) for relief and rescue efforts," he said while explaining why he was delayed in arriving at the rally.</p>

<p>"My heart goes out to those who lost their children," he said.</p>

<p>The state government also said that as soon as information about the incident was received, Adityanath sent his deputy Pathak and the principal health secretary to the spot.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj3zLfwluGJAxWdnK8BHUOdDmYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leave-election-campaign-up-cm-yogi-faces-massive-uproar-over-jhansi-hospital-tragedy-776685" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leave-election-campaign-up-cm-yogi-faces-massive-uproar-over-jhansi-hospital-tragedy-776685&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3zLfwluGJAxWdnK8BHUOdDmYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Leave election campaign,’ UP CM Yogi faces massive uproar over Jhansi hospital tragedy</a></strong></p>

<p>"Instructions have been issued to launch a three-tier probe into the incident. The Jhansi Divisional Commissioner and the DIG have been told to probe the matter and the fire department will also look into it. Along with this, instructions have also been given for a magisterial inquiry into the incident," Pathak said on X.</p>

<p>In another post in Hindi on X, Pathak said he has spoken to the family of the children injured in the blaze and assured them of all possible help.</p>

<p>Interacting with reporters, he said, "We will detect the cause of the incident and whose negligence led to it. The priority is giving quality treatment to the injured." Talking about the rescue operation, the principal of the medical college said, "The children who did not suffer any burn injury or suffocation are being taken care of at the district hospital. The rescued children have been admitted to other wards of the medical college, district hospital and private nursing homes." Earlier on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh told reporters that 16 injured children were being treated and efforts were underway to save their lives.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours</strong></p>

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<p>There was also information that some parents took their children home after the fire erupted in the ward, she said, adding police are trying to verify the tally of infants who were in the NICU and their current status.</p>

<p>"The medical college has informed that 52 to 54 children were admitted at the time of the incident. While 10 of them died, 16 are undergoing treatment. Verification for others is ongoing," Singh added.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (Nov 16) formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (Nov 16) formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jhansi, the fire department and the deputy inspector general of police to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours. Amid claims that the medical college had expired fire extinguishers, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak asserted all firefighting equipment in the college was completely fine and a fire safety audit was carried out in February and a mock drill in June. Principal of the medical college, Dr Narendra Singh Sengar, also termed the allegations "baseless". The committee, to be headed by the Director General of Medical Education and Training, has been tasked with identifying the cause of the fire and determining whether any negligence was involved and asked to submit its report within seven days. "Sixteen children are undergoing treatment in other wards of the medical college. The children, who were three to four days old, have been kept on a warmer," Pathak told PTI. The blaze at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where the infants admitted were mostly prematurely born, has been doused but the air around is heavy with sorrow. Parents, mostly young mothers, and their families who gathered outside the children's ward clung to one another, drawing strength in their darkest hour. Yakub Mansuri was sleeping on the pavement outside the children's ward Friday night when the fire broke out. He broke in through a window and managed to rescue some newborns but not his two daughters. Santoshi, who gave birth just 11 days ago, sat on the ground sobbing with her face covered by her palms, not ready to accept the loss of her child. Post-mortem of seven infants was carried out on Saturday while the autopsy of three could not be done as their parents have not been identified yet, Additional Superintendent of Police (City) of Jhansi Gyanendra Kumar Singh told PTI. According to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the NICU wards of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in the state's Bundelkhand region, possibly due to an electrical short circuit. President Droupadi Murmu termed the incident "extremely heartbreaking" while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased. The Uttar Pradesh government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the parents of the newborns who died and Rs 50,000 to the kin of each of the injured. The incident sparked a political blame game in the state where by-polls to nine assembly seats are to be held on November 20. Opposition parties blamed the BJP government in the state and said the deaths raise many serious questions on the administration. The Congress targeted the Adityanath dispensation with Rahul Gandhi saying such tragic incidents happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh speak of negligence of the government and administration. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an investigation into the accident and strict legal action against whoever was found guilty of negligence. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Adityanath should leave the poll campaign and focus on improving the state's health and medical facilities. He also demanded that Rs 1 crore should be paid to all bereaved families, adding, "Gorakhpur should not be repeated". A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government said that on Adityanath's directions to expedite the rescue work, senior officials took charge of the situation Friday night itself. Most of the children were evacuated to safety within 15 to 20 minutes through the rescue operation, it said, adding that most of the infants were shifted to the PICU ward. Expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased children, Adityanath directed the officials to provide all possible help to the victims. At an election rally at Phulpur in Prayagraj, he said the fire was caused by a short circuit. "To ensure that other children were rescued, we were up all night coordinating (with officials) for relief and rescue efforts," he said while explaining why he was delayed in arriving at the rally. "My heart goes out to those who lost their children," he said. The state government also said that as soon as information about the incident was received, Adityanath sent his deputy Pathak and the principal health secretary to the spot. Also read: ‘Leave election campaign,’ UP CM Yogi faces massive uproar over Jhansi hospital tragedy "Instructions have been issued to launch a three-tier probe into the incident. The Jhansi Divisional Commissioner and the DIG have been told to probe the matter and the fire department will also look into it. Along with this, instructions have also been given for a magisterial inquiry into the incident," Pathak said on X. In another post in Hindi on X, Pathak said he has spoken to the family of the children injured in the blaze and assured them of all possible help. Interacting with reporters, he said, "We will detect the cause of the incident and whose negligence led to it. The priority is giving quality treatment to the injured." Talking about the rescue operation, the principal of the medical college said, "The children who did not suffer any burn injury or suffocation are being taken care of at the district hospital. The rescued children have been admitted to other wards of the medical college, district hospital and private nursing homes." Earlier on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh told reporters that 16 injured children were being treated and efforts were underway to save their lives. Watch: Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours × There was also information that some parents took their children home after the fire erupted in the ward, she said, adding police are trying to verify the tally of infants who were in the NICU and their current status. "The medical college has informed that 52 to 54 children were admitted at the time of the incident. While 10 of them died, 16 are undergoing treatment. Verification for others is ongoing," Singh added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jhansi hospital fire: Four-member team formed to probe incident, govt refutes faulty extinguishers claim

<p>The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the Jhansi fire incident at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a medical college, which led to the death of&nbsp;10 infants. In other news, Iran denied reports of Elon Musk meeting with the Iranian envoy to the United Nations, Iranian media reported citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-four-member-team-formed-to-probe-incident-govt-refutes-faulty-extinguishers-claim-776732"><strong>Jhansi hospital fire: Four-member team formed to probe incident, govt refutes faulty extinguishers claim</strong></a></p>

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<p>The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-categorically-rejects-reports-of-meeting-between-un-envoy-and-elon-musk-776716"><strong>Iran ‘categorically’ rejects reports of meeting between UN envoy and Elon Musk</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466375-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-67.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-opposition-politician-pours-black-paint-on-election-chief-as-protests-continue-after-disputed-polls-776713"><strong>Georgia parliamentary polls: Election chief doused in black paint as opposition alleges rigging</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466374-untitled-design-3.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-uk-submarine-cables-under-threat-irish-navy-claims-it-escorted-russian-spy-ship-out-of-eez-776698"><strong>Ireland-UK submarine cables under threat? Irish Navy claims it escorted Russian spy ship out of EEZ</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466366-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-66.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Irish Navy said it escorted a Russian spy ship out of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area critical for energy and submarine pipelines and cables, on Friday (Nov 15). The spy ship was earlier spotted by Norwegian, United States, French and British navy and air defence services on Thursday (Nov 14) east of Dublin and southwest of the Isle of Man as it was accompanying Russian warship Admiral Golovko.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-was-my-first-baby-bereaving-parents-share-tragic-ordeal-after-infants-die-in-jhansi-hospital-fire-776690"><strong>India: 'It was my first baby,' Bereaving parents share tragic ordeal after infants die in Jhansi hospital fire</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466361-untitled-design.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-family-freezes-to-death-while-trying-to-slip-into-us-from-canada-two-accused-await-trial-776702"><strong>Indian family freezes to death while trying to slip into US from Canada, two accused await trial</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466368-untitled-design-1.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>An Indian family of four froze to death while attempting to slip into the United States from Canada in January 2022, as the temperature dropped to minus 36 Fahrenheit (minus 38 Celsius) in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-authorities-impose-curfew-in-imphal-west-district-amid-violent-protests-776720"><strong>Manipur authorities impose curfew in Imphal West District amid violent protests</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466378-untitled-design-4.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airline-plane-hit-by-gunfire-while-taking-off-from-dallas-faa-776673"><strong>US airline plane hit by gunfire while taking off from Dallas: FAA</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466350-untitled.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>An aircraft of Southwest Airlines was hit by gunfire while taking off from an airport in the US city of Dallas on Friday (Nov 15). The incident happened at the Dallas Love Field Airport in the US state of Texas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-shubman-gill-suffers-finger-injury-while-fielding-doubtful-for-opening-contest-in-perth-776687"><strong>BGT 2024/25: Shubman Gill suffers finger injury while fielding, doubtful for opening contest in Perth</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466357-bgt-202425-shubman-gill-suffers-finger-injury-while-fielding-doubtful-for-opening-contest-in-perth.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Team India could be handed a major blow in their preparation for the opening contest against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury on Saturday (Nov 16). In preparation for the high-voltage series, Gill was fielding in slips when the injury occurred, which now casts doubt on his involvement in the opening match. India are already facing a crisis in the top order, with Rohit Sharma unlikely to play in the Perth Test due to paternity leave.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nayanthara-slams-dhanush-in-an-open-letter-over-her-netflix-documentary-responds-to-legal-notice-776640"><strong>Nayanthara slams Dhanush in an open letter over her Netflix documentary, responds to Rs 10 crore legal notice</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466327-happy-30th-birthday-2024-11-16t130334679.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Nayanthara has shared an open letter slamming Dhanush. The South Indian superstar has shared a lengthy note criticising the<em>&nbsp;Karnan</em>&nbsp;actor for not letting her use the clips of her&nbsp;movie<em>&nbsp;Naanum Rowdy Dhaan,</em>&nbsp;which he has produced.&nbsp;</p>


