Oliver Fredrick

Oliver Fredrick is working in capacity of Senior Correspondent and is based in Lucknow. Other than covering important beats like Railways, Defense, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), District Administration, he loves to write on human interest stories as it gives an instant connect with the readers. In his career of around 10 years, he has done several path-breaking stories which had forced the State Government authorities to take appropriate actions. Prior coming to Lucknow, he was based in Bareilly and was taking care of politically-sensitive West UP districts like Rampur, Moradabad, Pilibhit, Badaun,Muzaffarnagar and others.

Articles by Oliver Fredrick

Over 3L devotees participate in G20-themed Shiva Baraat in Varanasi

The 10-km long Shiv Barat, which picked up from the Til Bhandeshwar temple, saw the participation of people from all religions. Be it jogis, Sadhus, Sikh Gurus or Maulvis, all seemed to be drenched in the festivities of Maha Shivratri.

Devotees and tourists called it a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. (HT Photo)
Updated on Feb 19, 2023 05:05 AM IST

President Droupadi Murmu visits Varanasi, offers prayers at Kal Bhairav, Kashi Vishwanath temples, witnesses Ganga aarti

President Droupadi Murmu, who arrived in Varanasi from Lucknow, was accompanied by governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath

President Droupadi Murmu performing a ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on Monday. (PTI PHOTO)
Published on Feb 13, 2023 10:56 PM IST
By, Varanasi

Varanasi’s tourism sector attracts big money, officials hail investors as ‘harbingers of change’

During the event, the tourism sector alone witnessed investment proposals worth ₹11,500 crore as more than 40 investors signed MoUs with the tourism department.

The state’s industry-friendly policies have attracted local investors and bigwigs in the tourism sector (HT Photo)
Published on Feb 07, 2023 10:46 PM IST

G 20 events in U.P.: Kashi’s unique art form to greet foreign delegates

As per officials, the UP government would welcome the delegates with specially crafted cufflinks, made of pure silver with fine gulabi meenakaari work.

Several experts of gulabi meenakaari (the art of enamelling and not painting), had been roped in to complete the orders on time, officials said, adding the department of MSME and export promotion, UP had placed an order for over 2,000 cufflinks. (Pic for representation)
Published on Jan 30, 2023 12:24 AM IST

Tiranga Burfi – 82 years old and still going strong in Varanasi

According to local historians, the tri-colored sweet was evolved after the British government banned unfurling of the Tiranga

Owners of Ram Mishthan Bhandaar claim to be the only shop to have evolved Tiranga Burfi in 1942 (Rajesh Kumar)
Published on Jan 26, 2023 12:52 AM IST
By, Varanasi

Nepal plane crash: Mortal remains of four victims reach Ghazipur, cremated

Braving the winter chill, hundreds of villagers attended the cremation. In a tribute to the four victims, Kasimabad traders observed a day-long market closure on Tuesday.

The accident aircraft had 72 passengers -- including five Indians. (HT Photo)
Published on Jan 24, 2023 10:50 PM IST

Day-long boat race promotes green fuel, enthrals visitors

The race was flagged by chief guest and Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The event was also attended by AK Sharma, U.P. minister for urban development and energy.

The boat rally, which started at the Namo Ghat, was held under the theme of ‘Kashi Ke Rang, Urja Ke Sang’. (HT Photo)
Published on Jan 22, 2023 08:15 PM IST

Kin yet to identify bodies of 4 UP residents killed in Pokhara crash

“We are tired and traumatized. We have lost someone dear to us and are yet to perform the last rites. I request the Indian government to help us get the bodies of our dear ones,” says Abhinesh Kushwaha, brother of Abhishek Kushwaha.

