At this time monsoon has arrived in almost all parts of India. Rain provides relief from the scorching heat. During this period the weather becomes very pleasant. In such a situation, many people go to the mountains to enjoy the monsoon. In such a situation, many people choose Uttarakhand to visit, the beauty of which increases further during monsoon. But you need to understand that during this time, you should visit only those places where there is no risk of getting caught in the rain. There are many reports of cloud bursts or mountain falling in Uttarakhand during this season. If you are also planning to visit the hill station of Uttarakhand, then first know about those places where you should completely avoid visiting during monsoon. If you are planning to visit these places of Uttarakhand during the rainy season, then you also need to be careful. Let us know about these places... Kedarnath For the devotees of the Hindu religion, Kedarnath is a place where lakhs of people come every year to visit and have a darshan of God. But, let us tell you that going here during monsoon is tantamount to inviting danger. Perhaps, you remember that in the year 2013, a devastating flood was witnessed in its worst form. This flood occurred during the monsoon only. Let us tell you that to reach the main temple one has to walk about 16 km and during heavy rains, you may get into trouble. Nainital Nainital is one of the most beautiful, popular, and most visited places in Uttarakhand. Nainital is considered an easy way to reach other lakes of Uttarakhand. From honeymooners to adventure activity lovers, everyone keeps visiting the lake cities of India. There are many amazing places to visit and things to do in Nainital. If you are thinking of going here during the rainy season, then we advise you to cancel your plans to go here for now, because at some time the problem of landslides in the mountains can put people in trouble. Almora Almora city of Uttarakhand is a very beautiful and peaceful place. Being a beautiful city, thousands of tourists come here every day to visit. But if you are planning to visit here during the rainy season, then you need to be careful. There can be a problem of landslide here at any time during the rainy season, hence you should drop your travel plans in the rainy season. To reach here one has to travel by bus and traveling during the rainy season is not considered advisable. Mussoorie Let us tell you that many people make the mistake of going to Mussoorie during the rainy season and later regret it. Therefore, do not make such a mistake that you may suffer any loss. To go to Mussoorie, one has to take a bus from Dehradun, and seeing the road through which there are settled Gujaratis can make your heart skip a beat. Roads on one side and high mountains on the other side can create trouble for you at any time. Ranikhet People generally call this place Queen's Land, as it is one of the most beautiful places in the entire state of Uttarakhand. The waterfalls in this area look even more beautiful during the monsoon season. Ranikhet is considered one of the best places to visit in this season due to the exotic vegetation. But in this monsoon season, people coming from outside are advised not to come here or keep in mind the problem of landslides. However, there is less crowd in this city, which is why people come to this place to roam in peace. Pithoragarh Pithoragarh is also included among the places not to visit during the rainy season. It can become difficult for any person to go here at any time during the rainy season. You should try to visit during winter also because the beauty of this place is at its peak during the winter season. There is a problem of landslides here during the rainy season. Lansdowne If you want to see the true beauty of nature then Lansdowne is one of the best places. Not only this, visiting here during monsoon season seems no less than heaven. This hill station has many amazing attractions and also has many adventure activities options for fun, which you can include in your trip. But people avoid visiting this place during the rainy season. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Uttarakhand Forest Fire: 'Nowadays, We Wake Up to Smoke And Dust In Nainital'
According to the forest dept, Uttarakhand has recorded 606 forest fires since 1 Nov 2023.
If you want to visit some nice places during the summer season. In such a situation, this news is especially for you. Today we are going to tell you about a very wonderful tour package of IRCTC. Under this tour package of IRCTC, you are getting a chance to visit Nainital. Nainital is very famous among tourists. Here you will get to see many beautiful lakes, mountains and beautiful natural views. There are many tourist places to visit here, which attract a large number of tourists. If you want to visit Nainital in the summer season, then you should not miss this tour package of IRCTC. You are also getting many great facilities in IRCTC's Nainital tour package. Let us know about it in detail in this episode - The name of this tour package of IRCTC is NAINITAL-THE CITY OF LAKE. Under this package, you will be taken for 4 nights and 5 days. Its package code is NLR033. This tour package of IRCTC is starting from Lucknow on May 9, 2024. This is a train tour package of IRCTC. Apart from this, you will also get the facility of a cab to take you around. You don't have to worry about anything while traveling. IRCTC will make arrangements for your food and accommodation, including hotel accommodation. If you want to know more information related to fares and tours. In such a situation, you can visit this link https://www.irctctourism.com/pacakage_description?packageCode=NLR033. (PC: TOI)
Why Are Uttarakhand Forest Fires Becoming Unmanageable? How Can Wildfires Be Prevented? | N18V
Why Are Uttarakhand Forest Fires Becoming Unmanageable? How Can Wildfires Be Prevented? | N18VFive people have died in raging forest fires in Uttarakhand in three days. The wildfires in Nainital, which began sometime last week, have consumed almost 108 hectares. Nearly 26 incidents of forest fire occurred in Kumaon region in the last 25 hours, while five took place in Garhwal, ravaging 34.175 hectares of forest, according to state forest department.District Forest Officer (DFO) Nainital Chandra Shekhar Joshi said the forest fire was first reported earlier this week in the Nanda range, and then reaching the IAF establishment in the area,
Narrow escape for devotees caught in forest fire in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: Forest fires raging in parts of Uttarakhand took a turn for the worse on Sunday. The well-known Dunagiri temple complex in Dwarahat was engulfed in a fire. In a few moments, the fierce flames forced the screaming devotees to run helter-skelter to save their lives. Some people were seen running with their children in their laps. A stampede-like situation led shopkeepers in the temple complex to immediately shutter shops. Located 16 km from Dwarahat city in Almora district, the ancient Dunagiri temple of Aadi Shakti Vaishno Mata saw a horde of devotees ready for Sunday morning darshan. A gust of wind carrying flames from the forest was seen approaching the temple. Soon, panic ensued, prompting all pilgrims to swiftly rush to exit. There were at least 35 devotees present in the temple, sources said. In Uttarakhands rugged terrains, a vast swathe of forests is engulfed in fires. This season has already seen a staggering 886 incidents of forest fires, resulting in the death of five people and injuries to as many others. Over 1,107 hectares of pristine forestland have been adversely impacted by these relentless blazes, government sources said. These fires have not only destroyed valuable forest resources but also obliterated rare species of flowers that bloom once every 12 years. Anup Sah, a member of the Uttarakhand Wildlife Board, told this newspaper that seeds of a rare species of a delicate flower, botanical name Aechmanthera gossypina (Blue Trumpet Bush), have been lost. In Nainital, several terraced fields have turned into ashes, said Sah. He described the forest fires as a disaster predominantly caused by human activity. The nesting habitats of birds, insects, frogs, toads, leeches, and rare vegetation have been decimated. President of the Dwarahat Vyapar Mandal, Ashish Verma, said the ferocity of fires this season is the worst in two decades. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed chief secretary Radha Raturi to instruct district magistrates to continuously monitor the forest fire daily.
If you want to roam a good place during the summer season. In such a situation, this news is special for you. Today we are going to tell you about a great tour package of IRCTC. Under this tour package of IRCTC, you are getting a chance to visit Nainital. Nainital is quite famous among tourists. Here you will find many beautiful lakes, mountains and beautiful natural views. There are many tourist places to visit here, which work to attract a large number of tourists. If you want to visit Nainital during the summer season, you should not miss this tour package of IRCTC. You are also getting many great facilities in the Nainital Tour Package of IRCTC. In this episode, let us know about it in detail - This tour package of IRCTC is named Nainital-The City of Lake. Under this package you will be rotated for 4 nights and 5 days. Its package code is NLR033. This tour package of IRCTC starts from Lucknow on 9 May 2024. This is a train tour package of IRCTC. Apart from this, you will also get a cab facility to rotate. You do not have to worry about anything while traveling. IRCTC will arrange a hotel to stay from your food and stay. (PC: TOI)
Azim Premji may acquire majority stake in this bank from...
Premji Invest, the family business of Wipro founder Azim Premji, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to buy the majority of Bank of Baroda (BoB) subsidiary Nainital Bank.
'Cool Summer of India' campaign seeks to boost tourism in lesser-known cities during summer
NEW DELHI: Aiming to attarct more international tourists during summer and at the same time decongest the overcrowded hill stations in the country, the Ministry of Tourism is all set to launch a social media campaignCool Summer of India. With this, the Ministry is seeking to promote the country as an all season tourist destination. The ministry in consultation with the state governments and union territory (UT) administrations has picked about 50 destinations. These destinations will be featured on various digital platforms, the Incredible India portal under the first phase of the campaign. During the promotional exercise, efforts will be made to ensure that more tourists visit the suggested cities during May and June; months during which a large part of the country reels under severe heat waves. The ministry is also said to engage embassies in the social media campaign so that tour operators from major markets are covered. The objective is to challenge the notion that India is hot during summer; not an ideal destination to visit during the season, especially in May and June. The list of destinations to be promoted under the campaign includes many off-beat and lesser known locations and cities where the weather is cool and pleasant while a major part of the country experiences heatwave, said officials. Think India is too hot for #summer fun? Stay tuned for a refreshing revelation! #coolsummersofindia #incredibleindia #myincredibleindia #visitindia #exploreindia #Indiatourism #Indiatravel #India #summergetaway #summervacation #summervacay @tourismgoi @PIBTour @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/s2MhNh8ydd Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) May 3, 2024 The campaign will also extensively be showcased at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai starting next week. The ministry has created a micro site of the campaign comprising interactivities, graphics and games through which the users may read about destinations and choose. The destinations to be promoted as part of the campaign have been selected based on an assessment of the state governments and UTs, which are known for their unique cuisines and crafts and have a history behind them. This will help states to divert influx of tourists to other or less-frequented destinations and control tourist flow in regular locations such as Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital and Shimla. The cities come to a halt during summer months because of traffic snarls as tourists from across states and UTs throng the towns, officials added. The campaign will focus on tourist arrivals from countries in middle-east. The campaign will also benefit small and lesser known cities, which have good infrastructure, economically. Even on weekends in many places, occupancy in hotels and guest houses is just 50 percent, said officials.
Uttarakhand: 3 Laborers Killed in Almora Forest Fire, Nainital Grapples with Smog
Uttarakhand: 3 Laborers Killed in Almora Forest Fire, Nainital Grapples with Smog Three labourers at a pine resin factory in Almora died of burn injuries they sustained while dousing a forest fire that had reached close to their factory, an official said on Friday. Another labourer injured in the incident is still under treatment, the daily bulletin issued by the forest department said giving data of the damages caused by forest fires in the state over the past 24 hours. All the labourers were from Nepal and not part of the designated fire fighting teams, a forest official in Almora said. They received burn injuries while struggling to quell the blaze in Gananath range of Almora forest division near their factory on Thursday and were under treatment at the base hospital, Almora, the official said. A report from Nainital said smog has engulfed the tourist town as a result of the raging forest fires. Air pollution is also on the rise which may cause health problems among residents. It may aggravate problems of patients already suffering from asthma and bronchitis, doctors said. Dr MS Dugtal, senior physician at a government hospital, said air pollution can increase asthma and lung problems in children as well as the elderly. The smog which was visible everywhere from Nainital to Haldwani can be risky, he said and advised people suffering from respiratory problems, like chronic bronchitis and asthma, to take their medicines regularly and avoid going out unless necessary. Dr Dugtal also advised people to use air purifiers in their homes and face masks while going out. According to the data, 64 new incidents of forest fire were reported from different parts of the state over the last 24 hours in which 74.67 hectares of forest land were destroyed. Since November 1 last year, there have been 868 fire incidents in Uttarakhand in which more than 1,000 hectares of forest land have been gutted. Of the total fire incidents, Kumaon has reported 456 and Garhwal 344, the forest fire bulletin said.
Here's What 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Schedule: Seven Phases from April 19 to June 1
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are set to unfold in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, with results expected on June 4. The Election Commission has revealed the schedule, highlighting that April 19 will witness the highest number of constituencies, totaling 102, while the fifth phase, on May 20, will see the lowest number at just 49. Here's a breakdown of the election phases across different states: Single Poll Date (22 states): Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. Two-phase Voting (4 states): Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tripura, Manipur Three-phase Voting (2 states): Chhattisgarh, Assam Four-phase Voting (3 states): Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand Five-phase Voting (2 states): Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir Seven-phase Voting (3 states): Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal The Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule is as follows: Phase 1 (April 19): 101 Seats Phase 2 (April 26): 89 Seats Phase 3 (May 7): 94 Seats Phase 4 (May 13): 96 Seats Phase 5 (May 20): 49 Seats Phase 6 (May 25): 57 Seats Phase 7 (June 1): 57 Seats Each phase covers various states and Union Territories, ensuring a comprehensive electoral process across the nation. In the first phase on April 19, a total of 102 seats will be contested across several states and Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal West, Arunachal East Assam: Sonitpur, Kaziranga, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur Bihar: Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui Jammu & Kashmir: Udhampur Madhya Pradesh: Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara Maharashtra: Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur Manipur: Inner Manipur Meghalaya: Shillong, Tura Mizoram: Mizoram Nagaland: Nagaland Rajasthan: Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur Sikkim: Sikkim Tamil Nadu: Thiruvallur, Chennai North, Chennai South, Chennai Central, Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Sivaganga, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukkudi, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari Tripura: Tripura West Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit West Bengal: Cooch Behar, Alipurduars, Jalpaiguri Chhattisgarh: Bastar Uttarakhand: Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, Hardwar Andaman & Nicobar: Andaman Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep Puducherry: Puducherry These elections aim to engage citizens in the democratic process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote and shape the future of their nation. Congress Announces Candidates for Lok Sabha 2024, Rahul Gandhi to Contest from Rae Bareli Congress KL Sharma to Contest against BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi Trinamool Congress Accuses Congress Leader of Promoting BJP Agenda
Premji Invest eyes Nainital Bank stake; Ranjan Pai may back Rupeek
Happy Friday! Azim Premjis family office is eyeing a majority stake in Bank of Baroda-owned Nainital Bank. This and more in todays packed edition of ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Premji Invest in advanced talks for big stake in Bank of Barodas Nainital Bank
Premji Invest in talks to acquire majority stake in Nainital Bank at around Rs 800 crore. Public sector lender Bank of Baroda, which owns around 98% of Nainital Bank, is expected to divest its entire shareholding
Uttarakhand forest fires fan out to populated areas
DEHRADUN: The wildfires raging in the forests surrounding Nainital city have begun to impact entrepreneurs operating within the tourism sector. Upon learning of the current situation regarding hotels in Nainital and Bhawali, approximately 250 tourists from various states across the country have decided to cancel their pre-booked accommodations for the upcoming summer holidays. For the past several days, wildfires have been burning in the forests surrounding Nainital city. The armys helicopters have been called in to help extinguish the fires. In light of this, upon receiving news through social media and other channels, tourists are cancelling their advance bookings. Based on the data collected by this newspaper, over 250 reservations have been voided within a mere two-day span as a consequence of the wildfires. A substantial 70 percent of these bookings were previously secured for the upcoming month of May. Meanwhile, within the Nainital division, a total of 300 forest workers and 300 fire watchers are diligently overseeing the ongoing fire incidents. With the help of the team, efforts are being made to control the fire. Speaking to this newspaper, Digvijay Singh Bisht, the President of the Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association, expressed concerns regarding the impact of the forest fires in Nainital on tourism. The tourists from various regions of the country have been inquiring about the situation and some are hastily cancelling their advance bookings, said Bisht. Around 250 bookings of hotels in Nainital and nearby Bhauwali and Bhimtal areas have been cancelled. The government and local administration should provide accurate information through a bulletin to ensure that tourists can make informed decisions about visiting the area during the upcoming tourist season, and these steps will prove effective and sustain the influx of tourists, elaborated Bisht, president of the hotel association. Failure to do so could severely impact the tourism industry in Nainital. Speaking to this newspaper, Divisional Forest Officer Chandrashekhar Joshi said, Multiple forest fires occurred in the Nainital division, all of which have now been contained. Presently, there is only one fire in the Maheshkhan area, and efforts are underway to control it. Joshi reassured, The overall situation in Nainital is stable. A total of 300 forest personnel and 300 fire watchers are vigilantly monitoring any potential fire incidents within the division. A team of fire brigade personnel, led by in-charge Narendra Prasad, reached Nasul hamlet in Siloni village. The fire unit took immediate action at the houses of Khilanand Joshi and Devendra Joshi, which were hit by the fire, and effectively controlled the fire with the help of Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI) pumping. Over 250 hotel bookings cancelled in two days Wildfires have been burning in the forests surrounding Nainital city. The armys helicopters have been called in to help extinguish the fires. In light of this, upon receiving news through social media and other channels, tourists are cancelling their advance bookings. Over 250 reservations have been voided within a mere two-day span as a consequence of the wildfires. A substantial 70 percent of these bookings were previously secured for the upcoming month of May. A team of fire brigade personnel, led by in-charge Narendra Prasad, reached Nasul hamlet in Siloni village.