The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the Jhansi fire incident at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a medical college, which led to the death of 10 infants.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the Jhansi fire incident at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a medical college, which led to the death of 10 infants. In other news, Iran denied reports of Elon Musk meeting with the Iranian envoy to the United Nations, Iranian media reported citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. Click on the headlines to read more Jhansi hospital fire: Four-member team formed to probe incident, govt refutes faulty extinguishers claim The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident. Iran ‘categorically’ rejects reports of meeting between UN envoy and Elon Musk No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. Georgia parliamentary polls: Election chief doused in black paint as opposition alleges rigging Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month. Ireland-UK submarine cables under threat? Irish Navy claims it escorted Russian spy ship out of EEZ The Irish Navy said it escorted a Russian spy ship out of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area critical for energy and submarine pipelines and cables, on Friday (Nov 15). The spy ship was earlier spotted by Norwegian, United States, French and British navy and air defence services on Thursday (Nov 14) east of Dublin and southwest of the Isle of Man as it was accompanying Russian warship Admiral Golovko. India: 'It was my first baby,' Bereaving parents share tragic ordeal after infants die in Jhansi hospital fire Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants. Indian family freezes to death while trying to slip into US from Canada, two accused await trial An Indian family of four froze to death while attempting to slip into the United States from Canada in January 2022, as the temperature dropped to minus 36 Fahrenheit (minus 38 Celsius) in the country. Manipur authorities impose curfew in Imphal West District amid violent protests Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district. US airline plane hit by gunfire while taking off from Dallas: FAA An aircraft of Southwest Airlines was hit by gunfire while taking off from an airport in the US city of Dallas on Friday (Nov 15). The incident happened at the Dallas Love Field Airport in the US state of Texas. BGT 2024/25: Shubman Gill suffers finger injury while fielding, doubtful for opening contest in Perth Team India could be handed a major blow in their preparation for the opening contest against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury on Saturday (Nov 16). In preparation for the high-voltage series, Gill was fielding in slips when the injury occurred, which now casts doubt on his involvement in the opening match. India are already facing a crisis in the top order, with Rohit Sharma unlikely to play in the Perth Test due to paternity leave. Nayanthara slams Dhanush in an open letter over her Netflix documentary, responds to Rs 10 crore legal notice Nayanthara has shared an open letter slamming Dhanush. The South Indian superstar has shared a lengthy note criticising the Karnan actor for not letting her use the clips of her movie Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, which he has produced.

Top 10 world news: Team formed to probe Jhansi fire incident; Iran denies meeting with Musk, and more

<p>Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, killing 10 children and 16 others fighting for their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Santoshi, a mother from Mahoba district's Parsaha village, is still looking for her 10-day-old baby who was in the college's NICU.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>'It was my first baby'</strong></h2>

<p>"I don't know where my child is. When the fire broke out, I couldn't go inside to rescue my baby. How could I? When no one was able to get inside, how could anyone hand me my baby? Everyone was running around in panic," Santoshi told Indian news agency ANI.</p>

<p>She added that so many babies were inside the NICU when the fire broke out and it seemed like the babies did not survive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some babies couldn't be rescued. It's unclear if they were burned or saved. No one knows what happened to the children," Santoshi added as she continued to desperately look for her "first baby".</p>

<p>She added that the hospital did not allow her to see her baby before the fire broke out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After the fire, I couldn't even look for my baby properly. I searched, but I didn't find him," Santoshi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the tragic incident unfolded, many families are still asking for information about their infants, moreover, some are uncertain about the fate of their babies.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Go in and take your children'</strong></h2>

<p>Rani Sen, a resident of Narayan Bagh in Jhansi&nbsp;and aunt of a baby who was in the NICU during the fire, has been searching for answers since the incident. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is being said my child is dead, but no one has told me on what basis," she said, adding, "After the fire, they were saying, 'Go in and take your children.' But by then, many of the children had already died in the fire."</p>

<p>She further questioned the identification process used by the hospital. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"They say it's based on the tags on the children. If the identification is based on tags, what about the child I found, who had no tag? I admitted that child under my name to Dr Kuldeep Trivedi's care in the ICU, and he is safe now. But that child is not mine. I informed them of this as well," she told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She then asked for proof of her baby's death and called for a DNA test to identify the victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I hadn't told them I had someone else's child, would they even know it wasn't mine?" she asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rani then urged the authorities to let parents identify their children. "All the children in Jhansi's hospitals should be brought in, and parents should be allowed to identify their own children. If anyone can't identify their child, then a DNA test should be done," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Whoever managed to get inside, saved their child'</strong></h2>

<p>A grandmother from Rajgarh, whose 20-25-day-old grandchild was in the NICU, spoke about her ordeal, saying that as the fire broke out, there were some people who managed to get inside, grab their child.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My child was in the ICU, and as soon as the fire broke out, everyone rushed. The nurses were pushing people out, not allowing anyone to go inside. When people somehow managed to get inside, whoever could grab a child did so. Some broke in through the windows. My child hasn't been found yet," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal.

Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants. The fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, killing 10 children and 16 others fighting for their lives. Santoshi, a mother from Mahoba district's Parsaha village, is still looking for her 10-day-old baby who was in the college's NICU. Also read: Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors 'It was my first baby' "I don't know where my child is. When the fire broke out, I couldn't go inside to rescue my baby. How could I? When no one was able to get inside, how could anyone hand me my baby? Everyone was running around in panic," Santoshi told Indian news agency ANI. She added that so many babies were inside the NICU when the fire broke out and it seemed like the babies did not survive. "Some babies couldn't be rescued. It's unclear if they were burned or saved. No one knows what happened to the children," Santoshi added as she continued to desperately look for her "first baby". She added that the hospital did not allow her to see her baby before the fire broke out. "After the fire, I couldn't even look for my baby properly. I searched, but I didn't find him," Santoshi said. As the tragic incident unfolded, many families are still asking for information about their infants, moreover, some are uncertain about the fate of their babies. 'Go in and take your children' Rani Sen, a resident of Narayan Bagh in Jhansi and aunt of a baby who was in the NICU during the fire, has been searching for answers since the incident. "It is being said my child is dead, but no one has told me on what basis," she said, adding, "After the fire, they were saying, 'Go in and take your children.' But by then, many of the children had already died in the fire." She further questioned the identification process used by the hospital. "They say it's based on the tags on the children. If the identification is based on tags, what about the child I found, who had no tag? I admitted that child under my name to Dr Kuldeep Trivedi's care in the ICU, and he is safe now. But that child is not mine. I informed them of this as well," she told ANI. She then asked for proof of her baby's death and called for a DNA test to identify the victims. "If I hadn't told them I had someone else's child, would they even know it wasn't mine?" she asked. Rani then urged the authorities to let parents identify their children. "All the children in Jhansi's hospitals should be brought in, and parents should be allowed to identify their own children. If anyone can't identify their child, then a DNA test should be done," she said. Watch | Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours × 'Whoever managed to get inside, saved their child' A grandmother from Rajgarh, whose 20-25-day-old grandchild was in the NICU, spoke about her ordeal, saying that as the fire broke out, there were some people who managed to get inside, grab their child. "My child was in the ICU, and as soon as the fire broke out, everyone rushed. The nurses were pushing people out, not allowing anyone to go inside. When people somehow managed to get inside, whoever could grab a child did so. Some broke in through the windows. My child hasn't been found yet," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 'It was my first baby,' Bereaving parents share tragic ordeal after infants die in Jhansi hospital fire