Family members of the four Indians, who died in Sunday’s Nepal plane crash. Even 96 hours after they were sent to Kathmandu by Ghazipur district administration, the kin are clueless about the bodies of their loved ones. (Sourced)
Published on Jan 21, 2023 01:43 AM IST

Nadda coins ‘HIRA’ to highlight focus on highways, internet, rlys and airways

Party chief holds rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur, kick-starts BJP’s ‘Mission 2024’ to drum up support for it in the Lok Sabha elections

BJP president JP Nadda addresses a public meeting in Ghazipur on Friday. (PTI Photo)
Published on Jan 20, 2023 10:03 PM IST

Boat race and hot-air ballooning begins in Varanasi: Zest beats chill as people flock to Ghat

Unlike previous instances, when the boatmen used to compete with fellow boatmen in a friendly manner, this time there was a professional touch to the teams formed by the UP tourism department for the boat race

The three-day fest witnessed multiple hot air-balloon flights on the day one and an enthralling boat race between teams of local boatmen. (Rajesh Kumar)
Published on Jan 17, 2023 11:28 PM IST
By, Varanasi

Nepal plane crash: Importation of mortal remains to be initiated after DNA match

Nepalese authorities started handing over to family members the bodies of those killed after Yeti Airlines’ aircraft with 72 people, including five Indians, crashed in a river gorge in the resort city of Pokhara, as the death toll rose to 70.

Family members of victims who died in the Yeti Airlines plane crash wait outside a hospital, in Pokhara on Tuesday. (AFP)
Updated on Jan 18, 2023 04:44 AM IST

Families of 5 Indians head to Nepal to collect remains

The five Indian nationals were among 72 aboard the Yeti Airlines flight YT-691, which crashed into a gorge while on approach to the airport at the tourist town of Pokhara.

earch and rescue operation underway after the Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed, at Pokhara, on Monday. (ANI)
Updated on Jan 17, 2023 04:32 AM IST

4 friends on vacation among 5 Indians on board Nepal plane

The five Indian nationals were among 72 aboard the Yeti Airlines flight YT-691, which crashed into a gorge while on approach to the airport at the tourist town of Pokhara.

Rescue operation is underway after a passenger plane of Yeti Airlines' crashed while landing at the Pokhara airport in Nepal. (PTI)
Published on Jan 16, 2023 12:01 AM IST
By, Varanasi

Four among five Indians who died in Nepal crash hailed from Ghazipur

Of the five Indians who were killed after a Yeti Airlines ATR 72 aircraft crashed in Nepal’s Pokhara on Sunday morning, four hailed from Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district while one was said to be a resident of Bihar’s Sitamarhi district

Rescue workers recovering the body of a victim of a passenger plane that crashed in Pokhara, Nepal on Sunday. (AP)
Published on Jan 15, 2023 11:44 PM IST
By, Varanasi

Kashi looks on in delight as stunner Ganga Vilas preens in the waters

Huge crowd mills around on Ravidas Ghat to catch a glimpse of the luxurious ship and record a historical moment on camera

The cruise would pass through five states and 27 rivers of India and Bangladesh. (HT)
Updated on Jan 14, 2023 12:55 AM IST

PM Modi flags off 51-day-long Ganga Vilas cruise in Varanasi

The projects will not only bolster cruise tourism in India, but will also bring development and employment opportunities to cities established on the banks of the Ganga, Modi said, addressing the gathering in Varanasi via video conferencing.

The vessel, which has three decks, is 62 metres wide and 12 metres wide. (ANI)
Published on Jan 14, 2023 12:08 AM IST

Varanasi: Modi to inaugurate world’s longest river cruise

Ganga Vilas will leave for a 51-day journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh (Assam) via five Indian states and Bangladesh with 32 Swiss nationals on board

The ship will make pit stops at 50 places. (HT PHOTO)
Published on Jan 13, 2023 09:16 AM IST

Longest river cruise docks amid fanfare in Varanasi

The Ganga Vilas cruise, operated by Antara Cruises, scheduled to be flagged off by Modi on January 13, will traverse 3,200km through five states in India and parts of Bangladesh over 51 days.

Luxury Cruise MV Ganga Vilas ahead of its flagging off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, in Varanasi on Wednesday. (PTI)
Updated on Feb 08, 2023 03:13 PM IST
By, , Varanasi/guwahati

Ganga Vilas reaches Ramnagar, locals reach port to take selfies with longest river cruiser

The Ganga Vilas cruiser -- which is scheduled to be flagged off by PM Modi on January 13 -- has become the topic of discussion at paan shops, tea stalls, and other public places where people assemble in Ramnagar.

