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This is an archive article published on April 19, 2025

Agra admin gears up to welcome US Vice President Vance, his family on April 23

UP Tourism minister Rajveer Singh is already in Agra to supervise the arrangements for the US V-P’s visit.

J D Vance India visitVance and his family will be on a four-day visit to India starting April 21. (AP Photo)

The Agra district administration has begun preparations to welcome United States Vice-President J D Vance who will be on a four-day trip to India from April 21.

“It will begin with a ceremonial welcome, likely by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” said an official, requesting anonymity. “It is not confirmed but we are in talks with the state government and Ministry of External Affairs,” the official added.

UP Tourism minister Rajveer Singh is already in Agra to supervise the arrangements for the US V-P’s visit.

The US Vice-president will land in Jaipur on Monday night (April 21). Vance, his wife Usha and their children will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23.

“We are planning something on the lines of ‘Namaste Trump’. The main roundabouts in Agra will be decorated with hoardings and banners. We will decorate all the roads leading to the Taj Mahal and conduct cultural programmes at several locations,” said the official.

According to officials, a team of Vance has already reached Agra and the rest of the team will reach on April 22.

“Since the airport is in the air force station, a close protection team will be deployed there along with a bomb disposal squad. We are also planning to hold some cultural events there,” the official said.
Official sources said that the intelligence agencies have already taken positions in Agra. “A special contingent of US Commandos will reach Agra by two special planes on April 22. The US commandos will take positions at Taj Mahal and adjoining monuments and buildings including Agra Qila, Mehtab Bagh and other locations. There would be round-the-clock monitoring using drones,” said an official.

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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