Uttar Pradesh enhances airport facilities in 6 cities as Yogi govt boosts air connectivity

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 12, 2026 | top-stories

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh is expanding as a hub for civil aviation under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with the state government driving the development of new airports, expansion of existing terminals, and improved air connectivity across the region, a statement from the Civil Aviation Department said. The significant progress has been recorded in the Gorakhpur, Agra, Kanpur, Aligarh, Moradabad and Shravasti airport projects.

In view of the increasing number of flights at Gorakhpur Airport, the state government has decided to develop a new civil terminal. For this purpose, an MoU was signed in June 2025 between the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Airports Authority of India and the Ministry of Defence for the transfer of 42.14 acres of Indian Air Force land. Under the project, the work related to the relocation of assets has been almost completed. At present, an average of 12 flights are operating from the airport.

For the construction of a new civil terminal at Agra Airport, 52 acres of land had already been made available, while an additional 92.50 acres of land have also been acquired. The construction work being carried out by the Airports Authority of India has reached approximately 60 per cent physical progress.

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Under the agreement between the State Government and AAI, 50 acres of land were provided for Kanpur Airport, where a new civil terminal was developed at a cost of approximately Rs 150 crore. The terminal has already been inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The release further stated that currently, four flights are operating from the airport. A proposal for approximately 100 acres of additional land for the expansion of the terminal complex is now under consideration.

The development work of Aligarh Airport was completed in 2024. The state government has now decided to undertake its major expansion. For this purpose, Rs 738.60 crore has been approved for the acquisition of 275.74 hectares of land. Most of the land has already been purchased, while the acquisition process for the remaining land is underway.

The development of the Moradabad airstrip into an airport was completed in 2024. Technical processes are now underway between the Airports Authority of India and the State Government regarding the identified land for its expansion. Work is being carried out on the verification of geo-coordinates and ensuring land availability in accordance with the master plan.

The development of Shravasti Airport was also completed in 2024 under the RCS scheme. For the airport expansion, 218 hectares of land have already been acquired against the required 226.75 hectares. Acquisition of the remaining land is in progress. An amount of Rs 350 crore has been approved for the project.

The state government’s objective is to connect different regions of Uttar Pradesh through improved air connectivity, thereby promoting tourism, industry, investment and employment opportunities. These investments in the civil aviation sector will provide new momentum to the state’s economic progress and regional development.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Two soldiers injured in accidental grenade blast near LoC in Poonch

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 12, 2026 | top-stories

Two Indian Army soldiers were injured in an accidental grenade blast during a training exercise near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The incident took place in a forward area close to the border. The injured personnel were quickly evacuated and taken to a military hospital. Their condition is reported to be stable currently.

Also Read: Pakistan’s food crisis deepens – Meat prices soar as millions struggle to afford food

Two soldiers injured in accidental grenade blast near LoC

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Two Indian Army soldiers suffered injuries after a grenade accidentally exploded during a practice session near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

The blast reportedly took place while troops were carrying out a training exercise in a forward area near the border.

Soldiers rushed to military hospital

After the explosion, the injured soldiers were immediately evacuated from the area and taken to a nearby military hospital for treatment.

Officials said both soldiers are in stable condition. However, details about the seriousness of their injuries have not been officially released.

Army to investigate the incident

Army authorities and security agencies have taken note of the incident. An inquiry is expected to find out how the accidental blast occurred.

Similar incidents have been reported during training and operational activities in the region in the past.

More details awaited

Officials have not yet shared further information about the incident. More details are expected after the inquiry begins.

Earlier incident

Earlier on Wednesday, two Indian Army soldiers were killed in an accidental blast near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident took place in the Kamalkote area of Baramulla district, officials said.

The soldiers were seriously injured in the explosion and were rushed to the Army Base Hospital in Srinagar’s Badamibagh Cantonment. Despite efforts by doctors, both soldiers later died from their injuries.

The deceased soldiers were identified as Arjun Jadhav and Vikram Balakrishna, both from Maharashtra. They were serving with the 8 Rashtriya Rifles.

Officials said the exact cause of the blast is not yet known. An investigation is underway to find out how the explosion happened.

“They have been identified as Arjun Jadhav and Vikram Balakrishna, both of whom belonged to Maharashtra. They were shifted after sustaining critical injuries to the army’s base hospital in the Badamibagh Cantonment area of Srinagar, but despite the best efforts of the doctors, they couldn’t be revived,” IANS reported, quoting official sources.

Also Read: Forget Switzerland – The hidden Northeast India paradise where you can camp above the clouds this June

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Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presents vision of developed Chhattisgarh at NITI Aayog meeting

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 11, 2026 | top-stories

At the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented a new vision for a Naxalism-free Bastar. He said the region, long affected by violence, will emerge as a model of economic revival, employment, education, tourism, and agriculture-led development.

