Cloudburst in Uttarkashi causes flash floods, 82 stranded pilgrims airlifted as Yamuna overflows

DEHRADUN: A cloud burst on Thursday night unleashed flash floods, causing the Yamuna River to surge dramatically and inflicting widespread damage to properties due to the powerful water currents. The water level rose alarmingly, reaching the parking area in Jankichatti, and resulting in the collapse of embankments in Yamunotri Dham and the security wall of the bridge leading to the revered Yamunotri temple. According to government sources, three ponies and a motorcycle were swept away in Jankichatti due to the flash flooding. The sudden and intense rainfall caused widespread destruction in the region, with multiple reports of damage and disruption. According to information received at the state headquarters, the heavy rainfall has caused significant damage, with multiple reports of disruption and stranded travelers. The situation is being closely monitored, and rescue efforts are underway to assist those affected. District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told TNIE , An alternative helipad has been set up in Gandhar. Out of 105 pilgrims stranded on the Madhyamaheshwar route, 82 have been rescued so far by Trans Bharat and Himalayan Heli Services, under the supervision of the district administration. DDMO Rajwar, who is closely monitoring the situation, stated, Rescue operations will resume as soon as the weather clears up. Meanwhile, the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are flowing at dangerous levels, adding to the challenges faced by the rescue teams. Speaking to TNIE, Commandant Manikant Mishra of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) revealed, A team of SDRF, led by Inspector Anirudh Bhandari, has successfully rescued around 25-30 people stranded near Gondar on the Madmaheshwar trek in Rudraprayag district. The team reached the location, five kilometers below Madmaheshwar, via helicopter and safely evacuated the trekkers to a secure location. Commandant Mishra further added, Another SDRF team has reached the incident site on foot from Augustyamuni Post, ensuring a comprehensive rescue operation. Gangotri Dham Rawal Harish Semwal told TNIE , The Ganges has assumed a fierce form, and mild earthquake tremors were felt late at night, causing panic in the region for a while. Heavy rainfall at the source of the Yamuna river has caused significant damage to the temple complex in Yamunotri Dham. The temple committee's office, kitchen, and other structures have also been affected. Purushottam Uniyal, president of the Purohit Mahasabha, confirmed that while there have been no casualties, properties have suffered damage. He attributed the extensive damage to the temple complex to the accumulation of debris, boulders, and stones at the mouth of the Yamuna River. Panic gripped the region overnight as the Yamuna river unleashed its fury along a six-kilometer stretch between Jankichatti and Yamunotri, causing widespread chaos and disruption. According to the Uttarkashi District Disaster Management Office, the registration center near Ram Mandir on the Jankichatti-Yamunotri pedestrian route has been damaged. Additionally, the Yamunotri Highway is blocked at Ojri Dabarkot, preventing government officials from reaching Yamunotri Dham from Barkot. SDM Mukesh Chand Ramola confirmed that there have been no casualties, but properties have suffered significant damage. An assessment of the damage will be conducted once the Ojri Dabarkot route is cleared. The Tehsildar has been dispatched with a revenue team to survey the area.

Dehradun schools, Anganwadi centers to remain closed on Friday due to heavy rain alert

Al; government and private schools and Anganwadi centers in Dehradun will be closed today due to an 'orange' alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning issued by the NDMA. District Magistrate Sonika announced the closure to ensure safety and prevent incidents.

Uttarakhand seeks central assistance to manage growing floating population of pilgrims, tourists

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand, renowned globally for its spiritual and domestic tourism, is facing an unprecedented challenge with its floating population surging eight-fold annually. Disappointed in the omission of the key issues pertaining to Uttarakhand in the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, the state government have decided to approach the Centre via Niti Aayog for help in coping with the massive tourist influx. Finance Minister Premchand Agarwal had earlier requested Sitharaman to address the state's key issues, including the challenges posed by the floating population, but the budget made no mention of it. We request the Niti Aayog to provide us with central aid to cater to the millions of people who visit us every year, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said while interacting with media persons here. Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Dhami said, Our state's population is multiplied eight times due to the arrival of people from across the country for Char Dham Yatra, Kanwar Yatra, and other religious pilgrimages, putting a massive strain on our resources. According to sources, the Uttarakhand government had also requested the Centre to include in the Union Budget, compensation for damages caused by devastating forest fires and high-voltage transmission line losses in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. However, this was also omitted from the recently announced budget. The budget barely mentions or rather neglects the severe environmental and climate challenges in its nine key priorities. While there are assurances for Uttarakhand, Himachal, and Sikkim, there is nothing significant for these regions in the budget, social activist Anoop Nautiyal told TNIE. Uttarakhand has been overlooked with no allocation for green bonus or floating population. Rudraprayag and Tehri districts, among the 147 most landslide-prone districts in the country, had hoped for some relief. We expected the budget to announce the establishment of glacier or landslide research centers in Uttarakhand, but that hasn't happened, he said. The NDA government's budget this time has been the most disappointing, especially considering that Uttarakhand is severely affected by forest fires and disasters. Despite this, the Centre has chosen to ignore the state's needs and failed to make provisions in the central budget for this purpose, Uttarakhand Congress chief spokesperson Garima Dasoni told TNIE.

Nine-year-old girl mauled to death by leopard in Uttarakhand's Tehri district

DEHRADUN: A tragic incident unfolded in Bhoud village of Tehri district, Uttarakhand, on Monday afternoon, when a nine-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard while playing in courtyard. The half-eaten body of the child was recovered from a nearby bush, about 30 meters away from her home. According to sources, Poonam, the nine-year-old daughter of Rukam Singh, a resident of Bhoud village in Hindaw Patti, was attacked by a leopard while playing alone in the courtyard of her home. Her three siblings were inside the house at the time of the incident, while her mother, Usha Devi, was away at a nearby temple. Following the incident, officials on Tuesday obtained approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden to issue a shoot-on-sight order for the rogue leopard, aiming to prevent further attacks and restore safety in the area. In a heart-wrenching incident, Poonam was found dead in a gruesome state, lying among bushes approximately 30 meters away from her home. The ordeal began when her mother returned from a temple visit around 4 pm to find Poonam missing, while her siblings, Priyanka, Prince, and Aaradhya, were asleep in their room. A desperate search effort ensued, with the mother and neighbours scouring the area. The discovery of Poonam's slippers and bloodstains on the path raised alarms, and after an agonizing five-hour search, Poonam's half-eaten body was found in the underbrush, sending shockwaves through the community. Forest Ranger Ashish Nautiyal told TNIE , A cage trap has been set up in the village to capture the leopard, while trap cameras are being installed to track its movements. Leopard count dips amid rising cases of human-wildlife conflicts in Uttarakhand Meanwhile, a protest erupted at the Devprayag tehsil headquarters, where public representatives and students demanded accountability for the rising leopard attacks. The protesters called for the removal of negligent forest officials and the installation of cage traps around the village perimeter to ensure the safety of villagers. According to sources in the state forest department, Uttarakhand has seen a surge in human-wildlife conflict this year, with 19 people killed and 43 injured in separate attacks by tigers and leopards in the past six months. The majority of the victims were children. The month of July alone has seen seven fatalities due to leopard and tiger attacks, sparking concerns over the growing menace of wildlife conflicts in the state.

Muslim families who fled violence in Purola return after 'Love Jihad' allegations fell flat in court

Muslim families, who were forced to flee their homes in Uttarakhand's Purola, after an accusation of two men abducting a Hindu minor girl wreaked havoc , have started returning to the town, according to media reports. In May last year, rumours spread in the town regarding the abduction of a minor Hindu girl by two men- Ubaid Khan and Jitendra Saini, which was further exacerbated reportedly by news channels which provided a platform for spreading misinformation with regard to Love Jihad and targeting the Muslim community in the area. Following the rumours, Muslim residents of the town were subjected to targeted attacks by members of Hindutva outfits, including pasting posters on a Muslim-owned shop, demanding they leave town or face violence. They also demanded a complete ban on the entry of Muslims into Purola, which is close to the Yamunotri Temple which is a holy site in Uttarakhand. As a result of the intimidation, around 42 Muslim families felt compelled to flee the town overnight, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods. Some of them also sold properties to Hindu residents, fearing they might not be able to return to the town, according to The Wire . Uttarakhand: After Purola, Muslim shopkeeper's shop closed in Kalsi for selling puja items Police arrested the men within hours, but the two were acquitted on July 18, 2024, by a local court in Uttarakhand, after the allegations against them fell flat. According to media reports, the acquittal came after the minor girl testified before the court that she was tutored by the state police to say that the Muslim youth, Uvaid Khan, in cahoots with a Hindu youth, Jitendra Saini, was forcibly putting her in a three-wheeler to whisk her away to his home in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh to commit Love Jihad. During the 19 hearings, in Judge Gurubaksh Singhs district and sessions court, the 13-year-old girl contradicted her initial statement to the police, revealing that the police had coached her on what to say, reported The Times of India. The girls uncle in his police complaint had stated that his acquaintance, Ashish Chunar, who runs a computer shop in Purola market, had informed him that Khan and Saini were transporting the girl to Naugaon, approximately 18 km from Purola, in a tempo. The police had reportedly invoked Section 366A (inducing a minor to go from anywhere) of the IPC and sections of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the two men. But later Chunar withdrew his statement after failing to identify the accused. The girl told the court that she went to Purola market and was looking for a tailors shop. She had asked for help from Ubaid and Saini and the two showed her the shop. The girl stated the two made no attempt to abduct her, The Hindu reported Halim Beg, the lawyer who appeared for the suspects in court as saying. Almost a year later, months after the case and allegations of Love Jihad fell flat in the court, some Muslim families are returning to their homes, though without any closure to the violence they endured. Sonu Khan, who runs a garments shop in Purola, said he had to sell his house after the communal tension. Even after a year, the business has never picked up pace, he told The Hindu. Me and my brother Sahil Khan had lived here since birth as my father moved to Uttarkashi in 1975. Only God knows what made everyone turn against us. I had to sell my house fearing that we may have to leave town. I stayed with a relative for some days but later, one of my Hindu friends supported me and offered to keep me in his house. Even now, Hindu customers rarely come to my shop, Sonu Khan said. Sahil Khan had fled the town and moved to Vikas Nagar, 110 km away, and started a mobile repair shop to earn a living. I dont think I will ever be able to go back to that town. The rally taken out by my own Hindu friends against my community will haunt me forever, Sahil Khan told The Hindu . Another resident Mohammed Farukh said several people who had left the town amid the turmoil returned earlier this year but they are all struggling to earn a living as business has been badly hit. We were not even allowed to offer Eid namaz in Purola after that incident, he told The Hindu. There are also families who are struggling to start a life elsewhere, still in shock and refusing to come back. Mohammad Jahid is one of them. Jahid used to run two garment shops in Purola. He fled the town and is starting a new life in Dehradun. Meanwhile, the two men who were falsely implicated in the case are still struggling to accept the turn of events. Ubaid Khan is still in a state of shock, one of his relatives told The Hindu . His family had a furniture shop in Purola which they had to sell hurriedly. They couldnt even get 20% of the value of the shop and its stock. His brother had to run from pillar to post to fight his case and now, the family is trying to set up another business for him in Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, the newspaper reported Khan's relative as saying. Jitendra Saini has moved to Bijnor, while his family had to take a loan to fight the case, according to the report.

Uttarakhand will accommodate Agniveers in government departments: CM Dhami

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday the Agniveers of the state who return after serving the country will be accommodated in various departments of the state and a provision for reservation will also be made in this regard. The chief minister said during a programme here that after the Agniveer scheme was brought, he had a meeting with Army officers, former officers, soldiers and others. On June 15, 2022, he had announced on 'X' that his government will accommodate the Agniveers in various departments of the state, including police, and will give them priority. He said that a provision for reservation will also be made for Agniveers. Dhami said that if required, a proposal to enact a law to accommodate Agniveers will also be brought in the Cabinet and placed in the assembly.

Part of Delhi-Dehradun e-way from Akshardham may be ready by Nov

Uttarakhand UCC law: Nainital High Court provides landmark protection to interfaith live-in couple

DEHRADUN: In a significant judgment, the Nainital High Court has provided protection to an interfaith live-in couple, setting a precedent after the implementation of Uttarakhand's newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law. The court ruled that the couple will be provided protection if they register under the UCC Act within 48 hours. The Nainital High Court on July 18 heard the petition of a 26-year-old Hindu woman and a 21-year-old Muslim man and delivered this verdict. The couple claimed that the parents and brother of one of the petitioners were threatening them, while they are currently living in Dehradun. During the hearing, the counsel for the State of Uttarakhand informed the High Court that according to Section 378(1) of the newly enacted Uniform Civil Code , live-in partners residing in the state - regardless of their residency status - are required to provide details of their live-in relationship to the Registrar under whose jurisdiction they reside. A double bench of the Uttarakhand High Court, comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit, has disposed of a petition filed by an interfaith couple, providing them with protection. The court ordered that if the couple applies for registration under the Uniform Civil Code within 48 hours, the Station House Officer of Dalanwala police station in Dehradun shall provide adequate protection to the couple for a period of six weeks. This protection will ensure that no harm is caused to the couple from the private respondents or any other person acting on their behalf. Uttarakhand UCC Bill: Contentious provisions aim at regulating personal laws, declaring live-in relationships Why Uttarakhand UCC is creating anxiety Speaking to TNIE , advocate Mohd Matlub, who represented the interfaith couple, emphasized that petitions challenging the Uniform Civil Code are currently pending before the Supreme Court. He stressed that Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees 'Protection of life and personal liberty,' ensures that no individual shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except in accordance with procedures established by law. Sources revealed that the government representative mistakenly assumed that the UCC law has come into effect, as the bill has been passed and received presidential assent. However, the Uniform Civil Code bill, passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 7, became a law on March 11 with President Droupadi Murmu's consent, but its implementation is pending. The rules and implementation committee of UCC, headed by retired IAS Shatrughan Singh, is expected to submit its report by September.