Surge in Uttarakhand's Forest Fire Count: 68 New Incidents Reported
Surge in Uttarakhand's Forest Fire Count: 68 New Incidents Reported The fire raging in the forests of Uttarakhand intensified on Tuesday with 68 new incidents reported over the last 24 hours while two fire watchers were injured trying to extinguish the flames. According to the daily bulletin on forest fires issued by the forest department here, most of the incidents occurred in the Garhwal region where 44 new fires were spotted followed by Kumaon from where 17 incidents were reported and seven from wildlife areas. 88.46 hectares of forest area was affected in the incidents. Since November 1 last year, there have been a total of 721 incidents of forest fires in the state in which 902.5575 hectares of forest area has been destroyed. Two fire watchers, one each in Bhawali range under Nainital forest division and Kosi range in Almora forest division engaged in extinguishing forest blazes were also injured during the firefighting operations. Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Forest Fire and Disaster Management) Nishant Verma said the efforts to extinguish the fire are continuing on a war footing. Apart from spreading awareness among the people about how to deal with forest fires, strict action is also being taken against those who deliberately set fire in the jungles, Verma said. Around 300 people have so far been booked for setting fire in the forests out of which reports have been filed against 50, he said.
Uttarakhand forest fire fallout: Hotel bookings in Kumaon witness mass cancellations
DEHRADUN: In the wake of forest fires in Uttarakhand, especially in the Kumaon region, more than 250 tourists from across the country have cancelled their pre-booked accommodations in the Nainital and Bhawali hotels. For the past several days, wildfires have been raging in the forests surrounding Nainital city. The Armys helicopters have been called in to help extinguish the inferno. Upon receiving news through social media and other channels, tourists are cancelling their advance bookings. Over 250 reservations have been voided in two days as a consequence, as per information collected by this newspaper. A substantial 70% of these bookings were previously secured for May. Meanwhile, within the Nainital division, a total of 300 forest workers and 300 fire watchers are diligently overseeing the ongoing fire incidents. With the help of the team, efforts are being made to control the fire. Speaking to this newspaper, Digvijay Singh Bisht, the President of the Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association, expressed concerns regarding the impact of the forest fires in Nainital on tourism. The tourists from various regions of the country have been inquiring about the situation and some are hastily cancelling their advance bookings, said Bisht. Around 250 bookings of hotels in Nainital and nearby Bhauwali and Bhimtal areas have been cancelled. The government and local administration should step in and provide accurate information through a bulletin to help tourists take decisions about visiting the area during the upcoming tourist season. These steps will prove effective and sustain the influx of tourists, elaborated Bisht. Failure to do so could severely impact the tourism industry in Nainital, he added. Divisional Forest Officer Chandrashekhar Joshi said, Multiple forest fires occurred in the Nainital division, all of which have now been contained. Wildfires in Nainital For the past several days, wildfires have been raging in the forests surrounding Nainital. Army choppers have been pressed into service to contain the fires. Around 250 bookings of hotels in Nainital have been cancelled.
What is a Bambi Bucket, being used by IAF chopper to fight Nainital forest fires?
What is a Bambi Bucket being used by IAF chopper to fight Nainital forest fires
Dhami criticizes Rahul and Akhilesh for lack of understanding of country after studying abroad
Dhami criticizes Rahul and Akhilesh for lack of understanding of country after studying abroad Uttarakhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday attacked INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, claiming that they have little understanding of the country as they have studied abroad. In an interview with PTI-Bhasha here, Dhami also alleged that the Congress wants give reservations to a ''particular community'' from the quota meant for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). On Congress leader Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Yadav alleging ''misuse'' of central probe agencies such as the ED, the CBI and the Income Tax Department to target leaders of opposition parties, the BJP leader said, ''These agencies are of the Congress era.'' Dhami was in the Uttar Pradesh capital for the filing of nomination papers of Defence Minister Rajanth Singh who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Lucknow. Asked about the alleged sex scandal in Karnataka involving JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandson and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, he said the law will take its course against anyone who violates it. Dhami also targeted the INDIA bloc, formed by opposition parties to take on the ruling BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, saying, ''This is an alliance of people promoting family causes, corruption and appeasement...'' This alliance of opposition parties is to safeguard their existence and that is why the country does not believe them, he said. To a question on Gandhi and Yadav alleging that the BJP is seeking more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha to change the Constitution and end reservations, Dhami said, ''They have studied abroad. Hence, they have no proper understanding of the country.'' ''Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are supporters of reservations for SC, ST and OBC. The two have studied abroad. They have little understanding of the country,'' he said. The Uttarakhand chief minister exuded confidence that the BJP will win all the five Lok Sabha seats in the state. ''We don't have to fight with anybody for five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand. Our fight is with ourselves as to who wins with the maximum margin,'' Dhami said. On the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he said it has become a legislation in Uttarakhand and ''we feel happy that the BJP has taken a vow in its 'sankalp patra (manifesto)' to implement it across the country''. The Uttarakhand assembly on February 7 passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill. The Bill got the president's assent in March, making Uttarakhand the first state in the country after Independence to take a decisive step towards implementing the common law on marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. On the arrests of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, Dhami said that Prime Minister Modi has said ''na khaunga na khana doonga''. The law is taking its course, he said, referring to the BJP-led Centre's zero-tolerance towards corruption policy. The AAP and the JMM are also members of the INDIA bloc. On forest fires in Uttarakhand, Dhami said, ''We are moving towards controlling the fires''. These have been controlled to a great extent, he said and added that in some districts, ''we have controlled the fires''. Holidays of forest department personnel have been cancelled and responsibility fixed to control the fires, the chief minister said and added that the help of the army is also being taken. ''Such incidents happen every year. This time it is more. We have taken action... taking strict action by filing cases (against the guilty). The environment should be preserved,'' Dhami said while responding to a question. On Sunday, forest officials in Uttarakhand capital Dehradun said efforts have been intensified to extinguish the raging forest fires in the state, especially in the worst-affected areas of Nainital, Haldwani and Ramnagar forest divisions. The forest fires are gradually being controlled with flames already doused in many areas. The fires in Marora and Khanana civil areas in the Maniknath range of the Narendranagar forest division have been completely extinguished, the officials had said.
Nainital wildfires: Mapping forest fires and firefighting operation
Nainital wildfires Mapping forest fires and firefighting operation
Nainital Forest Fire: Uttarakhand CM Dhami assures action against officers responsible
The News Mill
Uttarakhand: Forest fires partially put out, choppers withdrawn
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand forest department in coordination with various departments on Sunday managed to partially control the intense fire engulfing the forests of the Nanda range near Nainital to a significant extent. The forest department has resorted to employing traditional fire-fighting techniques to combat the blaze, officials said. Considering the limited efficacy of the Bambi bucket water dispersal technique employed by the Air Forces MI-17 chopper, the administration opted to resort to manual fire control measures. Additionally, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been deployed by the state government to combat the wildfires at multiple locations. A contingent of 41 NDRF personnel was swiftly dispatched to Nainital on Sunday to provide support to the forest officials in containing the wildfires in the region, sub-divisional magistrate Pramod Kumar told this newspaper. Nishant Verma, additional principal chief conservator of forests and state nodal officer for forest fire, said, The forest fire situation in the state is largely under control, and there is no need to panic. Miscreants involved in forest fire incidents are being dealt with strictly. So far, 29 people have been booked in 23 cases, officials said. On Sunday, the primary objective was to control the fire in the Mahesh Khan beat located in Bhouwali area, divisional forest officer Chandrashekar Joshi told this newspaper. Significant efforts were directed towards clearing the highly flammable pirul ( pine needles) that are a key contributor to rapid spread of the fire. The strategy employed involves isolating the fire-affected area to effectively contain and control the flames, he said. Uttrakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said, The state government will provide rewards ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh to forest fire management committees for successfully extinguishing wildfires. Additionally, helicopters will be utilised in special circumstances to aid in firefighting. Minister Uniyal emphasised the crucial role of public participation in combating forest fires, highlighting the formation of 541 forest fire management committees led by village heads. These committees have been incentivised with Rs 30,000 each for the season to enhance their effectiveness in fire prevention and control.
IAF's An-32 aircraft airlifts two critically ill patients from Leh to Chandigarh
IAF's An-32 aircraft airlifts two critically ill patients from Leh to Chandigarh An Indian Air Force transport aircraft airlifted two critically ill patients from Leh to Chandigarh for treatment, officials said. While one patient was a victim of a road accident, another was experiencing cardiac issues, they added. The IAF further said that its quick planning and execution along with the local civil administration helped to save two lives. Responding to an urgent request for casualty evacuation, an An-32 transport aircraft of the #IAF airlifted two critically ill patients from Leh to Chandigarh for treatment. Faced with marginal weather, the quick planning and execution by IAF and local civil administration were instrumental in saving two lives, one a victim of a road accident and other experiencing cardiac issues, the IAF said in a post on 'X'. Earlier on Saturday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its personnel and MI-17 choppers in a dousing operation in the mountains surrounding Nainital where a forest fire was raging. (ANI)
Uttarakhand: 8 Fresh Forest Fires in 24 Hours, IAF Assists in Firefighting for 2nd Day
In the Kumaon region, fires are raging at two to three places in Nainital district and at one place each in Champawat, Almora, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar, Patro said
The forest fires are gradually being controlled with the flames already doused in many areas. The fires in Marora and Khanana civil areas in Maniknath range of the Narendranagar forest division have been completely extinguished, officials said.
Forest Fires Subside in Most of Uttarakhand, Rain Provides Relief in Dehradun
Dehradun: Forest fires, which have been raging through most parts of Uttarakhand, showed signs of abating on Sunday as rain helped bring down the flames in many regions, including Dehradun. However, the fires continued to rage in Kumaon and Garhwal districts of the hill state. Forest and fire department officials remain on high alert, working tirelessly to control the flames in Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranibagh, Jyolikot, Kotabag, and Betalghat regions.Yesterday, the fires reached Nainital, enveloping the hill town in smoke. The efforts to fight the fires were aided by Army helicopters that were pressed into service. The rain on Saturday evening brought relief by extinguishing the fires in most regions of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun.However, the firefighting operations are still ongoing in Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranibagh, Jyolikot, Kotabag, and Betalghat regions.Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a review meeting on Saturday to discuss the forest fire situation in Nainital. He cancelled leaves of concerned officials and urged them to remain vigilant while efforts were underway to tackle the forest fires. To aid in relief and rescue operations, two government vehicles were provided to each of the Nainital, Haldwani, and Ramnagar forest divisions.District officials have imposed a ban on the construction of houses and car washing until the situation is brought under control. Additionally, they are working to create awareness and educate people about the dangers of lighting garbage on fire. Tragic Electrocution Incident Claims Lives of Three Children in Nalanda Speeding Vehicle Kills Two Friends Riding a Motorcycle in Begusarai, Bihar Tragic Incident in Dhiraimajuli: Wild Elephant Attack Claims Four Lives
Uttarakhand burns, IAF steps in
DEHRADUN : With forest fires engulfing the Nanda range in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the Centre deployed a Air Force helicopter on Saturday to control the blaze. Parallelly, the state government requested the assistance of the Army. The IAFs Mi-17 helicopter did 13 sorties, drawing water from the Naini and Bhimtal lakes in a Bambi bucket and emptying it over the flames in the Pines, Bhumiadhar, Jyolikot, Narayan Nagar, Bhawali, Ramgarh and Mukteshwar areas. Fire-fighting operations are expected to continue on Sunday as well. Nainital Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pramod Kumar said, The wildfire is spreading uncontrollably from the pine forests to the Lariyakanta forests. Efforts are on with the assistance of an IAF helicopter to extinguish it. An ITI building was partially burnt in the massive fire in the pine forest near Nainital. The fire also reached dangerously close to the High Court Colony in Nainital but hasnt caused any damage so far. The forest of Ladiyakanta in Nainital was also in flames. The fire brigade barely managed to control it. Dense smoke enveloped the road from Nainital to Bhawali, disrupting movement of vehicles for hours. Forest department sources said wildfires are spreading due to limited rainfall. An IAF helicopter fills water from the Bhimtal lake in Nainital district to douse the fire | Express Nishant Verma, nodal officer of Uttarakhands forest department for forest fires, said, As of April 25, the forest department has recorded 146 cases of man-made fires. Of these, 17 individuals have been identified. As for 129 other cases, the perpetrators are unknown. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said all efforts are being made to control the fires. He did an aerial survey of the affected region and reviewed efforts to douse the fires with officials of the Kumaon division at the Forest Training Academy in Haldwani. 544 cases of forest fires in five months Uttarakhand witnessed 544 incidents of forest fire from November 1, 2023 to April 25,this year, of which more than 656.55 hectares of forest land was destroyed
Nainital Forest Fire: . . (Garhwal and Kumaun) 700 . . 196 .
Forest fires reach doorsteps of Nainital, IAF called in to help
A day after the wildfires raging in Uttrakhand's Kumaon region reached precariously close to Nainital town, authorities on Saturday deployed an MI-17 helicopter from the Indian Air Force to douse the blaze in Lariakanta area of Nainital and adjoining areas like Pines, Bhumiyadhar, Jeolikote, Narayan Nagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, and Mukteshwar.
Air Force helicopter deployed to douse forest fire in Nainital
Air Force helicopter deployed to douse forest fire in Nainital
Air Force Chopper Called In To Douse Forest Fires In Uttarakhand
An IAF helicopter was pressed into service to extinguish the raging forest fires in Uttarakhand's Nainital district on Saturday, a day after the flames reached the High Court Colony in the Pines area.
The major news headlines of the day and more.
