Kathua Cloudburst: Rail Ops Halted After Bridge-43 Flooded

At least seven people were killed and several others sustained injuries in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials said on Sunday.

Five people lost their lives due to flooding caused by a cloudburst in Jodh Ghati, while two persons were killed in a landslide in Janglote.

Following the cloudburst incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district the Rail operations in certain sections have been affected, causing temporary disruptions due to heavy rainfall.

Authorities are taking necessary measures to ensure safety and restore normalcy as soon as possible, with updates on specific train schedules to follow.

Uchit Singhal, Sr DCM Jammu Division, Northern Railway, has clarified that heavy rains have caused water to flow above the danger level at Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi.

As a result, train movement on the up line has been temporarily suspended, and up trains are being operated via a temporary single line on the down line track.

“Multiple calls are being recieved with respect to track damage. It is to clarify that due to heavy rains, water is flowing above the danger level through Br-43 between Kathua and Budhi. In the wake of this, temporarily till the water level subsides, up-line movement has been suspended and in the meantime, up trains are being moved via a temporary single line through the DN line track. A few trains have been short-terminated and short-originated, including the cancellation of local passenger trains. Details will be shared shortly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation.

Shah assured full support from the government and said rescue operations are underway with help from the local administration and NDRE teams.

In a post on social media platform X, Shah wrote, “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site.”

“Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” the post read.

On flash floods and landslide in Kathua, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, “There was heavy rain in Kathua since last night… Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing… Some people are being rescued by helicopters because the connectivity there has been cut off… Those who died due to the landslide, their bodies have been retrieved.”

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district.

Terming the tragedy “mind-numbing,” LG Sinha stated that he briefed Union Minsiter Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

In an X post, he wrote, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.”

The cloudburst in Kathua district on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday left four people dead, damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station, while flash floods and a landslide in Jodh village have trapped six people and washed away several connecting roads, officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthanad left many injured.

He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance. Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased; Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured; Rs 50,000 for minor injuries ₹1 lakh for fully damaged houses; ₹50,000 for severely damaged houses; Rs25,000 for partially damaged houses This assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives, the Office of Chief Minister, J&K said in a statement. (ANI)

MCD Staff

Protests Erupt In Chennai Against SC Order Delhi-NCR Stray Dogs

Animal lovers and rights activists staged a protest in Chennai on Sunday against the Supreme Court’s order directing that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be moved to shelters within eight weeks.

The protests in Chennai came days after similar demonstrations in the national capital.

On Friday, Delhi Police registered four FIRs in connection with protests held by dog lovers without prior permission on August 11 and 12 in the New Delhi district.

Police said the demonstrations in Delhi were organised despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), formerly Section 144 of the CrPC, which is currently in force as part of security measures ahead of Independence Day. According to officials, the protests turned unruly when police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes at some sites.

“Those who refused to leave the protest sites despite repeated requests were detained. Legal action will be taken against all those found violating the law,” the Delhi Police said.

One viral clip from the protests shows the Station House Officer of Tughlaq Road police station being manhandled by protesters, while another video shows a confrontation between a woman sub-inspector and a female demonstrator inside a bus.

The protests followed the Supreme Court’s August 11 order directing authorities to ensure that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are free of stray dogs. The court had ruled that captured animals should not be released back onto the streets.

On Thursday, a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria reserved its order on petitions seeking a stay on the directive. The bench said it would pass an interim order after hearing arguments from all sides.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi government, said there was a “loud vocal minority” opposing the order, while a “silent suffering majority” supported action. “In a democracy, there is a vocal majority and one who silently suffers. We had seen videos of people eating chicken, eggs, etc., and then claiming to be animal lovers. It was an issue to be resolved. Children were dying… Sterilisation did not stop rabies; even if you immunised them, that did not stop mutilation of children,” Mehta submitted.

Citing World Health Organisation data, the Solicitor General said 37 lakh dog bites were reported in 2024, with 305 rabies deaths, most among children under 15 years of age. “Dogs do not have to be killed… they have to be separated. Parents cannot send children out to play. Nobody is an animal hater,” he added.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing an NGO, questioned whether municipal authorities had created enough shelter homes for the dogs. “Now dogs are picked up. But the order says once they are sterilised, do not leave them out in the community,” he argued, seeking a stay on the August 11 order.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also opposed the directive. He said, “Dog bites exist, but there have been zero rabies deaths in Delhi this year. Of course, bites are bad, but you cannot create a horror situation like this.”