Kanwar Yatra: Muzaffarnagar order now extended to UP, Uttarakhand

Lucknow/Dehradun: Days after Muzaffarnagar Police asked all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners names, the Uttar Pradesh government is extending the controversial order across the state and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said similar instructions are already in place there. The order issued by the Muzaffarnagar police earlier this week 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 .

Uttarakhand HC grants protection to inter-faith live-in couple; what it means

Dehradun, July 19: In one of the first cases after the passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law, the Uttarakhand High Court has disposed the writ petition of a live-in couple, over a threat to their lives allegedly from family members because of inter-faith relationship, and granted them police protection. It has also directed [] The post Uttarakhand HC grants protection to inter-faith live-in couple; what it means appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Applications open for RIMC entrance exam 2025

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (AP PSC) has announced the commencement of applications for the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) entrance examination for the July 2025 term. The entrance exam, aimed at admitting boys and girls into Class VIII at RIMC, Dehradun, will be held on Dec 1, 2024, across designated centres in various states. The RIMC, known for its rigorous academic and military training, invites candidates aged between 11 to 13 years as of July 1, 2025, to apply. Applicants must either be currently enrolled in Class VII or have passed the Seventh grade from a recognised school by the admission date. The examination will cover subjects including Mathematics, General Knowledge and English, followed by a viva-voce for successful candidates. Candidates who clear the written test will proceed to a viva-voce interview, assessing their intelligence, personality, and communication skills. Subsequently, a medical examination at designated Military Hospitals will determine the final selection based on medical fitness. Application forms, along with necessary documents such as birth certificates, domicile proof and Aadhar cards must be submitted in duplicate to the Assistant Secretary (Exams), A.P. Public Service Commission, Vijayawada, by Sept 30, 2024. The application fee is Rs 600 for General candidates and Rs 555 for SC/ST candidates, payable via online transaction or demand draft. Interested applicants are advised to visit the RIMC website (www.rimc.gov.in) for detailed instructions and updates regarding the examination process. Further information on the exam centres and application procedures can be obtained from the Commissions office in Vijayawada.

Char Dham road project may get SC panel nod

DEHRADUN: The Supreme Courts high-power committee has reached a consensus to grant permission for the widening of the roads leading to the Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand though a final approval is awaited, a panel member said. The project aims to ensure smooth travel of the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath every year. According to officials, currently the 13-kilometre stretch from Augustmuni to Phata bypass in Kedarnath Dham is a single-lane road, causing frequent disruptions in vehicular traffic. Similarly, the 23-km route from Paligad to Janki-Chatti on the Yamunotri Dham road is also a single-lane road. Deliberations are going on to ensure that the project aligns with the steep valley terrain and takes into account the carrying capacity of fragile Himalayan valleys, as mandated by the Supreme Court, Hemant Dhayani, a senior member of the committee, told this newspaper. There has been some consensus in HPC, but deliberations are still going on, Dhyani said, indicating that a final agreement is yet to be reached. The road-widening project on the Char Dham route was halted five years ago due to environmental concerns related to hill cutting, according to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials. Deepak Yadav, chief engineer of the Public Works Department, said the road widening project would get approval. We will initiate the procedure and finalise a detailed project report (DPR), Yadav said. According to NHAI officials, the road width will be increased to seven metres with an additional pavement, making it approximately 10 metres wide which will facilitate smoother travel. In a bid to analyse the environmental impact of the Char Dham project, the SC formed the HPC in August 2019, tasking it with recommending measures to minimise ecological damage. The project has been a subject of concern for environmentalists. Ravi Chopra, a renowned environmentalist and former chairperson of the HPC, resigned in February 2022, citing differences in the committees approach. The committees ongoing deliberations are crucial in shaping the projects future and ensuring a balance between development and environmental sustainability. Environmentalist Chopra, while sharing his concerns, emphasised the need for a thoughtful approach. The recent three-day closure of the Badrinath Highway, a strategically sensitive issue, should be taken seriously as it connects our border, Chopra said. He stressed the importance of prioritising safety over width, considering the areas carrying capacity. They should adopt a safest approach rather than a widest approach, Chopra said.

Where is your sindoor, Hindutva mob attacks Christian prayer meet in Dehradun

A Christian prayer meeting was attacked by a Hindutva mob in Uttarakhands Dehradun district. The prayer meeting was being held in a residence on July 14. The mob forcefully entered the house alleging that a mass conversion was taking place. The Hindutva workers made derogatory remarks against the Christian faith, attacked the inmates including women 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 .

Former CM blames ticket distribution for BJP poor show

DEHRADUN: Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, who was denied a ticket by the BJP in the Lok Sabha election, has reiterated his disappointment over the partys ticket allocation process. Ever since the parliamentary polls, Rawat has been unrelenting in his criticism, stating that imposed candidates will not succeed in the future. The party cut Rawats ticket in favour of Anil Baluni, which disappointed him. The partys recent defeats in the Badrinath and Mangalour assembly bypolls have only intensified Rawats criticism. At Mondays partys working committee meeting, Rawat unequivocally stated that the party needs to re-think the implications of imposing candidates. His statement has put the entire state BJP on the defensive. In a scathing attack, the former chief minister termed the BJPs candidate selection criteria for the recent by-election in Uttarakhand incorrect. I had hinted at this earlier and also said that workers in the state are not getting the respect they deserve, Rawat said in his address. His remarks came after the BJP s recent defeat in the bypolls, sparked a debate within the party. Rawats criticism is seen as a significant development, as he has been a prominent party leader besides being the states former chief minister. Known for his unconventional style, Rawat has criticised the BJPs organisational lapses in the recent election results. However, he congratulated Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on completing three years in office, wishing him a 15-year tenure as CM.

Bollywood Takes Note of Raghav Juyal As Villain in Kill

Raghav Juyal is going in for the kill. Playing bad has served the 33-year-old dancer-turned-actor well, as he is being hailed as the deadliest villain ever seen on Indian screens. Raaghav plays the brutal Fani in filmmaker Nikhil Nagesh Bhats R-rated ultra-violent thriller Kill. It has been the perfect launch for me as a main actor. Had I been launched any other way, I couldnt have proven myself. Playing the character I have in Kill has created a buzz amongst filmmakers. Anurag Kashyap messaged me, saying I had cracked it, and that was the ultimate achievement for me. This film has opened doors that were earlier shut for me, says Raghav with full honesty. Kill, co-produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga, premiered at the Toronto International Festival in 2023. But unlike films that are toasts of the festival circuit, which usually struggle for a theatrical release, Kill is holding strong on the screens despite competition from biggies such as Kalki 2898 AD, and the fact that its a restricted watch, given its gory and ferocious content. We didnt go on a promotional overdrive; it was all word-of-mouth managing to get us audiences despite the nature of its content, which is not per everyones palate. My eyes welled when the film began with the Dharma signature tune. It was validation after 14 years of struggle, says the actor. Well known for his dance moves Called the King of Slow Motion given that he reinvented the slow motion dance walk, Raghav is a well-known dancer and choreographer as well as a show host. His appearances in films such as ABCD2, Street Dancer 3D and Kissi Ka Bhai Kissi Ki Jaan resulted in him being relegated to playing the supporting character to the likes of Varun Dhawan and Salman Khan. He feels that in Kill, he was evenly balanced with Lakshay in the lead. This is the right way to approach films and scripts. At the end of the day, the backbone of any project has to be acting and performance, thats what matters says Raghav. Nevertheless, he has to avoid the stereotype trap. The industry loves to box you. Earlier they would give me dancing parts and now it will be villainous avatars. I will balance my next Yudhra (with Siddhant Chaturvedi) with something lighter, he says. Hard work all the way Raghav, who hails from Dehradun, feels that an outsider like him is as good as his last project, since unlike those in the family, he may not get another chance. Its an old debate the Insiders vs. Outsiders. I have been here for a while, and yes, we have to work a bit harder; in a way, it helps you. Had I been one of the privileged few, maybe I would not have worked as hard, because you get comfortable. After a successful project, I have to work harder for the next and keep proving myself, since I have neither a Godfather nor backup. But I am glad we now have casting directors, who at least call actors like me for auditions, he stresses. Raghav notes that post-Kill, he has not only seen a change in the industrys attitude to him but audience perceptions as well. When I came here in 2011, I had youngsters who followed me, now I have cineastes leaving comments, he shares. Raghav, who is known for his smooth footwork on stage, feels Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal are the industrys most effortless dancers. Art needs to be easy. I see that in them. And now, having tasted blood with Kill, Raghav says he would love to star in a vampire film opposite Alia Bhatt.

Uttarakhand becomes first state to reserve 50 per cent seats for girls in student union elections

DEHRADUN: In a historic decision, the Uttarakhand government has announced that it will reserve 50% seats for girls in student union elections across all state and private colleges and universities, making it the first state in the country to do so. This move aims to promote gender equality and empower female students to take on leadership roles. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the state's educational institutions, encouraging more girls to participate in student politics and decision-making processes. Uttarakhand has set a precedent for other states to follow, paving the way for a more inclusive and gender-balanced future in student leadership. Speaking exclusively to The New Indian Express , Higher Education and Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said, We have issued instructions to all vice-chancellors of state universities to ensure that women students get 50% representation in student union elections. Additionally, we will also ensure participation of meritorious students in the student union. Rawat said, We aim to ensure that student unions in all university campuses and colleges become vibrant platforms for meritorious students to contribute to academic excellence and creative pursuits. We will ensure the participation of talented students in student unions and councils to achieve this goal. This move is expected to transform student unions into hubs of creative energy and academic rigor, going beyond mere political activism. Rawat told TNIE that in the state, a total of 152,387 students are enrolled in higher education institutions, comprising 100,272 female students and 52,115 male students. This indicates a significant gender disparity, with females constituting 65.8% of the student population and males making up 34.2%. Furthermore, in government college campuses alone, there are 97,997 students enrolled, with 30,130 males and 67,867 females, highlighting a notable gender imbalance in the state's higher education sector, he said. Rawat said elections will be held in all higher education institutions in accordance with the Lyngdoh Committee's recommendations. The vice-chancellors of the respective institutions have been instructed to make necessary changes to the university students' union constitutions to ensure compliance with the committee's guidelines, he added.

Congress Celebrates By-Poll Success: Lakhapat Singh Butolas Badrinath Win Emphasized in Poster

Dehradun: Following a resounding victory in the recent by-elections across seven states, Uttar Pradesh Congress youth leader Nitant Singh Nitin celebrated by displaying a poster at the UP Congress state headquarters on Sunday. The poster highlighted the INDIA Alliance's success in winning 11 out of 13 legislative assembly seats, focusing particularly on the triumph of Congress candidate Lakhapat Singh Butola in Uttarakhand's Badrinath seat. The poster, which was unveiled on July 11, declared, Constitution has won once again. After Ram Ji's Ayodhya, we received Lord Vishnus blessings in Badrinath. May Dharma win and the unrighteous be destroyed. This message has stirred controversy due to its religiou s undertones and its perceived triumphalism.The by-poll results were a significant blow to the BJP, which secured only two of the 13 seats contested. The INDIA bloc emerged victorious in 10 seats, while an independent candidate won a seat in Bihar. Polling for these by-elections occurred on July 10 across seven states: Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, Congress candidates won both contested seats. Lakhapat Singh Butola defeated BJP's Rajendra Singh Bhandari by a margin of 5,224 votes in Badrinath, and Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin won against BJPs Kartar Singh Bhadana in Manglaur with a margin of 422 votes.In Himachal Pradesh, Congress claimed two out of three seats with victories by Kamlesh Thakur in Dehra and Hardeep Singh Bawa in Nalagarh. BJP's Ashish Sharma won the seat in Hamirpur. Punjab saw the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a partner in the INDIA alliance, win in Jalandhar West. In Tamil Nadu, the DMK, also part of the INDIA alliance, secured a win in Vikravandi.In West Bengal, all four seats went to the All India Trinamool Congress, a key INDIA alliance partner, defeating the BJP in each contest.In Bihar, neither the JD(U) of the BJP-led NDA nor the RJD of the INDIA alliance was successful in securing a win. From Mars to Moon: India's Historic Achievements and Future Plans Praised by Former NASA Astronaut CM Siddaramaiah Faces Backlash After Farmers Petitions Found in Trash Heap Kerala CM Vijayan Inaugurates Vizhinjam International Seaport Amidst Controversies

25 years of Kargil war: IAF recalls 'Op Safed Sagar', pays homage to fallen heroes

