Uttar Pradesh

A 30-year-old woman from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, converted to Hinduism and married an 18-year-old Class 12 student in a temple ceremony. The woman, formerly known as Shabnam, now goes by the name Shivani. This marriage has drawn attention due to the state's anti-conversion law, which prohibits religious conversions through deceit or force. While the police are investigating the case, no legal complaints have been filed so far. Shivani's decision to marry Shiva, after divorcing her disabled husband, has sparked discussions, but both families have expressed support for the couple's happiness.

The historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal is set to receive a new signboard from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which will label the mosque as "Juma Masjid" in place of its commonly known name. The blue ASI signboard, currently at the Satyavrat police outpost, is expected to be installed soon. ASI's counsel, Vishnu Sharma, clarified that the new signboard reflects the name recorded in ASI documents. The mosque has been the subject of controversy, particularly following a petition claiming it once housed an ancient Hindu temple, which led to violent clashes in November 2024.

Ahead of the Chaitra Navratri festival, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued a directive to close illegal slaughterhouses and ban the sale of meat within 500 meters of religious places. Special restrictions will be enforced for Ram Navami on April 6, with a complete ban on animal slaughter and meat sales. Additionally, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has urged Mumbai authorities to close roadside meat stalls during the festival to respect Hindu sentiments. The measures aim to ensure a peaceful and respectful environment for religious observances.

Tensions escalated outside the Agra residence of Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, when members of the Karni Sena stormed the premises in protest of his controversial remarks about 16th-century Rajput ruler Rana Sanga. The protest turned violent, with activists damaging vehicles, breaking windows, and using weapons like sticks and rods. The police intervened, resulting in minor injuries to both protestors and officers. Suman, a Dalit leader, had recently called Rana Sanga a traitor, claiming that the Rajput king invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi, which sparked backlash from Rajput communities. The incident has sparked political debate, with SP President Akhilesh Yadav accusing the BJP of manipulating historical narratives for political gain and defending Suman's remarks as an attempt to highlight one-sided historical interpretations.

In Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, the floodplains of the Ganges, once known for producing only one crop a year due to constant flooding, are now the site of a major oil discovery. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has found significant crude oil reserves in the area and has begun drilling on land owned by the family of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey. This breakthrough, which could transform the region's economic prospects, is expected to bring substantial benefits not only to Ballia but to the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. Historically tied to India's freedom struggle, the same land now holds the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future.