Uttarakhand: CM Dhami conducts high-level review meeting to combat forest fires
Uttarakhand: CM Dhami conducts high-level review meeting to combat forest fires Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a high-level review meeting on Saturday regarding the prevention of forest fires that have been reported from various parts of the state. The meeting was held in Haldwani, following a massive fire that broke out in the Ladiyakata area of the Nainital Air Force Centre on Friday and continued for over 36 hours, sweeping through dense forests in the mountainous region. Chief Minister Dhami spoke to the media after the meeting and informed that the leaves of all the officers and employees of the forest department have been cancelled because of the increasing incidents of forest fires in the region. In the last 24 hours, numerous incidents of forest fire were reported from various parts of Uttarakhand, destroying hectares of forest land. The Indian Army was pressed into service as forest fires continued to rage in Uttarakhand, with the Kumaon region being the worst hit. CM Dhami said on Saturday that the Indian Army and Air Force helicopters are assisting in controlling forest fires in the state that have reached Nainital after raging for over 36 hours and burning several hectares of green cover. The Chief Minister said that the fire poses a substantial challenge and that all necessary resources are being mobilized to address the situation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed MI-17 helicopters to assist in the firefighting efforts. These helicopters are pulling water from Nainital Lake to douse the flames, resulting in a temporary halt to boating activities on the lake. Rahul Anand, Executive Officer of the Nainital Municipal Corporation, explained that safety precautions were taken to allow the IAF helicopters to collect water from Nainital Lake. The blaze already consumed several hectares of the forested terrain, with the leaping flames yet to be brought under complete control. According to the official, the IAF choppers conducted aerial surveys over the Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes, identifying suitable locations from where it could lift water for the dousing operation. The choppers, with sacks and buckets hanging by a rope from them, were spraying water over the affected forests surrounding Nainital, till the last reports. As per reports, forest fires have become an annual feature and the change in weather conditions resulted in soaring temperatures. Uttarakhand starts experiencing forest fires in mid-February when the trees shed dry leaves and the soil loses moisture due to a rise in temperature, and this continues till mid-June. (ANI)
We are also covering: Mamata Banerjee Loses Control While Boarding Helicopter in Bengal's Durgapur, Injured; and other top stories
Nainital Forest Fires: Uttarakhand CM Conducts Aerial Survey; Air Force's Bambi Bucket Ops Underway
Meanwhile, three persons were arrested for allegedly starting fire in two separate areas -- Jakholi and Rudraprayag
IAF helicopter roped in to douse forest fires in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: An IAF helicopter was pressed into service on Saturday to extinguish the raging forest fires in Uttarakhands Nainital district, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said. The situation in the district worsened on Friday with the flames reaching the High Court Colony in the Pines area. An MI-17 helicopter collected water in a Bambi Bucket []
The heat has increased a lot. People have started getting troubled by the scorching sun and heat. Going to a cool place can be a better option in this season. You can go for a trip to hill stations on weekends. However, traveling requires both time and money. In such a situation, if you are a resident of Delhi NCR, then you can visit some special places near the capital. The special thing is that it will take less time to reach and visit these cool places near Delhi and the money will also be less. If there is a holiday in the office on Saturday and Sunday, then on weekends you can visit such places near Delhi where you can easily enjoy your holiday for just Rs 2,000. Here some cheap and nearby places are being told. Nainital The journey from Delhi to Nainital is approximately 7 hours. It is easy to travel to Nainital from the capital. Nainital can be reached by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. Choose a bus or train for budget trips. Catch Ranikhet Express from Delhi at 10 pm and travel to Kathgodam for Rs 200. From there you can get a bus to Nainital for Rs 100. You can stay in a hostel for Rs 200, a hotel room, or a homestay for Rs 500. The cost of staying in Dharamshala will be even less. Local food will be available in the budget. The cost of visiting there for a day can be around Rs 300. The temperature of Nainital in this month is around 18 to 20 degrees. To feel cool in the summer season, you can visit Nainital. Mussoorie The journey from Delhi to Mussoorie is 8 hours. You can take a bus from Delhi to Mussoorie whose fare will be around Rs 300. Whereas the fare from the train to Dehradun will be up to Rs 150 in the general compartment. You can get a bus from Dehradun to Mussoorie for Rs 50. Cheap hotels can also be found here. For budget travel, you can stay in Dharamshala for Rs 200. You can also search for cheap homestays online. You won't have to spend much on food here either. You can rent a scooter to roam in Mussoorie. Whose cost per day will be around Rs 300. Lansdowne The distance from Delhi to Lansdowne is approximately 280 kilometers. Lansdowne can be reached by traveling for seven hours. To reach Lansdowne you can travel by Mussoorie Express to Kotdwar. Lansdowne is 40 km from Kotdwar. You can get a cheap bus from here. The journey may cost around Rs 500. Book a hotel or homestay online in advance within your budget. Accommodation and food can cost up to Rs 1,000. Kasauli Nearest to Delhi is Kasauli, which is about 290 km away. This hill station is present in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The cool weather and calm atmosphere here can make your weekend trip relaxing. Apart from this, you can also go for a trip to Bhimtal. (PC: ISTOCK)
Watch | Massive forest fire sweeps parts of Nainital
Nainital forest fire: IAF deploys MI-17 choppers in ongoing dousing operation
The IAF choppers conducted aerial surveys over Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes, identifying suitable locations from where it could lift water for the dousing operation.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says army called to extinguish fire
According to the officials, the IAF choppers are collecting the water from Bhimtal Lake and are spraying it in the area in order to stop the furious Nainital forest fire. The blaze has already consumed several hectares of the forested terrain, with the leaping flames yet to be brought under complete control
Massive forest fire rages in Nainital; Army called in
The fire that broke out in the forest near Nainital district headquarters took a horrific form, posing a threat to the residents of High Court Colony; district administration bans boating in Naini Lake in view of the blaze
Indian Army, IAF Called In As Forestfire In Nainital Reaches High Court Colony
Indian Air Force's Mi-17 helicopter has been deployed to extinguishing the wildfires.
Army deployed in Uttarakhand as forest fire spreads to Nainital
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has mobilized the Air Force's Mi-17 helicopter to combat the intense fire raging in Nainital and the surrounding forests. The helicopter quickly engaged to draw water from the Bhimtal lake and douse the flames in the Pines area. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pramod Kumar told TNIE, The wildfire has been spreading uncontrollably from the pine forests to the Lariyakanta forests. Efforts are being made with the assistance of a helicopter to extinguish and contain the fire. The forests of Pines, Bhumiadhar, Jyolikot, Narayannagar, Bhouwali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, among others, located near Nainital, are currently engulfed in severe blazes. A massive fire broke out in pine forests near Nainital, causing a large part of the forest and a nearby ITI building was partially burnt. The forest of Ladiyakanta in Nainital was also engulfed in fire. After receiving information from the locals, the fire brigade team reached the forest fire and barely controlled the fire. Due to the fire, the road from Nainital to Bhawali has been filled with dense smoke, due to which the movement of vehicles was disrupted for hours. Forest department sources revealed that the wildfires are spreading rapidly due to limited rainfall, affecting dry forests in the region. To address this escalating threat, the fire department and forest department have intensified their efforts. The severity of the situation has led to the deployment of army personnel to assist in containing the fires. Nishant Verma, the Uttrakhand's forest department's nodal officer for forest fires, told, As of April 25, the forest department has recorded 146 cases of 'man-made' fire incidents. Of these, 17 individuals have been identified, leaving 129 cases where the perpetrators remain unknown. Active measures are underway to uncover the identities of the remaining individuals involved in these incidents, added Verma. Nodal officer Nishant Verma said, Forest fire incidents have increased since the second week of April and they are making every effort to stop it. Most of the cases are being reported from the Kumaon region, for which our teams are actively working to control the forest fires with the participation of the villagers According to official data from the forest department, Uttarakhand witnessed 544 incidents of forest fire from 1 November 2023 to 25 April this year, of which more than 656.55 hectares of forest land was destroyed. Out of the total damaged land, 234.45 hectares was in Garhwal region, 370.45 hectares in Kumaon region and 51.65 hectares in administrative wildlife area.
Massive forest fire rages in Nainital, IAF deploys MI-17 choppers in ongoing dousing ops
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Forest fire in Uttarakhand spreads to Nainital, Army deployed
Forest fire in Uttarakhand spreads to Nainital Army deployed
Video: Massive fire engulfs Nainital forests, Army called in
Video Massive fire engulfs Nainital forests Army called in
Forest fire reaches Nainitals High Court Colony; army called in
Dehradun: Forest fires in Uttarakhand became more severe on Friday with the flames reaching the High Court Colony in Nainital. Three persons were arrested in Rudraprayag on Friday while trying to set fire to the forests. In the last 24 hours, 31 new incidents of forest fire were reported from various parts of the state, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Massive Forest Fire Reaches Nainital's High Court Colony, Army Called In
The forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nainital became even more severe on Friday night with the flames reaching the High Court Colony.
More than 55% voter turnout recorded in five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand during the first phase of elections The voter turnout in all the five parliamentary constituencies of Uttarakhand where polling was held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday has been revised to 55.89 per cent, a drop of around five percentage points compared to the 2019 general elections. The voter turnout in Uttarakhand in the 2019 general elections was 61.48 per cent. The turnout percentage was revised after arrival of data from remote polling stations in the hills late on Friday night, election officials here said. Haridwar seat recorded the highest turnout of 62.36 per cent followed by Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar where 61.35 per cent polling was recorded, Tehri Garhwal (52.57 per cent), Pauri Garhwal (50.84 per cent) and Almora (46.94 per cent).
First day, First show and the polling begins
The first round of 7-phase parliamentary polls was held across 21 states, with sporadic incidents of violence being reported from Manipur and West Bengal. In the biggest round of the elections, all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu, 12 of Rajasthan and 8 of Uttar Pradesh went to polls. With PM Modi eyeing a third term in office, the BJP hopes to win 22 of the 25 seats in Northeast, hold on to its 2019 tally in the Hindi heartland and Maharashtra and better its show in West Bengal as well as in the South. The Opposition INDIA bloc insists that it will do well across the country, especially in the saffron bastion of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar this time. The counting of votes will take place on June 4 Rajasthan: Total seats - 25 1st phase - 12 It was subdued enthusiasm among voters in 12 seats. Voting was largely peaceful in most constituencies, though some witnessed sporadic clashes. In Kuchera, Nagaur, one of the hot seats, supporters of BJP candidate Jyoti Mirdha and INDIA Alliance candidate Hanuman Beniwal of RLP clashed with each others, injuring Tejpal Mirdha, the chairman of Kuchera municipality. Nagour is a Jat-dominated seat. In another hot seat of Jhunjhunu in the Shekhawati region, BJP candidate Shubhakaran Chaudhary fought with security personnel and in Churu, an MLA was involved in altercation with a policeman Uttar pradesh: Total seats - 80 1st phase - 8 The overall turnout seemed to be lower than the 2019 elections. The eight constituencies which went to the polls included Saharanpur (63.29%),Pilibhit (60.2%), Kairana (58.68%), Nagina (SC) (58.05%), Moradabad (57.65%), Muzaffarnagar (54.91), Bijnor (54.68%), Rampur (52.42%). No major incident was reported during the polling. Last time, a turnout of 66.47% was recorded in the eight constituencies. Overall turnout in Uttar Pradesh during 2019 was 59.21%. In the Neuria area of the district, villagers said they would not vote as they are peeved at man-animal conflict Bihar: Total seats - 40 4 A low turnout of 48.23% was recorded in four constituencies where 38 candidates were in the fray. In 2019, 53.47% voters had exercised their franchise. Gaya has the highest 14 candidates in the fray. There is a decrease of around 5.24% of turnout in 2024. According to chief electoral officer H R Srinivasa, Gaya (SC) recorded the highest 52% turnout, Jamui (SC) and Aurangabad 50% each. In Nawada, only 41.50% voters exercised their franchise. In 2019, Aurangabad had recorded 53.63% turnout, Gaya 56.16 %, Nawada 49.33% and Jamui 55.21%. Voters called for poll boycott in six stations, there was no report of clashes or violence though, according to Srinivasa. WEST BENGAL: Total seats - 42 1st phase - 3 Sporadic incidents of violence marred the first phase, with TMC and BJP workers clashing in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri. Three reserved seatsJalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Beharin North Bengal went to polls. The TMC and the BJP lodged 80 and 39 complaints, respectively, related to violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. Union MoS Nisith Pramanik is contesting from Cooch Behar. TMC leader Udayan Guha said that the BJP, along with central forces, unleashed a reign of terror to rig the elections. The BJP, however, denied the allegations. chhattisgarh: Total seats - 11 1st phase - 1 The voters defied the Maoist threat, as the encouraging turnout eclipsed the terror that haunted Bastar zone ahead of the polling. A CRPF personnel, Devendra kumar, was killed in an IED blast at Usoor in an edgy district of Bijapur during an area domination operation. He died of his injuries while on the way to Raipur in a chopper. In the same district, an assistant commandant of CRPF was injured during a poll-related duty at Bhairamgarh. Barring the two incidents, the polling across Bastar remained peaceful. For the first time, 102 new polling stations were set up for the convenience of voters. Madhya Pradesh: Total seats - 29 1st phase - 6 Six constituencies recorded around 67% turnout till 6.30 pm and the figure is likely to go up. The six seats had registered 75.23% polling in. The high-profile Chhindwara seat (where ex-CM Kamal Naths MP son Nakul Nath took on BJPs Vivek Sahu) stood on top in terms of poll percentage with 78.67% as shared by chief electoral officer Anupam Rajan. Another key constituency Mandla-ST (where sixth-time BJP MP and Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste was pitted against ex-minister and fourth-time Congress MLA Omkar Markam) reported 72.92% polling. The Maoist-hit Balaghat seat reported 72.60% polling Jammu & Kashmir: Total seats - 5 1st phase - 1 For the first-time in over three decades, residents at the International Border in Hira Nagar sector of Kathua district exercised their right to vote for the Udhampur seat without any fear or threat of cross-border firing. It was the first major electoral exercise in J&K since the abrogration of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories. People men, women, including young and old thronged at the polling station in Kadyala village close to International Border. India and Pakistan on February 24, 2021, announced to strictly uphold the November 2003 border ceasefire pact between the troops of two countries. Residents said due to the ceasefire, more people have come to vote in this election UTTARAKHAND 5 5 Despite clear weather and relatively low temperature, the turnout was below expectation. Villagers of Jalal in Nainital and Tehri parliamentary constituency boycotted the election for lack of infrastructure, posing risks to their travel and safety. Newlywed couples, dressed in their wedding attire, arrived at several polling stations to cast their votes. However, around 350 were not able to vote on polling day due to wedding ceremonies. Bhagwan Singh, father of the groom from village Chhedi in Srinagar, expressed regret for not being able to vote on polling day due to clash over marriage date Maharashtra: Total seats - 48 1st phase - 5 Voting for the five seats took place without untoward events in Maharashtra. The voting began on a slow pace due to the scorching heat in the Vidarbha region. The tribal and Naxalite district of Gadchiroli witnessed the highest turnout at 64.95%, while Nagpur reported lowest at 47.91% till 5pm. In Ramtek-SC seat, 53.38% turnout was reported, 56.87% in BhandaraGondia and 55.11% in Chandrapur seat. To avoid technical snags cropping up in EVMs in the remote polling booths in Gadchiroli, three spare EVMs were dispatched by a helicopter to the Sironcha area of the district, said an official. Manipur: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Sporadic incidents of gunfire and intimidation of voters as well as Congress workers by armed miscreants marred Lok Sabha elections in ethnic violence-hit Manipur on Friday. The turnout was 72.32% in the Inner Manipur seat and 61.98% in Outer Manipur. The violence occurred in places falling under the Inner Manipur seat which straddles the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. The armed men fired several rounds outside a polling station at Thamnapokpi in Bishnupur district. Three persons were reportedly injured.The voters and the Congress polling agents were intimidated by the armed miscreants Tamil Nadu: Total seats - 39 1st phase - 39 The polling began at 7am amid tight security in most of the 39 constituencies. Argument broke out between voters and officials in some polling stations as authorities did not allow people to carry their smartphones/mobiles inside the booths. People belonging to Parandhur village with over 1,000 voters near Sriperumbudur did not turn up to vote till 9.30 am. Around 1,000 voters of Ennore who had called for boycott of the election over the ammonia gas leak incident at Ennore Creek withdrew their decision and decided to vote Puducherry: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 The Union Territory gets to elect their lone representative to the Lok Sabha. A visit to some of the polling stations in rural areas brought to the fore a mixed picture. Pink booths were the centre of attraction. The green environment at a booth housed on the premises of the more-than-century-old VOC Government Boys school in the town added to the lustre of the arrangements. Gruel, nutritious cereals, millets and buttermilk were given to the voters Lakshadweep: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Nearly 60% voter turnout was recorded until 5pm in the Lakshadweep constituency spanning across 10 inhabited islands of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, with an electorate of 57,784, as per data shared by the Election Commission. Out of this total, 28,506 are women. The polling began at 7.30am across the 10 inhabited islands and concluded at 6.30 pm. An official said that the figures provided are preliminary, as voters who were in line by this deadline were given the opportunity to cast their votes Andaman & Nicobar islands: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Around 3,15,148 voters in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have exercised their franchise till 3pm for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Union Territory. Seven members of the Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTGs) of the Great Nicobar Islands, on Friday exercised their voting rights for the first time, an election official said. Other two primitive tribes, too, exercised their voting rights like in 2019, the CEO said Arunachal Pradesh: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 The unique Malogam polling station in Anjaw district of the state recorded cent per cent polling with the lone female voter, exercising her constitutional right on Friday, officials said. Supporters of two candidates clashed at the Bameng Assembly constituency in East Kameng. Irate mobs damaged EVMs in polling stations elsewhere in the state. Miscreants tried to snatch EVMs in three polling stations in the Nacho constituency in Upper Subansiri and in one in Kurung Kumey district, where polling was also suspended Assam: Total seats - 14 1st phase - 5 Long queues were seen outside booths since morning as polling was underway for five constituencies. Poling began at 7 am in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Kaziranga seats, and 86.5 lakh voters are eligible to vote. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of BJP and Congresss deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were among those who cast their votes in the first hour Meghalaya: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Voters at numerous polling stations were seen queuing up as early as 6 am, underscoring their enthusiasm to participate in the electoral process. The first five voters were rewarded with mementoes and first-time voters were also felicitated. Voters in a model polling station planted trees after casting their votes. Polling was being held at 3,512 polling stations in which 10 candidates are in the fray Mizoram: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 At least 6,500 polling personnel, over 3,500 policemen and 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed for the polls in the state. All international borders and inter-state borders have been sealed to ensure peaceful elections, a senior police officer said. Although there are six contenders, it is believed that the fight will be mainly among ZPM, MNF and Congress Nagaland: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Polling personnel in six eastern districts of Nagaland waited for nine hours in booths, but not one of the four lakh voters of the region turned up following a shutdown call given by an organisation to press for its demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). Of the 13.25 lakh voters in Nagaland, 50.41 per cent have exercised their franchise, the officials said. Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan exercised his franchise at Model Polling Station Sikkim: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Over 50% of the 4.64 lakh voters in Sikkim exercised their franchise in the 32 Assembly seats and in the lone Lok Sabha constituency till 3 pm on Friday, an official said. Thirteen companies of CAPF have been deployed in Sikkim, of which five companies are from ITBP and eight from SSB, he added. Former Indian Football captain and SDF vice president Bhaichung Bhutia who is contesting from Barfung (BL) assembly seat voted Tripura: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 1 The opposition Congress and CPM alleged that largescale rigging in several places across the constituency, with the Election Commission saying that it received some complaints and was looking into those. In the bypolls to the Ramnagar assembly seat, which was being held simultaneously, a turnout of 56.68% was recorded. Altogether 14.61 lakh people are eligible to vote in this phase of Lok Sabha polls in Tripura
The temperature starts increasing from April. Mild summer starts from this month. The normal temperature in most of the plain areas is more than 30 degrees Celsius. Although there is not very humid heat. For those who hesitate to step out of the house in the severe cold of January- February, the month of April is a better time to travel. There is neither too much cold nor too humid heat in this month. Due to this, one does not have to face the problem of sweat and dehydration while traveling. You can also go on a weekend trip this month. There is a chance to travel and the weather is also suitable for traveling, in such a situation, if you are planning a trip but are worried about the budget, then there is no need to worry. In this article, you are being told about some such tourist places, that you can visit in April, that too in a budget of just Rs 5000. Pachmarhi Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Located on the Satpura hills, away from the peaks of Pachmarhi, one can see only greenery at this hill station. The month of April is suitable to see the magnificent carvings and waterfalls in the caves of Pachmarhi. Here you can also enjoy hiking and trekking. The nearest railway station to reach Pachmarhi is Pipariya. Bhopal or Jabalpur are the nearest airports by flight. Although there is a good road to Pachmarhi, you can enjoy the natural views while going by road. It will not cost much to visit and stay here. Hospice Dharamshala, a beautiful hill station located in the valleys of Himachal, is the best place to visit in April. Dharamshala is also called Mini Tibet. Tibetan flags keep waving all around here. You can visit this relaxing place amidst the mountains to see bustling markets, museums, and monasteries. Bus to Dharamshala is easily available from Delhi, Shimla, and Dehradun, which is also within budget. Hotel rent is also not very high. Mussoorie Mussoorie of Uttarakhand is also called the 'Queen of Hills'. Cold winds blow in Mussoorie in April. While roaming the streets of Mussoorie on Scooty during the day, the cool breeze amid the golden sunshine makes for a wonderful journey. Here you can visit Lal Tibba, Kempty Fall, Company Garden, and Dalai Hills. Apart from this, one can also visit Dhanaulti and Surkanda Mata temples. For adventure, you will also be able to enjoy many sports on a budget. The cost of living, traveling, and eating in this hill station can be less than Rs 5000 thousand. Buses and taxis are easily available from Dehradun or Rishikesh to Mussoorie. Mount Abu The month of April is also a better time to visit Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. There are dense forests around Mount Abu surrounded by a peak made of granite. There are many holy and ancient temples of Jains and Hindus here. Away from the scorching sun and heat, Mount Abu is a cool and close-to-nature city, with Abu Road being the nearest railway station to reach it. One can also reach here by road. Other places If the budget is high then the month of April is best suited to visit Darjeeling, Ravangla, Cherrapunji, Gulmarg, Ooty, and Tawang. Apart from this, the month of April is the right time to visit Nainital and Ooty. (PC: ISTOCK)
Uttarakhand witnesses high voter turnout with nearly 25% polling recorded in first four hours of LS polls Nearly 25 per cent polling was recorded in the first four hours of voting for the Lok Sabha election in Uttarakhand on Friday, poll officials here said. Fifty-five candidates are in the fray for the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Election officials said polling began at 7 am and by 11 am, 24.83 per cent of voters cast their votes. Haridwar recorded the highest of 26.47 per cent of polling so far, followed by Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar with 26.46 per cent, Pauri Garhwal with 24.43 per cent, Tehri Garhwal with 23.23 per cent and Almora with 22.21 per cent. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was among the first to cast his vote. Dhami, his mother and his wife arrived at the Nagra Terai polling station in Khatima and stood in a queue to exercise their franchise. Talking to reporters, the chief minister noted that there was great enthusiasm among people. ''Over the last 10 years, Uttarakhand has seen unprecedented development. People of all sections have benefited from it. They will vote to give a third term to Narendra Modi,'' Dhami said. He also spoke of the BJP's Sankalp Patra, which talks about the need for a Uniform Civil Code on the lines of the one passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly. ''The Ganga of UCC which has originated from Uttarakhand will flow throughout the country,'' he said. Former chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, who is the BJP candidate from Haridwar, also cast his vote along with his wife and two daughters and said he was confident of winning the seat by more than five lakh votes. Among others who cast their votes are yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Acharya Balkrishna. The duo cast voted at the Dadubagh polling station in Kankhal around 10 am. Ramdev later told reporters that he has voted for heritage-based development and culture-based prosperity of the country. ''I have voted to free India from economic, educational, medical and cultural slavery,'' he said. BJP national spokesman and Pauri Garhwal candidate Anil Baluni also cast his vote. Just-married couples in their wedding attires turned up at various polling stations in the state to exercise their franchise. The old and the physically challenged voters were carried on stretchers and wheelchairs to the poling booths.
Women, first-time voters hold the key in five-seat Uttarakhand Lok Sabha polls
SRINAGAR/DEHRADUN: Sakshi Dhasmana, 19, is excited about voting for the first time in the April 19 Lok Sabha elections. The first-year BA student of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University and her mother and grandmother wait anxiously for BJP candidate Anil Baluni to arrive at her village. Baluni is fighting his maiden election from Garhwal. Besides women voters, the state has a substantial section of floating voters who can play a pivotal role in determining the outcomes in the five parliamentary constituencies. When Baluni arrives, she and many others, mostly women, wave the BJP flag with full-throated BJP slogans. Sakshi is the first-time voter. I am going to follow my mother and grandmother, indicating where her voting preference lies. Besides first-time voters like Sakshi, there are other women who hold the key to the Uttarakhand elections. Of the total 83.37 lakh voters, 40.20 lakh are women. Their number has steadily increased over the years. In 2019, there were 77.65 lakh voters 40.53 lakh male and 37.11 lakh women voters. Though womens political representation is still low nine in the state assembly, the highest female representation so far in the 70-member legislature since the state was carved out in the year 2000 they are the deciding factor in these elections. Thats the reason BJP and Congress are doing everything to garner their support. BJP is facing pro-incumbency, says Anil Baluni Baluni in his campaign addresses women voters directly. He is facing Congress Ganesh Godiyal. Congress has always ignored the womens welfare. Modji has constantly worked for mothers and daughters, Baluni tells women voters. The BJP appeal to young voters is also aimed at floating voters the ones who are undecided about their voting preference. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured all five seats with significant margins, benefiting from the Modi wave. The partys vote share rose to 60.7%, up by five percentage points from 2014. A total of 55 candidates are in the fray for five seats in the state. There are 11 candidates in Tehri, 13 in Pauri Garhwal, seven in Almora, 10 in Nainital and 14 in Haridwar, which will go to polls on Friday. Manveer Singh Chauhan, the partys media in-charge, dismisses the concept of floating voters. The Modi wave has settled the voter preferences. Currently, the electorate is decisively inclined towards a particular choice, and we will win all five seats again, said Chauhan.
Polling tomorrow on 5 LS seats of Uttarakhand; BJP hopes to repeat 2019 feat, Congress looking to open its account Polling booths are being prepared, security arrangements have been made, helicopter services have been set up, polling parties have left for their respective stations and directions for essential services have been issued, all ahead of the first phase of voting in Uttarakhand's five Lok Sabha seats on April 19. Polling for Uttarakhand's five Lok Sabha seats will take place on Friday, with the BJP hoping to retain all the five seats for the third time and the Congress attempting to reclaim lost momentum in the state. Voting will begin at 7 am across 11,729 polling stations and continue until 5 pm, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande said. The five seats going to polls on Friday are Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and the lone reserved seat of Almora. More than 83 lakh voters will decide the fate of 55 candidates in the fray. Meanwhile, pulling parties left for their respective polling stations ahead of single-phase voting on 5 Lok Sabha seats scheduled for Friday (April 19). Hours before the first phase of Lok Sabha polls starts on April 19, Uttarakhand's Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Vijay Kumar Jogdande, provided information about the booths being prepared for the polls. Speaking to ANI, Jogdande informed that they have arranged two helicopters for emergency service, adding that the voting this time will be casualty-free and no emergency situation would arise. All polling parties are leaving and we have arranged two helicopters for their emergency service. One helicopter will be deployed in Garhwal and another one will be deployed in Kumaon. It will be used only for emergency purposes. Booth-level help management plans are also available with the numbers of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and ambulances, he said on Wednesday. Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer BVRCC Purushottam held a meeting with all the departments and agencies related to essential services in the Secretariat on Thursday. The Chief Electoral Officer directed in the meeting that medical staff should be present in all hospitals on the day of polling till the end of polling. Apart from this, the concerned departments related to electricity and drinking water supply should ensure arrangements at all polling stations. The Chief Electoral Officer has instructed the Public Works Department to keep all highways, roads, and connecting roads on alert mode given landslides or any other obstruction till the safe return of the polling parties to their destinations. Uttarakhand has traditionally witnessed a close contest between the BJP and Congress. Both parties see the state as an essential battleground for displaying and gaining supporters for their national narratives. In Uttarakhand, the BJP had won all the Lok Sabha seats in the elections in both the 2014 and 2019 elections. With 47 out of 70 assembly seats, the BJP dominated in the 2022 assembly polls, while Congress got 19 seats. BSP and Independents hold 2 seats each. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the general elections this time. The counting of the votes is scheduled for June 4. Campaigning for 102 parliamentary constituencies distributed across 21 states and Union territories, where voting will be held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, concluded on Wednesday. In the first phase, polling will be held in Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Andaman and Nicobar (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1). (ANI)
Elections 2024: 21 states, UTs set for polling in phase one; 102 LS seats in fray
The first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will see 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories go to polls on Friday. The first phase of polling will take place across all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, all five seats in Uttarakhand, both seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya, and the sole seat in Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim, respectively. Polling will also take place for 12 out of 25 seats in Rajasthan, eight out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, six out of 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, five out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, five out of 14 seats in Assam, and four out of 40 seats in Bihar. Additionally, three out of 42 seats in West Bengal, one out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh, and one out of two seats in Tripura will be contested. In the union territories, one out of five seats in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the sole seats in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry, will be up for grabs. Voting for the 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place across seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting of votes slated for June 4. Separately, voting will also be held for 92 assembly seats in the state elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday. Of the 102 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP had won 39 in 2019, with the ruling alliance NDA bagging 12, five and three of them in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, respectively. The BJP's existing allies hold seven of them. And in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance had swept 38 of the 39 seats in 2019 general elections. Amongst the prominent leaders trying their electoral luck in phase one are Union ministers Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, Kiren Rijiju from Arunachal Pradesh (West), Arjun Ram Meghwal from Bikaner, Sarbanada Sonowal from Dibrugarh in Assam, Sanjeev Baliyan from Muzaffarnagar in western UP, Jitendra Singh from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir and Bhupendra Yadav from Alwar in Rajasthan. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who recently resigned as governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry to return to active politics, is contesting from Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency. Nakul Nath, son of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, is seeking reelection from Chhindwara. Will the BJP's lotus bloom in Tamil Nadu? Tamil Nadu is gearing up for polls a mid fierce campaigning and an intense three-way political battle between the alliances led by state heavyweightsthe DMK and the AIADMKand the BJP, respectively. With elections for 39 Lok Sabha seats looming, approximately 6.23 crore voters are poised to cast their ballots across nearly 68,000 polling stations. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made unprecedented efforts to gain ground in the Dravidian stronghold. Modi's exhaustive campaign across Tamil Nadu, including rallies in Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore, and Tirunelveli, underscores the BJP's determination to break its electoral jinx in the state. From raking up alleged corruption and 'parivarvad' politics of the DMK-Congress alliance to the Katchatheevu issue, Modi left no stone unturned in his nine visit to the state Coimbatore, the hub of western Tamil Nadu, is the most keenly watched constituency in the state and the BJP's K Annamalai is slogging to emerge victorious, battling against Dravidian giants the DMK and AIADMK. Meanwhile, the DMK, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has campaigned on platforms of social justice and welfare measures, portraying the elections as a battle against the BJP's divisive politics. Throughout the campaign, Stalin has repeatedly emphasised the importance of these elections, likening them to a second independence movement aimed at freeing the nation from the BJP's influence. In contrast, the AIADMK, under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami, has staunchly defended its record in governance and taken a strong stance against the DMK's campaign. Palaniswami has vigorously addressed various issues, including law and order, and has accused the BJP of discrimination based on caste and religion. Despite facing challenges from both the DMK and BJP, the AIADMK remains confident in its ability to weather the storm, with Palaniswami asserting that the party will emerge victorious with the support of the electorate. UP: Eight seats up for grabs in India's largest state The first phase of the seven-phase parliamentary election in western Uttar Pradesh sees voters in eight Lok Sabha constituencies exercising their constitutional right. These constituencies, falling in the Jat and sugarcane belt, include Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit, spread across nine districts. The contest is three-cornered, primarily between the ruling BJP-led NDA, the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The BJP has allied with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), while the SP has partnered with INDIA bloc ally Congress. The BSP, however, decided to go solo. Key issues for voters include employment, education, and development. A total of 80 candidates, including seven women, are in the fray. The eligible voter count stands at 1.43 crore, with a significant Muslim voter presence ranging from 35 to 50 percent. Notable candidates include Jitin Prasada from Pilibhit, who got the ticket over sitting BJP MP Varun Gandhi , Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan from Muzaffarnagar, and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandra Shekhar Azad from Nagina. In the previous 2019 polls, the BJP secured victories in Muzaffarnagar, Kairana, and Pilibhit, the BSP won in Saharanpur, Nagina and Bijnor, while the SP won in Moradabad and Rampur, the stronghold of its jailed leader Azam Khan. However, the party later lost Rampur to BJP in a bypoll. Cracking the Jat code: BJP's strategic courting of RLD and what it means in western Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra: Polls in 5 LS seats; Gadkari among 97 nominees in fray More than 95 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise on Friday in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra , covering five of the 48 constituencies, where 97 candidates, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of the BJP, are in fray. Polling will be held in the constituencies of Nagpur, Ramtek (SC), Bhandara-Gondia, Chandrapur and Naxal-hit Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), all located in the easternmost parts of the state. There are 95,54,667 voters in the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the Vidarbha region where voting will take place on Friday. Of these, 48,28,142 are male, 47,26,178 are female and 347 are transgender voters, according to a statement from the state electoral office. In Nagpur, which houses the RSS headquarters, a direct fight is on cards between Gadkari, who is seeking a third term, and Congress candidate Vikas Thakre. First phase of LS polls in Maharashtra: It's Congress party's 'caste calculations' vs BJP's 'Modi charisma' In Chandrapur, BJP candidate and Maharashtra minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is facing Congress nominee Pratibha Dhanorkar, wife of late parliamentarian Suresh Dhanorkar, who was the lone MP from the grand old party to be elected from Maharashtra in 2019 from the seat. In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP has fielded sitting MP Sunil Mendhe, who is pitted against Congress candidate Dr Prashant Patole. Two-time Lok Sabha MP of BJP, Ashok Nete, is contesting against Congress nominee Dr Namdev Kirsan in Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), where some areas are affected Naxal insurgency. In the 2019 elections, Nete had defeated Congress candidate Dr Namdev Usendi. In Ramtek (SC), the fight is between Shyamkumar Barwe of the Congress and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's candidate Raju Parwe. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, will vote in five phases between April 19 and May 20. Rajasthan: 12 seats in fray; will BJP's dominance continue? In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan, 12 out of 25 seats will be contested. Polling will be held in Churu, Nagaurm, Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur and Dausa. According to chief electoral officer Praveen Gupta, a total of 2.54 crore voters are set to vote in the first phase on Friday. Notably, a Union minister is among the 114 candidates in the fray. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is contesting from Bikaner against Congress candidate Govind Ram Meghwal. The Bharatiya Janata Party won all 25 seats in Rajasthan on its own in 2014, and in 2019, the NDA won 25 seats, the saffron party won 24 seats and the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) won one seat. Key constituencies include Nagaur, witnessing a contest between the RLP, now in alliance with Congress, and the BJP, and Churu, with former BJP MP Rahul Kaswan contesting as a Congress candidate. In Sikar, the CPI(M) is challenging the BJP's incumbent MP. The ruling BJP focused its campaign on PM Modi's popularity and its infrastructure work, while the Congress raised issues of central agency misuse and unemployment. Notable campaigners include PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. The second phase of the elections in Rajasthan will be held on April 26. In the second phase, polls will be held in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies: Tonk, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar. MP: Six LS seats in action, including Kamal Nath's bastion Six constituents will be in action during the first phase of the four phases for the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh. The constituencies include Shahdol, Mandla, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara, and Sidhi, covering 13 districts and 27 assembly segments. A total of 88 candidates are in the fray, with Jabalpur having the highest number at 19 and Shahdol the lowest at 10. The total number of registered voters across the six constituencies is 1,13,09,636, with arrangements made for shelter, water, and medical assistance at polling booths due to the hot weather. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 28 out of 29 Lok Sabha seats, while the Congress won only one seat in Chhindwara, held by Nakul Nath, the son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath. The second, third and fourth phases of the elections will take place on April 26, May 7 and May 13. Kamal Nath fighting lone battle to help son win Chhindwara and protect home turf Over 75 lakh voters to decide four seats in Bihar In Bihar, the stage is set for the first phase more than 75 lakh voters will decide the fate of 38 candidates standing in four constituencies: Nawada, Aurangabad, Gaya and Jamui. Tight security arrangements are in place at Nawada and Aurangabad, besides reserved seats in Gaya and Jamui, where a majority of nearly 5,000 polling booths have been marked as sensitive, given these districts' long history of naxal violence. Nawada, with 20.06 lakh voters, sees a tough battle primarily between the BJP's Vivek Thakur and the RJD's Shravan Kushwaha, with Independent candidate Binod Yadav adding complexity. Gaya, with 18.18 lakh voters, witnesses 14 candidates, including former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, an NDA ally, and RJD's Kumar Sarvajeet. Jamui, with 19.07 lakh voters, features a showdown between Arun Bharti from Chirag Paswan's LJP (Ram Vilas) and RJD's Archana Ravidas. The party's president Chirag Paswan, whose sister is married to Bharti, has shifted base to Hajipur after having represented the seat for two consecutive terms. Aurangabad, with over 18 lakh voters, sees BJP's Sushil Kumar Singh facing RJD's Abhay Kushwaha. 76.01 lakh voters, including 36.38 lakh females and 255 belonging to the third gender, are expected to cast their votes. Uttarakhand: Can BJP 'three-peat' clean sweep? Uttarakhand's all five Lok Sabha seats go into polling in phase one, with the BJP aiming to retain the seats for the third time and the Congress looking to regain lost ground in the state. The five seats going to polls on Friday are Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and the lone reserved seat of Almora. The BJP won all five seats in Uttarakhand in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. More than 83 lakh voters will decide the fate of 55 candidates in the fray. Sitting BJP MPs Ajay Bhatt, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah and Ajay Tamta have been fielded by the party from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, Tehri Garhwal and Almora, respectively. The BJP has replaced its candidates in Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. Former chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat is contesting in place of Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank from Haridwar and Anil Baluni in place of Tirath Singh Rawat from Pauri Garhwal. The Congress has fielded former PCC president Ganesh Godiyal from Pauri Garhwal, former chief minister Harish Rawat's son Virendra Rawat from Haridwar, Jot Singh Gunsola from Tehri Garhwal, Prakash Joshi from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and Pradeep Tamta from Almora. Candidates from the Bahujan Samaj Party, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and relatively smaller outfits and independents are also in the fray, but straight contests are likely between traditional rivalsthe BJP and Congressin all the seats. Experts say that Haridwar's demography, which has substantial minority and Dalit votes, may also not be a cakewalk for the BJP's Trivendra Rawat, despite his advantage over his rival in terms of experience, as Congress veteran Harish Rawat, who had won the seat in 2009, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his son's victory from the seat. If the Modi factor works again as it did in 2014 and 2019, overriding all other factors, the BJP will obviously reap the benefits but if unemployment, inflation, continued migration from the hills and performance of BJP MPs over the past 10 years outweigh the national issues, the Congress will gain, political analyst Jaisingh Rawat said. Bengal: Triangular tussle between TMC, BJP and Cong-Left In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, all attention is on Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduars constituencies in north Bengal. A total of 56,26,108 voters are eligible to vote in 5,814 booths in this phase. Coochbehar, where Union Minister Nisith Pramanik faces TMC's Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, remains significant due to past violence and political rivalries. The deployment of central forces is higher in Coochbehar compared to the other two constituencies. Both BJP and TMC have intensified their campaigns, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee addressing rallies. Key issues include corruption allegations against ruling party leaders, denial of central funds, and the 2021 Sitalkuchi firing incident. The BJP won all three constituencies in the 2019 general elections and maintained its grip in Coochbehar and Alipurduars in the 2021 assembly polls. But, the TMC had the upper hand in Jalpaiguri in the 2021 assembly polls, winning five and the saffron party managed to win two. The Left Front and Congress are contesting together, having secured only single-digit vote shares in 2019. The BJP has renominated Jayanta Roy in Jalpaiguri and Pramanik in Cooch Behar, but replaced last time's winner John Barla with the party's Madarihat MLA Manoj Tigga in Alipurduars. The TMC has, however, changed candidates in all three seats, fielding Prakash Chik Baraik in Alipurduars, Nirmal Chandra Roy in Jalpaiguri and Sitai MLA Basunia in Coochbehar. Direct, triangular contests in Assam's five LS seats Assam gears up for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in five constituencies, with 35 candidates vying for victory, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal . The electorate of 86,47,869, comprising 43,64,859 women and 42,82,887 male voters, will cast their votes in 10,001 polling booths under tight security with 60 companies of security forces deployed. The BJP is contesting in all five seats, the Congress in four and supporting the Assam Jatiya Parishad contestant in one, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in two and the All India Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) in one seat each. A direct contest is on the cards between the BJP and Congress in Jorhat, Kaziranga and Lakhimpur, while in Dibrugarh and Sonitpur, there is likely to be a triangular fight among the ruling party, Congress, AJP and AAP. The prestigious Dibrugarh constituency has three candidates in fray: BJP's Sonowal, a Rajya Sabha MP, pitted against the United Opposition Forum, Assam (UOFA) candidate Lurinjyoti Gogoi of the AJP and AAP's Manoj Dhanowar. In Jorhat, four candidates are in contention, with Lok Sabha's Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi locked in a direct contest with sitting BJP MP Topon Gogoi. Gogoi had to shift his constituency to Jorhat from Kaliabor, which has been renamed Kaziranga following a delimitation exercise in the state last year. In Kaziranga, BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa is locked in a direct contest with former Congress MLA Roselina Tirkey, with both candidates belonging to the tea workers' community. Kaziranga has the highest number of 11 candidates in the fray. In Sonitpur, also renamed from the earlier Tezpur after delimitation, there are eight nominees, with a triangular contest likely between BJP MLA Ranjit Dutta, Congress candidate Prem Lal Ganju and AAP's Rishiraj Kaundinya. Lakhimpur has nine contestants, prominent among them being sitting BJP MP Pradan Baruah and Uday Shankar Hazarika of the Congress. Two LS seats in strife-torn Manipur go to polls Manipur gears up for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections amid tight security measures, particularly in the wake of recent ethnic violence. The Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, which comprises 32 of the 60 assembly segments in the state, and 15 assembly segments of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat will go to polls in the first phase on Friday. Six candidates, including state Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh of the BJP and Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of the Congress, are in the fray for the Inner Manipur seat. Outer Manipur, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes, will witness a four-cornered contest between Naga People's Front's K Timothy Zimik, Congress' Alfred Kanngam Arthur and independent candidates Kho John and Alyson Abonmai, with all the candidates being Nagas. A total of 9.91 lakh voters are eligible in Inner Manipur and over 10.22 lakh voters in Outer Manipur. Special arrangements have been made for people displaced due to ethnic strife, with special polling stations set up. The campaigning has been subdued due to the prevailing tensions, and security has been heightened with the deployment of central armed police forces, especially in vulnerable and critical polling stations. Polling personnel have been dispatched to their respective stations, with special provisions for internally displaced people. The election authorities have ensured gender diversity in the management of polling stations, with some stations being exclusively manned by women. Despite the challenges posed by the recent unrest, efforts are underway to conduct the elections in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Tripura and Nagaland In Tripura, the first phase of Lok Sabha polls will see voting for the Tripura West Parliamentary constituency and a by-poll in the Ramnagar Assembly. The main contest in Tripura West is between the BJP's Biplab Kumar Deb and state Congress president Asish Kumar Saha. With 14.61 lakh eligible voters, including 7.33 lakh males and 7.28 lakh females, the constituency has 1682 polling booths. Central paramilitary forces will secure all booths, with webcasting from each. In the Ramnagar Assembly by-election, BJP's Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumer faces former CPI(M) MLA Ratan Das, with 54,669 electors deciding their fate. In Nagaland, over 13.25 lakh voters will decide the fate of three candidates. Congress nominee S Supongmeren Jamir, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate Chumben Murry and Independent Hayithung Tungoe Lotha are contesting the elections. BJP President J P Nadda, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Deputy Chief Ministers T R Zeliang and Y Patton addressed several rallies in support of their candidate. Polling will run from 7 am to 4 pm, with 13,25,383 eligible voters, including 19,999 first-time voters and 6,707 people with disabilities. Female voters slightly outnumber male voters. In 2019, NDPP's Tokheho Yepthomi won against Congress's K L Chishi. J-K: Udhampur LC seat in action amid ceasefire The Udhampur seat in Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls on Friday in the first phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. In view of the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the heavy deployment of paramilitary forces, the voting process is expected to be peaceful in 2,637 polling stations in the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, a senior election official said. Union Minister Jitendra Singh is eyeing a third consecutive term in the constituency after winning the seat for BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, facing a major challenge from Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh, who had also won the seat twice in 2004 and 2009. Democratic Progressive Azad Party's (DPAP) candidate G M Saroori, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Amit Kumar and six independents will also be contesting the elections from the Udhampur constituency. According to officials, there are 16,23,195 eligible voters. Among them, 845,283 are men, 777,899 are women and 13 are third-gender voters. There are a total of 84,468 potential first-time voters, aged 1819, of whom 45,825 are men, 38,641 are women and two are third genders, the officials said. Lone Puducherry segment all set for three-way fight The fate of the 26 candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha polls will be sealed on Friday when voters spread across four regions will pick the lone MP from this union territory, where the fight is largely confined between the ruling BJP and Congress. BJP leader and Home Minister A Namassivayam, fielded on behalf of the AINRC-BJP combine, will face off Congress MP and PCC president V Vaithilingam, while AIADMK's G Tamizhvendhan is also testing his luck as a debutant. The Union Territory has a total of 10,23,699 voters spread over Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions. Andaman's lone seat in action The lone seat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands will see 3.15 lakh voters get an opportunity to exercise their franchise. A total of 12 candidates, including two women and five independents, are in the fray for the polls. Of the 3.15 lakh voters, 1.64 lakh are men and 1.51 lakh are women, while there are four third-gender voters. The electorate also includes 39 voters from the Great Nicobarese tribe of the Strait Islands, 68 members of the Onge tribe at Hut Bay and 98 members of the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar Island. Special polling stations have been established for them. This time, the saffron party has nominated Bishnu Pada Ray as its candidate, while the Congress has fielded its sitting MP, Kuldeep Rai Sharma. Ray was first elected to Lok Sabha in 1999, when he defeated Congress candidate Sharma by 2,990 votes. He was re-elected in 2009 and again in 2014. In the 2019 elections, however, Sharma secured a victory against BJP's Vishal Jolly (Ray was denied a ticket) by a narrow margin of 1,407 votes.
Five Lok Sabha Seats Of Uttarakhand To Go To Polls In 1st Phase On Friday
The five seats going to polls on Friday are Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and the lone reserved seat of Almora.