NEW DELHI: The IAF on Sunday recalled the force's contribution in the Kargil war 25 years ago, during which it flew thousands of strike missions and helicopter sorties to bolster the Army's efforts in fighting against the adversary. To commemorate the silver jubilee of the victory in the 1999 Kargil war, the Indian Air Force is celebrating 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti' at Air Force Station Sarsawa from July 12-26, honouring the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, the ministry of defence said in a statement. On Saturday, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari laid a wreath at the Station War Memorial as a tribute to all air warriors who laid down their lives in service of the nation. He felicitated and interacted with many next-of-kin during the event. A spectacular air show was organised that included displays by the Akash Ganga Team and aerial displays by Jaguar, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale fighter aircraft. A 'Missing Man' formation was flown by Mi-17 V5 in memory of the fallen heroes. Honouring the #Bravehearts of the #Kargil War on its 25th Anniversary! Indian Air Force celebrates 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti' at AF Stn Sarsawa from 12 to 26 Jul 24. (1/2) #KargilVijayDiwas #SafedSagar More: #IndianAirForce #HeroesForever https://t.co/dSEXps9V5s pic.twitter.com/wKgxkRz0qk A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 14, 2024 A static display of IAF helicopters such as the Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, and Chinook was also organised, along with performances by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the Air Force Band, it said. The event was witnessed by over 5,000 spectators, including schoolchildren, local residents of the Saharanpur area, veterans, civil dignitaries, and personnel of defence forces establishments from Roorkee, Dehradun and Ambala. The IAF has a proud legacy of courage and sacrifice by its gallant air warriors who fought valiantly in the Kargil War 1999, which was indeed a milestone in the history of military aviation, the statement said. IAF operations in Kargil War ('Op Safed Sagar') are a testament to IAF's ability to overcome insurmountable challenges posed by the steep gradient and dizzying altitudes of above 16,000 ft, that posed unique operational difficulties in targeting the enemy, it said. The swift technical modifications and on-the-job-training held IAF in good stead in its employment of air power to win this war fought at the highest battlefield of the world. Overall, IAF flew around 5,000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance/ ELINT missions, and around 800 escort flights. The IAF also flew over 2,000 helicopter sorties towards casualty evacuations and air transport operations, the ministry said. Also, the 152 Helicopter Unit, 'The Mighty Armour', of Air Force Station Sarsawa played a key role during 'Op Safed Sagar'. On May 28, 1999, Sqn Ldr R Pundir, Flt Lt S Muhilan, Sgt PVNR Prasad and Sgt R K Sahu of 152 HU were tasked to fly as 'Nubra' formation for a live strike against enemy positions at Tololing. After successfully pressing home the attack, their helicopter was hit by an enemy Stinger Missile during the break away, leading to the loss of four precious lives, it said. For this act of exceptional courage, they were awarded Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), posthumously. Their supreme sacrifice ensured that their names would forever remain etched in the annals of history of IAF. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence also posted on X a video marking 25th year of the victory of the Indian armed forces in the Kargil war. Watch | On this day, 25 years ago, #OperationVijay was declared a resounding success. Our soldiers stood tall amidst the Kargil heights, their extraordinary bravery and heroism a source of immense national pride and honour. #25YearsofKargilVijay pic.twitter.com/Olt7zr81pW A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 14, 2024 On this day, 25 years ago, #OperationVijay was declared a resounding success. Our soldiers stood tall amidst the Kargil heights, their extraordinary bravery and heroism a source of immense national pride and honour. #25YearsofKargilVijay, it posted. The war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after the Indian forces successfully pushed back the Pakistani forces, which had stealthily occupied important heights in Ladakh.

BJP suffers setback in Uttarakhand Assembly byelections as Congress sweeps both seats

DEHRADUN: In a significant upset, Congress has emerged victorious in both the Badrinath and Mangalour assembly seats in the Uttarakhand by-elections, defeating the BJP in a prestige battle. Congress has linked BJP's defeat in Badrinath to Ayodhya, saying the party should 'abandon' its politics of religiosity in the state. With the double victory, Congress's tally in the 70-member state assembly has increased from 18 to 20. In the Badrinath constituency, BJP candidate Rajendra Bhandari lost to Congress candidate Lakhpat Butola by a significant margin of 5224 votes. Butola secured 28,161 votes while Bhandari trailed with 22,937 votes. Other candidates, Himmat Negi from the Sainik Samaj Party got 494 votes while Independent candidate Naval Khali received 1,813 votes. 823 votes were cast for NOTA. In the Mangalour seat, Congress candidate Qazi Mohammed Nizamuddin won by a narrow margin of 449 votes, defeating BJP candidate Kartar Singh Bhadana who secured 31,305 votes. Nizamuddin emerged victorious with 31,727 votes, while BSP candidate Ubaidur Rehman received 19,559 votes. 237 votes were cast for NOTA. Several Independent candidates in the fray failed to cross the 500-vote mark. Responding to the big win for the party, Congress state president Karan Mahara said, Even Ram and Narayan (Lord Vishnu) have turned away from the BJP, as the party faced a crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections in Ayodhya, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. Now, the BJP has suffered another defeat in the Badrinath, indicating the party's declining fortunes. The Congress's victory on both seats is not just a defeat for the BJP, but also a blow to their arrogance, Mahara told TNIE. The people of the state have proven that they will not tolerate deceitful and opportunistic representatives. The public has shown that they will not accept those who try to fool them, he added. Addressing the media after the election results, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt said that the party has accepted the by-election results and promised to eview its performance. The party will counter Congress's propaganda and avenge the defeat in the Kedarnath by-elections, Bhatt said.

EMS bags order worth Rs 141-cr from Uttarakhand Power Corp.

EMS said that it has received letter of award (LoA) from Uttarakhand Power Corporation for development of distribution infrastructure-loss reduction works at EDC Dehradun rural Circle.

Assembly bypolls: TMC, Congress, AAP, DMK take early lead

West Bengal: Trinamool Congress candidates leading in four assembly seats Himachal Pradesh: Congress candidates leading in all three assembly seats Uttarakhand: Congress candidates leading in Manglaur and Badrinath Tamil Nadu: DMK candidate lead in the Vikravandi Punjab: AAP candidate Bhagat leading from Jalandhar West Bihar: JD(U) candidate leading in Rupuli Madhya Pradesh: BJP candidate leading in Amarwara KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress candidates have taken an early lead over their rivals in by-polls held in four assembly seats in West Bengal, where counting began on Saturday morning, TV channels reported. The bypolls for Maniktala, Bagdah, Ranaghat Dakshin, and Raiganj assembly seats were held on July 10. However, there was no official word from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, as the EC website showed counting in progress. Bengali news channel TV9 Bangla showed TMC leading in Maniktala in Kolkata, Ranaghat Dakshin, and Bagdah in North 24 Parganas, which are in South Bengal, and Raiganj in North Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district. Another news channel, ABP Ananda, also broadcasted similar trends. The BJP secured Ranaghat Dakshin and Bagdah seats in the 2021 assembly polls. The Raiganj seat was won by the saffron party in the last assembly elections. The Maniktala seat was secured by the TMC in 2021 but became vacant after former state minister Sadhan Pandey died in February 2022. Uttarakhand: Congress leading in Manglaur, Badrinath seats DEHRADUN: The Congress' candidates for the Badrinath and Manglaur bypolls in Uttarakhand were leading in both seats on Saturday, according to initial trends. While Congress' Lakhpat Singh Butola was leading by 195 votes against BJP's Rajendra Bhandari in Badrinath, Congress' Qazi Nizamuddin was ahead by 1,586 of BSP's Ubedur Rehman. BJP's Kartar Singh Bhadana was in the third spot in Manglaur, a seat won thrice by Nizamuddin in the past. Counting of votes for the bypolls, held on Wednesday, began at 8 am. Himachal Pradesh: Congress leading in all three assembly by-polls SHIMLA: Congress' candidates, including Himachal Pradesh Chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's wife, are in the lead in all three assembly constituencies in the state where bypolls were held earlier this week, officials said on Saturday. The counting of votes for the by-elections in Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh, held on Wednesday, began at 8 am. Sukhu's wife Kamlesh Thakur was leading by 636 votes against her nearest rival and BJP candidate Hoshiyar Singh after the fifth round of counting, the officials said. In the Hamirpur assembly seat, Congress' Pushpinder Verma was ahead by 1,704 votes against BJP candidate Ashish Sharma after the second round of counting, they said. Congress candidate Hardeep Singh Baba was leading by 646 votes in the first round against BJP candidate K L Thakur in the Nalagarh assembly seat, the officials. Thirteen candidates were in the fray from the three seats. The Nalagarh assembly constituency had recorded the highest polling at 79.04 per cent, followed by Hamirpur (67.72 per cent) and Dehra (65.42 per cent). The overall voting percentage of the three bypolls was 71 per cent, according to the data of the state election department. The seats fell vacant after the three Independent legislators Singh (Dehra), Sharma (Hamirpur) and K L Thakur (Nalagarh), who had voted in favour of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls held on February 27, resigned from the state assembly on March 22 and joined the party the next day. Their resignations, however, were accepted by the assembly speaker on June 3, and the seats were declared vacant, necessitating the by-elections. The BJP fielded all the three former MLAs from their respective seats. The Congress fielded Thakur from Dehra, repeated its candidate Verma from Hamirpur and gave ticket to five-time Indian National Trade Union Congress president, Himachal Pradesh unit, Hardeep Singh, from Nalagarh. Though the bypolls will not make much difference in the 68-member House as the Congress has a majority with 38 MLAs. The BJP has 27 members. Tamil Nadu: DMK takes early lead in Vikravandi VIKRAVANDI: The DMK on Saturday took early lead in the Vikravandi Assembly constituency, where the counting of votes polled in the July 10 bypoll was underway. According to reports, DMK nominee Anniyur Siva was leading ahead of his nearest PMK rival, C Anbumani, by about 5,000 votes. Counting of votes began at 8 am with postal ballots being taken up first. The by-election was necessitated due to the death of DMK legislator N Pugazhenthi in April this year. The DMK-led alliance had won all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone Puducherry segment in the just concluded Parliamentary elections. Punjab: AAP candidate Bhagat leading from Jalandhar West seat CHANDIGARH: AAP candidate for the Jalandhar West assembly bypoll Mohinder Bhagat was leading against his nearest rival and Congress nominee Surinder Kaur, according to initial trends. Bhagat was ahead of Kaur by 6,336 votes after two rounds of counting of votes that began at 8 am at the Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women here. BJP candidate Sheetal Angural was at the third spot, according to the trends. The bypoll was necessitated after the seat fell vacant following the resignation of Angural as the AAP legislator. He joined the BJP in March. Polling in the seat took place on Wednesday and a voter turnout of 54.98 per cent was recorded, a sharp drop from the 67 per cent the assembly segment saw in the 2022 state elections. Bihar: JD(U) candidate leading in Rupuli bypoll PURNEA: JD(U)'s Kaladhar Prasad Mandal was leading by 2,433 votes over his nearest rival, an independent candidate, in the by-election to the Rupauli Assembly seat in Bihar's Purnea district on Saturday, according to the election commission of India. After the first round of counting, the JD(U) candidate secured 6,588 votes, while independent candidate Shankar Singh got 4,155 votes, according to the latest information uploaded on the Election Commission's website. RJD's Bima Bharti is in the third position by securing 2,359 votes after the conclusion of the first round of counting. The counting of votes commenced at 8 am. The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of sitting MLA Bima Bharti, who had won the seat for JD(U) several times but quit the party recently to contest the Lok Sabha election on an RJD ticket. Following her loss in the parliamentary election, she contested the bypoll as an RJD candidate. Madhya Pradesh: Counting of votes begins for Amarwara assembly bypoll CHHINDWARA (MP): Counting of votes for the Amarwara bypoll in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh began on Saturday amid tight security arrangements, a poll official said. The counting of votes commenced at 8 am at the Government PG College Bhawan and is going on peacefully, the official said. After the third round, Kamlesh Pratap Shah of the BJP was leading by 4,160 votes over Congress' Dheeran Shah Invati, he said. A turnout of 78.71 per cent was recorded in the bye election for the Scheduled Tribe-reserved constituency on Wednesday. The fate of the nine candidates, including those from the BJP, Congress and Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP), will be decided in the 20 rounds of counting. According to officials, a three-tier security system is in place at the counting venue. The turnout in the constituency dropped by 10 per cent compared to the 2023 assembly election, when it recorded 88.63 per cent polling. The bypoll to this ST-reserved seat in Chhindwara district is prestigious for both the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, as Chhindwara was considered a stronghold of senior Congress leader Kamal Nath until recently. Congress won the Amarwara seat in the 2023 assembly elections, but the BJP's Vivek Bunty Sahu won the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat this time by defeating Nath's son Nakul Nath. The assembly by-election became necessary after three-time Congress MLA Kamlesh Shah crossed over to the BJP in March this year. He then contested in the bypoll as a BJP candidate. Nine candidates are in the fray, but the main contest is between Kamlesh Shah and Dheeran Shah Invati and GGP nominee Devraman Bhalavi.

