Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya is gearing up for a grand three-day Diwali festival with extensive security measures in place. Over 5,000 police officers and 150 commandos from elite units have been deployed at key locations, including Ram Mandir and Saryu Ghat. The city has transformed for the celebrations, featuring a command and control center for real-time monitoring and restricted access to certain areas. This year, Ayodhya will shine with an astonishing 2.8 million lamps, as it aims to secure a spot in the Guinness World Records for the seventh consecutive time. Streets, alleys, and temples will be adorned with festive decorations, creating a breathtaking atmosphere to welcome Lord Ram. The local administration is committed to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all attendees.

On October 27, 2024, at least ten major hotels in Lucknow received bomb threats via email, prompting police to conduct extensive search operations. An anonymous sender demanded a ransom of $55,000, claiming explosives were hidden on the hotels' grounds. The hotels targeted include Comfort Hotel Vista, Clarks Awadh, and Lemon Tree Hotel, among others. Hotel management quickly informed law enforcement, and investigations are ongoing. This incident follows similar threats issued to hotels in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, just days prior, raising concerns about security in the hospitality sector.

A tragic incident unfolded in Bulandshahr's Ashapuri Colony on Monday night when a cylinder explosion caused the roof of a house to collapse, resulting in the deaths of five family members. Rescue operations are ongoing, with fears that more individuals, including women and children, may be trapped under the debris. Local police, fire brigade teams, and community volunteers are working together at the site, while senior officials oversee the efforts to expedite the rescue. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh has emphasized the urgency of the situation as recovery efforts continue.

Two accused in the Bahraich violence during a Durga Puja procession were shot in an encounter while attempting to flee to Nepal, police reported. Sarfaraz and Taleem are linked to the murder of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra on October 13. The encounter occurred near Handa Basehri, and both suspects suffered leg injuries. Bahraich SP Vrinda Shukla confirmed that five individuals were arrested following the encounter and that the weapon used in the incident was recovered. The violence erupted over disputes during the procession, leading to Mishra's death and multiple injuries. The unrest has resulted in over 50 arrests so far. Rukhsar, daughter of the primary suspect Abdul Hameed, expressed fears for her family’s safety after their detention by the UP Special Task Force. The incident has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including Congress and the Samajwadi Party, who accused the government of trying to cover up its failures in maintaining law and order.

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has postponed the UPPSC PCS examination originally scheduled for October 27, 2024. The preliminary exam is now tentatively set for December 2024, with the specific date to be announced soon on the official website, uppsc.up.nic.in. This marks the second rescheduling of the exam this year, as it was previously set for March 17, 2024, but delayed due to concerns over potential paper leaks. Candidates have started protesting the postponement, and the official notification is available on the UPPSC website. The preliminary examination will consist of two compulsory papers, with Paper II being a qualifying exam requiring a minimum score of 33%. Candidates must attend both papers to avoid disqualification. Further details will be shared soon.