Solar energy transforms rural livelihoods in Ayodhya, UP govt schemes the enablerUPDATED: Oct 31, 2026 17:36 ISTIn Uttar Pradesh villages, frequent power cuts are no longer stalling work as rural women turn to solar-powered machinery for sustainable livelihoods. In Ayodhya, women including Aarti, Devki Dubey, and Kranti Devi run flour mills and oil extraction units using solar energy, earning between 15,000 and 30,000 rupees monthly.
Kranti Devi explained that power outages during the monsoon previously halted operations, but solar power now runs their machines directly at their doorstep. Supported by initial loans of 30,000 rupees and membership in self-help groups, they have built independent businesses.
These efforts align with the state government's Solar Didi initiative and PM Surya Ghar Scheme, with the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency functioning as the nodal body. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSNC Rebellion: Dissident MLAs Meet in Srinagar, Set Demands as MP Ruhullah Threatens ExitA major internal rift has emerged within the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference following a recent cabinet expansion.
Around 19 to 20 dissident MLAs convened for a marathon meeting lasting four to five hours in Srinagar to draft a resolution containing non-negotiable demands for party patron Farooq Abdullah. The disgruntled legislators, including senior figures such as Mubarak Gul and Abdul Majid Larmi, are demanding the removal of at least two ministers serving for the past two years to make room for sidelined senior leaders.
Additionally, they are calling for the ouster of close aides to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, specifically advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and Rajya Sabha member Shammi Oberoi, while demanding a more aggressive stance on election commitments regarding constitutional guarantees and special status. Compounding the party's crisis, Srinagar MP Agha Syed Ruhullah confirmed his plan to resign from both the party and his parliamentary seat on 3 November, raising concerns of a potential formal split.INDIA Bloc Public Impeachment: 6 Charges Against CEC, Mallikarjun Kharge Moves MotionThe opposition INDIA bloc convened a symbolic public impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner at the official residence of Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided over the proceedings as presiding officer, while Kharge initiated the session by moving the motion and detailing six major charges against the CEC. The allegations levelled by the opposition alliance include conspiring to steal elections on behalf of the BJP, the deletion of 13.2 crore voters via the Special Intensive Revision process, modifying voter registration forms without parliamentary consent, seizing electoral rolls via ECI Net, shutting out the two other election commissioners, and operating at the behest of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Prominent opposition leaders from several parties, along with civil society representatives and complainants, participated in the mock parliamentary exercise.Mallikarjun Kharge: 'CEC Gyanesh Kumar Must Be Tried for Treason in a Court of Law'Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge moved an impeachment resolution against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during an INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on 31 October 2026. Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indira Gandhi, Kharge alleged that the universal adult franchise guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution faces severe peril.
He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of orchestrating vote theft by deleting legitimate voters and manipulating the Special Intensive Revision process. Presenting six specific charges on behalf of the INDIA alliance, Kharge stated that "the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr.
Ganesh Kumar, Gyanesh Kumar, must be tried for treason in a court of law in accordance with the legal framework of the Constitution of India." He highlighted the arbitrary removal of approximately 14 crore voters, unlawful amendments to voter registration forms, exclusion of fellow election commissioners, and undue protection granted under the 2023 CEC Act, demanding Gyanesh Kumar's immediate removal.Mallikarjun Kharge: 'This Is A Criminal Act And An Act Of Treason'Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge moved a resolution on behalf of the INDIA Gathbandhan seeking the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a public proceeding in New Delhi on October 31, 2026. Kharge outlined six specific charges against the CEC, alleging a criminal conspiracy to manipulate voter rolls, negate the voting rights of first-time voters, unlawfully exclude fellow Election Commissioners from key decisions, and undermine constitutional independence to favor the ruling party.
Accusing the poll body's leadership of executing an attack on India's democratic framework, Kharge stated, "This is a criminal act and an act of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India." The resolution urged that the CEC be tried for treason in a court of law.