Uttarakhand: Seri village sinking

DEHRADUN: In a situation akin to the natural land disaster in Joshimath, Seri village in Bageshwar district is grappling with land submergence, leaving villagers in a state of constant fear. The Uttarakhand district disaster management office claims to have relocated eight affected families from Seri village, citing geologists reports. However, villagers allege that many more families remain in peril, exposing a gap between official claims and the actual situation on the ground. Elderly residents of Seri village, located 40 kilometers from Bageshwar district headquarters, are worried about the future of their village. Villagers are unable to even move a chair in or out of their homes due to the precarious situation. The picturesque village of Seri, known for its stunning view of the Himalayas, is facing an uncertain future. In a heartfelt conversation with The New Indian Express, Seri village head Rajendra Dhami shared his deep emotional connection to his ancestral land. Our family has been living here for nine generations, since 1425. My grandfather, Ram Singh, was the village head in 1930, said Dhami. Rajendra Dhami, who is the head of Seri village since 2019, told this newspaper, The village has a total of 112 families, including 12 families from the Dhari and Dhaluda hamlets, which have been completely affected by the rains this monsoon and are now in danger. The administration has so far relocated 12 families from Seri, including two in 2013, four in 2016, and four in 2019, but still, 19 families remain in danger and are awaiting relocation. An 80-year-old woman, Debki Devi, living in a dilapidated house in Seri village, has no one but her three goats as her only companions. Her husband and son passed away earlier. Her house is on the verge of collapse, with water seeping in, but there is no one to help her. Speaking to this daily, Bageshwar District Magistrate Anuradha Pal said, All the families displaced from the village have received compensation and assistance. They have been relocated successfully. Regarding the fresh cracks, the SDM will submit his report by Monday.

Police arrests five people for suspected radioactive device possession

Five people were arrested on Friday for allegedly being involved in the illegal sale and purchase of a suspected radioactive device, police said here. They said two of them were nabbed from Dehradun's Rajpur area, two from Madhya Pradesh and one from Delhi. A case was registered against them under relevant sections of the law for keeping and buying a substance that endangers life, police officials said, adding that a radiography camera was found in their possession. One of them told police that he bought the device 10 months ago from a Saharanpur resident and had come to Dehradun to arrange for its sale, the officials said. Police have sealed the room of a flat in the Brook and Woods Society on Rajpur Road and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been called in for an investigation, the officials said. An SDRF team confirmed the presence of a radioactive substance in the flat, they said. Police said devices like the one found in the possession of those arrested are ...

14 Products of Patanjali, Divya Pharmacy Banned in Noida

An exhibition showcasing advanced medical technologies for the manufacture of ayurvedic medicines will also be held along with it for three days till February 16. An exhibition showcasing advanced medical technologies for the manufacture of ayurvedic medicines will also be held along with it for three days till February 16. Noida (PTI): The sale of 14 Ayurvedic medicines manufactured by Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurveda Limited has been banned by the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration.The Supreme Court on July 9 directed Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, founded by yoga guru Ramdev, to file an affidavit stating whether advertisements of its 14 products, whose manufacturing licences were initially suspended but later restored, have been withdrawn. The Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority had on April 15 issued an order suspending the manufacturing licences of 14 products of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and Divya Pharmacy. The Regional Ayurvedic and Unani Officer of Gautam Buddh Nagar issued the directive banning the 14 products on Friday, officials said. This action follows orders from the State Drug Licensing Authority, Ayurvedic and Unani Services, Uttarakhand, they said. According to information shared by the district information office, all medical practitioners and medical stores operating in the district have been informed to cease the sale of the 14 listed products immediately. The listed products include Swasari Gold, Swasari Vati, Bronchom, Swasari Pravahi, Swasari Avaleh, Mukta Vati Extra Power, Lipidom, Madhu Grit, BP Grit, Madhunashini Vati Extra Power, Livamrit Advance, Livogrit, Eyegrit Gold, and Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop. As per the orders of the State Drug Licensing Authority Ayurvedic and Unani Services, Uttarakhand, Dehradun, the manufacturing license for the attached list of 14 medicines of Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurveda Limited has been cancelled, Dr Dharmendra Kumar Kem, Regional Ayurvedic and Unani Officer Gautam Buddh Nagar, said. In pursuance of the above orders, all the drug dealers/medical stores working in the district are informed that the sale of the medicines mentioned in the attached list is banned with immediate effect. If found buying/selling the said medicines, action will be taken as per rules, Kem added in the order.

Badrinath Highway closed, 3000 pilgrims to Char Dham stranded

DEHRADUN: The strategic Badrinath Highway has been blocked for the third consecutive day, disrupting pedestrian movement and leaving thousands of pilgrims and travelers stranded. The closure comes after heavy landslides and massive boulders fell on the road. Despite ongoing clearance efforts, the highway is expected to remain shut for another 24 hours, officials said. According to official sources, a landslide near Joshimath has left massive boulders on the road, making it impassable for pedestrians. The blockade has stranded over 3,000 pilgrims, who were on their way back from Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib, for the past two days. Joshimath Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandrashekhar Vashishth told this daily, A massive landslide at Jogidhara, just half a kilometer before Joshimath, has blocked the route, leaving over 1,200 pilgrims stranded in the Joshimath area and 400 more stuck on their way down from Govindghat. A significant number of travelers have been safely evacuated from the area with the help of SDRF and NDRF teams. The administration is still providing food packets, water, and essential items to the stranded pilgrims. SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra said the team is providing all possible help. Stranded for 36 hrs Sandip Bhandarkar from Maharashtra and Rahul Kumar from Faridabad, who were returning after visiting Badrinath Dham, told this newspaper, We had to spend 36 hours in our vehicles, but the administration arranged for food and water.

Violence erupts in Manglaur seat during Uttarakhand by-polls, Congress workers injured

DEHRADUN: Violence erupted in the Manglaur assembly seat on Wednesday as Uttarakhand went to polls in two constituencies, Badrinath and Manglaur. Several Congress workers were injured in the violent clashes. Congress candidate Kazi Nizamuddin immediately rushed to the hospital to attend the wounded and ensure they received proper medical treatment. Nizamuddin broke down in tears upon seeing the injured workers, who were brought to the hospital by the candidate himself. The workers' clothes were soaked in blood, and Nizamuddin alleged that multiple rounds of firing took place, blaming the ruling party for the violence. According to sources from the polling area, the violent altercation broke out in Libberheri village, within the Roorkee region, roughly two hours into the voting process. The confrontation resulted in injuries to multiple Congress workers. On early Wednesday morning, a heated confrontation erupted between rival factions at polling station 5354 in Libberheri village, with both sides exchanging blows and leaving several individuals injured. Addressing the media at the hospital premises, Qazi Nizamuddin said, The ruling party and administration are hell-bent on defeating me by any means necessary. If you're determined to defeat me, then do so, but why are our workers being brutally assaulted? He alleged that Congress voters were being forcibly prevented from casting their ballots and were being mercilessly beaten with sticks. Moreover, Nizamuddin accused the ruling party of resorting to firing, further escalating the tensions. Uttarakhand: Manglaur set to witness close triangular contest According to the election office, the bypolls in Uttarakhand's Badrinath and Manglaur assembly seats have recorded a voter turnout of 40.35% and 51.15%, respectively, till 2:30 pm. Senior Superintendent of Haridwar Police, Pramendra Dobhal, told The New Indian Express, Information is being gathered about the attack by anti-social elements. Currently, the situation is under control and the election is proceeding peacefully. No evidence of firing has come to light. Opposition leaders Yashpal Arya, Harish Rawat, and Karan Mahara have alleged that BJP supporters have resorted to violence and are preventing Congress voters from casting their ballots. The incident has created tension in the region. The contest in the Manglaur Assembly seat is between Congress candidate Qazi Nizamuddin, BJP's Kartar Singh Bhadana, and BSP candidate Ubedur Rahman. The Manglaur assembly seat in Haridwar district, which fell vacant following the demise of BSP MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari, is witnessing an intense electoral battle between BJP's Kartar Singh Bhadana, Congress' Qazi Nizamuddin, and BSP's Ubedur Rahman. The fate of these candidates will be decided by 1,19,930 voters. According to officials, 210 polling stations have been set up in the Badrinath assembly constituency and 132 in the Manglaur assembly constituency. The by-polls to the Badrinath assembly seat, necessitated by the resignation of Congress MLA Rajendra Bhandari, who defected to the BJP, are underway. Bhandari is now contesting from the BJP, while senior Congress leader Lakhpat Butola is fighting against him. Naval Khali, an independent candidate, and Himmat Singh from the Sainik Samaj Party are also in the fray. The fate of these four candidates will be decided by 1,02,145 voters in the constituency. NDA vs INDIA in first bypolls to 13 seats after general elections

Uttarakhand Mourns the Loss of Five Brave Soldiers in Terrorist Attack

DEHRADUN : The state of Uttarakhand is in deep mourning following a terrorist attack on an Indian Army convoy in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of five soldiers from the state. The soldiers, all from the Garhwal Rifles regiment, were Naib Subedar Anand Singh Rawat (41) from Rudraprayag, Rifleman Anuj Negi (25) and Havildar Kamal Singh Rawat (28) from Pauri Garhwal district, and Rifleman Adarsh Negi (26) and Naik Vinod Singh Bhandari (33) from Tehri Garhwal district. Their bodies were brought to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport on Tuesday evening, where a wreath-laying ceremony was held to honor them with traditional military rites. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Haridwar MP and former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat, cabinet ministers Ganesh Joshi and Premchandra Agrawal, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Uttarakhand sub-area, Major General R Prem Raj, state DGP Abhinav Kumar, and other senior Army officers attended the ceremony. Condemning the terrorist attack, CM Dhami stated, This was a cowardly act. The entire nation and our state stand in solidarity with the grieving families. Their supreme sacrifice will not be in vain. Those responsible for this heinous act, as well as those who sheltered the terrorists, will not be spared. The government will provide all possible support to the families of our fallen heroes. Lt Col Manish Shrivastava, defense public relations officer in Dehradun, mentioned that the body of Naik Bhandari was handed over to his family in Dehradun for the last rites. The bodies of the two soldiers from Pauri Garhwal were airlifted to Kotdwar city and then transported to their native villages by road for their final rites. More News To Read: Chardham Yatra Temporarily Halted Due to Heavy Rain Forecast in Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Temporary Bridge Collapse: Pilgrims Stranded, Rescue Operations Underway Will Badrinath and Kedarnath Vanish? Prophecy from 5000 Years Ago Suggests So

NEET-UG 2024: CBI arrests 2 more persons from Patna in alleged leak case

The CBI has arrested two more persons, including a candidate, from Patna in connection with the alleged leakage of NEET-UG paper, taking the total number of arrests by the agency to 11, officials said Tuesday. NEET-UG aspirant Sunny who hails from Nalanda and father of another candidate Ranjit Kumar who is from Gaya have been arrested, they said. The CBI has so far arrested eight persons in Bihar NEET-UG paper leak case and one each in connection with alleged manipulation in Gujarat's Latur and Godhra, and one from Dehradun in connection with general conspiracy, the officials said. The agency had earlier arrested principal and vice principal of Hazaribagh-based Oasis school in the case and two persons who allegedly provided safe premises to NEET candidates where burnt question papers were recovered by the Bihar Police. The CBI, which is probing the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam, has registered six FIRs. The FIR from Bihar pertains to leakage of paper while the

Kathua attack: Five slain soldiers hailed from Uttarakhand, CM pays tributes

Dehradun: The five Army personnel killed in a terrorist attack on a patrolling party in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir hailed from Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday, asserting that their sacrifice will not go in vain. Five brave soldiers of Uttarakhand attained martyrdom during the cowardly terrorist attack in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. This is a moment of great pain for all of us, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a statement. Our bravehearts made the supreme sacrifice for their motherland in keeping with the rich military tradition of Uttarakhand, he said, adding their sacrifice will not go in vain. Terrorists, who are the enemies of humanity and guilty of this cowardly attack, will not be spared at any cost, he said, adding the people who sheltered them will also have to face the consequences. He said the entire state stands with their families in this hour of grief. The chief minister also paid his tribute to those killed through separate posts on X. The martyred army personnel are Rifleman Anuj Negi from Pauri, Nayab Subedar Anand Singh Rawat from Rudraprayag, Naik Vinod Singh from Tehri, Kamal Singh from Pauri and Adarsh Negi from Tehri. The attack took place on Monday when a group of heavily-armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in Badnota area in Kathua. A massive search operation is underway to nab the terrorists behind the ambush in which five people were also injured.

Kathua Attack | Five Slain Soldiers Hailed From Uttarakhand, CM Pays Tributes

Dehradun, Jul 9: The five Army personnel martyred in a terrorist attack on a patrolling party in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir hailed from Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday, asserting that their sacrifice will not go in vain. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Five brave soldiers of Uttarakhand attained martyrdom during the cowardly terrorist attack in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. This is a moment of great pain for all of us, Chief Minister Pushkar [] The post Kathua Attack | Five Slain Soldiers Hailed From Uttarakhand, CM Pays Tributes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEET-UG probe: CBI arrests one in Maharashtra

NEW DELHI: The CBI has arrested a person in connection with alleged manipulation in the NEET-UG examination in Latur in Mahrashtra, taking the total number of arrests by the agency to nine, officials said. The CBI took into custody one Nanjunethappa G in connection with the Latur case which was earlier probed by the Maharashtra Police, they said. It is alleged that two government school teachers in Latur had demanded over Rs five lakh from NEET-UG aspirants to ensure their success in the examination, they said. The CBI has so far arrested six persons in Bihar NEET-UG paper leak case and one each in connection with alleged manipulation in Latur and Godhra and one from Dehradun in connection with general conspiracy, they said. The Centre had asked the agency to probe the matter following a massive row over alleged malpractices in the test held on May 5. The CBI has registered six FIRs in the case. The FIR from Bihar pertains to leakage of paper while the remaining from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra pertain to impersonation of candidates and cheating. The agency's own FIR on a reference from the Union Education Ministry pertains to a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions. This year, the exam was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad. More than 23 lakh candidates had appeared for the test.