At the meeting held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the CM outlined a comprehensive plan to double tribal family incomes, drive a dairy revolution, expand irrigation across 32,000 hectares, develop tourism as a major industry, and boost investment in AI and semiconductors. He said these efforts are aimed at transforming Chhattisgarh into a developed state in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

He added that the government aims to raise Bastar families’ monthly income to Rs 30,000 within three years, from current levels where nearly 85 per cent earn less than Rs 15,000 per month. To strengthen rural livelihoods, it is promoting agriculture, animal husbandry, forest produce, small industries, and welfare schemes.

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He added that the “Dairy Model” is being rapidly implemented, with tribal families to receive milch cows and buffaloes. The initiative aims to create sustainable village incomes, generate jobs for women and youth, and boost dairy centres, milk collection, transport, and local markets.

He said two major irrigation projects worth over Rs 2,000 crore are being launched, expanding irrigation coverage to 32,000 hectares. Year-round water availability in the Indravati region is expected to improve farm productivity and enable cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and other cash crops alongside paddy.

He also said digital health profiles are being created for nearly 36 lakh people in Bastar to strengthen healthcare services. The initiative will maintain secure medical records, improve access to timely information for doctors, and particularly benefit rural communities, women, and senior citizens.

The Chief Minister said nearly 200 security camps in Bastar are being transformed into “Seva Dera” centres, providing villagers access to 371 Central and State Government schemes at one location, including ration services, pensions, Ayushman cards, banking, healthcare, and education.

Highlighting tourism as a major source of employment, he said the government is developing Chitrakote and the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sirpur as world-class destinations. Bastar is expanding water sports, adventure sports, and jungle safaris, while Sirpur is set to get a Global Meditation Centre, museum facilities, and a developed Mahanadi riverfront.

The Chief Minister said that the Chhattisgarh Government is accelerating investment, good governance, and technology-driven development. A total of 435 reforms have been implemented in the state, and the single-window system has been strengthened to create a more investment-friendly environment. He also informed that two modern semiconductor units are being established in the state.

He said that a new development model is being created in Bastar through education, healthcare, skill development, and digital technology. Education Cities are being developed in Abujhmad and Jagargunda at a cost of Rs 100 crore. In addition, better educational opportunities are being provided through 341 PM SHRI Schools, 5,857 smart classrooms, and bilingual books in 16 local languages.

Chief Minister informed that more than 33 lakh farmers have been connected to digital services under the AgriStack scheme. Government services have been made more transparent and accessible through the Digital Dwar platform and the Atal Monitoring Portal.

The CM said that under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, industry, investment, and exports in Chhattisgarh have gained new momentum. New industries are being established in sectors such as sports goods, semiconductors, electronics, bio-ethanol, garments, and textiles, creating additional employment opportunities. Green industries are also being promoted for environmental conservation and CM Startup and NIPUN Missions to drive employment.

He informed that the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) scheme is helping local products from the state gain access to national and international markets. Up to February 2026 in the financial year 2025–26, exports worth Rs 761.76 crore were recorded, with aromatic rice contributing the largest share. This is leading to increased incomes for farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of various states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, its members, and senior officials.

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Himachal government restores deferred salaries of Ministers, MLAs, Speaker; CM’s 50% salary deferment to continue

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 10, 2026 | top-stories

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government has withdrawn the deferment of salaries of Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of the Council of Ministers, according to a notification issued by the General Administration Department (Parliamentary Affairs). The notification, issued on Wednesday, partially modifies an earlier government order dated April 18, under which salaries of constitutional functionaries and legislators had been deferred as part of the state’s financial management measures.

On April 18, according to the announcement, made in line with a notification issued by the General Administration Department, the decision was taken with the approval of the Governor under the provisions of the Constitution of India to ensure prudent fiscal management. Under the order, 50 per cent of the Chief Minister’s salary was to be deferred, while 30 per cent of the salaries of the Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker were supposed to be withheld. MLAs were to face a 20 per cent deferment in their salaries.

The government clarified that the measure is a deferment and not a deduction, and the withheld amount will be released at a later stage, depending on the financial condition of the state. To ensure transparency, both payable and deferred components were to be reflected in the e-salary system and salary slips. However, statutory deductions, including income tax, will continue to be calculated on the full salary.

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The order also includes provisions for those repaying House Building Advances (HBA) or Motor Car Advances (MCA), allowing deferment to be calculated after deduction of loan instalments upon submission of an undertaking. As per the latest order, the deferred salary amount pertaining to the Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and MLAs will be released along with their salary for June 2026, which is payable in July 2026.

However, the government clarified that the temporary deferment of 50 per cent of the salary of the Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, will continue in accordance with the April 18 notification and will remain in force until further orders. The notification was issued by the General Administration Department under the provisions of Articles 162 and 166 of the Constitution of India and was signed by Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant. The move effectively restores the salary payments of elected representatives and ministers while retaining the Chief Minister’s voluntary salary deferment as a continuing measure.

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TMC’s Sushmita Dev resigns from Rajya Sabha; second party MP to step down in a week; meets Assam CM Himanta

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 10, 2026 | top-stories

In an another blow to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has officially resigned from the Upper House (Rajya Sabha). Her resignation came on June 10, 2026, just days after TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray stepped down, marking the second major departure for the party in a single week.