The bench observed that the core problem was the failure of local bodies to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules. Justice Nath remarked, “Rules and laws are framed by the Parliament, but they are not followed. Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. On the one hand, humans are suffering, and on the other hand, animal lovers are here.”

In its detailed order, the court stressed that the August 11 decision was not taken on a “momentary impulse” but after two decades of authorities failing to address a matter directly affecting public safety. A separate bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Madadev noted that the issue concerns both human welfare and animal welfare. “This is not personal,” the bench said. (ANI)

Delhi Man Arrested For Raping Mother

A 39-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping his 65-year-old mother in the Hauz Qazi area in the national capital, Delhi police said on Sunday.

Police said the complainant, 65, filed a complaint at the Hauz Qazi police station stating that the incident took place after she returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia with her husband and daughter on August 1.

According to the alleged survivor, her son first assaulted her soon after her return and then again attempted to attack her the next day, forcing her to go to her elder daughter-in-law’s house.

“On 01.08.2025, when they returned to Delhi, her son assaulted her and the next day also tried to assault her, due to which she went to her elder daughter’s in-laws’ house,” the police statement read.

Further, Delhi Police said that on August 11, when the woman returned home around 9:30 pm, the accused allegedly locked her in a room, threatened her with a knife and scissors, forced her to undress, and raped her.

The woman further stated that she did not disclose the incident due to fear and shame and began sleeping with her daughter. However, on the night of August 14 at around 3:30 am, her son allegedly raped her again.

“Her son locked her in the room, showed her a knife and scissors, forcibly made her remove her clothes, and raped her. After all this happened, she was terrified and, out of shame, did not tell anyone. She started sleeping with her daughter. Then, on the night of 14.08.2025, around 3:30 AM, he repeated this act,” the police statement read.

A case under Section 64(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Hauz Qazi police station.

The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.

The woman lives with her 72-year-old husband, a retired government employee, their 25-year-old daughter, and the accused, who is an unemployed graduate. (ANI)

Four Dead, Railtrack Damaged In Kathua Cloudburst

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district on Sunday.

Terming the tragedy “mind-numbing,” LG Sinha stated that he briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

In an X post, he wrote, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.”

A cloudburst in Kathua district has left four people dead, damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station, while flash floods and a landslide in Jodh village have trapped six people and washed away several connecting roads, officials said.

Speaking about the situation in Jodh village, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma said rescue teams are on the spot and operations are underway.

Meanwhile, in Kishtwar district, security forces have intensified rescue and relief operations after a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 left around 55 people dead.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) Counter Insurgency Force, Delta, Major General APS Bal, said all the security forces are trying their best to save as many lives as possible.

“…All the security forces are trying their best to rescue as many people as possible from the area affected by the cloudburst. We are also providing relief to the local people who have suffered due to this disaster… The Indian Army was the first to respond to this disaster, and they reached the spot within 45 minutes…” Major General Bal told the media on Saturday.

The Indian Army is leading ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and the local administration. (ANI)

Elvish Yadav Summoned by ED

Multiple Gunshots Fired At Youtuber Elvish Yadav’s Gurugram House

Unidentified men opened fire outside the residence of Elvish Yadav in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on Sunday morning, Police said.

According to Gurugram Police, over a “dozen rounds” of ammunition were fired outside the residence of Elvish Yadav. The actor was not present at his residence.

“Three masked miscreants opened fire outside the residence of YouTuber and Big Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav in Gurugram’s Sector 57. The incident took place at around 5:30 AM. More than a dozen rounds were fired. Elvish Yadav was not at his residence at the time of the firing,” said Sandeep Kumar, PRO Gurugram Police.

Earlier, the Supreme Court granted an interim stay on legal proceedings against Elvish Yadav in connection with a rave party case, where snake venom and other illegal drugs were allegedly supplied and consumed.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the respondents, including the Uttar Pradesh government and complainant Gaurav Gupta, seeking their response to Yadav’s plea.

Yadav had approached the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the chargesheet filed against him and the summons issued in the case.