Uttarakhand flood fury: Army joins rescue efforts as rains wreak havoc

DEHRADUN: The unrelenting monsoon rains that have battered Uttarakhand for the past five days have left the Kumaon region devastated and flooded. Amidst the grim situation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army have swung into action to rescue people stranded in waterlogged areas. The Army has reached the spot to evacuate those trapped in the floodwaters, as the state struggles to cope with the disaster. The Indian Army has joined the rescue efforts in flood-hit Uttarakhand, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) confirming the deployment of troops in affected areas. SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra told The New Indian Express , Our team rescued over 100 people from Chakarpur in Udham Singh Nagar district and shifted them to safer locations. A backup team from Rishikesh has reached Udham Singh Nagar and started rescue operations in Arvind Nagar. So far, 110 people have been rescued in Banbasa, Champawat. Five SDRF teams are conducting rescue operations in the affected areas. So far, SDRF has rescued over 800 people in both districts. Army and NDRF teams have also reached the spot and are jointly conducting rescue operations with SDRF, Commandant Mishra added. Uttarakhand grapples with heavy rains, two fatalities in landslide-prone area; Char Dham yatra suspended SDRF Commandant Mishra further stated, Five SDRF teams are currently operating in flood-hit areas of Udham Singh Nagar and Champawat districts. In a successful rescue operation, the SDRF team has safely evacuated 45 people, including women, men, and children, from the Banbasa area. The rescue efforts are ongoing, with the teams working tirelessly to reach those stranded in the floodwaters. The incessant rains have thrown life out of gear in Nainital, with the town receiving a record 200 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours, according to Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Centre. While some respite is expected in the next 24 hours, the heavy downpour has led to widespread disruption in the region. As many as 21 roads in the district are blocked due to landslides and debris, with efforts underway to clear them. The three routes connecting Nainital are also affected, with intermittent landslides and rockfall causing difficulties for commuters. The authorities are working to restore normalcy in the region. According to information received from the Nainital District Disaster Management Office, continuous rainfall in Haldwani has resulted in waterlogging in several colonies from Haldwani to Halduchaur. The water from the irrigation canal has entered homes in areas ranging from Motinagar to Jaipur Bisa, affecting 87 houses in both urban and rural areas. Heavy rains in Uttarakhand trigger landslides, resulting in five tragic deaths including two bikers from Hyderabad

Uttarakhand grapples with heavy rains, two fatalities in landslide-prone area; Char Dham yatra suspended

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand has been grappling with incessant and intense rainfall over the past four days, particularly in the hilly regions, throwing normal life into chaos. In response to the Meteorological Department's warning, the state government has temporarily suspended the Char Dham Yatra for two days. The torrential rains have caused widespread destruction, with three bridges collapsing in the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert for the next 36 hours, predicting heavy rainfall and landslides in certain areas. Residents in these regions have been advised to stay indoors and avoid travel. According to the Disaster Management Office, a car was heading from Karnaprayag towards Adibadri when it lost control near Chandpur Gadhi due to poor road conditions and fell into a gorge, resulting in the tragic deaths of two women. Three others sustained injuries in the incident. Devendra Singh, a police official at Simli police Chowki, confirmed that Binsari Devi, 85, succumbed to her injuries at the accident scene. Four others - Vikram Kunwar, 52, Rohit, 18, Mohan Prasad, 57, and Usha Devi, 52 - all residents of Kansuwa, were injured in the tragic incident. Later, Usha Devi succumbed to her injuries during treatment. In the meantime, three bridges in the state have collapsed due to the massive water flow, and the Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert for the next 36 hours, predicting heavy rainfall and landslides in certain areas. Residents in these regions have been advised to stay indoors and avoid travel. According to information received from the Disaster Management Office, a total of 142 roads were blocked across the state on Saturday, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Additionally, 56 roads had been blocked since Friday. The Public Works Department (PWD) has managed to reopen 89 roads, but 109 roads remain blocked, including one national highway, seven state highways, 11 major district roads, two other district roads, and 88 rural roads. Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center Dehradun told this daily, A high alert for heavy rainfall in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Almora districts has been issued. In response, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and forest department teams have been deployed in sensitive areas to mitigate any potential disasters. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid travel through loudspeakers in various police stations since Saturday night, said a spokesperson of the state disaster management authority. Dehradun State Highway bridge was partially washed away due to heavy rainfall on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kaladhungi, Reka Kohli, along with teams from the Public Works Department and Revenue Department, inspected the affected areas and appealed to the public to exercise caution. The Badrinath Highway has been blocked at several locations due to landslides and boulder falls, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded. Heavy boulders have fallen on the highway at Totaghati, Safed Pahad, and Vishnu Prayag, damaging parts of the road and blocking the way. The pilgrims are waiting for the highway to reopen. Assam floods claim eight more lives, death toll rises to 66

Heavy rains in Uttarakhand trigger landslides, resulting in five tragic deaths including two bikers from Hyderabad

DEHRADUN: Relentless heavy rainfall in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand has triggered catastrophic conditions, causing landslides and road closures and resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, including two bikers from Hyderabad. The two bike-borne pilgrims from Hyderabad were returning after visiting Badrinath Dham. The tragedy took place when a huge boulder suddenly fell from the hill along the road near Badrinath National Highway, which struck them. District Disaster Management Officer Nand Kishore Joshi told TNIE, The SDRF team received information in the morning that two men riding a motorcycle were hit by a boulder that fell from the mountain near Chhatwapipal. Soon after, a team of SDRF led by Sub-Inspector Manmohan Singh reached the spot. Both the youths in the said vehicle were returning towards Rishikesh after visiting Badrinath Dham and suddenly came under the boulder and were buried along with the vehicle. The SDRF team reached the spot and took immediate action with the help of rescue equipment and took out the boulder and took out the bodies of both buried below and handed it over to the district police, said DDMO Joshi. The deceased were identified as Nirmal Shahi (36) and Satyanarayan (50). In another tragic accident in the Tilwada area of Rudraprayag, a Max vehicle plummeted 200 meters into a deep gorge, resulting in the death of two people on the spot. According to Additional Sub-Inspector Harish Bangari of the SDRF team, three injured individuals have been hospitalised. In yet another tragic incident, a woman was swept away by a swollen river in the Banbasa area of Tanakpur on Friday night. The victim, identified as Shanti Devi (52), a resident of Thelagaun, Banbasa, was crossing the river when she lost her balance and was carried away by the strong current. A search operation was launched by the SDRF team on Friday night, but it was suspended due to darkness and high water levels. The search operation resumed on Saturday, and the team recovered the woman's body, which was later handed over to the district police. Heavy rainfall over the past five days has triggered landslides, blocking 115 roads across the state, including the crucial Badrinath-Gangotri highway. The Badrinath highway remained closed for 10 hours, causing inconvenience to pilgrims and tourists. According to sources at the District Disaster Management Office (DDMO), Chamoli, the continuous rainfall has also damaged the Gomukh-Tapovan track, forcing authorities to impose an indefinite ban on tourist movement to Gomukh. The DDMO sources further revealed, Heavy rainfall across the state has caused landslides blocking NH Yamunotri near Dabarkot and the Gangotri National Highway near Helgugad. Intermittent rainfall in the Yamuna Valley, particularly around Yamunotri Dham since Friday evening, has led to multiple closures along the Yamunotri highway. A bridge collapse on the Ramnagar-Ranikhet road in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand has severed connectivity between the two towns, leaving scores of vehicles stranded on both sides. The bridge over the Panyali stream, situated near Mohan, succumbed to the fury of the swollen watercourse on Saturday, following incessant rainfall in the hills over the past few days. The relentless downpour has caused rivers and streams to overflow, weakening the foundation of the Panyali bridge. The structure developed cracks and tilted precariously before collapsing. In the wake of the incident, the administration halted vehicular movement on both sides of the bridge, leading to lengthy queues of stranded vehicles. Authorities are working to establish alternative routes to facilitate the movement of people to their destinations as the region grapples with the aftermath of the bridge collapse. In view of the intense monsoon season, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday directed officials to remain on high alert, 24/7, to ensure effective disaster management. He instructed them to stock adequate food, medicine, and relief materials in hilly districts, considering the rainfall forecast. The Chief Minister held a high-level meeting at his residence, where he reviewed the situation with Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey and Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, who joined virtually. He directed the commissioners to regularly review the conditions of roads, drinking water, electricity, and drainage systems in their respective divisions. An Alliance Air flight from Delhi to Dehradun was diverted back to Delhi on Saturday due to poor weather conditions. The flight, originally scheduled to land at Dehradun Airport at 8:45 am, had to return to Delhi after reaching the Dehradun skies because of unfavourable weather conditions.

2 swept away in Uttarkashi after bridge caves in

DEHRADUN: Two Kanwar pilgrims were swept away and at least 40 people were left stranded after a bridge collapsed due to a sudden increase in water flow in the river Bhagirathi in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district, officials said on Friday. The incident happened near Chidvasa on the Gaumukh footpath track when the people, including Kanwar pilgrims, were crossing the bridge. A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team later rescued all the 40 stranded people, including pilgrims. A rescue team was immediately dispatched to the scene after the bridge collapse on Thursday night. On Friday morning, the rescue team established a temporary ropes-based system to evacuate the stranded Kanwar pilgrims. After a six-hour rescue operation, 40 people were rescued, SDRF commandant Manikant Mishra said. He said, The rescued people include 27 Kanwar pilgrims, five female employees of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and eight local residents. All have been brought to safety in Uttarkashi. He said the incessant downpour has caused the rivers to swell.

Uttarakhand bridge collapse: SDRF rescues 38 stranded pilgrims, including 27 Kanwar yatris

DEHRADUN: A rescue operation is underway in Uttarkashi district after a bridge collapse near Chidwasa on the Gomukh pedestrian path left dozens of pilgrims stranded. The bridge gave way on Thursday night, trapping around 40 pilgrims on the opposite side of the river, according to eyewitnesses. The SDRF team was informed by the Gangotri police station and promptly reached the scene after covering a distance of approximately eight kilometres on foot. Speaking to The New Indian Express , State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Commandant Manikant Mishra told that a rescue team was immediately dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a bridge collapse near Chidwasa on Thursday night. On Friday morning, the rescue team successfully evacuated 38 stranded pilgrims, including 27 Kanwar yatris, five female employees of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and eight local residents, after a six-hour continuous rescue operation. Meanwhile, the two individuals who were swept away by the river currents were part of the Kawad yatris group. The rescued individuals were safely brought to Uttarkashi, said Commandant Mishra, who praised the team's efforts in battling the fierce water currents to establish a temporary ropes-based system to rescue the stranded pilgrims. The SDRF team has cautioned that the incessant downpour has caused the rivers and streams to swell, posing a threat to the low-lying areas and making it challenging for the rescue teams to access the affected regions. The team is working tirelessly to evacuate the stranded pilgrims and locals, but the rising water levels have added an extra layer of complexity to the rescue operations.

Bridge collapse in Uttarakhand: SDRF rescues 16 pilgrims, intensifies efforts to rescue remaining 24

DEHRADUN: A rescue operation is underway in Uttarkashi district after a bridge collapse near Chidwasa on the Gomukh pedestrian path left dozens of pilgrims stranded. The bridge gave way on Thursday night, trapping around 40 pilgrims on the opposite side of the river, according to eyewitnesses. The SDRF team was informed by the Gangotri police station and promptly reached the scene after covering a distance of approximately eight kilometres on foot. The team successfully rescued 16 pilgrims, and efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining stranded individuals. Speaking to The New Indian Express , SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra confidently stated, We will ensure the safe evacuation of all remaining Kanwar pilgrims by tonight. Three teams of SDRF personnel are currently deployed at the scene, working tirelessly to complete the rescue operation. The SDRF team has cautioned that the incessant downpour has caused the rivers and streams to swell, posing a threat to the low-lying areas and making it challenging for the rescue teams to access the affected regions. The team is working tirelessly to evacuate the stranded pilgrims and locals, but the rising water levels have added an extra layer of complexity to the rescue operations.

Uttarakhand's UCC to protect live-in couples from deceit by registering past details on portal

DEHRADUN: In a significant development, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand has introduced a provision that allows live-in partners to know about each other's past before entering into a relationship. The UCC committee has clarified that the rules are designed to safeguard the interests of live-in partners, rather than creating obstacles for them. This move is aimed at protecting couples from deceit and fraud, ensuring a secure and informed relationship. Shatrughan Singh, chairman of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) rule-making committee, has assured that the privacy and confidentiality of live-in couples will be fully protected under the UCC, provided they are 21 years of age or older. Their personal information will be kept confidential and not shared with parents or any external individuals. However, if the couple is between 18 and 21 years old, their parents will be informed via SMS as soon as they apply for online registration, striking a balance between privacy and parental involvement. The committee is considering the new provision that would allow partners to access each other's past records, including marriage, divorce, and previous relationships, by submitting a joint application on the portal. This would enable them to be informed about their relationship. The UCC portal will require mandatory registration of marriages, divorces, live-in relationships, and relationship breakdowns in Uttarakhand. Once a joint application is submitted, both partners will receive an OTP message linked to their Aadhaar number, following which they will receive a verification message and access to each other's records on their mobile phones. The portal will provide detailed information about whether the partners have previously lived together and for how long. TDP & JSP must clarify stand on UCC: Vijayasai Uttarakhand, which became the first state in India to receive presidential assent for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on March 13 this year, is now on the cusp of implementing this landmark legislation. The state is expected to come under the statutory purview of UCC in October this year, marking a significant milestone in the country's legal history. While the UCC rules are being prepared, the portal and app are being developed simultaneously, and training is being provided to officials to ensure seamless implementation. The committee is working on multiple fronts to ensure that the UCC is implemented efficiently and effectively. The UCC Bill, a landmark legislation aimed at harmonising personal laws, consists of 392 sections categorized into seven schedules. This exhaustive Bill is based on a detailed draft spanning over 750 pages, spread across four volumes, prepared by an expert committee constituted by the government in June 2022.