These are the best tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand, you can plan with friends in budget
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From soaring peaks to tranquil lakes and sacred temples, this northern state of India beckons travelers with its diverse offerings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a spiritual pilgrim, Uttarakhand has something special in store for everyone. Let's embark on a journey to discover the best budget-friendly tourist destinations in this enchanting land. Mystical Mussoorie: Queen of the Hills Embracing Nature's Splendor Mussoorie, often referred to as the Queen of the Hills, is a charming hill station renowned for its panoramic views and pleasant climate. Take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road, soak in the breathtaking vistas from Gun Hill, or explore the serene Kempty Falls. With affordable accommodation options and a plethora of budget eateries, Mussoorie offers an ideal getaway for friends seeking adventure on a budget. Serene Nainital: Lake District of India Tranquility Amidst Lakes Nainital, nestled around the emerald Naini Lake, exudes tranquility and charm. Boating on the lake, exploring the vibrant Tibetan market, or trekking to Tiffin Top are some budget-friendly activities to indulge in. Opt for homestays or budget hotels dotted around the town to make the most of your stay without breaking the bank. Adventurous Rishikesh: Gateway to the Himalayas Thrills by the Ganges Rishikesh, renowned as the Yoga Capital of the World and the Adventure Hub of India, offers a plethora of budget-friendly activities. From white-water rafting on the Ganges to trekking in the nearby hills and practicing yoga on the banks of the river, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping adventures here. Budget accommodations and affordable cafes cater to the needs of backpackers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Tranquil Lansdowne: Abode of Peace Escape to Serenity Lansdowne, tucked away amidst pine and oak forests, is a hidden gem known for its tranquil ambiance. Explore the historic War Memorial, hike to Tip-n-Top for panoramic views, or simply unwind amidst nature's embrace. With budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays offering warm hospitality, Lansdowne is perfect for a peaceful retreat with friends. Enchanting Auli: Skiing Paradise Winter Wonderland Auli, adorned with pristine slopes and snow-capped peaks, is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding down the slopes, ride the cable car for breathtaking views of the Himalayas, or embark on scenic treks in the surrounding meadows. Budget accommodations and ski resorts offer affordable options for a memorable winter escapade with friends. Spiritual Haridwar: Gateway to the Divine Soulful Sojourn Haridwar, one of the seven holiest places for Hindus, is steeped in spirituality and mysticism. Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, seek blessings at the ancient temples, or take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Budget accommodations and street food stalls serving delicious local fare make it a budget-friendly destination for spiritual seekers. Charming Almora: Cultural Haven Cultural Charisma Almora, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning Himalayan backdrop, captivates visitors with its old-world charm. Explore the cobbled streets of the town, visit the centuries-old temples, or indulge in birdwatching at the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Affordable guesthouses and budget hotels offer comfortable stays, making Almora an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. Conclusion: Uttarakhand, with its myriad attractions and budget-friendly options, promises an unforgettable experience for friends seeking adventure and exploration without burning a hole in their pockets. From the misty hills of Mussoorie to the serene lakes of Nainital and the adventurous trails of Rishikesh, each destination has its own unique charm waiting to be discovered. Summer Travel: Top 10 Summer Vacation Destinations in India If you have to travel alone then don't worry, keep these self defense things with you If you have to travel alone then don't worry, keep these self defense things with you
The heat is increasing day by day and everyone is planning to travel in search of coolness. To escape the scorching heat we often look for a cool place. Whenever we plan to travel in summer, the first name that comes to our mind is the station. Although there are many beautiful hill stations in the country, in recent times, a lack of cleanliness has been seen at these places. Meanwhile, there are some hill stations in the country, where you will get to see very clean places along with less crowd. We are going to tell you about these hill stations where beauty and cleanliness attract everyone and you can freely reach here with your family, partner or friends. Let us know about these hill stations... Tawang Tawang Hill Station of Arunachal Pradesh is situated at an altitude of 3048 meters. Let us tell you that this is an offbeat place. Here you will find many beautiful monasteries. Where you can go for some time to find peace. It is here that the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born. This hilly place is also known as Dawang. This hill station boasts of natural beauty and spirituality. Here you will see amazing cleanliness. Paura Paura village of Nainital is one of the tourist places of Uttarakhand. This village, full of natural beauty, is situated at an altitude of 6600 feet above sea level. Since it is an offbeat destination, the village continues to shine. Many people do not know but Paura village is called the fruit bowl of Uttarakhand. Plums, apples, and peaches are found in large quantities here. You can experience the beautiful and thrilling trek of this village. There is no market here, but you can buy herbal face packs, and spices from here at low prices. Connoor Coonoor, a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, is located at a distance of 18 km from Ooty and 71 km from Coimbatore. It is at an altitude of about 6000 feet above sea level. If you want to visit Coonoor, then definitely visit Dolphin Dodge. Its shape is like a dolphin and it is always covered with fog. It is situated at a very high altitude due to which it is very popular among tourists. Catherine Water Fall is also a center of attraction for tourists. People mostly come here for a picnic. This waterfall is surrounded by dense forests. Apart from this, there are many waterfalls in Coonoor which you can enjoy. Halflong Haflong in Assam is located 310 km from Guwahati. This hill station is known for its beautiful hills, clean and serene environment, and valleys. Haflong is quite popular among nature lovers. This hill station is situated at an altitude of 680 meters above sea level and is ideal for holidays. Here you can go boating on Haflong Lake and visit the ruins of Maibong. Here Orchid Garden, Borel Range or Jatinga are very famous tourist places. Idukki Idukki in Kerala is a very beautiful place among the naturally beautiful areas. This place is surrounded by tall trees on all sides. After coming here, it feels as if you are in the lap of nature. The 650 feet long 550 feet 550-foot-high high-arched dam on the mountain is known as Idukki Kurvan Kurti. From here The mixture of the dam and lush green nature will bring immense peace to your heart. Here you can visit animal sanctuaries, and tea gardens and go trekking in the mountains etc. Ddhat This hill station of Uttarakhand is much liked for its untouched beauty and peaceful environment. Very few people know about it, hence there is neither much crowd nor much filth here. Surrounded by dense forests, high mountain meadows, rivers, and glaciers, this hill station is no less than a paradise to visit on weekends. Here, apart from taking a tour of Ascot Century, you can also enjoy hiking and camping. Connor You can also go to Kannur for holidays. It is also among the most popular hill stations. This town is only 19 kilometers away from Ooty. Tourist places like tea gardens, monuments, ancient temples, and picnic spots can be seen here. Here you can enjoy the views of Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Waterfall. The weather here is always cold. Kausani Kausani is a beautiful hill station located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The Himalayan peaks look very beautiful from here. This hill station surrounded by pine tree forests and beautiful valleys will mesmerize you. Kausani experiences snowfall in the winter months, which a large number of tourists come here to enjoy. The natural beauty and clean environment here will fascinate you. Ooty Ooty's name is included among the most special and beautiful hill stations of Tamil Nadu. This place is also known as Scotland of India. Let us tell you that this hill station is perfect during the summer months in South India. Apart from flower gardens, here you can see Nilgiri hills and an attractive chocolate museum, etc. Lohaghat If anyone can be called the real diamond of Uttarakhand, then it is Lohaghat. It is a very clean and beautiful place to visit the mountains in this season. This is the perfect destination for rafting and adventure sports lovers. The view of Lohaghat is worth seeing during the summer season. In this season this place is filled with Buran's flowers. Pancheshwar, Banasur Fort, and Mayawati Ashram near Lohaghat are good places to visit. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Uttarakhand CM Dhami interacts with locals during morning walk in Khatima, gives PM Modi's message in 'Kumaoni' dialect With the first phase of Lok Sabha elections around the corner, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was spotted interacting with the people in the 'Kumaoni' dialect during his morning walk in Khatima on Friday morning. CM Dhami also boarded a bus of school children and enquired about the well-being of the school children. While roaming in Khatima, he gave the message of 'Ram-Ram' given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Kumaoni dialect to all the people he met on the way. The Chief Minister also urged the people to vote in the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier on April 11, CM Dhami addressed an election rally in Rishikesh in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the rally, he presented a 'Hudka' (a musical instrument) made by Uttarakhand artisans to PM Modi on the rally stage. While speaking at a public rally, Dhami said, The country has awakened, moved forward and changed now. The new India is vigilant and sensitive towards its future. Those who implemented 'Emergency' in the country, those who have divided society into castes, and those who did many scams are rattled today because of PM Modi, as the PM's mantra is 'na khaunga na khaane dunga'. The NDA has fielded Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Anil Baluni, Ajay Tamta, Ajay Bhatt and Trivendra Singh Rawat from Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora (SC), Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar and Haridwar lok sabha constituencies respectively. INDIA has nominated Jot Singh Guntsola (INC), Ganesh Godiyal (INC), Pradeep Tamta (INC), Prakash Joshi (INC) and Virendra Rawat (INC) as its candidates for Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora (SC), Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar and Haridwar Lok Sabha constituencies. While two Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand -- Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and Almora -- are located in the Kumaon region, the remaining three seats of Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal and Garhwal (Pauri) are in the Garhwal region. The BJP is looking to sweep yet again in all five Lok Sabha seats of Uttarakhand, having won from all the parliamentary constituencies in the State in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections. (ANI)
Who are the 'vote-eating' Corbett leopards? The reason behind Uttarakhand's election dilemma
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on April 19 in Garhwal (Pauri Garhwal) and Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, one of the major issues is the conflict between humans and big cats. The BJP won both seats in 2019. As the polls approach again, voters are faced with a decision: to boycott or to vote? While some consider boycotting, others are considering the 'None Of The Above (NOTA)' option.
The vote-eating Corbett leopards
In the tranquil landscapes of Uttarakhands Nainital and Pauri districts, villagers on the fringes of Corbett Tiger Reserve are grappling with the toll of human-animal conflict. In Garhwal (Pauri Garhwal) and Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, the two LS seats that vote on April 19, one of the biggest issues is big cat-human conflict.
NainitalUdhamsingh Nagar Lok Sabha constituency in Uttarakhand, with diverse demographics, gears up for the 2024 elections. Key candidates include Akhtar Ali Mahigir (BSP), Ajay Bhatt (BJP), and Prakash Joshi (INC). The constituency had 1,828,433 voters in 2019 with a 68.97% turnout.
These places are very close to Delhi, make a plan to visit soon with your family
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life in Delhi? Do you crave a refreshing escape with your loved ones? Fortunately, there are numerous delightful destinations just a stone's throw away from the capital, perfect for a quick getaway. Whether you're seeking tranquility in the hills, adventure in the wilderness, or cultural immersion in historic towns, there's something for everyone within easy reach of Delhi. Let's embark on a virtual journey to explore these enchanting weekend getaways and start planning your next family adventure! Scenic Retreats in the Himalayas Nainital: A Tranquil Lake Paradise Nestled amidst the Kumaon hills, Nainital is renowned for its serene lakes and picturesque landscapes. Take a leisurely boat ride on Naini Lake, stroll along the charming Mall Road, or trek to the scenic viewpoints for panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills. With its pleasant weather and abundant natural beauty, Nainital is an ideal destination for a relaxing family retreat. Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills Perched at an altitude of 6,170 feet, Mussoorie beckons travelers with its cool climate, verdant hills, and colonial charm. Explore the cascading waterfalls of Kempty Falls, soak in the breathtaking views from Lal Tibba, or wander through the vibrant markets of Mall Road. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, Mussoorie offers a delightful escape for every member of the family. Cultural Escapes Near Delhi Jaipur: The Pink City Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Marvel at the grandeur of Amer Fort, wander through the bustling bazaars of the old city, or admire the intricate craftsmanship at Hawa Mahal. Indulge in traditional Rajasthani cuisine, shop for vibrant textiles and handicrafts, and witness the magic of Rajasthan's cultural performances. With its vibrant colors, regal architecture, and warm hospitality, Jaipur promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Agra: Home of the Taj Mahal No visit to Delhi's vicinity is complete without a pilgrimage to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Marvel at the timeless beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, stroll through the sprawling gardens of Mehtab Bagh, and explore the grandeur of Agra Fort. Delight your taste buds with delectable Mughlai cuisine, shop for exquisite marble handicrafts, and capture timeless memories against the backdrop of the majestic Taj Mahal. Adventure Escapades in the Wilderness Rishikesh: The Adventure Capital For adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts, Rishikesh offers an exhilarating escape amidst the foothills of the Himalayas. Embark on a thrilling river rafting expedition on the Ganges, trek to the scenic Neer Garh Waterfall, or partake in yoga and meditation sessions by the riverbanks. With its vibrant ashrams, bustling cafes, and breathtaking scenery, Rishikesh is the perfect destination for a blend of adventure and spirituality. Jim Corbett National Park: Wildlife Encounters Experience the thrill of encountering majestic wildlife in their natural habitat at Jim Corbett National Park. Embark on an exciting safari through the dense forests, spot elusive tigers, elephants, and deer, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the wilderness. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or a nature lover, Jim Corbett offers a thrilling escape from the city's chaos. With an array of enchanting destinations just a short drive away from Delhi, there's no excuse not to plan a memorable getaway with your family. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the hills, the cultural richness of historic towns, or the adrenaline rush of adventure sports, the options are endless. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey to create unforgettable memories together! Chaitra Navratri 2024: THESE foods to avoid in Chaitra Navratri Moon Sighting for EidulFitr 2024 Timings in India UAE and Saudi Arabia who becomes the fastest indian bowler to reach 150 wickets in ipl
Uttarakhand: 8 killed as Nepal-bound vehicle falls into gorge
Dehradun, April 9 (UNI) Eight people were killed on Tuesday when a vehicle from Nainital district of Uttarakhand headed to neighbouring Nepal fell into a deep gorge. Eight, including the driver, died on the spot, while two passengers were saved. Apart from the driver, all killed are residents of Nepal. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)... The post Uttarakhand: 8 killed as Nepal-bound vehicle falls into gorge first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Seven Nepalese Nationals Among Eight Killed in Road Accident in Nainital
The vehicle was carrying nine Nepalese nationals, who were all residents of Mahendranagar
7 Nepal tourists among 8 dead after vehicle falls into gorge in Nainital
Eight people, including seven Nepalese nationals, tragically died in a vehicle accident in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. The incident near Betalghat resulted in two injuries. State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) and locals recovered the bodies, providing medical aid to the survivors. The victims were en route to Mahendranagar.
8 dead after vehicle plunges into gorge in Uttarakhand's Nainital
dead after vehicle plunges into gorge in Uttarakhands Nainital
36 shops gutted as fire breaks out in Garjiya temple complex
Nainital: Nearly three dozen shops were burned down on Monday, April 8, in a fire in the famous Garjiya temple complex in Uttarakhands Ramnagar, police said. There is no report of any loss of life in the incident, they said, adding that the fire broke out at a shop selling prasad as hawkers were preparing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Polling parties dispatched to implement 'vote-from-home' facility in Uttarakhand's Chamoli for Lok Sabha polls The 'vote-from-home' facility for citizens over 85 years of age and persons with disabilities has begun in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district for Lok Sabha elections. Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana said that polling parties have been dispatched from Sports Stadium Gopeshwar to three assembly constituencies Lok Sabha elections have begun in Chamoli with home voting. On Monday, 55 polling parties were dispatched from Sports Stadium Gopeshwar to all three assembly constituencies for home voting, Chamoli DM posted on X. The Election Commission, which announced the Lok Sabha poll schedule last month, had said that there will be 'vote-from-home' facilities for citizens over 85 years of age and persons with disabilities for the Lok Sabha elections. The commission said that persons with disabilities with a 40 per cent benchmark disability can vote from home. The commission said that at polling stations, volunteers and wheelchairs will be deployed and transport facilities for persons with disabilities and the elderly will be arranged. Uttarakhand will go to vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Voting in Uttarakhand will be held for all five Lok Sabha seats. Chamoli is part of the Garhwal parliamentary seat. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP won all five seats - Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar and Haridwar. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been campaigning to bolster the prospects of BJP candidates. He held a roadshow in Chamoli's Tharali along with the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Anil Baluni last month. Baluni is in the fray from Garhwal Lok Sabha seat. (ANI)
Uttarakhand's five Lok Sabha seats hold crucial political sway, with BJP and Congress battling fiercely. NDA dominates past elections, gearing up for polling on April 19 in a single phase. Key constituencies include Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, and Haridwar.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami highlights BJP's achievements, seeks support for LS candidate Ajay Bhatt
Uttarakhand CM Dhami highlights BJP's achievements, seeks support for LS candidate Ajay Bhatt Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted on Sunday the achievements of the BJP government in Uttarakhand, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. Addressing a gathering at Mukteshwar's Himgiri Stadium, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami said, We had promised the people to implement the Uniform Civil Code, which has been fulfilled since the formation of the government. There has been a continuous demand for Uniform Civil Code within the country. The credit for passing the Uniform Civil Code Bill goes to the citizens of Uttarakhand. Slamming the Congress party for its 'appeasement politics' in the country, he said, Our government is talking about Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by implementing the Uniform Civil Code and abolishing Article 370, while the Congress has talked about retaining Muslim Personal Law in its manifesto. This shows the appeasement vote bank thinking of the Congress. The imprint of the ideology of the Muslim League is visible in the manifesto of Congress. Their manifesto seems to be the manifesto of the Muslim League. He said that today, the country is moving ahead continuously under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and women's empowerment and security are being talked about. Seeking votes for Bhartiya Janata's Lok Sabha candidate from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, Ajay Bhatt, Dhami claimed that the MP has taken special care of Nainital Lok Sabha along with the entire country. The public has to support the BJP candidate from the Nainital region, Shri Ajay Bhatt ji. Shri Ajay Bhatt ji is serving the country as the Minister of State for Defence in Modi ji's cabinet and has taken special care of Nainital Lok Sabha along with the entire country, he said. Dhami outlined the ongoing developmental initiatives in the state, including the transfer of HMT land in Nainital to the state government, approval of the Jamrani Dam project, and ongoing renovation of railway lines in Lalkuan, Haldwani, and Ramnagar. A train service to Amritsar has commenced, plans for constructing AIIMS in Kichha are underway, and a substantial fund of 2200 crores has been allocated to transform Haldwani into a smart city. Other projects include the construction of a roadways terminal and progress on the ring road, Dhami claimed. He further emphasised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in steering the country towards development and self-reliance, citing significant progress in various sectors over the past decade. The Chief Minister said that under the able leadership of PM Modi, the country is climbing the ladder of development. In a veiled jibe at the Congress party, Dhami said, The prince born with a golden spoon cannot understand the pain of the poor. People who grow up in the shadow of dynasty throughout their lives cannot understand the struggle of the people. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has a special attachment to Uttarakhand. In the last 10 years, the Centre has approved schemes worth two lakh crore rupees for Uttarakhand. He said that the state government is working day and night to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country. Honorable Modi ji is supporting Uttarakhand at every step. Now it is the turn of the people of Uttarakhand to contribute in making Modi ji the Prime Minister for the third time. Together we have to send BJP candidate Ajay Bhatt from Nainital Udham Singh Nagar Lok Sabha constituency to the Lok Sabha by making him win with the biggest number of votes, Dhami said. (ANI)
Nainital witnesses surge in tourist footfall amid rising temperatures in North India
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Uttarakhand: Navigating an uphill path
DEHRADUN: Even as the five seats of Uttarakhand are all set to go to polls in the first phase on April 19, the political mood of the voters remains a mystery this time too, as has been the trend. Over 10 veterans in the state have faced a crushing defeat in the electoral history. These include the leaders who contested the Lok Sabha elections from Uttarakhand, hoping for easy access to Parliament but were disappointed. Ram Vilas Paswan, Mayawati, Satpal Maharaj, Lt-Gen (Retd) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, ND Tiwari, Maharaja Manvendra Shah of Tehri, and Harish Rawat were rejected at one time or the other. The state has a long and storied history of delivering surprising election outcomes where voters have not hesitated to shift their allegiance. With a commendable literacy rate, Uttarakhand residents have consistently exercised their voting rights after thoughtful deliberation on national and significant issues. Amarjeet Singh, spokesperson for Congress in Uttarakhand, underscored the impact of literacy in the state, stating, The high literacy rate plays a key role in voters making informed decisions by considering national issues during elections, reflecting their concern for serious matters at a national level. This time, the public is going to vote on issues like inflation, unemployment, security, migration, and law and order, and after seeing the political situation, Uttarakhand may give results similar to 2009, he said. History of victories, defeats A glance into the electoral history of Uttarakhand brings forth some intriguing results. In 1984, Harish Rawat defeated BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi. In 1989, the then Congress veteran Satpal Maharaj was defeated by Janata Dals Chandramohan Singh Negi. In 1989, Ramvilas Paswan suffered a decisive defeat from the Haridwar seat. BSP supremo Mayawati faced a crushing defeat from Haridwar in 1990 and 1991. Similarly, in 1989, independent candidate Kashi Singh Aeri defeated Bhagat Singh Koshyari in the Almora seat. During the Ram mandir wave in 1991, the strong contender for the PMs post from the Congress ND Tiwari was defeated by by BJPs Balraj Pasi. In 1996 and 2009, B C Khanduri, who served as an MP four times on the Pauri seat, also faced defeat. Similarly, Maharaja Manvendra Shah, an eight-time MP, was unseated on Tehri by independent candidate Paripurnanand Panuli in 1971. Also, Bachhi Singh Rawat, a former BJP minister, secured win over Harish Rawat on three consecutive occasions from Almora. In 2019, Ajay Bhatt emerged victorious over Harish Rawat on Nainital seat. Current state of affairs The primary contest is expected between the BJP and the Congress in all the five seats. Although Umesh Kumar from Haridwar and Bobby Pawar from Tehri are both strong independent candidates, as per the assessment of the previous election results, even in these elections, these independent candidates can be limited to affecting the margin of victory of the winning candidate. One of the two independents, Umesh Kumar, is an MLA from Khanpur constituency. In Tehri, three-time BJP MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah will face Congresss Jot Singh Gunasola, a two-time MLA from Mussoorie, this time. Berojgar Sangh chief Bobby Pawar is contesting as an independent candidate with many youth supporters. The contest in Garhwal is between Congresss Ganesh Godiyal and BJPs Anil Baluni. The BJP has fielded Rajya Sabha MP in place of Tirath Singh Rawat. Godiyal has previously served as a legislator. The BJP has pitted former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat against Congresss Virendra Rawat in Haridwar. The BSP also commands a significant vote bank in this region, and independent candidate Umesh Kumar from Khanpur is also vying for victory. Umesh currently serves as an independent MLA from Khanpur. In Almora, two old rivals, Ajay Tamta of BJP and Pradeep Tamta of Congress, will once again come face to face. In Nainital, MoS Ajay Bhatt will be challenged by a new face, Prakash Joshi of Congress.