Earlier in May, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed his plea, observing that the allegations warranted a thorough legal examination as multiple FIRs had been registered in the matter.

The top court ordered an interim stay of legal proceedings against Yadav and issued a notice to the respondents in the matter.

For reference, Elvish Yadav has been chargesheeted under Sections 9, 39, 48A, 49, 50 and 51 of Wildlife Protection Act and Sections 284, 289 and 120B of IPC and Sections 8, 22, 29, 30 and 32 of NDPS Act in the FIR lodged at Police Station Sector-49, Noida, District Gautam Buddh Nagar.

A summons order has also been issued by the First Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Yadav challenged the chargesheet and the proceedings on the ground that the informant was not a competent person to lodge an FIR under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

It is pleaded that no snake, narcotic or psychotropic substance has been recovered from the applicant. (ANI)

Kerala Celebrates Malayali New Year, Beginning of ‘Chingam’

Kerala welcomed the Malayalam New Year on Saturday, flocking to temples to offer prayers and celebrating the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar.

Chingam, known as Kollam Varsham, is also being observed as Farmers Day, honouring the community’s deep-rooted bond with soil and agriculture. This year, the Chingam festival is celebrated just 6 days before the commencement of Onam, which will be held from August 26 to September 5.

Chingam, the dawn of the Malayalam New Year. For every Malayali, it is a day of new beginnings and fresh hopes for the people. Traditionally known as Ponnin Chingam (Golden Chingam), this season has faced two years of heavy Onam rains, yet people now look forward with optimism, believing this Onam will truly be a golden one.

After enduring the hardships of Karkidakam, Malayalis eagerly await this day, stepping into the auspicious month. It is a time of harvest, when farmers reap the fruits of their care during the testing rainy season.

Visuals from Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangaadi Ganapathy Temple showed devotees flocking to the temples to offer their prayers, coming with family and relatives for their morning rituals.

Anjala, a local who visits the temple every year with family to mark the festival, told ANI, “We come every year on this day. We start the day by visiting temple. I wish everyone a happy new year and a good life head”

Shika, a kid who visited the temple, mentioned how the crowd swells every year at the temple during the festival month, with Onam fast approaching too.

“Chingam is auspicious day for every Malayali, as our festival season in nearing like Onam, I am blessed with Lord Ganesha. We wear traditional dress. We get so many visitors from outside country also,” Shika told ANI.

Malayalis welcome Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam New Year, with hope and devotion. As the state prepares for Onam celebrations, temples witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. (ANI)

Himachal: Flash Floods Hit Panarsa, Takoli, Nagwain Areas

Multiple flash flood incidents were reported on Sunday in Mandi district at Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain areas along the Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway.

Connectivity on the highway has been blocked at several points, causing major disruption to vehicular movement.

No reports of human loss have been received in the incidents, according to Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mandi.

Police personnel are maintaining a strict vigil at all affected sites, while restoration work is underway to clear the route and restore traffic flow.

Several places in Himachal Pradesh continue to reel under the impact of the heavy monsoon rains.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the state has recorded 261 deaths between June 20 and August 16, 2025.

Of these, 136 people were killed in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, and house collapses, while 125 lives were lost in road accidents.

The impact has been particularly severe in Mandi district, which reported the highest number of rain-related casualties (26 deaths) along with major losses to public infrastructure. Other severely hit districts include Kangra (28 deaths, including 7 in landslides and 6 in flash floods), Chamba (10 deaths), and Kullu (11 deaths).

The HPSDMA report highlights that 2,14,457 lakhs rupees worth of damage has been caused to public and private property this monsoon. Roads, water supply schemes, agriculture, horticulture, and electricity infrastructure have suffered massive damage. The Public Works Department (PWD) alone has reported losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while agriculture and horticulture combined losses are estimated at over Rs 83,000 crore.

Road connectivity remains one of the worst-hit sectors, with frequent blockages on major highways, including NH-05 (Kinnaur) and NH-305 (Kullu), due to landslides and flash floods. Villages in interior areas remain cut off for days, making rescue and relief operations difficult.

The report also notes widespread damage to homes: 278 houses fully damaged, 288 partially damaged, and 703 cowsheds destroyed. Over 27,000 animals and birds have perished in rain-related incidents.