Two cops suspended on charges of molesting woman pilgrim in Kedarnath

Dehradun, Jul 5 (PTI) Two police sub-inspectors have been suspended on charges of molesting a woman pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh in Kedarnath a year ago. Sub-inspector Kuldeep Negi and Kedarnath Station House Officer Manjul Rawat were suspended on the basis of the recommendation of an inquiry committee, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police (SP), Vishakha Ashok Bhadane told PTI. The woman had come to visit Kedarnath in May, 2023 along with eight of her friends. After visiting the Himalayan temple, her friends [] The post Two cops suspended on charges of molesting woman pilgrim in Kedarnath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Housing sales up 11% in FY24 in top 30 Tier-II cities: PropEquity

Rise in housing demand is not restricted to major cities as sales of residential properties rose 11 per cent last fiscal across 30 Tier II towns to nearly 2.08 lakh units, according to PropEquity. Real estate data analytic firm PropEquity on Friday released a report on Tier II cities' housing market. The data showed that housing sales increased 11 per cent to 2,07,896 units in 2023-24 as against 1,86,951 units in the preceding financial year. Top 10 Tier II cities -- Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Nashik, Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam and Mohali-- contributed 80 per cent to the total sales in 30 small towns. These 10 cities together clocked sales of 1,68,998 residential units in 2023-24, up 11 per cent from 1,51,706 homes in 2022-23. The other 20 Tier II cities are Bhopal, Lucknow, Goa, Coimbatore, Raipur, Vijayawada, Indore, Kochi, Trivandrum, Mangalore, Guntur, Bhiwadi, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Agra, Mysore, Sonepat, Panipat and Amritsar. Samir .

Fernandez Foundation, UoH offer certificate course in Birth Care Practitioner (Birth Doula)

Fernandez Foundation & University of Hyderabads much-awaited Birth Care Practitioner (Birth Doula) Certificate Course commenced today. This course has been designed to equip aspiring birth professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support mothers before, during and after childbirth. The self-paced online training must be completed within two years from admission and is structured into three sequential parts: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Courses, each spanning 1, 2, and 3 months respectively. The virtual introduction class featured notable attendees, including Prof. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor of UoH; Prof. Geeta K Vemuganti, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, UoH; Prof. S. Jeelani, Director of the Centre for Distance and Virtual Learning; Prof. Nagendra Kumar S, Associate Director of the Centre for Digital Learning and Training Resources; Prof. B R Shamanna, UoH Coordinator; Dr. Pramod Gaddam, MD, Fernandez Foundation and Senior Consultant - Paediatrics and Head of Social Initiatives at Fernandez Hospital; Pooja Shenoy, Course Coordinator and Mentor; Celestina Cavinder, Course Mentor; and 16 enrolled students. The students in this course hail from various regions, including Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gurgaon, and Dehradun, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of our student body. During the launch, the Hon'ble VC, Prof B J Rao, stressed the importance of such programmes in the context of the National Educational Policy and its positioning to be a skill development initiative. He urged the team to find an Indian equivalent nomenclature for a doulaand look at scale in the next course, learning from this experience. The Dean, School of Medical Sciences, Prof. Geeta said,it was long time coming and impressed that such programmes along with other socially relevant programmes are very integral to the mandate of the school. Prof Jeelani, provided the academic administration aspects of the course and the credit system and how a learner can accumulate 20 credits at the end of the 6-month period. Dr Pramod talked about how doulas in the Indian context are not only new and very few and far and the need to increase numbers manyfold. Prof Nagendra provided an overview of the Learning Management System and how participants can access learning resources, while Dr Pooja and Ms Celestina gave the details of the course and what leads to the certification. The participants then introduced themselves and their reasons for enrolling in the course. We are thrilled to start this comprehensive training programme, said Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson and Managing Director of Fernandez Foundation.I congratulate all the students who have started the course with their introduction class and encourage them to avail themselves of the best from this course, which will teach them skillsand knowledge to support families throughpregnancy, birth, and the immediatepostpartum period.It prepares individuals for the critical role of a Birth Doula and ensures they gain practicalexperience under expert guidance, setting a high standard for professional care in childbirth.

Dehradun's Bhadraj Temple goes viral: Video shows staff throwing footwear off hillside. Watch

In Dehradun, the Bhadraj Temple has gained attention for a viral video showing temple staff throwing footwear off a hillside. This action aims to enforce rules against visitors bringing footwear inside the temple premises, sparking both support for upholding traditions and criticism over environmental concerns and visitor practicality. The incident shows the temple's efforts to maintain sanctity while urging respect for local customs and nature.

Dehradun Diary | Uttarakhand to get nine world-class sports infra

To encourage youth towards sports, the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led BJP government has approved the construction of nine stadiums across Uttarakhand. Four stadiums will be constructed in the Udham Singh Nagar district, while one each in Roorkee, Rishikesh, Ramnagar, Manglaur, and Doiwala. The initiative will provide a platform for sports enthusiasts to hone skills and pursue passion without having to look to other states for opportunities, an official said, adding that the move is expected to catapult Uttarakhand onto the national sports map and produce talented athletes who can make the state proud. Bypolls: BJP faces stiff competition from Cong The assembly by-elections slated for July 10 are likely to witness a bipolar contest in Badrinath and a triangular contest in Manglor. In Badrinath, the BJP has fielded Rajendra Bhandari, a former Congress MLA who defected to the BJP, while Congress has given the ticket to a new candidate, Lakhpat Singh Butola. During the campaign, Congress has accused Bhandari of being an opportunist and the BJP of not finding a face in its own cadre. On the other hand, the BJP highlighted schemes and policies and Char Dham Yatra. In Manglor, a triangular contest is emerging between the BJP, Congress and BSP, making the by-elections even more interesting. Over 2,600 govt schools lack separate toilets Over 2,617 schools in the state lack separate toilets for boys and girls, causing immense hardship for thousands of students, especially during the monsoon season. A report by the education department reveals that of the 11,226 government primary schools, 841 lack boys toilets, while 1,011 lack girls toilets. In the upper primary schools, boys toilets were absent in 213 schools, and girls toilets in 173. In secondary schools, 274 lack boys toilets and 105 girls toilets. According to the state education department, in many schools, the toilets have been non-functional due to lack of maintenance. Narendra Sethi Our correspondent in Uttarakhand narendrasethi@newindianexpress.com

Why only boys held in dating cases, asks HC

DEHRADUN: The Nainital High Court has taken serious note of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), highlighting the discriminatory arrest of only boys in cases where minor couples are caught dating, while the girls are let off. During the hearing, it was revealed that 20 minors are currently languishing in Haldwani jail on similar charges. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal heard a PIL on Monday, alleging discrimination against minor boys in dating cases. Advocate Manisha Bhandari had filed the PIL, stating that minor boys are always presumed guilty in such cases, while girls are not held accountable. In a significant move, the Uttarakhand High Court has agreed to hear a PIL that seeks to address the disparity in the treatment of minors in dating cases, where boys are often arrested while girls are let off scot-free. The HC has sought responses from the Central and state governments on this matter, taking cognizance of the disparity in the treatment of minors in such cases. The courts decision to hear the matter is a crucial step towards addressing this long-standing issue, Advocate Manisha Bhandari, who filed the PIL, told this daily. We hope that the court will take cognizance of the gender bias prevalent in such cases and provide relief to the victims, added Manisha. Speaking to this daily, Advocate Manisha Bhandari explained the nuances of the Juvenile Justice Act. According to the Act, if a child between 16 and 18 years old commits an offence, they should not be automatically treated as a minor. A board will decide whether the child understands the gravity of the offence or not, she said.

Hexaware Technologies planning to hire 4,000 employees in India this year

IT company Hexaware Technologies is planning to increase its global workforce by 6,000 to 8,000 this year, of which it will add about 4,000 staffers in India, the company said on Tuesday. The Navi Mumbai-based company has around 30,000 employees. We plan to hire 6,000-8,000 employees globally. Of this, around 4,000 will come from India, Hexaware Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent Supply Chain, Rajesh Balasubramanian said in a statement. The recruitment drives will seek to attract talented professionals to Hexaware's offshore, onshore, and near-shore centres in India, the US, Canada, Mexico, Poland, and the UK. In India, the company plans to hire for locations, including Hyderabad, Noida, Coimbatore, Dehradun, and Bengaluru. To attract talented professionals, Hexaware will also conduct recruitment drives in Ahmedabad, Indore, Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Dehradun, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the US, the company will hire in McLean, Chicago, Dallas, Iselin, and .

Panic grips pilgrims as avalanche stops short of Kedarnath temple

DEHRADUN: A massive avalanche hit the Gandhi Sarovar located four kilometres above the Kedarnath Dham early Sunday morning. Devotees who went to the temple this morning captured the avalanche, which occurred around 5 am near the Chorabari glacier, on their mobile phones. According to the information available, no damage of any kind occurred from this avalanche, even though avalanches occasionally occur on this snowy peak. Environmentalists are expressing concerns about this avalanche incident from an environmental perspective regarding the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas. The District Disaster Management Officer of Rudraprayag, Nandan Singh Rajwar, shared information received from Sector Officer Kedarnath with this daily, stating, On Sunday morning around 5:03 am, an avalanche occurred near Gandhi Sarovar on the mountain behind the Kedarnath shrine. The snow from the mountain came down quite a bit, although the distance of this avalanche from the temple to the summit of Sumeru mountain near Gandhi Sarovar was about 5 kilometers. As per reports from the Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Office, following the avalanche incident, snow began cascading down the mountain, creating a commotion in Kedarnath. The avalanche persisted for an extended duration. Nonetheless, avalanches are not unusual on this mountain and occur at regular intervals. Massive avalanche hits Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath Speaking to the newspaper, environmentalist Jagat Singh Jungli expressed deep concern regarding the incident, emphasising the importance of addressing the ongoing occurrences in the Himalayan region. He highlighted that these incidents are a direct result of construction activities and frequent helicopter flights in the area. Jungli stressed the urgent need to take proactive measures to safeguard the Himalayan region before irreversible damage is done. Referring to scientific data, Jungli told this newspaper, Helicopter flights cause significant damage to glaciers, and such incidents are on the rise in the Himalayan region. It is fortunate that there was no loss of life or property, but the emission of heli-fuel and companies operating helicopters in this area are destroying the plant wealth of this region.

Government offices cant refuse CCTV footage: Info panel

DEHRADUN : Obtaining CCTV footage comes under the ambit of the Right to Information Act, so no department can deny it to an applicant unless it threatens security and sovereignty, Uttarakhand State Information Commissioner Yogesh Bhatt has said. While delivering his order in a case, Bhatt has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the public information officer of the district supply office of Haridwar for not providing the CCTV footage. Roorkee resident Udayveer Singh had sought the recording of the CCTV camera installed in the Haridwar office from 10 am to 3 pm on May 25. Public information officer Poonam Saini had cited section 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act and said that there is no compulsion to give information. The video footage sought should be separately preserved before refusal to furnish information citing Section (8) of the RTIThere is no justification for refusing to hand over the footage under the RTI to the applicant without preserving it, Bhatt said. He said, CCTV footage constitutes an electronic record accessible in digital format, and as such, cannot be denied upon request unless it poses a threat to the sovereignty, security, or personal safety of the state. Fine of Rs 25,000 State Information Commissioner Yogesh Bhatt has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the public information officer of the district of Haridwar for not providing the CCTV footage. Roorkee resident Udayveer Singh had sought the recording of CCTV in the Haridwar office on May 25.

Congress demands CBI probe into gang rape, murder of minor in Haridwar

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Congress on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the gang rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Haridwar while alleging that the involvement of BJP leaders in crimes against women has exposed the partys anti-women face. Local BJP leader Aditya Raj Saini, who was expelled from the party immediately after his 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 .

Monsoon Reaches Delhi, Says Indian Meteorological Department

NEW DELHI, June 28: The monsoon has finally arrived in Delhi after a long and severe heat spell in the city, the IMD announced on Friday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp In an official statement, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the entire Delhi region. The Northern Limit of Monsoon passes through 26 N/65 E, Jaisalmer, Churu, Bhiwani, Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Ghazipur, Gonda, Kheri, Moradabad, Dehradun, Una, Pathankot, Jammu, [] The post Monsoon Reaches Delhi, Says Indian Meteorological Department appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Toll Tax Hike: Now you will have to pay more money to travel on this highway, toll will increase from this day

Toll Tax Hike: Preparations are underway to implement new toll rates on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. Every year, the Siwaya toll general manager on the Delhi-Dehradun highway sends a proposal to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the increase in toll rates. After getting permission from the NHAI, the new rates will be implemented [] The post Toll Tax Hike: Now you will have to pay more money to travel on this highway, toll will increase from this day first appeared on informalnewz .

Dehradun: Senior Airport Authority official found hanging with dupatta, wearing maxi, bindi, lipstick, and bangles

A senior Airports Authority of India (AAI) official was found dead in his Dehradun airport accommodation under mysterious circumstances, dressed in women's attire. His body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan. Authorities are investigating the incident, with details emerging about his activities before his death, including plans with relatives the night before. The exact cause of death remains under investigation pending a postmortem report.

