6-lane elevated corridor will increase influx of devotees, generate income: Varanasi locals

IANS | July 15, 2026 11:23 PM

Varanasi, July 15 (IANS) Locals and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Varanasi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval of the development of a link corridor between National Highway-19 (NH-19) and the Varanasi Ring Road with riverbank connectivity along the River Ganga, asserting that the project will increase the inflow of devotees into the holy city and generate employment opportunities.

'Zero-risk mission': How Gujarat Police is securing India's second-biggest Rath Yatra

IANS | July 15, 2026 10:47 PM

Ahmedabad, July 15 (IANS) As lakhs of devotees prepare to line the streets of Ahmedabad on Thursday for Lord Jagannath's 149th Rath Yatra, the city administration has mounted one of its largest-ever security operations, combining thousands of police personnel, artificial intelligence, facial recognition, drone surveillance, GPS tracking and extensive community outreach in an effort to ensure what senior officers describe as a "zero-risk" celebration.

'Empowered or Oppressed?': Tracing the feminine fate across the ancient Indian ethos (IANS Book Review)

Vikas Datta | July 14, 2026 11:01 AM

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) The feminine, leaving aside the sacred feminine motif present in several religions, is not just a concept of the human condition but rather a facet of creation itself, given its role in gestation and nurturing. Even if it is viewed as half of the equation of life, it unfortunately does not reflect in the social configuration, or the infamous patriarchy, which long deprived women of their due status and agency.

Ram Mandir CEO will add another layer in the system post-donation row: Nripendra Misra (IANS Interview)

IANS | July 12, 2026 8:08 PM

Ayodhya, July 12 (IANS) In the backdrop of the recent donation row, Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra on Sunday hoped the new arrangement at the Ram Mandir, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) answerable to the temple trust, will continue to focus on welfare of devotees who have shown no signs of 'distrust' in the system.