Officials said restoration of essential services – roads, power, and water supply – remains a top priority, but continuous rainfall and recurring landslides are slowing down the process. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed weather advisories. (ANI)

Nayanthara, Nivin Pauly Reunite For ‘Dear Students’

The makers of the Nayanthara and Nivin Pauly starrer ‘Dear Students’ have finally dropped the much-awaited teaser of the film. The movie marks the reunion of the two stars after their superhit film ‘Love Action Drama’ in 2019.

The Tamil-Malayalam bilingual film, ‘Dear Students’, is jointly directed by George Philip Roy and Sandeep Kumar. The makers have not revealed the release date of the movie yet.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Nivin Pauly shared the much-awaited teaser of his film ‘Dear Students’, offering a glimpse of his humorous yet heartfelt chemistry with the actress in the film.

As per the teaser, the film is expected to be centred around the life of a school boy with a parallel police investigation helmed by Nayanthara.

The teaser opened with a humorous exchange between Nivin Pauly’s character, Hari, and Nayanthara. Mistaking her for a customer, Nivin Pauly starts describing the various dishes at the bakery.

However, Nayanthara quickly clarifies that she’s there to discuss something personal, requesting him to sit down.

The teaser is laced with humorous exchanges between Nivin Pauly and Nayanthara, along with their solo action sequences.

Apart from hogging the teaser screen time, the movie is also expected to feature the life of schoolboys, which includes their parties in PGs, heartbreaks, and love stories.

Nayanthara will play the role of a cop in the movie.

Take a look at the teaser of the film, which Nivin Pauly shared on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNX7MRLvt74/?

Last year in August, Nivin Pauly announced Nayanthara’s involvement in Dear Students through a social media post. He wrote, “Into the fun and gripping world of Dear Students joins the incredible, ever-radiant Nayanthara.”

She made her Bollywood debut in Jawan alongside Shah Rukh Khan last year and has also appeared in Tamil films such as Iraivan and Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food

The movie is produced by Pauly Jr Pictures and Rowdy Pictures. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi’s Vote Adhikar Yatra In Bihar To Cover 20 Distts, 1300Km In 16 Days

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ across Bihar will cover more than 20 districts, spanning 1,300 kilometres over 16 days.

The Voter Adhikaar Yatra is a campaign led by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged “vote theft” and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

In a social media post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “’16 days 20+ districts 1,300+ km We are coming among the people with the Voter Adhikaar Yatra. This is the fight to protect the most fundamental democratic right – ‘one person, one vote.’ Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution.”

As per the schedule shared by the Congress MP himself, the ‘Vote Adhikaar Yatra’ will kickstart from Sasaram district of the state on August 17 and will conclude in the state’s capital city, Patna, on September 1.

On August 17, the yatra will kickstart from Sasaram, Dehri on Sone, Rohtas, while on August 18, the journey will continue in Kutumba, Aurangabad, Deo and Guraru.

Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of Mahagathbandhan will visit Punama Wazirganj, Gaya, to Barbiga via Nawada on August 19.

On August 21, the leaders will visit Teen Mohani Durga Mandir, Sheikhpura to Munger via Sikandra, Jamui and on August 22, they will visit Chandan Bagh Chowk, Munger to Bhagalpur via Sultanganj.

The campaign will cover Barari, Kursela to Purnia via Korha and Katihar on August 2 and 3, while it will cover Kushkibag, Purnia to Narpatganj via Chandni Chowk, Araria on August 24.

On August 26, the yatra will be conducted in Hussain Chowk, Supaul to Darbhanga via Phulparas, Sakri, Madhubani and on August 27, it will be conducted in Gangwara Mahaveer Sthan, Darbhanga to Sitamarhi via Muzaffarpur.

The Lok Sabha LoP, accompanied by INDIA bloc leaders, will visit Riga Road, Sitamarhi, to West Champaran via Motihari on August 28. On August 29, they are scheduled to visit Bettiah, West Champaran, to Siwan via Gopalganj.

August 30 is dedicated to Chapra, Saran, to Arrah, Bhojpur.

August 20, August 25 and August 31 have been declared as “break days.”

The announcement comes amid ongoing protests by the INDIA bloc leaders against the alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a spoof video inspired by the film Laapataa Ladies, reiterating the Congress’s “vote theft” allegations against the Election Commission and urging people to join the ‘Vote Chori se Azaadi’ campaign.