Travel tips: These five beautiful places are near Dehradun, where you will feel refreshed during holidays

Dehradun, located in the lap of the Himalayas, is a great place for nature lovers, religious and spiritual people. Those going on a weekend trip can visit many wonderful places in Dehradun. There are many tourist places here including FRI, Gucchu Pani i.e. Robbers Cave, Sahastradhara. However, in the summer season, most of the tourists from Delhi and nearby places come to visit Uttarakhand and also visit Dehradun. In such a situation, Dehradun can be crowded in this season. In such a situation, there are some unique villages, hill stations and small towns located near Dehradun, where you can go on a weekend trip. Here you get the option of celebrating a peaceful and comfortable holiday in less money. If you go to Dehradun, you can visit these offbeat places located at a distance of a few kilometers. Here neither you will have to spend much nor will you need a vacation of many days. Maldevta About 18 km from Dehradun, Maldevta is a quiet place which mostly remains away from the crowd of tourists. With its greenery, clear streams, and serene atmosphere, this picturesque spot is perfect for a day of picnics, trekking, or just relaxing amidst nature. With winding roads and beautiful views, the drive to Maldevta is a sight to behold. Once there, you can explore the nearby caves, take a dip in the river, or enjoy a peaceful walk on the trails. Kalsi Located at a distance of 46 km from Dehradun, Kalsi is a quaint village known for its historical and natural significance. This hidden gem is home to the famous Ashoka inscriptions dating back to 253 BC, which provide a glimpse into ancient Indian history. Apart from its historical significance, Kalsi is surrounded by the beautiful Yamuna River, making it a great place for river rafting. Lachhiwala Just 22 km from Dehradun, Lacchiwala is an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure lovers. This beautiful picnic spot is famous for its artificial water pools created by natural springs. The lush green landscape makes for a good trekking and bird watching experience. Lacchiwala has a park for children and many suitable trails for cycling and hiking. Dakpathar About 45 km from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a small but charming town on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is known for its natural beauty and the Dakpathar Barrage, which is a popular spot for picnics and water sports. The town offers various activities like boating, fishing and camping. The lush green surroundings and serene atmosphere make Dakpathar an excellent choice for a peaceful holiday. The Barrage Bird Sanctuary nearby is also worth a visit for bird lovers. Chakrata Chakrata, 88 km from Dehradun, is a picturesque hill station that is not very popular with tourists. Due to this, the tourist crowd is less here. Situated at an altitude of 2,118 meters, this quaint town offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, dense forests and a view of the Himalayas. Chakrata is ideal for adventure and peace seekers. In Chakrata, you can visit the beautiful Tiger Falls, go trekking in the surrounding hills, or visit the ancient temples in the area. The calm atmosphere and natural beauty of the city makes it an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. (PC: Instagram)

Uttarakhand: Marks for wrong answers put University under scanner

DEHRADUN: Huge discrepancies have come to light in the assessment of answer sheets at Sridev Suman University in Badshahi Thol, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Taking strict cognizance of this issue, Commissioner Bhatt has directed the Controller of Examination and the Registrar of Sridev Suman University to appear in person at the next hearing. This directive is issued under the provisions of Section 18 of the Right to Information Act. Following an RTI revelation, the truth was brought to light before the State Information Commissioner. Answer sheets are being evaluated in a largely casual manner. Marks are being given for wrong answers in some cases, and there have been instances where answers are not thoroughly scrutinized, the commissioner stated. State Information Commissioner Yogesh Bhatt observed, In one instance, a question about the founder of the Muslim League was incorrectly answered as Muhammad Ali Jinnah. However, the examiner negligently awarded marks for this answer without proper verification. Commissioner Bhatt said, The evaluation of answer sheets is an extremely sensitive matter. Negligence in evaluating properly and awarding incorrect marks can jeopardize students futures. A penalty of ten thousand rupees has been imposed on Public Information Officer and Deputy Public Information Officer of the university.

Initial Flight Delayed, IndiGo Passengers Miss Connecting Plane

Several IndiGo passengers missed their connecting flight from Lucknow to Varanasi on Tuesday as their incoming flight from Dehradun was delayed due to operational reasons.

That sinking feeling: Joshimath fears mount as clouds hover over Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhands Joshimath town, where buildings developed cracks due to land subsidence early last year, is facing threats as monsoon is set to arrive. The fissures that emerged on the ground remain untreated, raising concerns for the safety of the area. The impending arrival of the second monsoon following the land disaster underscores the urgent need for concrete measures to ensure the stability of the mountain, said Atul Sati, convener of the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. One of our major demands was that stabilisation work be done in Joshimath first. Areas where the ground has sunk by one foot to five feet can be saved by building a security wall around them, he said. While 292 people have got compensation, the number of those affected has grown to more than 1,200. Government should come out with a detailed report in the form of a white paper on displacement and rehabilitation, Sati added. Ajay Chaurasia, a scientist who conducted a survey of over 2300 buildings in Joshimath, said, There are 14 specific areas in Joshimath where approximately 800 structurally compromised buildings fall under the red category. These structures will necessitate demolition and complete removal of debris to alleviate the burden on the mountains. State Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, also minister in charge of Chamoli district, is camping in Joshimath. He said, Joshimath SDM has been instructed to immediately improve the arrangement for water drainage in Manohar Bagh and other affected areas. BJP nagar mandal secretary Jai Prakash Bhatt said the minister has assured prompt repairs to be carried out before the onset of the monsoon.

Safety concerns arise as viral video shows tourists flooding Robbers Cave in Dehradun

Safety concerns arise as viral video shows tourists flooding Robbers Cave in Dehradun

Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab: A Cultural Extravaganza in Dehradun

Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab: A Cultural Extravaganza in Dehradun Padma Bhushan Sajan Mishra, alongside his son Swaransh and renowned poet Surender Sharma, is set to captivate audiences at the Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab Cultural Kaarva'n Virasat in Dehradun. This two-day cultural fest, launched for the first time in the city by Jashn-e-Adab in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, promises an eclectic mix of performances. The event, commencing on June 28, boasts an impressive lineup of musicians, poets, and actors. Among the highlights is Faisal Malik, known for his role as 'Prahlad Cha' in the popular Hindi web series Panchayat. He will participate in a panel discussion titled 'OTT ke Vibhinna Rang,' adding a contemporary touch to the event. Other notable performances include those by qawwali singer Sarfaraz Anwar Sabri, ghazal artist Sanawar Ali Khan, and a recital by poet Kunwar Ranjeet Chauhan. Hosted at an auditorium on Haridwar Road, the event offers free entry, making it an accessible cultural feast for all.

Toll Free Expressway: Now you will not have to pay toll tax from Akshardham to Loni Border, details here

There is no need to pay toll tax on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway from Akshardham to Loni Border. The opening of this expressway can provide relief from traffic jams in many parts of East Delhi. Toll Free Expressway: There is good news for those waiting to travel on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. There is no toll tax [] The post Toll Free Expressway: Now you will not have to pay toll tax from Akshardham to Loni Border, details here first appeared on informalnewz .

Bank Holiday July 2024: Before going to the bank, definitely check the list, it will be closed for so many days in July

In today's time, when we have any banking-related work, many of our work are done online. Like sending money to someone, applying for a loan, ordering a new ATM card, etc. Even money can be withdrawn from the ATM whenever you want. However, we still have to go to the bank for work. In such a situation, it becomes important that if you are going to the bank for any work, then first know on which days the banks can remain closed. You can see the list of bank holidays in the next month of July here and know on which day the banks will remain closed. So let's know on which days the banks will remain closed in July... Banks will remain closed on these days in July:- On 3, 6 and 7 July Banks in Shillong will remain closed on 3 July due to Beh Dinkhlam. Whereas, on 6th July, banks will remain closed in Ajwal on the occasion of Mizo Hmichhe Insuihkhom Pawl i.e. MHIP Day, and on 7th July, banks across the country will remain closed due to the Sunday holiday. On 8th, 9th and 13th July On 8th July, banks will remain closed in Imphal due to Kang-Rath Yatra, on 9th July, banks will remain closed in Gangtok due to Drukpa Tse-Ji and on 13th of July, which is the second Saturday of the month, all the banks across the country will remain closed on this day. On 14th, 16th and 17th July On 14th July, it is Sunday, hence all the banks across the country will remain closed on this day. On 16th July, Uttarakhand's famous festival Harela is celebrated, due to which banks in the state capital Dehradun will remain closed. On 17th July, banks will remain closed in many states of the country due to Muharram. On 21st, 27th and 28th July On the 21st of July, all the banks of the country will remain closed due to the Sunday holiday, and on the 27th of July, due to the fourth Saturday, all the banks of the country will remain closed. Whereas, on 28th July, Sunday is there due to which all the banks of the country will remain closed on this day. (PC: ISTOCK)

Travel tips: Visit these beautiful places near Delhi for Rs 5000, enjoy trekking too

Many people are fond of traveling. They also make travel plans. But due to busyness in work and worry about expenses, people are often unable to fulfill their desire. Before going on a trip anywhere, people think that they should go to a place where they can enjoy the beauty of India and also spend less money. People also want to plan a trip in less time. In such a situation, it is tough to select a travel destination that comes within the budget in less time. For this you google. Where to go? How much money will it cost? We calculate all these. Here is the solution to your problem. If you are a resident of Delhi NCR or nearby and are planning a thrilling trip of two days, then there are many places for you to visit for Rs 5000. In the next slides, learn about cheap travel destinations worth visiting near Delhi for less money. Delhi to Mussoorie If you want to visit a hill station, then Mussoorie is a budget place for you. The beautiful hill station Mussoorie, located 30 km from Dehradun, is a center of attraction for tourists. The distance from Delhi to Mussoorie is 303 km. You can visit Mussoorie in two days as a long drive. Here the cost of a room for one night is up to Rs 2000. Food can be found for up to Rs 500. Delhi to Agra The Agra district of Uttar Pradesh is the most important destination for foreign tourists. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, is located here. Although the Taj is considered a symbol of love, it also has its importance in terms of beauty, artistry, and history. The distance from Delhi to Agra is 233 km. Apart from the Taj, you can enjoy many other monuments and parks here. You can travel to Agra for up to 5000 rupees including food, drink, accommodation and transport etc. Delhi to Manesar Delhi to Manesar is a 54 km route. After a drive of about two hours, you will reach Manesar in Haryana. You will find a lake in this quiet city. You can sit near it and relax. This place is best for picnics and spending time with family. There is Sheetla Mata Temple here and you can also visit Sultanpur National Park. Delhi to Jim Corbett If you love nature, then also think about going to Jim Corbett National Park. It is one of the famous national parks of the country. The distance from Delhi to Jim Corbett is 246 km. Here you will get to see more than 580 species of birds and 50 species of mammals. Including food, accommodation, and transport, you can travel for two days at a cost of up to 4000 rupees. (PC: ISTOCK)

Border village to vote for first time

DEHRADUN: The Bhotia tribe, residing in Mana, the first village in Uttarakhands Chamoli district near the international border, is all set to vote in their native village for the first time since the formation of the state in the year 2000. The introduction of Electronic Voting Machine for the first time in the village has aroused enthusiasm among the people. A total of 3,834 voters from Niti Valley and Mana are gearing up to participate in the upcoming Badrinath Assembly by-election to due on July 10. Mana village is located at an altitude of 3,200 metres at the northern end of National Highway-7. Mana is only 25km from the Tibet border. Around 3km away lies the Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath. Election office sources said out of 3,834 voters, 220 live in Nitigaon, 824 in Mana, 599 in Malari, 210 in Kailashpur, 836 in Gamshali, 393 in Jhelum, 243 in Kosha, 368 in Dronagiri and 141 in Jumma. The district election office converted the primary school building in Mana into a polling booth. Maintenance work is underway. The rural residents of the Bhotia tribe from Niti Valley will also vote for the first time in their ancestral villages polling centres. Uttarakhands chief election officer Dr BVRC Purushottam said there are nine villages from Suraithota to Niti in the Niti Valley, while the village of Mana is known for migration. It is the first instance since the states formation that a by-election for the assembly is being held during Char Dham Yatra, he said. In a phone conversation, Pitambar Molfa, the village head of Mana village, said, There is a lot of enthusiasm among the villagers of Bhotia tribe in Niti and Mana valley about voting this time as they will vote for the first time in their own village.

Dehradun Sizzles Over 40 Degree Celsius, Hundreds Turn Up To Save Trees

This June, Dehradun saw temperatures surpassing the 40 degrees Celsius mark, marking the highest June temperatures in a decade.