<p>The opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh came down heavily on the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a fire tragedy at a government hospital that killed at least 10 infants on Friday (Nov 15). The Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the BJP government and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of gross negligence of the state’s health index. The opposition also demanded the state’s health minister, Brajesh Pathak, step down over the horrific fire at Laxmibai Medical College in the city of Jhansi.</p>

<p>SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Saturday, saying, “The Chief Minister should leave the election campaign and false claims of 'everything being fine' and focus on the poor condition of health and medical facilities.”</p>

<p>The SP chief also blamed the fire incident on equipment of alleged poor quality. “This is a direct case of negligence of medical management and administration or of poor quality oxygen concentrator. Punitive action should be taken against all those responsible in this case,” the SP chief wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjeo-vh2-CJAxXb2jQHHX3COTMQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjeo-vh2-CJAxXb2jQHHX3COTMQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, media reports claimed that the fire at the hospital may have started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. At the time of the incident, 54 babies were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital. While some babies were rescued, others were burnt to death and some remain in critical condition. The incident has now caused nationwide outrage.</p>

<p>Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, also raised questions about the state’s BJP government.</p>

<p>“It seems that such tragic incidents are happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh which raises so many serious questions about negligence of the government?” Gandhi wrote on X. He also demanded a probe be launched into the incident, asking for severe legal consequences for the culprits.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Jhansi Tragedy: Newborns Loses Life In Blaze At Government Hospital In Jhansi</strong></p>

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<p>Both PM Modi and UP CM Yogi mourned the death of the children, assuring medical and financial assistance to the bereaved families.</p>

<p>Angry users on social media also took the Yogi government to task and condemned the government for failing the state’s poor.</p>

<p>“Safety and security in every institution is absolutely zero. It's just highlighted whenever tragedy happens. After 2 days, everything goes usual and next tragedy starts it's preparation to appear,” wrote one user.</p>

<p>“Nothing will change in the system. May almighty be kind to the people who list their precious new borns,” wrote a second user. “All the babus responsible from hospital administration to fire department and municipality must go to jail for life along with the health and Pwd minister,” wrote a third one.</p>


The opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh came down heavily on the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a fire tragedy at a government hospital that killed at least 10 infants on Friday (Nov 15).

The opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh came down heavily on the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a fire tragedy at a government hospital that killed at least 10 infants on Friday (Nov 15). The Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the BJP government and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of gross negligence of the state’s health index. The opposition also demanded the state’s health minister, Brajesh Pathak, step down over the horrific fire at Laxmibai Medical College in the city of Jhansi. SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Saturday, saying, “The Chief Minister should leave the election campaign and false claims of 'everything being fine' and focus on the poor condition of health and medical facilities.” The SP chief also blamed the fire incident on equipment of alleged poor quality. “This is a direct case of negligence of medical management and administration or of poor quality oxygen concentrator. Punitive action should be taken against all those responsible in this case,” the SP chief wrote. Also read: Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors Earlier, media reports claimed that the fire at the hospital may have started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. At the time of the incident, 54 babies were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital. While some babies were rescued, others were burnt to death and some remain in critical condition. The incident has now caused nationwide outrage. Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, also raised questions about the state’s BJP government. “It seems that such tragic incidents are happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh which raises so many serious questions about negligence of the government?” Gandhi wrote on X. He also demanded a probe be launched into the incident, asking for severe legal consequences for the culprits. Watch: Jhansi Tragedy: Newborns Loses Life In Blaze At Government Hospital In Jhansi × Both PM Modi and UP CM Yogi mourned the death of the children, assuring medical and financial assistance to the bereaved families. Angry users on social media also took the Yogi government to task and condemned the government for failing the state’s poor. “Safety and security in every institution is absolutely zero. It's just highlighted whenever tragedy happens. After 2 days, everything goes usual and next tragedy starts it's preparation to appear,” wrote one user. “Nothing will change in the system. May almighty be kind to the people who list their precious new borns,” wrote a second user. “All the babus responsible from hospital administration to fire department and municipality must go to jail for life along with the health and Pwd minister,” wrote a third one.

‘Leave election campaign,’ UP CM Yogi faces massive uproar over Jhansi hospital tragedy

The Uttar Pradesh government has ramped up preparations to ensure a secure and successful Mahakumbh 2025, mobilizing National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF and SDRF) alongside healthcare teams for comprehensive emergency preparedness. Watch this report for more details!

India: Emergency Preparedness in Place for Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh

India is preparing to host one of the largest religious gatherings in the world in Uttar Pradesh, attracting millions of devotees from across the country and beyond. The event, expected to take place in the sacred city, will feature rituals, prayers, and cultural festivities centered around spirituality and community. Authorities are implementing extensive arrangements for security, sanitation, and logistics to ensure a smooth experience for participants, reflecting the significance of this gathering in promoting religious unity and devotion.

India Set To Host Biggest Religious Gathering In Uttar Pradesh

<p>Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya celebrated its first "Deepotsav" since the consecration of the Ram Temple, on Wednesday (Oct 30), with over 2.5 million diyas lit on the bank of River Saryu, creating a Guinness World Record.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations in Ayodhya. Along with Yogi, other cabinet ministers also joined him in lighting the first few lamps for the launch of the celebration.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Guinness World Record</strong></h2>

<p>Ayodhya created a new Guinness World Record by lighting 2,512,585 diyas on Ram ki Paidi and 54 other ghats along the Saryu River.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This broke the last record of 2,223,000 diyas set in 2023.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The other Guinness World Record was of&nbsp;1,121 people performing Saryu aarti simultaneously. The 1,121 individuals were 'vedacharyas' (teachers of religious texts), reported&nbsp;news agency PTI.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-bans-offerings-made-by-external-agencies-amid-tirupati-laddoo-row-762567"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir bans offerings made by external agencies amid Tirupati laddoo row</strong></a></p>

<p>CM Yogi Adityanath received&nbsp;the certificates of two&nbsp;new Guinness World Records created during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UP tourism shared a post on X, with images showing the vibrant celebration in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A night to remember - the sky shone brighter than ever - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepotsav2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepotsav2024</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepotsav</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepotsav2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepotsav2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AyodhyaDeepotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AyodhyaDeepotsav</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeepotsavAyodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeepotsavAyodhya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPTourism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPTourism</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarPradesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShriRam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShriRam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ram</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReligiousTourism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReligiousTourism</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MukeshMeshram?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MukeshMeshram</a> <a href="https://t.co/KjmJdniTAU">pic.twitter.com/KjmJdniTAU</a></p>
— UP Tourism (@uptourismgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/uptourismgov/status/1851627616094290046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Around 30,000 volunteers from Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University lit diyas along the&nbsp;55 ghats throughout the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, a laser and drone show was also organised, showing events from Ramayan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: Drone show underway at Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepotsav</a> <a href="https://t.co/2aUgNUAGxS">pic.twitter.com/2aUgNUAGxS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1851621973564285244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The celebration also featured cultural performances from artists representing six countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya: Birthplace Of Lord Ram Dazzles In Divine Light During Diwali Season</strong></p>

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<p>Deepotsav, a five-day festival, commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The event showcases Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual heritage, drawing millions of devotees and tourists.<br />
<br />
Deepostav, being organised by the UP government in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, since 2017, has become a grand spectacle over the years.</p>

<p>Diwali is one of India's most celebrated festivals. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya celebrated its first "Deepotsav" since the consecration of the Ram Temple, on Wednesday (Oct 30), with over 2.5 million diyas lit on the bank of River Saryu, creating a Guinness World Record.

Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya celebrated its first "Deepotsav" since the consecration of the Ram Temple, on Wednesday (Oct 30), with over 2.5 million diyas lit on the bank of River Saryu, creating a Guinness World Record. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations in Ayodhya. Along with Yogi, other cabinet ministers also joined him in lighting the first few lamps for the launch of the celebration. Guinness World Record Ayodhya created a new Guinness World Record by lighting 2,512,585 diyas on Ram ki Paidi and 54 other ghats along the Saryu River. This broke the last record of 2,223,000 diyas set in 2023. The other Guinness World Record was of 1,121 people performing Saryu aarti simultaneously. The 1,121 individuals were 'vedacharyas' (teachers of religious texts), reported news agency PTI. Also read: Ayodhya's Ram Mandir bans offerings made by external agencies amid Tirupati laddoo row CM Yogi Adityanath received the certificates of two new Guinness World Records created during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya. The UP tourism shared a post on X, with images showing the vibrant celebration in Ayodhya. A night to remember - the sky shone brighter than ever - #Deepotsav2024!#Deepotsav #Deepotsav2024 #AyodhyaDeepotsav #DeepotsavAyodhya #UPTourism #UttarPradesh #Ayodhya #ShriRam #Ram #Rama #ReligiousTourism @MukeshMeshram pic.twitter.com/KjmJdniTAU — UP Tourism (@uptourismgov) October 30, 2024 × Around 30,000 volunteers from Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University lit diyas along the 55 ghats throughout the city. Moreover, a laser and drone show was also organised, showing events from Ramayan. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Drone show underway at Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya. #Diwali2024 #Deepotsav pic.twitter.com/2aUgNUAGxS — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024 × The celebration also featured cultural performances from artists representing six countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Watch | Ayodhya: Birthplace Of Lord Ram Dazzles In Divine Light During Diwali Season × Deepotsav, a five-day festival, commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The event showcases Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual heritage, drawing millions of devotees and tourists. Deepostav, being organised by the UP government in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, since 2017, has become a grand spectacle over the years. Diwali is one of India's most celebrated festivals. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. (With inputs from agencies)

Ayodhya's record-breaking Diwali: City lit up with 2.5mn diyas, drone and laser shows

<p>A female police constable was raped by her neighbour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur while she was on her way home to celebrate Karwa Chauth.</p>

<p>According to the police, the accused Dharmendra Paswan, aka Kallu (34), offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle when she was walking home, however, he instead took her to an isolated area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After she agreed to the lift, Paswan diverted his vehicle towards an isolated spot near a tube well. The woman got suspicious and tried to stop him. He then forcibly overpowered her and allegedly raped her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police constable had come to Kanpur for the Karwa Chauth rituals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/horror-from-indias-up-student-in-hathras-killed-to-bring-success-to-school-heres-what-happened-762476"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Horror from India's UP: Student in Hathras killed to bring success to school. Here's what happened</strong></a></p>

<p>Joint Commissioner of Police Harish Chander said that the constable fought back during the assault, biting the accused's finger before managing to escape. She immediately reported the crime at a nearby police outpost.</p>

<p>In order to save himself, Paswan reported his vehicle as stolen at another police station. However, the woman identified him when he was brought in for questioning for alleged theft.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

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<p>Shortly after that, the police arrested him and charged him under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape and criminal intimidation.</p>

<p>Paswan has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days while further investigations are underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such kinds of cases have been increasing for years now. The Uttar Pradesh government has reported significant progress in prosecuting crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the UP government, "Over the past seven and a half years, the Directorate has successfully prosecuted over 80,000 criminals in the state."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In addition, 54 criminals received the death penalty, in cases involving women, 28,700 criminals were punished for serious offences, including sexual assault and crimes under the POCSO Act, as stated in government's official record," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A female police constable was raped by her neighbour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur while she was on her way home to celebrate Karwa Chauth. According to the police, the accused Dharmendra Paswan, aka Kallu (34), offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle when she was walking home, however, he instead took her to an isolated area.

A female police constable was raped by her neighbour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur while she was on her way home to celebrate Karwa Chauth. According to the police, the accused Dharmendra Paswan, aka Kallu (34), offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle when she was walking home, however, he instead took her to an isolated area. After she agreed to the lift, Paswan diverted his vehicle towards an isolated spot near a tube well. The woman got suspicious and tried to stop him. He then forcibly overpowered her and allegedly raped her. The police constable had come to Kanpur for the Karwa Chauth rituals. Also read: Horror from India's UP: Student in Hathras killed to bring success to school. Here's what happened Joint Commissioner of Police Harish Chander said that the constable fought back during the assault, biting the accused's finger before managing to escape. She immediately reported the crime at a nearby police outpost. In order to save himself, Paswan reported his vehicle as stolen at another police station. However, the woman identified him when he was brought in for questioning for alleged theft. Watch | Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh × Shortly after that, the police arrested him and charged him under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape and criminal intimidation. Paswan has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days while further investigations are underway. Such kinds of cases have been increasing for years now. The Uttar Pradesh government has reported significant progress in prosecuting crimes. According to the UP government, "Over the past seven and a half years, the Directorate has successfully prosecuted over 80,000 criminals in the state." "In addition, 54 criminals received the death penalty, in cases involving women, 28,700 criminals were punished for serious offences, including sexual assault and crimes under the POCSO Act, as stated in government's official record," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

UP woman cop raped by neighbour who offered lift on Karwa Chauth in Kanpur

<p>Two&nbsp;accused of the Bahraich violence, Sarfaraz and Mohammad Talib, were shot in the leg by Uttar Pradesh Police while trying to flee to Nepal&nbsp;on Thursday.</p>

<p>Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Special Task Force, Uttar Pradesh, said that five accused in the matter have been arrested.</p>

<p>"A total of five people who are the main accused in the case have been arrested. A short exchange of fire took place in which two people were injured. The injured are Sarfaraz and Mohammad Talib. There is no death and the injured have been taken to the hospital," Amitabh Yash said.</p>

<p>ADGP (Law and Order), STF, Uttar Pradesh, said that two people were injured in the encounter and were admitted to a hospital.</p>

<p>SP Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla, said, "Five people have been arrested. Two of them have been injured in police firing. I am here to assess their condition. One of the injured is Md. Sarfaraz, the other other is Md. Talib."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-in-indias-up-shot-dead-amid-communal-faceoff-over-playing-music-during-religious-procession-767209"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Man in India's UP shot dead amid communal faceoff over playing music during religious procession</strong></a></p>

<p>One Ramgopal Mishra was killed while several others were injured after a clash erupted between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi area of Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.</p>

<p>Earlier on Thursday, Bahraich Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Sanjay Kumar Sharma, said that Ramgopal Mishra, who was killed in a clash that erupted between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession in Bahraich, died due to "excessive bleeding".</p>

<p>The CMO said, "The information that we have - that man died of excessive bleeding due to 25-30 pellets injuries. There are some injury marks above his left eye and on the toes. Some part of the nails of both feet is also missing."</p>

<p>Appealing to not spread misinformation on social media, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rural, Pavitra Mohan Tripathi, said, "To disturb the social harmony, misinformation is being spread on social media—there's been a single death in the incident and the reason for death is also clear in the post-mortem report, which is bullet injuries. I request people not to spread misinformation and also not to believe in any of such misinformation. The situation is peaceful in the district."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

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<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that providing justice to the family of the victim of the Bahraich violence is the government's top priority, and the culprits will not be spared at any cost. He said this after meeting with family members of the deceased in Lucknow.</p>

<p>The family has been provided Rs 10 lakh, a house under the PM Awas Yojana, and an Antyodaya card.</p>

<p>On October 16, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led state government also initiated action against police officials.</p>

<p>The SHO of Hardi police station in charge of the Mahsi area was removed along with CO Mahsi Rupendra Gaur. CO Ravi Khokhar of Rampur was given charge of CO Mahsi in Bahraich.</p>

<p>According to the police, the procession was passing by a Muslim area when the two groups argued over some issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Two accused of the Bahraich violence, Sarfaraz and Mohammad Talib, were shot in the leg by Uttar Pradesh Police while trying to flee to Nepal on Thursday. Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Special Task Force, Uttar Pradesh, said that five accused in the matter have been arrested.