Signs of dissent within the Trinamool Congress appear to be growing, posing a challenge to party chief Mamata Banerjee’s authority. After 61 MLAs reportedly backed rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee, the unrest has now extended to the party’s parliamentary ranks.

Dev also met Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. There is speculation that she may also join the BJP at a later stage.

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“I do hereby resign from the membership of Rajya Sabha, which may please be accepted with immediate effect. I convey my sincere gratitude to your Excellency, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman and all functionaries of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat extending all help and cooperation during my tenure as a Member ofthe Rajya Sabha,” she wrote in a letter.

Prior to her current role, she made headlines by resigning from the Congress party in 2021 after a nearly three-decade association to join the TMC. Her father the late Santosh Mohan Dev was a Union Minister in the UPA-1 government.

Formerly a Congress MP representing Silchar in Assam, Sushmita Dev parted ways with the party following her defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021. She rapidly emerged as a prominent figure within the party, serving as its national spokesperson before being nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Also Read | How TMC’s internal rebellion will end up strengthening Modi govt in Parliament

The Trinamool Congress is grappling with the most severe internal turmoil in its nearly 30-year history, as rebellions have erupted simultaneously within its legislative and parliamentary ranks following the party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The unrest has left party chief Mamata Banerjee struggling to maintain control over an organisation that was once seen as firmly united under her leadership.

The crisis first unfolded in the West Bengal Assembly, where a large section of TMC legislators broke away to form a separate faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Supported by 58 of the party’s 80 MLAs, the group secured recognition from the Speaker and emerged as the principal opposition bloc in the House. While distancing itself from the TMC’s central leadership, the faction has retained its opposition to the BJP, stating that it intends to pursue a “constructive opposition” agenda focused on Bengal’s development.

The turmoil intensified days later in New Delhi when a group of TMC Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar , reportedly signalled support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance . The developments have raised fresh concerns about the party’s ideological unity and long-term political trajectory.

Amid the growing crisis, Mamata Banerjee has reached out to opposition allies for support. On Tuesday, she held a closed-door meeting with Sonia Gandhi to discuss strengthening opposition coordination and the future of the INDIA bloc .

Also Read | ‘Mera sar katega lekin jhukega nahi’: Kakoli Ghosh, 19 rebels extend support to NDA in fresh jolt to Mamata Banerjee

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More trouble for TMC: CID visits Mamata Banerjee’s home and nephew Abhishek’s office while she meets Sonia Gandhi in Delhi

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 9, 2026 | top-stories

While TMC Supremo and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi holding a closed-door meeting with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, CID teams back home have launched a coordinated crackdown, simultaneously descending on the former CM’s residence and the Camac Street office of her nephew and key political heir, MP Abhishek Banerjee.

#WATCH | A team of CID arrives at the residence of Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/EWXxEWEcfT — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2026

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CID probe linked to alleged fake signatures in Assembly

The CID visit is believed to be linked to allegations of fake signatures in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The agency is investigating a complaint against Abhishek Banerjee over a letter sent to the Assembly Secretariat regarding the party’s choice for the Leader of the Opposition.

TMC signature row

Some rebel TMC MLAs have claimed that their signatures on the letter were forged and that they never signed it. The CID has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the matter. Handwriting samples of some MLAs have already been collected.

Also Read: 20 TMC MPs to back NDA? Why Kakoli Ghosh’s claim has set off fresh buzz

Internal rift in TMC

This is not only a legal issue. It has also exposed a divide within the TMC. Several MLAs have spoken against the party leadership. Some have accused the party of using their names and signatures without permission. The MLAs who filed the complaint were later expelled from the party, making the conflict even deeper.

Mamata Banerjee meets Sonia Gandhi amid political crisis

The timing of these developments has made the situation more dramatic. While CID officials were visiting Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata, he and Mamata Banerjee were in Delhi for important political meetings. Mamata Banerjee was meeting Sonia Gandhi and trying to show opposition unity at the national level, while her party in Bengal was facing a serious internal crisis.

According to reports, the CID has given Abhishek Banerjee a 24-hour notice. He had earlier not responded to a summons, saying that he was unwell and busy with programmes in Delhi. His legal team has also moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking protection from any strict action by the CID.

The development comes after another major incident. On May 30, protesters allegedly attacked Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur. Eggs and shoes were reportedly thrown at him. His clothes were torn, and he had to wear a helmet for safety. Later, he said that because of health problems caused by the incident, he would not appear before the CID.

Abhishek Banerjee is also facing another case. A cybercrime FIR was recently filed over his alleged inflammatory election speeches. As a result, he is facing pressure from many sides. Police investigations, internal party rebellion, court cases, and growing political pressure have all added to his problems.

TMC faces one of its biggest internal challenges

The situation is also becoming difficult for Mamata Banerjee. While she is trying to bring opposition parties together at the national level, her own party in Bengal is facing one of its biggest internal challenges in recent years.

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