Varanasi

Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli has become the center of a growing controversy after an FIR was filed against him over alleged remarks about God during a recent event in Varanasi. The complaint, lodged by a local resident, accuses the director of hurting religious sentiments and making statements considered inappropriate by certain groups. The incident has sparked debate across the country, drawing attention to the ongoing tension between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity.

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has approved six new housing and commercial projects worth Rs. 864 crore, marking another step toward strengthening transparency and investor confidence in the state’s booming real estate sector. The projects, spread across major cities such as Lucknow, Noida, and Ghaziabad, reflect a growing demand for quality residential and mixed-use developments.

AppsForBharat, the parent company of devotional platform Sri Mandir, has secured Rs. 175 crore (approximately USD 20 million) in a Series C funding round led by Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital. Existing investors, including Nandan Nilekani-backed Fundamentum, Elevation Capital, and Peak XV Partners, also participated. The funds will be directed toward scaling operations across over 20 major temple towns in India, enhancing logistics, and integrating AI-driven features to boost user engagement.

A bomb threat aboard an IndiGo flight at Varanasi airport caused widespread panic on Saturday night when a Canadian passenger falsely claimed to be carrying explosives. The flight, bound for Bengaluru, was grounded as per security protocols, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for a thorough inspection. No explosives were found, and the flight was cleared by security agencies to depart on Sunday morning. Authorities are now conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, and the Canadian passenger has been detained for questioning.