Two accused of the Bahraich violence, Sarfaraz and Mohammad Talib, were shot in the leg by Uttar Pradesh Police while trying to flee to Nepal on Thursday. Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Special Task Force, Uttar Pradesh, said that five accused in the matter have been arrested. "A total of five people who are the main accused in the case have been arrested. A short exchange of fire took place in which two people were injured. The injured are Sarfaraz and Mohammad Talib. There is no death and the injured have been taken to the hospital," Amitabh Yash said. ADGP (Law and Order), STF, Uttar Pradesh, said that two people were injured in the encounter and were admitted to a hospital. SP Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla, said, "Five people have been arrested. Two of them have been injured in police firing. I am here to assess their condition. One of the injured is Md. Sarfaraz, the other other is Md. Talib." Also read: Man in India's UP shot dead amid communal faceoff over playing music during religious procession One Ramgopal Mishra was killed while several others were injured after a clash erupted between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi area of Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Earlier on Thursday, Bahraich Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Sanjay Kumar Sharma, said that Ramgopal Mishra, who was killed in a clash that erupted between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession in Bahraich, died due to "excessive bleeding". The CMO said, "The information that we have - that man died of excessive bleeding due to 25-30 pellets injuries. There are some injury marks above his left eye and on the toes. Some part of the nails of both feet is also missing." Appealing to not spread misinformation on social media, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rural, Pavitra Mohan Tripathi, said, "To disturb the social harmony, misinformation is being spread on social media—there's been a single death in the incident and the reason for death is also clear in the post-mortem report, which is bullet injuries. I request people not to spread misinformation and also not to believe in any of such misinformation. The situation is peaceful in the district." Watch | Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh × Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that providing justice to the family of the victim of the Bahraich violence is the government's top priority, and the culprits will not be spared at any cost. He said this after meeting with family members of the deceased in Lucknow. The family has been provided Rs 10 lakh, a house under the PM Awas Yojana, and an Antyodaya card. On October 16, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led state government also initiated action against police officials. The SHO of Hardi police station in charge of the Mahsi area was removed along with CO Mahsi Rupendra Gaur. CO Ravi Khokhar of Rampur was given charge of CO Mahsi in Bahraich. According to the police, the procession was passing by a Muslim area when the two groups argued over some issue. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Two Bahraich violence accused shot at by UP Police in encounter, 5 held while trying to flee to Nepal

<p>Residents of Noida and Ghaziabad will be facing shortage&nbsp;of water from October 13 till November 2 as the Ganga water supply will be halted for 20 days. This is due to annual maintenance on the upper Ganga canal in Haridwar, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department announced.</p>

<p>The water supply will be temporarily affected in residential areas like Indirapuram, Vaishali, Vasundhara, and Delta Colony.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Alternative arrangements</h2>

<p>According to the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), alternate arrangements for water supply will be made during the period. The residents&nbsp;will receive low-pressure water in the morning. They will also experience a decrease in water availability.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Affected areas</h2>

<p>The affected areas include Abhay Khand, Nyay Khand, Gyan Khand, and Shakti Khand in Indirapuram. Some residents in the area had already been facing low water pressure due to transformer issues.</p>

<p>Various sectors of Vasundhara will also be affected, including sectors 9, 10, 7, and 8. Kaushambi and Vaishali sectors 5, 7, and 9 will also face issues in the water supply.</p>

<h2>Disruption for residents</h2>

<p>The water shortages are affecting the daily tasks of residents and complaints have already been made by people living in Vasundhara Sector 9. Many people are forced to rely on bottled water for their basic needs.</p>

<p>Some areas, including Kaushambi and Vasundhara Sector 10, are experiencing more issues with broken pipelines, leaving residents without water.</p>

<p>The authorities have urged residents to conserve water during this period and rely on alternative sources as much as possible. The maintenance work is expected to be completed by November 2, after which normal Ganga water supply will resume.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Residents of Noida and Ghaziabad will be facing shortage of water from October 13 till November 2 as the Ganga water supply will be halted for 20 days. This is due to annual maintenance on the upper Ganga canal in Haridwar, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department announced.

Residents of Noida and Ghaziabad will be facing shortage of water from October 13 till November 2 as the Ganga water supply will be halted for 20 days. This is due to annual maintenance on the upper Ganga canal in Haridwar, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department announced. The water supply will be temporarily affected in residential areas like Indirapuram, Vaishali, Vasundhara, and Delta Colony. Alternative arrangements According to the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), alternate arrangements for water supply will be made during the period. The residents will receive low-pressure water in the morning. They will also experience a decrease in water availability. Affected areas The affected areas include Abhay Khand, Nyay Khand, Gyan Khand, and Shakti Khand in Indirapuram. Some residents in the area had already been facing low water pressure due to transformer issues. Various sectors of Vasundhara will also be affected, including sectors 9, 10, 7, and 8. Kaushambi and Vaishali sectors 5, 7, and 9 will also face issues in the water supply. Disruption for residents The water shortages are affecting the daily tasks of residents and complaints have already been made by people living in Vasundhara Sector 9. Many people are forced to rely on bottled water for their basic needs. Some areas, including Kaushambi and Vasundhara Sector 10, are experiencing more issues with broken pipelines, leaving residents without water. The authorities have urged residents to conserve water during this period and rely on alternative sources as much as possible. The maintenance work is expected to be completed by November 2, after which normal Ganga water supply will resume. (With inputs from agencies)

Water supply to be affected in Noida and Ghaziabad till Nov 2

Nepal and India's eastern states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been battered by heavy floods. Kosi and Gandak river in Bihar breached their embankments. Monsoon rains from June to mid-September bring widespread death and destruction across South Asia. The latest spell in Nepal came towards the end of its monsoon season.

Deadly Floods in Nepal and India's Bihar, Uttar Pradesh

<p>Amid the Tirupati laddoo row in the Indian state of&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh, the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya has decided to ban offerings prepared by external agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alleged adulteration of Tirupati temple laddoos as offerings have sparked reactions from Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Mathura with calls for bringing reform in the preparation and distribution of 'prasad'.</p>

<h2><strong>Ayodhya's Ram Mandir</strong></h2>

<p>Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ram Mandir, has raised concerns about the quality of ghee sold across India. He further demanded a "complete ban" on prasad prepared by external agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Das has further stressed that the prasad offered to the deities should be prepared exclusively under the supervision of temple priests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Prasad should be prepared in the temple premises under the guidance of priests, and only such offerings should be presented to the deities,” the chief priest of Ram Mandir&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jagan-mohan-reddy-cancels-tirupati-temple-visit-amid-adulterated-laddoo-row-762519"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Former Andhra Pradesh CM Reddy cancels Tirupati temple visit amid adulterated laddoo row</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking about the ongoing controversy sparked by allegations that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddoos during the tenure of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Das stressed the need for stringent inspections of the quality of oil and ghee sold nationwide.</p>

<p>He also alleged that there was an international conspiracy to desecrate temples by mixing inappropriate substances in offerings.</p>

<h2><strong>Mathura to revert to 'ancient style'&nbsp;of 'prasadam' recipes</strong></h2>

<p>The Dharma Raksha Sangh in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura announced its decision to revert to the "ancient style" of 'prasad' recipes and replace commercially produced sweets with offerings made from fruits, flowers, and other natural ingredients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saurabh Gaur, the national president of the Sangh, highlighted the need for such reforms in the offerings system. "A consensus had been reached among religious leaders and organisations to return to traditional practices of offering and accepting pure, Satvik Prasadam," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Prayagraj bans devotees from bringing sweets</strong></h2>

<p>In Prayagraj, several temples, including Alop Shankari Devi, Bade Hanuman, and Mankameshwar, have banned devotees from bringing sweets and processed items as offerings.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity</strong></p>

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<p>Shiv Murat Mishra, the chief priest of the Lalita Devi Temple, said the management decided to request devotees to bring only coconuts, fruits, and dry fruits."Until the purity of the sweets is clear in the investigation, they will not be allowed to be offered in the temple," Mahant Shridharanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj of the Mankameshwar Temple, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Mahant Balbir Giri Ji Maharaj, the patron of the Bade Hanuman temple located on the Sangam coast and head of the Shrimath Baghambari Gaddi, said, "After the construction of the corridor of the temple is completed, the temple management itself will prepare 'laddoo-peda' prasad for the Shri Bade Hanuman temple."</p>

<h2><strong>Tirupati laddoo row effect in Lucknow&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Mankameshwar temple in Lucknow also banned offerings bought by devotees from outside and said they could offer homemade 'prasad' or fruits. The temple authorities said that they are taking steps to ensure the purity of prasad offered on the site, with plans to conduct quality checks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Amid the Tirupati laddoo row in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya has decided to ban offerings prepared by external agencies.

