Cops beaten for terming murder as accident

AGRA - Family members of an Agra businessman Monday beat up two cops after a post-mortem proved their contention that he had been killed. Police, who had earlier termed it a case of accidental death, are now pressing charges against the attackers.

To sir with love, from an entire city

AGRA - Long before tuition shops sprung up in every bylane of this city of the Taj Mahal, there were legendary teachers who are still remembered with love and respect this Teachers Day.

Why Dimple Yadav, ask disgruntled Samajwadi Party workers

AGRA - A section of the Samajwadi Party workers and junior level leaders are disappointed over the party’s decision to field Dimple Yadav, daughter-in-law of party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, for the Ferozabad Lok Sabha by-election in Uttar Pradesh.

Dera Sacha Sauda not allowed to hold congregation

AGRA - A possible confrontation between Sikh leaders and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda sect was defused after authorities in this Utar Pradesh district withdrew permission to the sect to hold a congregation following protests from Sikh leaders.

Shortage of priests affects Hindu rites

AGRA - With the younger generation no longer attracted to priesthood, there are fears of an acute shortage of trained hands to conduct the annual Hindu Pitra Paksh rituals in accordance with Vedic texts.

Rising prices put potatoes out of commoner’s reach

AGRA - Rising prices of essential items seem to be taking their toll on the common man here. First it were the pulses and now it is the king of vegetables - potatoes - that is burning a hole in the pocket of the consumers.

Muslims offer prayers at Taj Mahal

AGRA - The Taj Mahal will remain open during the month of Ramadan, exclusively for Muslims to offer prayers.

Samajwadi Party targets opportunistic Congress, but says will support UPA

AGRA - Concluding a three-day National Conference here on Friday, a sulking Samajwadi Party leadership accused the Congress of being “opportunistic” and announced a mass agitation programme against UPA government, but ruled out withdrawal of outside support to it for now.

Samajwadi Party undecided on continuing support to Congress

AGRA - The Samajwadi Party is undecided whether it should continue supporting the Congress at the centre while its leaders are sharply critical of the government for its economic policies and “political blunders”.

Samajwadi Party announces ‘Jail-Bharo’ agitation against Mayawati

AGRA - The opposition Samajwadi Party on Wednesday criticised the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre and the Mayawati Government in Uttar Pradesh on issues of rising prices, suicides by farmers and foreign policy.

Samajwadi Party plans agitation in Uttar Pradesh

AGRA - Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav Wednesday asked his partymen to start an agitation and fill the jails of Uttar Pradesh to protest against the state government’s “wrong-doings and corrupt practices”.

Samajwadi Party to decide where it stands

AGRA/NEW DELHI - The Samajwadi Party is standing at ideological crossroads 17 years after its formation as it prepares for a three-day ‘introspection meet’ beginning Wednesday in Agra amid charges that it has been reduced to a family fiefdom and has lost its socialist moorings.

Uttar Pradesh Police ban use of gas cylinders around Taj Mahal

AGRA - Police in Uttar Pradesh have banned the use of gas cylinders around the Taj Mahal to save the monument from environmental pollution and unforeseen mishaps.

Record holiday crowds at the Taj Mahal

AGRA - Taking advantage of the Independence Day holiday, a large number of tourists visited the Taj Mahal Saturday. According to official sources, the number of visitors crossed 25,000.

Roadways employee falls while fixing flag, dies

AGRA - A employee of the Uttar Pradesh Roadways fell 30 feet while fixing the national flag for hoisting Saturday morning and succumbed to his injuries, police said.

New bridge threatens Vrindavan’s heritage ghat, say activists

AGRA - A new bridge being constructed in Vrindavan has come in for criticism from local environmental activists, who term it a threat to Kesri Ghat - the only remaining ghat in Vrindavan. They also contend it will obscure the magnificent panoramic view of the Yamuna river and affect its flow.

Bears rescued from their “masters” find home in Agra

AGRA - Around 270 bears have been rescued from their masters and are being looked after in a rehabilitation centre, situated 25 kilometres away from Agra.

Another Taj project runs into trouble

AGRA - Yet another mega project in the name of promoting tourism around the Taj Mahal has run into trouble with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) opposing a plan for a ropeway behind the world famous monument.

Seen the Taj Mahal? Now see the love story behind it

AGRA - Wondering how you’ll pass the rest of the day in Agra after you’ve soaked in the beauty of the Taj Mahal? Starting Saturday, you can walk across to see a musical presentation that captures the eternal love story behind the monument of love.

Parents forced to chain drug addict boy in Agra

AGRA - Poor parents of a 13-year-old boy in Agra are compelled to keep him chained, as he has become a drug addict.

Jeweller’s house burgled as family, guards sleep on

AGRA - Burglars broke into the house of a jeweller here early Tuesday morning and escaped with five quintals of silver, worth Rs.one crore, as the family members slept on unaware in their rooms, police said.

Hundreds march to Mathura for ecological awareness

AGRA - Hundreds of followers of Sri Krishna, who began a trek here to raise awareness about ecological issues, entered Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh Saturday, an official said.

Three-day Shahjahan Urs ends peacefully in Agra

AGRA - Despite fears of sectarian differences and confusion, officials heaved a sigh of relief as the three-day 354th Urs, death anniversary, of Mughal emperor Shahjahan ended peacefully here with a record number of 60,000 visitors entering the Taj Mahal for free.

Next total solar eclipse to occur after 123 years

AGRA/SURAT/GAYA - The longest duration solar eclipse, which was seen in various parts of India on Wednesday, will happen only after 123 years.

Two air force planes film total solar eclipse

AGRA - An AN-32 transport aircraft and a Mirage-2000 trainer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Wednesday successfully chased the sun’s shadow to film the total solar eclipse, the longest one of the 21st century.

‘World’s longest’ greeting card on display in Agra

AGRA - A woman has put on display at a college here what she claims is the “world’s longest” greeting card. It is meant for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

30 child labourers rescued in Agra and Firozabad

AGRA / FIROZABAD - Around 30 child labourers were rescued by police and officials of state Child Labour Department from Agra and Firozabad cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Can the Taj Mahal take in so much crowd?

AGRA - Conservationists have expressed concern over the decision to allow free entry to the Taj Mahal for three days from July 19 when the annual Urs pilgrimage of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan starts.

Two-year-old drowns in school swimming pool

AGRA - A two-year-old boy drowned in a play school’s swimming pool here Thursday, police said.

Rudraksh had joined the Paradise Children’s Home, a playgroup school, only three days ago, police added.

Scanty rains ring alarm bells in Agra

AGRA - Poor agricultural yields, high irrigation costs and exorbitant prices of essential commodities - all this and more are causing alarm bells to ring as parts of western Uttar Pradesh are facing “drought-like” conditions. Farmers are concerned about the lack of action by the government.