Cleaning of Varanasi's ghats underway ahead of festivals

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's office, "sacred land of the Ganga River, Yamuna River, the Char Dham, Adi Kailash and several revered Shakti Peeths, Uttarakhand has long been a center of faith for Sanatan followers across the world. In this context, the state government is making efforts to promote Uttarakhand as a major hub for religious and spiritual tourism and pilgrimage, which is also expected to boost economic activities in the state."

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inaugurated the rejuvenated Nalla Cheruvu lake in Kukatpally and reiterated the state government's commitment to restoring water bodies across Hyderabad to address future urban challenges.

India took a pioneering step in inland waterway navigation as Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stones for four river lighthouses along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, marking the first time lighthouse infrastructure will be established on an inland waterway in the country.

A 56-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district was found dead in the Yamuna River under suspicious circumstances, days after he was reported missing, police said.

Hariom Vashishth from Rohtak said he had arrived a day earlier and completed the ritual bath before the eclipse began. He explained that a fast is observed during the sutak period, during which devotees refrain from drinking water, eating food, or performing any rituals. He added that the eclipse is scheduled from 3:20 pm to 6:47 pm, while the sutak period begins nine hours prior, leading to the closure of temple doors.