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Nainital | Khabar Pakki Hai
Lok Sabha Election 2024: - ?
Interview: Samar Ahmed is making waves in marine biology
March is celebrated as a special month of women as it symbolizes the continuous struggle of women. Since ancient times, women were not treated equally, the situation was such that women did not have any place even at the social level. Under those circumstances, women moved forward and made efforts to achieve respectable positions for themselves both in society and in professional fields. It took years, decades and eras to change people's attitudes and accept women's role as more than domestic work. The struggle still continues. Women are moving forward in all fields, breaking stereotypes. Her contribution in the fields of science, literature, research, law, governance and administration has increased manifold and she is proving to be excellent in all fields. Be it the role of a mother, a scientist, a lawyer, an administrator or a defense personnel, women are participating with courage and dedication. Today we thank all the women. Every woman is special, and some women are doing very special things. In this series, let us meet one such woman Samar Ahmed, who is making waves in an unconventional field marine biology. Samar hails from Nainital, Uttarakhand where she was born and brought up. His life journey in the field of marine biology has been quite interesting. It all started when Samar, after completing her graduation in biology in 2019, out of curiosity wrote an application to a professor at the Wildlife Institute of India to work on an ongoing or upcoming project. He got the opportunity to work on a project on migratory birds and it proved to be a turning point in his life. The experience of research on birds attracted him to work in the direction of wildlife research. He then worked in a Wildlife Institute of India project as a field assistant on Common Crane and Flamingo in Kutch, Gujarat. In 2021 he worked on tigers in Ranthambore under a project of the National Center for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. While researching tigers he realized how larger species were considered very important and smaller species were often ignored. In this same vein, she decided to do post graduation in Biodiversity Conservation. And then she went to Mumbai to do post graduation in Biodiversity Conservation from Bombay University. She recalls how Juhu, even a very crowded beach, is full of biodiversity, harboring millions of tiny marine creatures in its rocks and crevices. This attracted him and his journey of research on marine creatures began. Marine biology fascinated him so much that he wrote his post graduation thesis on 'Relationship of coral reefs and reef fishes'. In this dissertation he discussed how different types of fish are found in different types of coral colonies. He described 3 types of fish found in corals: herbivorous, carnivorous, and corallivorous. She explains that it is very interesting that fishes that are corallivorous help control the growth of spatially dominant types of coral and promote greater reef diversity. Currently she is working with Dakshin Foundation. Dakshin Foundation is a non-profit organization working towards environmental sustainability and social justice. She is currently working on an initiative REEFLOG, which is a citizen science project asking tourists/divers to write on a board the marine species they see. They compile this data and use it to further their research. She strives to spread awareness, loves talking to people and answering their curiosities. A small step in the conservation of any species gives them a feeling of happiness. He believes that We cannot save nature, nature saves us. Coming face to face with natural miracles, she describes how a bleached coral miraculously revives itself, how a bird comes millions of kilometers away to breed in the exact spot where it was born. It's natural to face some challenges when working in an unconventional profession. She recalls that sometimes due to some unexpected circumstances, the living conditions in rural and coastal areas are not good. Being a woman, she also has to face some unpleasant incidents where male researchers are given importance and female researchers are sidelined. Challenges come but she has the courage to overcome them. She considers herself fortunate that she has always received immense support from her parents who are adventure enthusiasts themselves. (PC: Freepik)
Banbhoolpura violence: Wife of mastermind arrested from Uttar Pradesh
Banbhoolpura violence: Wife of mastermind arrested from Uttar Pradesh The wife of Banbhoolpura violence mastermind Abdul Malik has been arrested from a village in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district, a senior police official said on Thursday. Safia was arrested from Biharipur village in Bareilly on Tuesday by the Uttarakhand Police. Nainital SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena said she has been arrested on charges of carrying out illegal plotting, construction and transfer of land by using the name of a dead person under criminal conspiracy to grab government land in Malik Ka Bagicha area of Haldwani, he said. Her husband Abdul Malik and their son Abdul Moeed are already in custody. The two were arrested on February 24 and February 28 respectively. Violence broke out in Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani on February 8 over the demolition of an 'illegally' constructed madrassa and an adjoining mosque. The violence left six persons dead and more than a 100, including police personnel and journalists injured.
Every Panna Pramukh of BJP is ready...: Uttarakhand CM Dhami ahead of Lok Sabha election
Every Panna Pramukh of BJP is ready...: Uttarakhand CM Dhami ahead of Lok Sabha election Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Wednesday that every 'Panna Pramukh' of the BJP is ready to make him the PM of the country for the third time. To bring the resolution of Developed India to fruition, every 'Panna Pramukh' of the BJP is ready to make respected Narendra Modiji the Prime Minister for the third time. At the booth level, our Panna Pramukhs are taking the Prime Minister's guarantee to the people. By joining this campaign, you also become a partner in building a strong and prosperous India, posted Pushkar Singh Dhami on X. Earlier on Tuesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented a conch to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vijay Shankhnad rally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held in Rudrapur. PM Modi kick-started BJP's poll campaign in Uttarakhand today by addressing a rally in Rudrapur which is part of the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar Lok Sabha constituency. Dhami, while addressing the gathering, hailed the leadership of PM Modi and said, PM Modi has given us a target of over 400 seats in this election. I am confident we will win all five seats in Uttarakhand and contribute towards winning over 400 seats in the country. We all have witnessed how the country has progressed and developed under the leadership of the PM. Uttarakhand CM Dhami also mocked Rahul Gandhi and said that his party has always 'failed to launch him again and again'. India has made history by reaching the South Pole of the Moon. But Congress keeps making failed attempts to launch its 'Rajkumar'. When Modi ji says, Bhrashtachar mitao, then Congress says, Modi ko mitao aur Gandhi parivar ko bachao. Is this right? Dhami added. Among the 543 Lok Sabha seats, Uttarakhand contributes just five seats and the BJP has fielded Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Anil Baluni, Ajay Tamta, Ajay Bhatt, and Trivendra Singh Rawat for these seats. The people of Uttarakhand will cast their ballots in a single phase on April 19, according to the Election Commission of India. Uttarakhand has traditionally witnessed a close contest between the BJP and Congress. Both parties see the state as an essential battleground for displaying and gaining supporters for their national narratives.The BJP had won all the Lok Sabha seats in the elections in both the 2014 and 2019 elections. With 47 out of 70 assembly seats, the BJP dominated in the 2022 assembly polls, while Congress got 19 seats. BSP and Independents hold 2 seats each. (ANI)
Many people who are fond of traveling like to visit hill stations in both the summer and winter seasons. In such a situation, Nainital, the main tourist destination of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state, is also the choice of most people. Nainital is called the city of lakes. It is a unique hill station, built around a uniquely shaped lake, which we know as Naini Lake. The natural views, mountains, greenery, and lake here will fascinate you. Be it seeing the captivating weather, shopping, enjoying adventure sports, or eating food, there is something here for the tourists who are fond of all these things. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about the main tourist places of Nainital that you should visit. Let us know about them... Eco Cave Garden Famous for its hanging gardens and musical fountains, this cave is a combination of 6 small caves that are made in the shape of animals. Mainly this Nainital tourist spot has been created so that the tourists can be introduced to a glimpse of the natural habitat of the Himalayan wildlife. You may face some difficulty in going inside but the lamps burning with petrol will attract you. The famous caves here are Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Apes Cave, Bat Cave, and Flying Fox Cave. Snow view point The most special thing about hill stations is the snowy mountains and Himalayan beauty visible from there. Tourists will be able to see the high snowy mountains and white sheets of clouds closely from the Snow View Point of Nainital. Don't forget to take your camera with you here so you can capture the beautiful views with your family. You can see the three major peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul from Snow View Point. Here you can also enjoy seeing the beauty of the Himalayan range and attractive magical peaks with the help of binoculars. Nainital Lake Nainital Lake is located amidst the township of Nainital in Kumaon, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater body. Naini Peak in the northwest, Tiffin Point in the southwest, and Nainital Lake, surrounded by snow-clad peaks in the north, offer a breathtaking view, especially during dawn and sunset. It is most famous for boating, picnics, and evening walks. The conifer trees covering the hill add to the raw beauty of this place. Nainital Mall Road, a major shopping hub of the city, runs parallel to Naini Lake and is a must-visit for every shopping enthusiast. A visit to Naini Lake is perhaps incomplete if one does not go boating here. Naina Devi Temple Revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas located across India, Naina Devi Temple is a sacred site located on the northern bank of Naini Lake in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. This temple is one of the most famous places of Hindu worship in the entire country. Dedicated to the eyes of Goddess Sati, devotees from all parts of India visit this area throughout the year. The temple was built in 15 A.D., while the idol of Naina Devi was installed in the temple in 1842 by a devotee of the goddess named Moti Ram Shah. Unfortunately, the temple collapsed due to a massive landslide in 1882. It was rebuilt again in 1883 by residents of the area. This shows his immense faith in the Goddess as well as his strong faith in his religion and values. The main deity of Naina Devi temple is Maa Naina Devi or Mata Sati. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built at the exact spot. The place where Goddess Sati's gaze fell on the earth. Mall Road This road built on the banks of Naini Lake connects Mallital and Tallital. Here you will see a bustling atmosphere all the time. You will get to see a mixture of Uttarakhandi culture and traditional delicious food here. This is also a suitable place for shopping where you can easily get beautiful warm clothes. Then what are you waiting for, come and allow Nainital to serve you. If you miss this place in Nainital sightseeing, you will regret it. Tiffin top Tiffin Top is a very famous tourist attraction of Nainital, also known as Dorothy's Seat. This is an excellent picnic spot from where the entire view of Nainital city can be seen. The beautiful Tiffin Top is surrounded by cher, oak, and deodar trees. Naini Lake and Kumaon Hills look very beautiful when seen from here. On clear days the majestic view of Nanda Devi can also be seen. The attraction was named Tiffin Top after people ate lunch at the top of the hill at Dorothy's Seat. The panoramic views of Tiffin Top serve as a perfect place for an adventurous trip. The surrounding peaks of the Aryapatta Hills and the spectacular landscape of Nainital make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This place is named after Dorothy Kellett, an English painter who used to paint sitting at this place. Kanchi Dham Kanchi Dham, famous as Neem Karauli Baba Ashram, is a small ashram and temple of Lord Hanuman located on Nainital Almora road. This temple is built in the dedication of Shri Neem Karoli Baba Ji who was a Hindu Guru and a staunch devotee of Hanuman Ji, who is known to have performed many miracles during his lifetime. Apart from this, the environment around this ashram is also green and quite golden. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram serves as the perfect image of silence and solitude, as it is nestled in the foothills, surrounded by lush greenery. Devotees can also stay in this ashram located in Kanchi Dham. Hanuman Chalisa is recited several times throughout the day in the ashram. The temple hosts a huge fair every year on 15 June which is attended by locals and visitors alike. Jeolikot This place, which is called the gateway to Naini Lake, is a fascinating Nainital tourist spot. This is the abode of fresh fruits, flowers, and many types of butterflies. Those who love nature are welcome here. You can come here and capture pictures of colorful butterflies with your camera. Children will also be able to enjoy themselves a lot by coming here and making their short vacation memorable. Like these butterflies, your mind will also flutter without any worries, and waves of happiness will start moving in your mind. (PC: Lifeberrys)
The temperature starts increasing from the month of April. Mild summer starts from this month. The normal temperature in most of the plain areas is more than 30 degrees Celsius. Although there is not very humid heat. For those who hesitate to step out of the house in the severe cold of January-February, the month of April is a better time to travel. There is neither too much cold nor too humid heat in this month. Due to this, one does not have to face the problem of sweat and dehydration while travelling. There are also festivals like Chaitra Navratri, Eid Al Fitr, Baisakhi, Ram Navami in the month of April. Holidays for these festivals are also available in some offices. Apart from this, you can also go on a weekend trip. There is a chance to travel and the weather is also suitable for travelling, in such a situation, if you are planning a trip but are worried about the budget, then there is no need to worry. In this article, you are being told about some such tourist places, where you can visit in the month of April, that too in a budget of just Rs 5000. Pachmarhi Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Located on the Satpura hills, away from the peaks of Pachmarhi, one can see only greenery at this hill station. The month of April is suitable to see the magnificent carvings and waterfalls in the caves of Pachmarhi. Here you can also enjoy hiking and trekking. The nearest railway station to reach Pachmarhi is Pipariya. Bhopal or Jabalpur are the nearest airports by flight. Although there is a good road till Pachmarhi, you can enjoy the natural views while going by road. It will not cost much to visit and stay here. Dharamshala Dharamshala, a beautiful hill station located in the valleys of Himachal, is the best place to visit in April. Dharamshala is also called Mini Tibet. Tibetan flags keep waving all around here. You can visit this relaxing place amidst the mountains to see bustling markets, museums and monasteries. Bus to Dharamshala is easily available from Delhi, Shimla and Dehradun, which is also in budget. Hotel rent is also not very high. Mussoorie Mussoorie of Uttarakhand is also called 'Queen of Hills'. Cold winds blow in Mussoorie in April. While roaming on the streets of Mussoorie on Scooty during the day, the cool breeze amid the golden sunshine makes for a wonderful journey. Here you can visit Lal Tibba, Kempty Fall, Company Garden, Dalai Hills. Apart from this, one can also visit Dhanaulti and Surkanda Mata temples. For adventure, you will be able to enjoy many sports in the budget. The cost of living, traveling and eating in this hill station can be less than Rs 5000. Buses and taxis are easily available from Dehradun or Rishikesh to Mussoorie. Mount Abu The month of April is also a better time to visit Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan. There are dense forests around Mount Abu surrounded by a peak made of granite. There are many holy and ancient temples of Jains and Hindus here. Away from the scorching sun and heat, Mount Abu is a cool and close to nature city, with Abu Road being the nearest railway station to reach it. One can also reach here by road. Other places If the budget is high then the month of April is best suited to visit Darjeeling, Ravangla, Cherrapunji, Gulmarg, Ooty and Tawang. Apart from this, the month of April is also the right time to visit Nainital and Ooty. (PC: iStock)
PM Modi News | BJP Campaign In Uttarakhand | PM Modi To Kick Off Uttarakhand Campaign From Rudrapur
PM Modi News | BJP Campaign In Uttarakhand | PM Modi To Kick Off Uttarakhand Campaign From Rudrapur | News18Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch BJP's Lok Sabha campaign in Uttarakhand on April 2 with a rally in Rudrapur, which is part of the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency.Anticipating a massive turnout, state BJP president Mahendra Bhatt claimed that over one lakh people were expected at the rally.
