National
UP Builds 37,403 Farm Ponds to Enhance Irrigation, Introduces Online Application for 2025-26
Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi announced on Saturday that the online application process for farmers to construct farm ponds for the year 2025–26 has commenced under the “Other Intervention” component of the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative within the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Under the ‘Khet Talab Yojana,’ the focus is on promoting rainwater harvesting. Online applications began on June 3, and submissions will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis via the official department website: [https://agridarshan.up.gov.in](https://agridarshan.up.gov.in).
The cost for constructing a small pond (22×20×3 meters) is set at ₹1.05 lakh, with farmers and the government each contributing ₹52,500. Upon confirmation of their token, farmers will receive an SMS notification on their registered mobile number. The portal will indicate the final date for document uploads, but if the SMS is not received, the portal date will still apply as final. A token fee of ₹1,000 is required at the time of booking, along with the submission of land ownership documents (khasra/khatauni) and a declaration form through the portal. Failure to complete these steps will result in automatic cancellation of the booking, transferring it to the next eligible farmer on the waiting list.
The Agriculture Minister also emphasized that installation of a micro-irrigation system (drip/sprinkler) is mandatory for beneficiaries of the ponds. Eligibility extends to farmers who have had such systems installed by the Horticulture or Agriculture Departments within the last seven years and are operational at the time of application. Others must submit a tripartite agreement with the Horticulture Department during the verification process. The subsidy will be provided in two installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
A separate portal will be set up for applications related to pump set subsidies. Farmers can receive a subsidy of 50% of the total cost, capped at ₹15,000 per unit. This benefit is available only to those with micro-irrigation systems installed through the Horticulture Department by the registration date, who have also completed their farm pond construction. For further information, farmers are encouraged to reach out to their district agriculture officers and staff.
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.
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