A 17th-century masterpiece, the Taj Mahal stands as an eternal symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. Its unparalleled beauty and historical significance have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of tourists from around the globe.

Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, has long been a key contributor to India’s potato production, accounting for 27 per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s total output. Yet, despite its agricultural significance, local farmers have struggled with low profits, seed shortages, and post-harvest losses. Now, a breakthrough promises to transform the region’s potato industry—the approval of the International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Singna village. 

Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and over two million residents, faces a water crisis of unprecedented proportions. The sacred Yamuna River, once the lifeblood of the city, now lies choked and poisoned, a victim of systemic neglect, unchecked urbanisation, and political indifference. 

The long-awaited ferry or cruise service for tourists visiting Agra could soon become a reality. Backed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and championed by local activists, this ambitious proposal promises to transform Agra’s tourism scene while delivering economic and environmental benefits.

How many tourists visit Ram Bagh, Etmad-ud-Daulah, Chini Ka Rauza, or Mehtab Bagh? Shouldn't the Tourism Department be concerned...

The growing encroachment on Agra’s streets and sidewalks has thrown the city’s infrastructure into disarray. From Sadar Bazaar to Belanganj, Hospital Road, and Paliwal Park, street vendors and hawkers have taken over footpaths, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads, risking their safety.

Agra environmentalists and river activists issued a stark warning about the city’s deteriorating environmental conditions, reflecting a broader global crisis. The alarm bells ringing in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, underscore the urgent need for remedial measures to save Planet Earth from the escalating threats of climate change, pollution, and unsustainable development.

What will Agra look like in the ‘Viksit Bharat’ of 2047? Will the city of the Taj Mahal and other historic monuments rise as one of India’s top five smart cities, or will it crumble into a dystopian nightmare, buried under urban chaos and neglect? Through the lens of a time machine, we take a haunting glimpse into the future. A report…

Recently, Section 144 has been reimposed in the city of Agra. Under the Indian Justice Code (BNS), Section 163 was previously known as Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Considering the festive season, public gatherings, and ongoing board examinations, this decision has reignited the debate over the continued application of this colonial-era law. 

Agra, once renowned for the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and the beauty of the Taj Mahal, is now yearning to quench its thirst.