The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra as the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The decision marks a significant step in the evolution of the temple’s administrative framework as the Trust moves beyond the construction phase and focuses on long-term governance, pilgrim management, and institutional development. The appointment was announced during a key Trust meeting held in Ay

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday invited Japanese companies to establish the state as their second industrial home. The invitation was extended during the UP-Japan Investment Meet 2026, a five-day engagement organised by Invest UP that began on 18 August and is taking place across Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Greater Noida and Varanasi. More than 200 Japanese industrialists, chief executives, business representatives and policymakers are participating, with

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested 24-year-old Mohammad Zafar, a resident of Purnia in Bihar, over alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrest has brought renewed attention to the evolving methods through which Pakistan-based terror organisations allegedly attempt to establish contacts, spread extremist propaganda and move funds across borders. According to the UP ATS, Zafar was arrested in Meerut on Augus

Former Union minister Smriti Irani has returned to a senior position in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national organisation. On Monday, party president Nitin Nabin appointed her as one of the national general secretaries while announcing a new team of office-bearers. The decision brings her back into the party’s central leadership more than two years after she lost the Amethi Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general election. The appointment comes as the BJP prepares for a series of

Over the past decade, India has steadily strengthened its position as a global manufacturing destination, particularly in the electronics sector. At the heart of this transformation is Uttar Pradesh, which has emerged as the country's largest electronics manufacturing hub. According to official figures, the state now produces nearly 65% of all mobile phones manufactured in India and contributes around 55% of the nation's electronics component production. This remarkable growt

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a revered centre of spirituality and culture, is set to undergo a significant infrastructure overhaul. On July 15, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved two landmark elevated corridor projects collectively valued at over ₹25,445 crore. These initiatives, known as the Ganga-Varuna Corridors, aim to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and further strengthen the city’s role as a global

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two ambitious national highway projects with a combined investment of more than ₹14,115 crore. These initiatives—a sophisticated road tunnel in Delhi and a modern greenfield highway in Uttar Pradesh—are set to transform connectivity, reduce travel times, ease congestion, and drive economic development in key regions of northern India. Announced during a media briefing by Un

Uttar Pradesh authorities have taken prompt and decisive steps in response to allegations of irregularities involving donations at the sacred Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. All eight individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) were arrested within hours of its registration, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability in managing devotee offerings at one of Hinduism’s most revered sites. This development underscores the importance of safeguarding the f

Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step forward in improving healthcare access by decentralising key services under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Beneficiaries can now resolve issues related to Ayushman Card approvals, rejections, and disabling directly at the district level, eliminating the need to visit the State Health Agency (SACHIS) office in Lucknow. This reform is expected to make the scheme more convenient and responsive to the ne

In a significant step towards integrating renewable energy into defence infrastructure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the development of a 250 MW solar power project integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on vacant defence land in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative represents the first large-scale renewable energy project of its kind undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on defence-owned land. The project will utilise approximately 850

In a significant step towards strengthening cultural bonds among emerging economies, India is set to host the second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting in the sacred city of Varanasi on June 4 and 5. This gathering forms an important milestone under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, reflecting the country’s commitment to using culture as a bridge for deeper international understanding and collaboration. The Ministry of Culture has meticulously planned the event, which will br

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most significant festivals in Islam, observed with prayers and the traditional practice of animal sacrifice. This year, the festival fell on May 28, 2026. While the majority of celebrations across India proceeded peacefully, reflecting the country’s pluralistic ethos, a number of localized incidents involving communal sensitivities were reported in different states. These events have drawn attention to the ongoing challenges of

India is currently experiencing one of the most intense heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures soaring above 47°C in several regions. As the scorching conditions test the resilience of millions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a timely public appeal, urging citizens to adopt essential safety measures and extend compassion to fellow beings. His message emphasises personal responsibility, community support, and awareness to mitigate the risks associated with extre

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued detailed directives to ensure the smooth and peaceful celebration of Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, which is scheduled to be observed on May 28, 2026. In a high-level law and order review meeting held on Sunday, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for strict adherence to rules that prioritize public order, cleanliness, and communal harmony across the state. The instructions aim to facilitate traditional religious

In a significant step towards shaping the future of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level review meeting on May 20, 2026, at his official residence. The session focused on three interconnected initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s digital infrastructure, fostering innovation in artificial intelligence, and enhancing agricultural value addition. These efforts reflect the government’s vision of building a modern, inclusive, and economically

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasised the importance of maintaining smooth public movement and traffic flow by discouraging the practice of offering namaz on roads and intersections. Speaking at the Amar Ujala Samvad programme in Lucknow on May 18, the Chief Minister clarified that prayers would continue without hindrance, but they must not obstruct public spaces or inconvenience citizens. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (Image via PTI) | OpIndia Chief

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is ready to roll out the third and final phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the coming days. This phase will cover nearly 40 crore electors across 22 States and Union Territories, bringing the nationwide exercise to completion and aiming to create more accurate and updated voter lists across the country. The process was temporarily deferred due to the recent Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

In a significant show of collective responsibility, several BJP-ruled states and senior leaders have promptly implemented practical steps to promote fuel conservation and reduce government expenditure. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal urging citizens and officials to adopt austerity practices amid global energy uncertainties arising from the West Asia situation. The Prime Minister himself set a strong example by directing a nearly 50% reduction in the size o

In a significant event held on May 5, 2026, at the Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath felicitated thousands of Shiksha Mitras (para-teachers) who play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of primary education across Uttar Pradesh. The grand Shiksha Mitra Samman Samaroh celebrated the contributions of these educators while marking the implementation of enhanced service conditions, including a substantial increase in their monthly honora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today formally inaugurated the 594-km Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh’s longest expressway and one of India’s most significant greenfield highway projects. The six-lane, access-controlled corridor connects Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh to Prayagraj in the east, promising to transform regional travel, trade, and economic development across the state. Ganga Expressway will be the longest expressway in Uttar Pradesh (Image: UPEIDA) | Indian Express