INDIA
Prayagraj hotels prepare for massive Maha Kumbh footfall, room tariffs shoot up
The hotels in Prayagraj are ready to welcome pilgrims, but they will have to pay more. While we are witnessing a steady flow of booking inquiries, many have yet to convert into confirmed reservations, says President of the Hotel Association.
INDIA
Maha Kumbh: Boatmen to turn storytellers, guides get a makeover to enrich tourist experience
The Yogi Adityanath government is pulling out all the stops to transform the event into an economic windfall, with over 45,000 families expected to benefit through direct or indirect employment opportunities.
INDIA
'Batenge to Katenge', 'SP ki topi lal ...': 10 sharp one-liners by Yogi Adityanath that made waves in 2024
One of his most iconic statements this year -“Katenge To Batenge, Ek Rahenge To Nek Rahenge”—emerged as a rallying cry during assembly elections
INDIA
How to organize world's largest religious gathering? The economics of Maha Kumbh 2025
Spread over 56 days, it will see an estimated 40 crore pilgrims converge from around the globe to take a holy dip at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
INDIA
No more 'Kumbh Mein Bichhre Bhai': Maha Kumbh 2025 to redefine safety with top-notch lost & found system
Gone are the days of dramatic separations and tearful reunions depicted in countless Bollywood films.
INDIA
Luxury tent city and budget stay options await pilgrims at Mahakumbh
To cater to the needs of pilgrims seeking a premium experience, a luxury tent city with over 2,000 Swiss cottage-style tents is being constructed in Sector 20 (Arail) of the Mahakumbh Mela area.
INDIA
With record footfall, Ayodhya surpasses Taj Mahal as Uttar Pradesh's top tourist destination
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department says Ayodhya welcomed13.55 crore domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors between January and September 2024.
INDIA
Maha Kumbh 2025: 3 streams of Ganga 'merged' into one, inspired by a mythological tale
The Irrigation Department’s intervention restored the river’s original flow into a single, cohesive stream, expanding the bathing area and simplifying arrangements for devotees.
INDIA
How Prayagraj is getting a world-class makeover for Mahakumbh 2025
The development of world-class road infrastructure is pivotal for the success of large-scale events like Mahakumbh 2025.
INDIA
How thousands of workers are giving shape to Maha Kumbh 2025: 'It’s a 24-hour mission'
Between the last Kumbh Mela in 2019 and the upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Ganga River shifted approximately 200 to 500 meters to the right, washing away 3,200 hectares of land.
INDIA
Maha Kumbh expected to give Rs 25,000 crore boost to Uttar Pradesh economy
The event’s estimated budget stands at Rs 6,382 crore, with Rs 5,600 crore already allocated for event management and infrastructure development. In comparison, the government had spent Rs 3,700 crore in 2019 Kumbh Mela.
INDIA
Yogi Adityanath's bypoll triumph sets stage for 2027 domination
The bypolls have provided a snapshot of the state’s political landscape as it gears up for the next major electoral battle. While the BJP has regained its footing, the road to 2027 will depend on how effectively the party consolidates its gains.
INDIA
Yogi Adityanath's 'Batenge Toh Katenge' cuts SP down to size as BJP sweeps UP bypolls 7-2
This outcome dealt a significant blow to Akhilesh Yadav's PDA (Pichchra, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) caste-based strategy, setting the stage for the 2027 assembly polls.
POLITICS
Yogi’s ‘Batenge toh Katenge’ slogan sparks discord within BJP and allies
The slogan has revealed ideological rifts within the BJP, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. While supporters hail it as a rallying cry against caste-based divisions, critics within the party view it as a step too far
POLITICS
Why a fierce bypoll clash in UP is keeping Akhilesh Yadav on edge
The Karhal seat, a bastion of the SP, was vacated by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav after his election as the MP for Kannauj in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
INDIA
'Judenge', 'Katenge': Fierce slogan war fuels tense bypoll build-up in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rallying cry to unite Hindus beyond caste differences—summed up in the slogan “Batenge to Katenge” (if we divide, we will be cut off)—has ignited a fierce backlash
INDIA
Strains emerge in INDIA bloc as SP adopts ‘Ekla Chalo Re’ approach amid seat-sharing disputes
The tension was particularly visible in the by-elections for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, where Congress and SP could not agree on a seat-sharing arrangement.
INDIA
Uttar Pradesh assembly by-polls: Yogi Adityanath and Akhilesh Yadav face off in high-stakes showdown
The by-polls come at a crucial time, following the BJP’s relatively disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, where the SP emerged as the largest party.
POLITICS
Yogi Adityanath meets RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as BJP hopes to turn a new leaf before Uttar Pradesh bypolls
Sources reveal that the meeting was not confined to the immediate by-elections but also touched on the broader political strategy for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election
INDIA
Uttar Pradesh bypolls: SP's seat-sharing offer to Congress sends a political signal
The Congress is expected to contest two key seats—Ghaziabad and Khair—both of which have been Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongholds for a long time.
POLITICS
Uttar Pradesh bypolls: Why stakes are higher than ever for Yogi Aditynath, Akhilesh Yadav
The bypolls will be contested in the constituencies of Karhal, Katehari, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Meerapur, Phulpur, Majhawan, and Sisamau.
INDIA
BJP to contest 9 seats in Uttar Pradesh by-elections, scrambles to resolve seat-sharing row with Nishad Party
The BJP has allotted one seat to its partner, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), handing over the Meerapur constituency, a traditional RLD stronghold. However, the Nishad Party remains dissatisfied with the BJP’s offer
INDIA
Congress marginalised in Uttar Pradesh as alliance with SP hangs in the balance
The upcoming byelections in Uttar Pradesh are not merely a regional political contest. They assume national significance as a litmus test for the opposition’s INDIA alliance.
INDIA
How results of Haryana and J&K will shape Uttar Pradesh politics
Political analysts believe the BJP’s unexpected victory in Haryana and strong performance in Jammu & Kashmir will reignite enthusiasm among its party workers, especially as they prepare for the byelections on 10 assembly seats in UP.
