Kolkata: The upcoming Assembly elections across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry represent far more than a routine exercise in regional power; they are a high-stakes stress test for the very architecture of Indian democracy. As the Election Commission of India marks March 18 as the starting line for this marathon, the atmosphere is thick with a volatile mix of institutional scrutiny and unprecedented political polarization. With 824 seats hanging in the balance and an electorate of 174 million voters preparing to cast their…
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JMM Decides to Go Solo in Assam, Alliance Talks with Congress Collapse
New Delhi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has decided to contest the upcoming Assam Assembly elections independently, effectively ending alliance talks with the Indian National Congress in the state. After weeks of negotiations, the two parties failed to reach a consensus on seat-sharing. While Congress reportedly offered JMM between five to seven seats, the regional party pushed for a larger share. With neither side willing to уступ ground, the talks eventually broke down. JMM has now announced candidates for around 19–21 seats in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, signalling its…
Read MoreFaith, Culture and Tourism Become New Pillars of UP Economy: Minister Jaiveer Singh
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector has undergone a major transformation over the past nine years, emerging as a key driver of the state’s economy, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said. Addressing a press conference, he claimed that the state has transitioned from a “graveyard economy” to a “temple economy,” with faith-based tourism now forming a strong economic backbone. Highlighting the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the minister said that focused investment in religious sites, cultural heritage, and tourism infrastructure has significantly boosted visitor numbers and local livelihoods. Major…
Read MoreChetna Sanstha, Altius Empower Young Women with Livelihood Support Programme
Lucknow/Gurugram: In a significant step towards women empowerment, Chetna Sanstha, in collaboration with Altius Group, organised a livelihood support programme aimed at enabling young women from underprivileged communities to become financially independent. Held under the theme “Empowered Women, Prosperous Families,” the initiative focused on addressing the challenges of limited livelihood opportunities and lack of skill development, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions like Gurugram. As part of the programme, 64 young women were provided with hand-operated sewing machines along with complete tailoring kits, including fabric, threads, and essential materials. The support…
Read MoreSamsung Innovation Campus Certifies 1,000 Students in Future-Tech Skills in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow: In a significant boost to digital skilling and youth employability, Samsung has certified 1,000 students in future-ready technologies under its Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme in Uttar Pradesh. The certification ceremony was held at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University in the presence of Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya. With this milestone, the total number of SIC-certified students in the state has reached 4,900, positioning Uttar Pradesh as one of the most active centres for the programme in India. The cohort included students from Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Government…
Read MoreNutrica Launches Peanut Butter Range to Promote Healthy Everyday Snacking
New Delhi: In a bid to make healthy eating simpler and more accessible in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, Nutrica, the lifestyle and wellness brand of BN Agritech, has launched its new range of peanut butter products aimed at promoting nutritious daily snacking. With growing awareness around health and fitness, consumers are increasingly looking for convenient yet wholesome food options. Nutrica’s latest offering is positioned as an easy addition to everyday diets, enabling people to adopt healthier habits without compromising on taste. Speaking on the launch, Sparsh Sachar, Director and Business Head…
Read MoreEducate Girls Celebrates 18th Anniversary in Lucknow, Showcases Impact of Grassroots Partnerships on Girls’ Education
Lucknow: Educate Girls, the organization honored with the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award—widely regarded as Asia’s Nobel Prize—celebrated its 18th anniversary in Lucknow on March 25, 2026. The event brought together over 300 participants, including Team Balika volunteers, field staff, senior government officials, civil society partners, and stakeholders in the education sector. The celebration reflected on the organization’s journey and reiterated its commitment to advancing girls’ education across India. Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the state government’s sustained efforts to ensure quality education…
Read MoreAyodhya Shines Bright Ahead of Ram Navami Celebrations
Ayodhya: As the sacred festival of Ram Navami approaches, Ayodhya is glowing with devotion and festivity. Every year, millions of devotees visit the city for darshan, but this year promises a uniquely enhanced experience. Key religious sites across the city have been beautifully illuminated, creating a divine and captivating atmosphere. Global lighting leader Signify has lit up eight significant religious and historic sites in Ayodhya. This initiative not only enhances the experience for devotees but also elevates the city’s spiritual and cultural identity, particularly in the evenings when the illuminated…
Read MorePhoenix United Launches Exciting ‘Denim Fest’ with Style, Offers, and Surprises
Lucknow: Fashion and shopping enthusiasts in the city are in for a treat as Phoenix United Alambagh kicks off its much-awaited ‘Denim Fest’. Running from March 21 to April 5, the festival promises not just shopping, but a memorable experience for the entire family. The festival is packed with exciting rewards and offers to make shopping even more attractive. Customers spending ₹5,999 or more receive exclusive gift vouchers, while those with purchases of ₹9,999 or above get a chance to win a brand-new Jawa bike. These offers have amplified the…
Read MoreSBI Pension Funds Emphasizes Retirement Planning, Expands NPS Focus
Lucknow: In a press briefing held in Lucknow, SBI Pension Funds Private Limited, the country’s largest pension fund manager under the National Pension System (NPS), highlighted the growing need for retirement planning and recent developments within the NPS ecosystem. With Uttar Pradesh experiencing a rapidly expanding workforce and a substantial number of unorganized sector workers, the state presents significant opportunities to enhance social security and pension coverage. As a key administrative and economic hub, Lucknow plays a vital role in promoting financial awareness and extending pension benefits to Tier-2 and…
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