National
Invest UP Hosts Conclave to Boost GCC Investments in Uttar Pradesh
In his inaugural address, UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh welcomed the delegates and emphasized the state’s vibrant economic transformation into a top investment destination. He attributed this progress to investor-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and proactive governance that have collectively fostered a strong industrial ecosystem.
With Noida and Greater Noida emerging as significant GCC hubs, tier-II and III cities are also gaining prominence, particularly Jhansi in Bundelkhand, which is being developed as an industrial center supported by a substantial land bank.
Chief Secretary Singh highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has become one of the leading choices for establishing offices and industries, thanks to competitive incentives and a supportive business climate. Plans to create a city in Bundelkhand similar to Noida are underway, aimed at decentralizing development and enhancing regional growth.
He commended Invest UP’s initiatives and encouraged stakeholders to offer suggestions for ongoing policy enhancements. Reflecting on the state’s journey, he noted, “I have witnessed UP’s rise—from Delhi to Davos. The infrastructural, industrial, and policy advancements are impressive. Businesses are increasingly migrating to emerging urban centers. Few global economies have the potential to double in size so rapidly. By strengthening the agricultural sector, we can further boost the state’s GDP and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth.”
Discussions at the conclave centered around four main areas: real estate and commercial space, including CREDAI and building bye-laws; the availability of a skilled workforce supported by quality colleges and technical institutes; the overall ecosystem; and infrastructure enhancements.
About 20 companies participated, including SRK Gamechangers, Standard Chartered Bank, Sw-India, Takyon Networks Pvt Ltd, TCS, Trident, Usinfoundation, Velocis Systems Pvt Ltd, Deloitte, HCL, Microsoft, and others. Several companies expressed intentions to invest in GCCs in Uttar Pradesh in the coming months. A roadmap for future GCC conclaves was discussed, with plans for similar events in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. International think tanks from the US and Europe will also engage in promotional activities in major global cities to attract more investment.
Varun Ramanan from Microsoft India emphasized the company’s expansion from Hyderabad to Noida and praised the state’s efficient support in approvals, land allocation, and subsidies. Amit Verma, Regional Head – North India at NASSCOM, shared insights into Uttar Pradesh’s evolving GCC ecosystem and lauded the state’s policies and talent development initiatives.
Amitabh Tiwari, Principal Consultant and Centre Head at TCS Lucknow, commended the support the state provides for operations, highlighting the advancing infrastructure and skilled workforce. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi from Trident Group revealed plans to establish a GCC in Noida, illustrating UP’s dedication to becoming the preferred destination for the IT/ITeS sector with all necessary facilities and infrastructure.
The conclave included panel discussions and opportunities for investor interactions, reaffirming Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to fostering innovation, business excellence, and attracting global investments in GCCs.
National
MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
National
8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
National
75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.
The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