Sharing the video on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Chori chori, chupke chupke… ab or nahi, janta jag gayi hai, (Secretly, stealthily… No more now, the public has awakened).”

The video shows a middle-aged man at a police station submitting a theft complaint. When asked by a policeman, “What has been stolen?” the man hesitates before replying, “Vote.” The policeman reacts in shock and asks, “How’s this possible?” The video ends with the message, “Theft of your vote is theft of your right.” The clip is based on a scene in Laapataa Ladies where a husband goes to the police station to report that his wife has been exchanged.

On August 7, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the Election Commission of India, saying elections are “choreographed”. Presenting Congress’s research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency in Karnataka, he alleged the theft of 1,00,250 votes. The Election Commission has repeatedly asked Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed declaration to back up his claims of “vote theft”. (ANI)

Yogi Announces ₹30,000-Cr Masterplan For Braj Region On Janmashtami

On Lord Shri Krishna’s 5252nd birth anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Mathura on Saturday, where he inaugurated 118 projects worth Rs 646 crore and unveiled a Rs 30,000 crore master plan for the holistic development of the Braj region.

According to a press release, while addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said that Mathura reflects 5,000 years of ancient history and devotion.

On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, devotees from across India and the world have converged here, he noted, adding that Lord Krishna resides in every particle of Mathura’s sacred soil — a devotion unparalleled anywhere else.

“I bow countless times to this holy land,” he said.

CM Yogi said he has had the privilege of joining celebrations like Rangotsav and Janmashtami in Mathura for several years. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he emphasised India’s role as a confluence of spirituality and modern development. He added that the world is eager to study India’s spiritual heritage, which, in times of global crises, offers the path to lasting peace and harmony.

The Chief Minister announced a new master plan of Rs 30,000 crore for the holistic development of the Braj region. He said this plan will connect pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Gokul with the memories of the Dwapar Yuga.

He said, “Our government is committed to respecting the sentiments of revered saints and enriching the Braj region. We are making possible the works which were once considered impossible.”

Citing the example of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he said that ten years ago, even imagining them seemed impossible, but today they have become a reality. In Kashi, where earlier not even 50 devotees could visit together, now 50,000 devotees can have darshan at once. In Ayodhya, the grand Ram Temple is reviving the memories of the Treta Yuga. Similarly, a grand corridor has also been completed at Vindhyavasini Dham.

The Chief Minister, citing the purity and consistent flow of the Ganga, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ganga has today become worthy for bathing and rituals. He said, “In the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh, 67 crore devotees took the holy dip. Similarly, the double-engine government is working with full honesty for the uninterrupted flow and purity of the Yamuna.”

He also mentioned the ropeway facility in Barsana, calling it a great relief for the elderly. He said, “This is the benefit of development, that we are continuously working for the convenience and safety of devotees”.

Remembering the purpose of Lord Shri Krishna’s incarnation, the Chief Minister said he took birth to safeguard the virtuous and to destroy evil. He turned the battlefield into a land of Dharma. Yogi said, “The inspiration of Shri Krishna’s selfless actions gives us strength. As long as this inspiration remains among us, no one can harm us.”

The Chief Minister noted that India has completed 78 years of independence and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of new resolutions for the centenary in 2047. Referring to the recent 24-hour discussion in the UP Assembly, he said society and government must work together to make Uttar Pradesh prosperous and developed by 2047.

CM Yogi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 118 development projects worth Rs 646 crore for Mathura-Vrindavan. These included the inauguration of 80 projects worth about Rs 273 crore, and the foundation laying of 38 projects worth Rs 373 crores.

These projects include beautification of Parikrama paths, entrance gates, restoration of kunds facilities for devotees, connectivity, water conservation, and environmental protection. He described the bhajans, kirtans, and Shri Krishna lilas organised in the Panchjanya Auditorium as part of the devotional atmosphere.

The Chief Minister praised the efforts of public representatives and saints, whose cooperation made the approval of development proposals for the Braj region possible. He said that government and society together are committed to preserving and enriching India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister lovingly lifted children dressed as Krishna in his arms, fed them kheer with his own hands, and performed their annaprashan. He also applied a tilak on their foreheads, gifted them pearl garlands, and toys as gifts. The Chief Minister’s love brought smiles and happiness all around. (ANI)