Amid the Tirupati laddoo row in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya has decided to ban offerings prepared by external agencies. The alleged adulteration of Tirupati temple laddoos as offerings have sparked reactions from Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Mathura with calls for bringing reform in the preparation and distribution of 'prasad'. Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ram Mandir, has raised concerns about the quality of ghee sold across India. He further demanded a "complete ban" on prasad prepared by external agencies. Das has further stressed that the prasad offered to the deities should be prepared exclusively under the supervision of temple priests. “Prasad should be prepared in the temple premises under the guidance of priests, and only such offerings should be presented to the deities,” the chief priest of Ram Mandir said. Also read: Former Andhra Pradesh CM Reddy cancels Tirupati temple visit amid adulterated laddoo row Speaking about the ongoing controversy sparked by allegations that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddoos during the tenure of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Das stressed the need for stringent inspections of the quality of oil and ghee sold nationwide. He also alleged that there was an international conspiracy to desecrate temples by mixing inappropriate substances in offerings. Mathura to revert to 'ancient style' of 'prasadam' recipes The Dharma Raksha Sangh in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura announced its decision to revert to the "ancient style" of 'prasad' recipes and replace commercially produced sweets with offerings made from fruits, flowers, and other natural ingredients. Saurabh Gaur, the national president of the Sangh, highlighted the need for such reforms in the offerings system. "A consensus had been reached among religious leaders and organisations to return to traditional practices of offering and accepting pure, Satvik Prasadam," he said. Prayagraj bans devotees from bringing sweets In Prayagraj, several temples, including Alop Shankari Devi, Bade Hanuman, and Mankameshwar, have banned devotees from bringing sweets and processed items as offerings. Watch | Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity × Shiv Murat Mishra, the chief priest of the Lalita Devi Temple, said the management decided to request devotees to bring only coconuts, fruits, and dry fruits."Until the purity of the sweets is clear in the investigation, they will not be allowed to be offered in the temple," Mahant Shridharanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj of the Mankameshwar Temple, said. Meanwhile, Mahant Balbir Giri Ji Maharaj, the patron of the Bade Hanuman temple located on the Sangam coast and head of the Shrimath Baghambari Gaddi, said, "After the construction of the corridor of the temple is completed, the temple management itself will prepare 'laddoo-peda' prasad for the Shri Bade Hanuman temple." Tirupati laddoo row effect in Lucknow Mankameshwar temple in Lucknow also banned offerings bought by devotees from outside and said they could offer homemade 'prasad' or fruits. The temple authorities said that they are taking steps to ensure the purity of prasad offered on the site, with plans to conduct quality checks. (With inputs from agencies)

Ayodhya's Ram Mandir bans offerings made by external agencies amid Tirupati laddoo row

<p>Following Uttar Pradesh's lead, the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (Sep 25) issued an order that requires shopkeepers and street vendors to display the owner's name for clear identification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State public works minister and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-time HP chief minister Virbhadra Singh, said the order was issued during a joint meeting with the&nbsp;Public Works, Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation.</p>

<p>“We met with the UD (Urban Development) and the Municipal Corporation. To make sure that hygienic food is sold, a decision has been taken for all the street vendors...especially those selling edible items,” Singh was quoted as saying by news wire agency <em>ANI.</em></p>

<p>Singh said the decision was taken after taking into consideration the apprehensions of the locals regarding the increase in a number of migrants in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“People expressed their concerns and doubts, and considering this, we have decided to implement a similar policy to that in UP, in which it has been made mandatory that vendors have to display their names and IDs... Every shopkeeper and street vendor has to display their identification."</p>

<p>In recent weeks, there have been multiple incidents where locals have protested against the illegal migrants with the videos going viral on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-rapti-river-water-flood-villages-in-northern-indias-uttar-pradesh-740585"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Rapti river water flood villages in Northern India's Uttar Pradesh</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous similar orders&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In July, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered eateries across the Kanwar Yatra route to display outside the establishment the names of the owners.</p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation also issued a directive asking shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments.</p>

<p>However, the Supreme Court took note of the issue and imposed an interim stay order on the directives.&nbsp;The bench said that while food sellers may be required to display information on the kind of food they serve, they cannot be forced to display the names of the owners.</p>

<p>"We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," said the justices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UP government defended its order stating that the&nbsp;directive to name owners during the Kanwar Yatra was issued to ensure that the religious sentiments of pilgrims were not inadvertently hurt.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-cm-adityanath-orders-eateries-along-kanwar-yatra-routes-in-up-to-display-owners-names-742382" target="_blank">India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday (Sep 24), two months after the court decision, CM Adityanath ordered the restaurants and eateries to&nbsp;prominently display the names and addresses of operators, proprietors, managers and staff.</p>

<p>“It is essential to thoroughly investigate food establishments such as dhabas and restaurants. A state-wide intensive campaign should be conducted to verify all employees, including the operators of these establishments. This verification process must be completed swiftly by a joint team comprising the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration,” the statement added.</p>

<p>The administration&nbsp;has also directed the installation of CCTVs in hotels and restaurants and to ensure that the chefs and waiters wear masks and gloves.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following Uttar Pradesh's lead, the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (Sep 25) issued an order that requires shopkeepers and street vendors to display the owner's name for clear identification.

Following Uttar Pradesh's lead, the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (Sep 25) issued an order that requires shopkeepers and street vendors to display the owner's name for clear identification. State public works minister and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-time HP chief minister Virbhadra Singh, said the order was issued during a joint meeting with the Public Works, Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation. “We met with the UD (Urban Development) and the Municipal Corporation. To make sure that hygienic food is sold, a decision has been taken for all the street vendors...especially those selling edible items,” Singh was quoted as saying by news wire agency ANI. Singh said the decision was taken after taking into consideration the apprehensions of the locals regarding the increase in a number of migrants in the state. “People expressed their concerns and doubts, and considering this, we have decided to implement a similar policy to that in UP, in which it has been made mandatory that vendors have to display their names and IDs... Every shopkeeper and street vendor has to display their identification." In recent weeks, there have been multiple incidents where locals have protested against the illegal migrants with the videos going viral on social media. Watch | India: Rapti river water flood villages in Northern India's Uttar Pradesh × Previous similar orders In July, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered eateries across the Kanwar Yatra route to display outside the establishment the names of the owners. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation also issued a directive asking shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments. However, the Supreme Court took note of the issue and imposed an interim stay order on the directives. The bench said that while food sellers may be required to display information on the kind of food they serve, they cannot be forced to display the names of the owners. "We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," said the justices. The UP government defended its order stating that the directive to name owners during the Kanwar Yatra was issued to ensure that the religious sentiments of pilgrims were not inadvertently hurt. Also read | India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names On Tuesday (Sep 24), two months after the court decision, CM Adityanath ordered the restaurants and eateries to prominently display the names and addresses of operators, proprietors, managers and staff. “It is essential to thoroughly investigate food establishments such as dhabas and restaurants. A state-wide intensive campaign should be conducted to verify all employees, including the operators of these establishments. This verification process must be completed swiftly by a joint team comprising the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration,” the statement added. The administration has also directed the installation of CCTVs in hotels and restaurants and to ensure that the chefs and waiters wear masks and gloves. (With inputs from agencies)

India: After Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh demands name of eatery owners to be displayed

<p>As&nbsp;rains continued to lash&nbsp;India's northern states, the main dome of the iconic tourist destination Taj Mahal has witnessed water leakage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the reports of water leakage, a probe was launched, however, no damage has been found on the main dome even as the garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal remains submerged.</p>

<p>Taj Mahal, located in Uttar Pradesh's Agra, is about 250 km from the national capital New Delhi. It is a 17th-century mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the seven wonders of the world.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-weather-yellow-alert-issued-for-delhi-rainfall-to-continue-imd-prediction-here-757989"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India weather: Yellow alert issued for Delhi, rainfall to continue; check IMD prediction here</strong></a></p>

<p>Agra recorded 151 mm of rain on Thursday (Sep 12), marking the highest rainfall in 24 hours over the last 80 years. Following the heavy rains, the Agra administration ordered the closure of all schools in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra Circle, said that there is leakage in the main dome due to seepage and there is no damage to it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, an official had also suspected a hairline crack after noticing moisture on the main dome. The ASI has further put its staff on surveillance after the reports of water leakage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;IMD Issues Red Alert for Telangana and Andhra, Yellow for Maha and Uttarakhand | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to&nbsp;news agency PTI, Rajkumar Patel, superintending chief of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra circle, said, “Yes, we have witnessed the leakage in the main dome of the Taj Mahal. After that when we checked it was due to seepage and there was no damage to the main dome. We have checked the main dome through a drone camera.”</p>

<p>Patel further said that they used drone cameras to carry out the inspection, adding that it is being monitored if the leakage is continuous or intermittent.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🇮🇳 | The symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, is flooded. The garden situated on the premises of this beautiful building is submerged. It has been raining continuously for the last 24 hours in Agra. Efforts are being made to drain out the water.<br />
📌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agra</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarPradesh</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tajmahal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tajmahal</a>… <a href="https://t.co/V3YoVyg79y">https://t.co/V3YoVyg79y</a> <a href="https://t.co/iMTMWxdPv6">pic.twitter.com/iMTMWxdPv6</a></p>
— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) <a href="https://twitter.com/Weathermonitors/status/1834300880340090918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The visuals of the flooded garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal have also been going viral on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monika Sharma, a government-approved tour guide took to social media and said, "Proper care should be taken of the monument because for the tourism industry people it is the only hope."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel assured people and said that necessary repairs will be conducted and the garden will be restored after the rain subsidies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As rains continued to lash India's northern states, the main dome of the iconic tourist destination Taj Mahal has witnessed water leakage. Following the reports of water leakage, a probe was launched, however, no damage has been found on the main dome even as the garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal remains submerged.