India is a famous republic for tourism, which is famous for its diversity, historical heritage, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and religious places. Tourism in India is famous for various natural attractions, historical sites, religious tours, cultural festivals, and diversity. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, India has various natural beauty spots and national parks, such as Gulmarg in Kashmir, Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Nainital in Uttarakhand and Munnar in Kerala. Indian historical sites such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Khajuraho Temples, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and Humayun's Tomb also attract tourists from all over the world. Religious pilgrimages such as Char Dham Yatra, Vaishno Devi, Kumbh Mela on the banks of river Ganga, and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi inspire tourists to visit India. Holi, Diwali, Navratri, and Pushkar Fair are particularly popular among Indian cultural festivals and fairs. India provides comfortable and safe stays to its tourists through tourism organizations, good hotels, and special schemes. For this, India's tourism industry is famous all over the world and attracts millions of tourists every year. Some of the most expensive hotels in India are: Raj Palace, Jaipur: Raj Palace is a luxurious hotel in Jaipur which was earlier the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The hotel has 394 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 14 lakh. Oberoi Amarvilla, Agra: Oberoi Amarvilla is a luxury hotel in Agra that offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel has 102 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 80,000. The Oberoi, Mumbai: The Oberoi is a luxurious hotel in Mumbai located on Marine Drive. The hotel has 287 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 70,000. The Leela Palace, New Delhi: The Leela Palace is a luxury hotel in New Delhi located in Chanakyapuri. The hotel has 254 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 60,000. Taj Falknum Palace, Hyderabad: Taj Falknum Palace is a luxurious hotel in Hyderabad which was earlier the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The hotel has 60 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 50,000. These are some of the many expensive hotels in India. These hotels offer superb facilities and services and are perfect for guests looking for a unique and memorable experience. (PC: Google)
PM Modi to kick off Lok Sabha poll campaign in Uttarakhand from Rudrapur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off the BJP's campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttarakhand by speaking at a rally in Rudrapur on Tuesday. The rally, to be held in the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency, is expected to draw over a lakh attendees, according to state BJP president Mahendra Bhatt.
LS polls: PM Modi to kick off Uttarakhand election campaign from Rudrapur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off the BJP's campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttarakhand by speaking at a rally in Rudrapur on Tuesday. The rally, to be held in the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency, is expected to draw over a lakh attendees, according to state BJP president Mahendra Bhatt.
Uttarakhand Congress in turmoil as another prominent leader quits party to join BJP
DEHRADUN: The Congress party, which is currently grappling with a tumultuous period marked by a steady departure of its leaders in Uttarakhand, faced another blow on Sunday as senior Congress leader Mahesh Sharma from Kaladhungi bid adieu to the party. Sharma tendered his resignation on Sunday and made the switch to the BJP. Sharma, who has been associated with the Congress for over two decades and contested elections twice from Kaladhungi constituency, and is said to be close to Harish Rawat. Mahesh Sharma contested the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly election from Kaladhungi constituency on a Congress ticket unsuccessfully. Additionally, his wife, Kamlesh Sharma, has previously served as the district panchayat president. For the upcoming elections, Sharma had sought a ticket from the Congress, strongly claiming candidature for the Nainital parliamentary seat. Despite his efforts, the party opted to nominate Prakash Joshi instead of Sharma. Disappointed with this decision, Mahesh Sharma bid a final farewell to the Congress. Efforts made by Congress veterans like Harish Rawat, Yashpal Arya and Sumit Hridayesh to persuade Sharma proved futile, as he eventually moved to the BJP. Mahesh Sharma was formally inducted into the BJP by State President Mahendra Bhatt. It has been revealed that another influential BJP figure, Mahendra Adhikari of Haldwani, played a pivotal role in facilitating Sharma's transition to the party. The increasing attraction of leaders from other political factions towards the BJP is a testament to our party's commitment to transparent governance, remarked Bhatt. State Congress chief Karan Mahara shared his perspective with The New Indian Express on the recent wave of party defections, The Congress party is a vast ocean with a history spanning over a century. Those who have chosen to leave the party for opportunistic reasons will inevitably face consequences in due time. Over the course of the last month, there has been a notable exodus from the Congress party, with a sitting MLA, Rajendra Bhandari, and two former MLAs among the 16 leaders who have decided to part ways with the party.
55 candidates left in fray for five Lok Sabha seats of Uttarakhand
55 candidates left in fray for five Lok Sabha seats of Uttarakhand One independent candidate from Almora has withdrawn from the contest leaving only 55 candidates in the fray for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls in Uttarakhand. Arjun Kumar Dev, the independent candidate from Almora, withdrew on the last date for withdrawal of nominations on Saturday, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande said. Dev was the lone candidate to withdraw, he said. There are now a total of 55 candidates in the fray for the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the state which go to polls in the first phase on April 19. There are 11 candidates in the fray for Tehri seat, 13 for Pauri Garhwal, 7 for Almora, 10 for Nainital and 14 for Haridwar, Jogdande said. The additional chief electoral officer said that publishing and broadcasting of exit poll results will be completely prohibited during the entire election process as per the Election Commission's instructions. Jogdande said that there will be a ban on the publication and telecast of exit polls from 7 am on April 19 to 6:30 pm on June 1. All media houses will have to ensure compliance with these restrictions, he said. Along with this, conducting opinion polls and publishing and broadcasting its results 48 hours before the end of voting will also be completely prohibited, Jogdande said.
The temperature starts increasing from March onwards. Summer season starts coming. As April approaches, the sun becomes brighter and the day begins to feel hot. In such a situation, there is very little cold in this month and there is no humid heat like June-July. Apart from this, there is no possibility of rain in April. In such a situation, if you are planning to go somewhere or are looking for a chance to travel for a long time, then you can go on a trip with friends and family this month. However, to travel in April, holidays are required. You can go on a trip for two to three holidays. Let us know how many holidays, bank holidays, and long weekends are available in the month of April, during which travel can be planned. Bank holidays in April Eid-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti are being celebrated this month. In such a situation, there will be bank holidays on these three occasions. Most of the offices schools and colleges will also remain closed. In such a situation, you will easily get three holidays this month to go on a trip. Weekend in April The 6th and 7th of April are Saturday and Sunday. There are weekends on 13-14 April, 20 and 21, and 27 and 28 April. You can go on a weekend trip on these dates. When to go on a trip in April Most holidays are in April. Three government and long weekends are available. If you want to go for a trip, then Thursday 11th April is the holiday of Eid ul Fitr, the next day will be Friday 12th April and you will get a weekend on the 13th and 14th of April. You will have four days to travel. Where to visit in April Considering the temperature and weather of this month, you can visit the Manali and Dalhousie hill stations of Himachal Pradesh in April. One can enjoy here to the fullest in a two to three-day vacation. Also, the weather in both these places remains favorable in April. Apart from this, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday amidst natural views and waterfalls at Pachmarhi Hill Station in Madhya Pradesh. You can visit Bhedaghat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The view here will seem like a foreign trip. You can also visit Nainital of Uttarakhand in April. Also, the weather and environment of Kannur, Kerala is excellent to visit with family, friends, or partners in April. (PC: ISTOCK)
April is a month of the year when it starts getting hot in almost every part of the country. There are holidays in children's schools also this month. Children's holidays mean time to travel. Yes, during holidays, children start insisting on their parents to go out for a trip. In such a situation, many parents start looking for some best places to visit. If you are also planning to travel with family during the April holidays, then you can explore these wonderful places from Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand and South India. Nainital If you are planning to visit the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand during the April holidays, then you can take a trip to Nainital. Nainital is such a hill station, where the family members will rejoice after visiting. In Nainital, which is situated at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters above sea level, one can enjoy a cool breeze in April. Children will thank you after visiting Jim Corbett National Park located in Nainital. You can also enjoy boating with children in Nainital. Apart from this, you can explore places like Cave Garden and Tiffin Top. You can also do adventure activities here with the family. Dalhousie Dalhousie, situated at an altitude of more than 6 thousand feet above sea level, is one of the most beautiful places in India. The beauty of Khajjiar located in Dalhousie is so popular that it is also called the mini Switzerland of the country. Even during April when it is extremely hot in other parts, the temperature in Dalhousie remains between 10C to 25C. You and your kids will surely be ecstatic after roaming in the cool breeze of Dalhousie. In Dalhousie you can explore amazing places like Khajjiar, Panchpula Waterfall and GanjiPahari. Alleppey If you are planning to visit the beach with your family during the April holidays, then you should reach Alleppey in Kerala. This beautiful sea place is also known as Alappuzha. The beauty of Alleppey is so popular that it is also called Venice of the East. This beautiful city is famous all over India for its beautiful backwaters, beaches and lagoons. You can also enjoy the Nehru Boat Race in this beautiful city. In Alleppey, you can explore wonderful places like houseboats, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Vembanad Lake with the family. You can also enjoy water sports here with your family. Darjeeling When it comes to travelling in East India, the name of Darjeeling is taken first. Darjeeling, located in the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas, is a beautiful hill station and also a popular hill station. High mountains, dense forests lakes and waterfalls add to the beauty of this hill station. The family members will jump with joy after travelling in the toy train running in Darjeeling. In Darjeeling you can visit the best places like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Happy Well and Rock Garden. Shimla Be it any month of the year, visiting Shimla is a different pleasure. In April, you can have a lot of fun and excitement with your family in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters above sea level, the temperature in Shimla remains between 15C to 25C even in the hottest summer. In Shimla, you can explore wonderful places like Kufri Mall Road, Jakhu Hill, Jakhu Temple and Summer Hill. You can also do adventure activities here with the family.
Country has become strong under successful leadership of PM Modi: CM Dhami
Country has become strong under successful leadership of PM Modi: CM Dhami Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said that the country has become strong and the countrymen have become empowered under the successful leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said while attending a meeting with party officials in Ramnagar, Under the successful leadership of the Prime Minister, the country has become strong and the countrymen have become empowered. During his visit, the Chief Minister discussed in detail with the workers various points to ensure the massive victory of the BJP in the Pauri Lok Sabha seat in the Lok Sabha elections. CM Dhami said that our hardworking workers are the basis of a strong party. The workers have played an important role in taking the public welfare and development work being done by the government to the people. Setting a target for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, CM Dhami set a target of winning all five seats in Uttarakhand with a huge number of votes and appealed to work hard to bring the Modi government back to power with more than 400 seats. Voting for the Lok Sabha election in the five constituencies of Uttarakhand, i.e., Almora, Garhwal, Hardwar, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar and Tehri Garhwal, will be held on April 19. The ruling government of the BJP-led NDA won all five seats in the hilly state in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections. The 2024 general elections will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in the general election. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) won 303 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) managed to get only 52 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) won 282 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) managed to get only 44 seats. (ANI)
Congress fielding fresh candidates in Uttarakhand may boost chances for BJP, say analysts
DEHRADUN: While the Congress is already facing tough challenges by fielding new faces in four of the five seats in Uttarakhand for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party has just made it even more worse for the grand old party. BSP has unexpectedly announced two Muslim candidates from Haridwar and Nainital seats, making the entire electoral equation more complicated for the Congress, as the party is also heavily dependent on the same muslim vote bank. Political analysts argue that the decision by the Congress leadership to introduce fresh candidates in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, rather than relying on seasoned politicians, may inadvertently bolster the BJP's chances in the hilly state. BJP has in the previous general elections, managed to secure five seats in the state. Political analysts and experts have termed Congress' move as a walkover by the Congress to the BJP. After the deadline for filing nominations for five seats in Uttarakhand on Wednesday, candidates' forms will be scrutinised on March 28, with an option to withdraw names available by March 30. Thereafter, candidates will have only three weeks to campaign before the April 19 election. In addition to Pradeep Tamta from Almora, the Congress has introduced fresh candidates for the remaining four parliamentary constituencies in the state. Jot Singh Ghansola for Tehri, Ganesh Godiyal for Pauri, Virendra Rawat for Haridwar, and Prakash Joshi for Nainital are the newcomers. Notably, prominent party figures such as Harish Rawat, Yashpal Arya, Pritam Singh, and Harak Singh Rawat have opted out of contesting in this parliamentary election. Historian and political analyst Jai Singh Rawat characterized the present situation in Uttarakhand as lamentable. In the upcoming election, which is poised to be a contest between the BJP's religion-focused agenda and the diminishing ethical standards of Congress members, with the exception of a single seat, the Congress has effectively given a walkover to the BJP on all seats in the state. Political analyst Avikal Thapliyal told this daily, BSP leader Mayawati, who appears to be charting a distinct course from the Indian alliance, has clearly caused a division in the secular vote by fielding a Muslim candidate in Haridwar. Here, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat has secured a ticket from the Congress for his son Virendra Rawat's political launch. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national general secretary Mewalal Gautam on Tuesday announced candidates for five seats in Uttarakhand -- Neemchand Churiyal from Tehri, Dhir Singh Bisht from Pauri, Narayan Ram from Almora, Akhtar Ali Mahigir from Nainital and Jamil Ahmed from Haridwar.
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ND Tiwaris nephew bids adieu to Congress
DEHRADUN: In a series of setbacks for the Congress in Uttarakhand, another prominent leader, Deepak Balutia, who is the nephew of former Chief Minister late Narain Dutt Tiwari, has decided to part ways with the party. Balutia, who has been actively involved in politics from his student days, said, Currently, I have no intention of joining any other party. Balutia is the 15th leader to snap ties with the Congress since the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. As per the political scenario of Nainital parliamentary constituency, Balutia was the frontrunner for this seat. However, when Prakash Joshi was selected as a candidate by the partys top leadership, Balutia tendered his resignation. Balutia had presented his candidacy in the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to this newspaper, he said, Prior to this, I had expressed my wish to contest the elections from Haldwani Nagar Nigam and Haldwani Vidhan Sabha. He added that he has been serving the party for 35 years yet the central leadership has consistently overlooked him.
Exodus continues as 3-time BSP MLA from Haridwar joins BJP
DEHRADUN: As part of its ongoing drive to woo prominent leaders of other parties, the BJP has succeeded in bringing three-time Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Haridas from Jhabrera assembly constituency in Haridwar parliamentary constituency into its party fold. The BJP has managed to rope in several influential leaders. A significant number of Congress besides few Aam Aadmi Party members have recently crossed over to the BJP camp. The BJP has fielded former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat for the Haridwar Lok Sabha seat, replacing the incumbent MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. In order to avoid potential backlash from Nishanks supporters and to ensure a smooth campaign for Trivendra, the BJP seems hesitant to take any risks in the upcoming elections in Haridwar. Since the inception of Uttarakhand, the BSP has maintained a solid voter base in the Haridwar and Roorkee region. The recent induction of Haridas into BJP is being seen as a strategic move to potentially sway BSPs established support towards the BJP, marking a significant development in the political landscape of the region. With senior leader Haridas joining the party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has got support from all religions, castes, regions and Devbhoomi, BJP state president Mahender Bhatt said. BSP state president Chaudhary Shishpal said, Haridas was not in BSP, he was already expelled from the party. On the other hand, the Congress party finalised its candidates for the constituencies of Haridwar and Nainital. The decision to award a ticket to Harish Rawats son, Virendra, has stirred up controversy for the veteran politician.