After the flag-off ceremony, Ganga Vilas would pass through five states and 27 rivers of India and Bangladesh. (HT Photo)
Published on Jan 10, 2023 09:22 PM IST

Kashi to host grand boat race, hot air balloon fest from Jan 17

On Monday, the state tourism department released the logo of the festival titled ‘Kashi Balloon and Boat Festival’.

The hot air balloon festival organised by the tourism department in Varanasi in 2021. (HT File)
Updated on Jan 10, 2023 12:10 AM IST
By, Varanasi

Ganga Vilas cruise to reach Varanasi today

In Ghazipur, Ganga Vilas received a grand welcome from locals who gathered on the bank of the Ganga to catch a glimpse of the luxurious voyage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would flag off the cruise in Varanasi on January 13. (HT Photo)
Updated on Jan 08, 2023 11:27 PM IST

Record footfall at temple as Kashi gives new year a spiritual start

Sunil Verma, the temple’s chief executive officer, said till 6 pm around 6 lakh devotees had visited the temple on Sunday.

Ghats remained some of the busiest places in Varanasi on New Year’s Day (Rajesh Kumar)
Published on Jan 02, 2023 12:27 AM IST
By, Varanasi

Houseful hotels lead revellers to ‘Ganga Paar’ for New Year bashes

With most of the city restaurants, hotels and resorts almost booked for New Year parties, the revellers here have found a ‘Banarsi Way’ to welcome 2023.

Revellers celebrating at Ganga Paar in Varanasi. (HT File)
Published on Dec 29, 2022 12:29 AM IST
By, Varanasi

90 million Covid booster doses yet to be taken in Uttar Pradesh, vaccine stock adequate, say officials

In view of the recent rise in Covid cases in some countries, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has said the state government will formulate a fresh policy for prevention and management of Covid-19

Over 100% of eligible people in Uttar Pradesh have got their first Covid vaccine dose. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)
Published on Dec 24, 2022 12:57 AM IST
ByGaurav Saigal, K Sandeep Kumar and Oliver Fredrick, Lucknow/prayagraj/varanasi

PM Modi strengthened cultural ties between Kashi, Tamil Nadu: Amit Shah

The Union home minister said even after independence, “a time came when efforts were made to poison the cultural unity of the country”.

Union home minister Amit Shah was addressing the closing ceremony of the month-long Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. (HT photo)
Updated on Dec 17, 2022 04:38 AM IST

Kashi’s pristine glory restored, appearance transformed in eight years: Yogi Adityanath

Tourist influx in Kashi has increased to 1 crore (10 million) per month from 1 crore per year, says Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. (ANI PHOTO)
Published on Dec 11, 2022 10:19 PM IST
By, Varanasi

All primary health centres in Uttar Pradesh to have telemedicine facility soon: Yogi Adityanath

Over 4600 primary health centres of the state will be connected with health ATMs, which will provide the facility of testing 60 types of diseases, says Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at a health conference in Varanasi on Sunday. (HT PHOTO)
Published on Dec 11, 2022 10:17 PM IST
By, Varanasi

Soon, KV Dham to be open for weddings, auspicious functions

Temple officials said that for the purpose, the management had allocated Priyambkeshwar Hall, a grand space at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, having a capacity to accommodate several hundred people.

The temple management has floated a tender to hire an event management company to organise the functions as per the temple’s guidelines. (HT)
Published on Dec 07, 2022 09:36 PM IST

Using artistic talent to raise money for studies

Ram Nayan of Mau, a BFA student in BHU, meets his educational and personal expenses by selling his art work on the stairs of Assi Ghat in Varanasi

Ram Nayan selling his art work at Assi Ghat in Varanasi. (HT)
Published on Dec 04, 2022 12:29 AM IST

Gangetic dolphins return, spawn abundant hope in Varanasi village

Dhakwa village in Varanasi is perhaps one of the few points in eastern Uttar Pradesh where Gangetic dolphins can be spotted in large numbers

A Gangetic dolphin at Dhakwa village in Varanasi. (Rajesh Kumar/HT Photo)
Published on Nov 27, 2022 12:50 AM IST
By, Varanasi
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