As rains continued to lash India's northern states, the main dome of the iconic tourist destination Taj Mahal has witnessed water leakage. Following the reports of water leakage, a probe was launched, however, no damage has been found on the main dome even as the garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal remains submerged. Taj Mahal, located in Uttar Pradesh's Agra, is about 250 km from the national capital New Delhi. It is a 17th-century mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the seven wonders of the world. Also read: India weather: Yellow alert issued for Delhi, rainfall to continue; check IMD prediction here Agra recorded 151 mm of rain on Thursday (Sep 12), marking the highest rainfall in 24 hours over the last 80 years. Following the heavy rains, the Agra administration ordered the closure of all schools in the city. A senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra Circle, said that there is leakage in the main dome due to seepage and there is no damage to it. Earlier, an official had also suspected a hairline crack after noticing moisture on the main dome. The ASI has further put its staff on surveillance after the reports of water leakage. Watch | IMD Issues Red Alert for Telangana and Andhra, Yellow for Maha and Uttarakhand | WION Originals × Speaking to news agency PTI, Rajkumar Patel, superintending chief of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra circle, said, “Yes, we have witnessed the leakage in the main dome of the Taj Mahal. After that when we checked it was due to seepage and there was no damage to the main dome. We have checked the main dome through a drone camera.” Patel further said that they used drone cameras to carry out the inspection, adding that it is being monitored if the leakage is continuous or intermittent. 🚨🇮🇳 | The symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, is flooded. The garden situated on the premises of this beautiful building is submerged. It has been raining continuously for the last 24 hours in Agra. Efforts are being made to drain out the water. 📌 #Agra | #UttarPradesh | #india#tajmahal… https://t.co/V3YoVyg79y pic.twitter.com/iMTMWxdPv6 — Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) September 12, 2024 × The visuals of the flooded garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal have also been going viral on the internet. Monika Sharma, a government-approved tour guide took to social media and said, "Proper care should be taken of the monument because for the tourism industry people it is the only hope." Patel assured people and said that necessary repairs will be conducted and the garden will be restored after the rain subsidies. (With inputs from agencies)

Agra: Water leakage in Taj Mahal's main dome after heavy rain lashes North India

<p>Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,&nbsp;Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday (Sep 14) made a big claim, saying that Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque is actually a 'temple of Lord Shiva' and called it&nbsp;'Vishwanath'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid the ongoing controversy over the mosque, the CM Yogi, while addressing a gathering at an event in UP's Gorakhpur, said, "Unfortunately, people call Gyanvapi a mosque, but it is actually 'Vishwanath' (Lord Shiva) himself".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-indias-top-court-refuses-to-halt-prayers-inside-complex-706514"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Gyanvapi Mosque case: India’s top court refuses to halt Hindu prayers inside complex cellar</strong></a></p>

<p>He further said that the devotees visiting the holy site regret that this confusion over its true identity or name is the biggest issue, not only in terms of worshipping but also in national unity and integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Had our society ever understood and identified this hurdle in the past, our country would have never been colonised", the chief minister added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">ज्ञानवापी को आज लोग दूसरे शब्दों में मस्जिद कहते हैं,<br />
<br />
लेकिन ज्ञानवापी साक्षात 'विश्वनाथ' ही हैं... <a href="https://t.co/njo9Fk03Xe">pic.twitter.com/njo9Fk03Xe</a></p>
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1834845391344239019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>The controversy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Some Hindu activists challenged that a temple existed earlier at the disputed Gyanvapi mosque site and was demolished in the 17th century following&nbsp;the orders of Muslim emperor Aurangzeb. The claim was, however, rejected by the Muslim side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February this year, a Varanasi court allowed Hindu devotees to worship inside the sealed basement of Gyanvapi mosque. According to the order, the devotees were allowed to offer prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tekhana', a prohibited area inside the mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque resumes</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this week, Hindu activists appealed to a Varanasi court to allow the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to dig into the premises for a survey.</p>

<p>The judge has scheduled the next hearing on September 18 on the petition demanding an ASI survey of the remaining parts of the Gyanvapi complex, according to a lawyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday (Sep 14) made a big claim, saying that Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque is actually a 'temple of Lord Shiva' and called it 'Vishwanath'.

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday (Sep 14) made a big claim, saying that Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque is actually a 'temple of Lord Shiva' and called it 'Vishwanath'. Amid the ongoing controversy over the mosque, the CM Yogi, while addressing a gathering at an event in UP's Gorakhpur, said, "Unfortunately, people call Gyanvapi a mosque, but it is actually 'Vishwanath' (Lord Shiva) himself". Also read: Gyanvapi Mosque case: India’s top court refuses to halt Hindu prayers inside complex cellar He further said that the devotees visiting the holy site regret that this confusion over its true identity or name is the biggest issue, not only in terms of worshipping but also in national unity and integrity. "Had our society ever understood and identified this hurdle in the past, our country would have never been colonised", the chief minister added. ज्ञानवापी को आज लोग दूसरे शब्दों में मस्जिद कहते हैं, लेकिन ज्ञानवापी साक्षात 'विश्वनाथ' ही हैं... pic.twitter.com/njo9Fk03Xe — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 14, 2024 × The controversy Some Hindu activists challenged that a temple existed earlier at the disputed Gyanvapi mosque site and was demolished in the 17th century following the orders of Muslim emperor Aurangzeb. The claim was, however, rejected by the Muslim side. In February this year, a Varanasi court allowed Hindu devotees to worship inside the sealed basement of Gyanvapi mosque. According to the order, the devotees were allowed to offer prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tekhana', a prohibited area inside the mosque. Watch | India: Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque resumes × Earlier this week, Hindu activists appealed to a Varanasi court to allow the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to dig into the premises for a survey. The judge has scheduled the next hearing on September 18 on the petition demanding an ASI survey of the remaining parts of the Gyanvapi complex, according to a lawyer. (With inputs from agencies)

India: UP CM Yogi says 'Gyanvapi not mosque, but actually Lord Shiva temple'

<p>A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway.</p>

<p>In a horrific incident, a woman's headless and naked body was found on the Kanpur-Delhi highway at Gujaini in&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Wednesday,&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident has triggered a massive hunt for the identification of the deceased. It has also raised suspicions that the woman was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police officials said that they were examining the CCTV footage in nearby areas to ascertain the identity of the woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/womans-body-found-stuffed-in-almirah-in-new-delhi-allegedly-killed-by-live-in-partner-707869"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Woman's body found stuffed in almirah in New Delhi, allegedly killed by live-in partner</strong></a></p>

<p>They further highlighted that in the early hours of Wednesday, a woman of a similar build was seen walking along the highway and the body was found on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The body has been sent for postmortem examination, the police added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior police officer said that they are trying to figure&nbsp;out if it is a case of accident or crime and are also trying to confirm if the victim was a local resident or was from someplace else.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Political parties react to incident&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Lok Sabha MP and chief of UP's main opposition Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP government and demanded exemplary action in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In another shocking case of crime against women, a woman's headless, naked body was found on a highway in Kanpur. The matter should be investigated fairly and such punishment should be meted out so that criminals get scared and such incidents are not repeated," Yadav said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape and murder case: Mamata government invites doctors for talks</strong></p>

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<p>He added in a post on X, "An impartial probe should be conducted into this heinous crime rising above political affiliations... concrete steps must be taken to prevent crimes against the women."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway.

