National

UP Government Unveils Landmark ₹8.08 Lakh Crore Budget for 2025-26

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government recently unveiled a landmark Budget of Rs 8.08 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26 during a session in the state assembly, marking the largest budget in the state’s history. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna hailed the Budget as a crucial step toward fostering economic development and enhancing social welfare in Uttar Pradesh.

Notably, the Budget includes a new initiative to provide free scooty scooters to talented girl students, following similar programs in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Additionally, the Finance Minister announced that young people in the state will have access to interest-free loans for self-employment. Smartphones and tablets will continue to be distributed to the youth as part of existing initiatives.

For students preparing for competitive exams, the government will establish coaching facilities in every district under the Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana, ensuring accessible resources. The government aims to launch 1 lakh new micro enterprises annually and plans to transform Lucknow into an Artificial Intelligence (AI) city.

The budget also includes a proposal for constructing four new expressways in Uttar Pradesh, with a budget of Rs 900 crore allocated to build an expressway linking the Ganga Expressway, which connects Agra to Lucknow, with other key regions such as Prayagraj and Varanasi. The Finance Minister emphasized that this year’s Budget is 9.8% larger than that of 2024-25, aimed at expediting the state’s economic development, industrial growth, and job creation.

The Yogi government has allocated specific portions of the Budget to various sectors: 22% for infrastructure development, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture and allied services, 6% for healthcare, and 4% for social security programs. Approximately 20.5% of the total budget is earmarked for capital outlay, focusing on bolstering basic infrastructure through investment in roads, industrial growth, transport upgrades, and attracting business investments.

In education, 13% of the Budget is dedicated to improving educational facilities, which includes the establishment of ICT labs and smart classrooms in schools and government polytechnic colleges, as well as fostering research and development initiatives across the state.

The Yogi government is pursuing transformative measures through technology, including the creation of an ‘Artificial Intelligence City’ designed to cultivate technological innovation. A Technology Research Translation Park concentrated on cybersecurity will also be developed to strengthen digital security, alongside a proposed Center of Excellence to encourage advancements in AI.

Plans to enhance science and research include developing Science Cities, Science Parks, and Planetariums, along with renovating existing institutions to provide modern scientific resources. The government is committed to fostering innovation and research opportunities for students.

During the assembly session, the finance minister announced that 58 urban areas in Uttar Pradesh would be recognized as ‘Model Smart Urban Bodies,’ with each receiving Rs 2.50 crore for improvements in modern amenities and sanitation.

To support laborers, the government will establish labor camps in district headquarters, providing essential facilities such as canteens, clean drinking water, bathing areas, and sanitation.

The Yogi government has also initiated the ‘Zero Poverty Campaign’ since October 2, 2024, aiming to identify the poorest families in each Gram Panchayat and increase their annual income to Rs 1,25,000 while ensuring their access to essential needs.

The finance minister reiterated that this Budget aims to propel Uttar Pradesh’s development across multiple dimensions: technological advancement, educational reform, poverty alleviation, and infrastructural expansion. “Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state is on a path toward modernization, innovation, and self-reliance, establishing itself as a hub for national and global investments,” he concluded.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.