A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway. In a horrific incident, a woman's headless and naked body was found on the Kanpur-Delhi highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Wednesday, The incident has triggered a massive hunt for the identification of the deceased. It has also raised suspicions that the woman was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway. The police officials said that they were examining the CCTV footage in nearby areas to ascertain the identity of the woman. Also read: Woman's body found stuffed in almirah in New Delhi, allegedly killed by live-in partner They further highlighted that in the early hours of Wednesday, a woman of a similar build was seen walking along the highway and the body was found on Wednesday evening. The body has been sent for postmortem examination, the police added. A senior police officer said that they are trying to figure out if it is a case of accident or crime and are also trying to confirm if the victim was a local resident or was from someplace else. Political parties react to incident Lok Sabha MP and chief of UP's main opposition Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP government and demanded exemplary action in the case. "In another shocking case of crime against women, a woman's headless, naked body was found on a highway in Kanpur. The matter should be investigated fairly and such punishment should be meted out so that criminals get scared and such incidents are not repeated," Yadav said. Watch | Kolkata rape and murder case: Mamata government invites doctors for talks × He added in a post on X, "An impartial probe should be conducted into this heinous crime rising above political affiliations... concrete steps must be taken to prevent crimes against the women." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman's headless, naked body found on highway near Kanpur in UP

<p>A health official from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) drowned and died in the raging Ganga River after a diver coldly demanded money before attempting a rescue. The official, identified as Aditya Vardhan Singh, had gone to the river on August 31 with his friend Pradeep Tiwari. Aditya then slipped and fell into the river near the Nana Mau Ghat in the Kanpur district.</p>

<p>His friend hurriedly arranged for a local diver to rescue the health official but shockingly, he asked for an upfront payment of INR 10,000 (US$119). Even though Tiwari instantly transferred the amount, the official couldn’t be saved as it was too late by then.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiZpODLqa6IAxXJ-aACHSUzCzwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-school-principal-expels-class-3-student-for-bringing-non-veg-in-lunch-alleges-him-for-conversion-video-756390" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-school-principal-expels-class-3-student-for-bringing-non-veg-in-lunch-alleges-him-for-conversion-video-756390&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZpODLqa6IAxXJ-aACHSUzCzwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">UP school principal expels class 3 student for bringing non-veg in lunch, alleges him for conversion |Video</a></strong></p>

<p>Following the incident, police launched a massive search operation for the deputy director of the Uttar Pradesh Health Department. Police said the dead body of the official is yet to be recovered.</p>

<p>“The local administration carried out rescue operations on a war footing to find him but these have turned out to be unfruitful. Searches are still underway to locate his remains,” an official told local media.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiZpODLqa6IAxXJ-aACHSUzCzwQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-woman-harassed-by-ambulance-driver-sick-husband-thrown-out-without-oxygen-756225" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-woman-harassed-by-ambulance-driver-sick-husband-thrown-out-without-oxygen-756225&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZpODLqa6IAxXJ-aACHSUzCzwQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">UP: Woman harassed by ambulance driver, sick husband thrown out without oxygen dies</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the Indian national daily Dainik Bhaskar, search teams from NDRF, SDRF and PAC have tracked 45km of the area over the last six days and through at least 144 hours, but to no avail.</p>

<p>Police said the official’s wife, a judge in Maharashtra, and his brother, an IAS in Bihar, were promptly informed about the unfortunate incident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A health official from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) drowned and died in the raging Ganga River after a diver coldly demanded money before attempting a rescue.

A health official from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) drowned and died in the raging Ganga River after a diver coldly demanded money before attempting a rescue. The official, identified as Aditya Vardhan Singh, had gone to the river on August 31 with his friend Pradeep Tiwari. Aditya then slipped and fell into the river near the Nana Mau Ghat in the Kanpur district. His friend hurriedly arranged for a local diver to rescue the health official but shockingly, he asked for an upfront payment of INR 10,000 (US$119). Even though Tiwari instantly transferred the amount, the official couldn’t be saved as it was too late by then. Also read: UP school principal expels class 3 student for bringing non-veg in lunch, alleges him for conversion |Video Following the incident, police launched a massive search operation for the deputy director of the Uttar Pradesh Health Department. Police said the dead body of the official is yet to be recovered. “The local administration carried out rescue operations on a war footing to find him but these have turned out to be unfruitful. Searches are still underway to locate his remains,” an official told local media. Also read: UP: Woman harassed by ambulance driver, sick husband thrown out without oxygen dies According to the Indian national daily Dainik Bhaskar, search teams from NDRF, SDRF and PAC have tracked 45km of the area over the last six days and through at least 144 hours, but to no avail. Police said the official’s wife, a judge in Maharashtra, and his brother, an IAS in Bihar, were promptly informed about the unfortunate incident. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Give me money first,’ Indian official dies as diver asks for payment before attempting rescue

<p>A woman was allegedly molested inside an ambulance in the Indian state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh while she was taking her husband to a hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the woman resisted the assault, the ambulance workers threw her and her husband out of the ambulance after removing&nbsp;his oxygen support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred on August 30 in Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police have arrested the attendant of the ambulance in connection with the case, alleging an attempt to rape and robbery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lucknow ACP Anindya Vikram Singh said that with the help of surveillance, the police arrested the ambulance helper, Rishabh Singh, a resident of Kunhargan in Ayodhya, on Thursday (Sep 5).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/search-intensifies-for-man-eater-wolves-as-numbers-of-injured-rises-to-34-in-ups-bahraich-755741"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Search intensifies for man-eater wolves as number of injured rises to 34 in UP's Bahraich</strong></a></p>

<p>The ACP added that the ambulance was also recovered at the same location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ambulance driver forced the woman to sit in the front seat with him and along with the other person, he sexually assaulted her. As she shouted to save herself and her husband, they removed her husband's oxygen support and threw them out of the ambulance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her husband was severely injured in the incident and his health further worsened after the ambulance helper removed his oxygen supply.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman's husband later died during treatment at Gorakhpur Medical College.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Police find ambulance</strong></h2>

<p>Moreover, the police have recovered the ambulance that was involved in the incident. They have also identified the driver and are conducting raids at different places to locate him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lucknow ACP highlighted that during interrogation, the accused helper identified the ambulance driver as Suraj Tiwari, a resident of Purwa in Unnao. However, he has not been located even after multiple police raids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused claimed that the driver allegedly&nbsp;misbehaved with the woman in a drunken&nbsp;state. Tiwari and the helper snatched Rs 10,000 ($119.07), a mangalsutra, anklets, and other documents from the woman before fleeing from the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A woman was allegedly molested inside an ambulance in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh while she was taking her husband to a hospital. When the woman resisted the assault, the ambulance workers threw her and her husband out of the ambulance after removing his oxygen support.

A woman was allegedly molested inside an ambulance in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh while she was taking her husband to a hospital. When the woman resisted the assault, the ambulance workers threw her and her husband out of the ambulance after removing his oxygen support. The incident occurred on August 30 in Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar district. The police have arrested the attendant of the ambulance in connection with the case, alleging an attempt to rape and robbery. Lucknow ACP Anindya Vikram Singh said that with the help of surveillance, the police arrested the ambulance helper, Rishabh Singh, a resident of Kunhargan in Ayodhya, on Thursday (Sep 5). Also read: Search intensifies for man-eater wolves as number of injured rises to 34 in UP's Bahraich The ACP added that the ambulance was also recovered at the same location. The ambulance driver forced the woman to sit in the front seat with him and along with the other person, he sexually assaulted her. As she shouted to save herself and her husband, they removed her husband's oxygen support and threw them out of the ambulance. Her husband was severely injured in the incident and his health further worsened after the ambulance helper removed his oxygen supply. The woman's husband later died during treatment at Gorakhpur Medical College. Watch | Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh × Police find ambulance Moreover, the police have recovered the ambulance that was involved in the incident. They have also identified the driver and are conducting raids at different places to locate him. Lucknow ACP highlighted that during interrogation, the accused helper identified the ambulance driver as Suraj Tiwari, a resident of Purwa in Unnao. However, he has not been located even after multiple police raids. The accused claimed that the driver allegedly misbehaved with the woman in a drunken state. Tiwari and the helper snatched Rs 10,000 ($119.07), a mangalsutra, anklets, and other documents from the woman before fleeing from the scene. (With inputs from agencies)

UP: Woman harassed by ambulance driver, sick husband thrown out without oxygen dies

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