Telangana: Heavy rains lash parts of Hyderabad; cause inconvenience to commuters

Telangana: Heavy rains lash parts of Hyderabad; cause inconvenience to commuters Heavy rains lashed parts of Hyderabad on Sunday, leading to waterlogging, traffic congestion and causing inconvenience to commuters in the city. The city witnessed rains, while the northern and eastern regions of Telangana experienced heavy downpours. Despite the rainfall, the city woke up to moderate temperatures ranging between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius. According to the Telangana State Development and Planning Society, although the city witnessed above-normal rainfall in June, the past week saw below-normal rainfall levels. Meanwhile, a fresh bout of rainfall lashed parts of the national capital on Sunday afternoon, bringing respite to the people after they had been battling the heatwave in the region for the past two months. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast partly cloudy conditions in Delhi for Saturday and Sunday that were expected to bring relief from the simmering heat conditions. Rains also showered in parts of Noida city in Uttar Pradesh. Dehradun, the state capital of Uttarakhand, also received rainfall on Sunday afternoon. Earlier in the day, citizens of Mumbai enjoyed the rains that lashed parts of the metropolitan city on Sunday. Locals and tourists could be seen relishing the rainfall along the beach. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected from Monday to Wednesday, the Met Office said. The weather department has also issued red alerts for South Interior Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, and coastal Karnataka. An orange alert has also been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. (ANI)

Yoga for All unites hearts in Dehradun

DEHRADUN: People from all age groups participated with enthusiasm in Yoga for All organized by Event Express, a division of The New Indian Express Group, at the picturesque Sky Garden in Dehradun, on the 10th International Yoga Day on Thursday. Ringed in by majestic Himalayan ranges, and nestled in the serene Doon Valley, the morning event saw Mayor Sunil Uniyal Gama, the chief guest, reintroducing the significance of the day to the participants. It is a matter of pride for us that with the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today marks the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, he said. Yoga Day should not be limited to June 21; it should become a part of our daily routine so that we can realize the vision of a healthy society, said Gama. A large number of participants aged between 8 and 70 years demonstrated their love for yoga by performing a variety of asanas. They were assisted by assistant professor Dr. Somlata Jha from Swami Ram Himalayan Universitys Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences in an hour-long session. Dr Jha emphasized the advantages of practising Shavasana and Makarasana, urging people to incorporate diaphragmatic breathing into their routine. The participants showed a range of asanas such as Adhomukhishavasana, Ardhachandrasana, Ashtavkrasana, Makarasana, Mandukasana, Padmasana, Paschimottan Asana. Dr Jha also emphasized the importance of Pranayama, saying Pranayama cam act as a bridge between the body and mind. Sadhana Mishra, Director Operations at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), highlighted the importance of physical well-being. Dehradun resident Nancy Lohani, currently preparing for UPSC exams, actively took part in the session. In todays fast-paced world dominated by unhealthy eating habits and high-stress levels, yoga has become a rejuvenating practice that brings tranquility to the body and mind, she said. Winners of a lucky draw were honoured with gifts and certificates by Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director of The New Indian Express, and Sadhana Mishra, Director of Operations at SRHU. The main sponsors of the event were Swami Ram Himalayan University (SRHU) and PC Jewellers. The co-sponsors include National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Carnivore Kebab, Shuddhgram (Organic Pulse), Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL), Keensighted in facility management, Builders in Golden Gate and Capital Athena, Goyal Sons Jewellers, SRM University, The Hair Smith, Rooted-The Natural Sciences, Amntech Savvy Private Ltd, V John and Local APP.

A light hearted tale

Ishq Vishk rebound is the story of love, friendship and rebound. Raghav Pandit (Rohit Saraf), Sanya (Pashmina Roshan) and Sahir (Jibraan Khan) are childhood buddies from Dehradun. Sanya and Sahir start dating once they grow up. Raghav is very much involved in their lives and is always there for them. In college, he meets Riya (Naila Grrewal) and falls for her. She, too, develops feelings for him and both get into a relationship. Riya has reservations about how Raghav is [] The post A light hearted tale appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ranjona Banerji | Infra mania killing us, but why stick our necks out?

By the time anyone reads this, Ill be on a walk down a cool tree-lined street in the Himalayan town of Dehradun. Because soon, if I do nothing, this street will no longer be either cool or tree-lined or indeed even a street. If the authorities have their way, all the trees over 250 in a roughly two km stretch will be cut to make way for a four-lane road. Why do we need a four-lane road on this tiny stretch? This is a question which residents cannot really answer. A couple of years ago a few thousand trees were cut down on another road to broaden it. The upshot is a hot road surface temperatures have risen by five to six degrees Celsius and in addition, more parking spaces created, but no widening. The trees might have helped parked cars which now turn into ovens. The general Indian development model appears to be cut trees now, deal with consequences later. And what are the consequences? For Dehradun this year, unprecedented heat waves, and in two tranches. In April and after a break, again in May and June. As our tree cover has been reduced, the extremity of heat has increased. The new master plan allows for only one per cent green cover for the city. One per cent. As the monsoon spreads across India, we are likely to forget what has just happened. Dehradun temperatures have dropped in a day from 42 plus to the mid- to low-30s at noon. The outlook is cloudy; a massive rainstorm has cleared the dust and soaked the ground. This is the danger zone for environmental activism this is where we forget the heat, the deaths, the trauma and deal with rain. Or so we hope, anyway. There may be no rain. Across North India, it is possible that heat wave human deaths this year are in the 100s. One person reported dead bats falling out of trees. Between extreme air pollution in winter and extreme heat in summer, large swathes of the North will become unliveable killing zones. And the effects of climate changes are not limited by local geography or immediate neighbourhoods. There is a cascading chain effect on people and places. This is where we must tread carefully. Because here lie dragons. The triggers for centrists are if you mention development and urbanisation. Because, immediately, you are branded as being anti-progress, anti-India, anti-growth, and all the rest of that malarkey. Because the mention of climate impacting peoples lives is apparently equivalent to high treason. We must have more, more, more growth and progress. If you ask if we need more treeless roads, more traffic jams, more heat, more deaths, less forests, less green cover, all you will receive is a whole lot of angry gibberish. Its not even as if trying to protect greenery, both forest and urban, damages anything. This is not extreme activism like throwing orange cornflour on Stonehenge or chucking paint on famous art works as we have seen by some radical environmentalist groups around the world. They care a lot and they care little for criticism. Instead, they exploit the worlds ceaseless thirst for drama to make their point. Even when the reality of environmental destruction is dire, people are often less interested in scientific evidence. For instance, will your eyes glaze over now? Research published by Ashish Mishra and Dhyan Singh Arya of IIT Roorkee, studied the increase in urban heat island effects in Dehradun and found that it corresponds to loss of green cover over a 20-year period (up to 2019). For instance, a 28 per cent increase in built-up areas led to a seven degree increase in summer temperatures. If thats too much science, you can go back to the dead bats. Or anyone you know who may have complained about the heat, no water, air pollution. You cannot live in India today without knowing someone like that. Visual data from Nasa shows that the Himalayan aquifer a measure of groundwater in the subcontinent has been shrinking by a foot a year for the decade from 2003 to 2013. That is a drastic fall and the consequences are clear for us to suffer. Scientists concluded that the shrinking was due to human consumption. A new global survey on climate change by the United Nations, Oxford University and Geopoll, shows that 80 per cent of the people polled wanted governments to do more about climate change and global warming. Most were aware of the consequences, thought about it once a week and felt the effects impact their decisions of where to work, live and travel. Yet, experts feel that people are likely to do little about it themselves, because of the perception gap. Why should I do anything when others wont? And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings me back to the beginning. To the walk on Sunday, June 23, in a fast-growing city in the Himalayan foothills, on a nondescript road, to try and save 250 trees. Because its not really about these trees, although we would love for them to survive. Its about everything around us. Its about all the forests weve lost and all the people whove died. The mountains which have been damaged and the streams which have dried up. Its about the cities which cannot breathe and the land which has lost its heart. It is all of these things. And it is taking a stand, for thats the very least that we can do. Take two hours on a Sunday morning and show that theres someone who cares. Will governments listen? Will developers listen? Are they not all hand-in-glove? Is it not just about a little money here and a lot more money there? Maybe it is. But as long as we are silent, apathetic, why should I do something when no one else will, things will only get worse. Even the safety net of status quo has gone. All of us are in increasing danger, even the small number reaping some benefits, without caring that they are also in danger. Please notice, I have not uplifted you with success stories. Sometimes, those make us more apathetic look at how they managed to make things better so I wont have to. Because its not just me. Its many of us. Its all of us. Even you. Yes, you.

Travel tips: Enjoy adventure here with your holiday, natural beauty spent in this city of Uttarakhand, note today

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is a city that is famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique historical significance. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the city is an ideal site for tourists. The greenery, clean environment, and cold winds here make it a popular tourist destination. There are many places to visit and watch in the city of Dehradun, which are known for their unique features. In such a situation, you can also come here with your family or partner and spend your holidays. Robers Kev (Guchupani) Robers Kev, which locals know as Guchupani, is a natural cave where you can walk between running water. This place is famous for picnics and exciting activities. Here you can have an exciting experience of walking in water. This place is famous for its natural caves and water springs, which attract adventure lovers. Sahastradhara Sahastradhara means 'thousands of streams'. It is a natural waterfall where sulfur-rich water springs fall. The water here is considered rich in medicinal properties and this place is famous for its natural beauty. Tracking in Sahastradhara and swimming in natural springs can be enjoyed. Malsi dear park This is an ideal place for nature lovers and children. Here you can also see other wildlife along with deer. This is a mini zoo where you can see deer and other wildlife. It is a great place for families and children. Tapovan If you want to experience some peace on you, then this place is a great option for you. Tapovan is a religious and spiritual place where saints do penance. The peace and natural beauty here is very pleasing to the mind. Forest Research Institute (FRI) This grand building has forest science-related museums and beautiful gardens. The architecture here reminds me of the British period. This institute is famous for its grand colonial architecture and forest science museums. The botanical gardens here are also visible. Dakpathar and Tapkeshwar Temple Dakpathar is known for its beautiful dam and calm environment. Picnic and boating can be enjoyed here on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Tapkeshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in a cave, where a natural water stream falls on the Shivling. This temple has religious and historical significance. Kalanga War Memorial This monument is built in memory of the brave martyrs of the Gorkha War. A beautiful view of the city is seen from here and this place is special for history lovers. Santa Devi Temple This temple is situated on the top of the hill and a small trekking has to be done to reach here. From here, a panoramic view of the entire Dehradun is seen. Mind Rolling Monastery It is a major Buddhist monastery whose grand structure and calm environment attract tourists. The Golden Buddha statue here is particularly visible. Rajaji National Park and Lachhiwala This national park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Here you can see elephants, tigers, leopards, and various birds. It is a great place to enjoy Safari. At the same time, Lachhiwala is a picnic site where you can enjoy swimming in the natural stream. The forest and greenery here are adorable. This place is famous for floating in trekking, picnicking, and natural stream Apart from this, there are many markets for shopping in Dehradun where you can buy local handicrafts and special products. Some of the major markets are: Paltan Bazaar: This is the main market where clothes, shoes, and local handicraft items are found. Astle Hall: Here you can buy local products and handicrafts of Uttarakhand. This is the right time to go The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June and September to November. During this time the weather is pleasant and tourists can enjoy various activities. In summer, the temperature here is between 20 C to 35 C, while in autumn it ranges between 14 C to 30 C. (PC: Lifeberrys)

American passenger dies while waiting in Dehradun airport lounge for Delhi-bound flight

DEHRADUN: After obtaining a boarding pass and undergoing security checks at Dehradun airport to travel to Delhi on Friday, an American citizen died while waiting in the boarding lounge to board the airplane. The police, in the preliminary investigation, have learned from airport authorities that on Friday afternoon, two American citizens, Craig Scott Hawkins, aged 66, a resident of California and his friend Stephen John Balkan, were scheduled to board Vistara Airlines flight UK-618 at 15:20 from Dehradun airport to Delhi. According to sources, after a security check, both proceeded towards the boarding gate number 2 and sat waiting for boarding time around 13:37. Craig Scott Hawkins was sitting as if he had been sleeping for almost an hour, and no abnormality or movement was observed. When his friend tried to wake him up around 14:30, he was shocked and surprised to see that Craig was completely unconscious. Unconscious Craig was immediately taken to the nearby Himalayan Hospital by AAI ambulance for immediate treatment, where the doctor declared him dead. When contacted by TNIE, Jolly Grant Airport Director Prabhakar Mishra disclosed that Dehradun Airport lacks a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) facility. In In cases of emergencies, the airport depends on a nearby medical centre for assistance. CPR is a crucial life-saving procedure administered when an individual's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It is noteworthy that with the number of passengers crossing 1.5 million in a year at Dehradun Airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Delhi has recently upgraded Jolly Grant Airport. More than 4000 passengers are flying daily from Dehradun Airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has upgraded Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport) from level three to level two.

Waste to wealth: Joshimath civic body earns from pilgrim leftovers

DEHRADUN: In Uttarakhand, the Joshimath Municipality has successfully transformed the negligent disposal of plastic waste left by pilgrims on the Char Dham pilgrimage route into a lucrative venture. The municipality has collected over three tons of plastic waste from the pilgrimage route in recent days, generating a revenue of Rs 1.2 crore through its recycling efforts. From an environmental conservation perspective, this initiative has not only mitigated pollution but also significantly bolstered the municipalitys income. The majority of the collected waste consists of discarded mineral water and cold drink bottles left by pilgrims and tourists along the roadside. Pritam Singh Negi, the executive officer of the Gopeshwar Municipal Corporation, explained to TNIE, This plastic waste is collected from areas such as Bhimtalla, Khetrapal, Kotiya Sain, and other locations along the Badrinath route. He further added, Villages along the Kedarnath route, including Gangol, Sagar, Mandal, Chopta, and Rudranath, are also involved, where tourists frequently discard empty bottles. The municipality compresses this plastic waste into bricks and then sells them. The Gopeshwar Municipal Corporation is responsible for cleaning operations from Joshimath to Pandukeshwar, a key stop on the Badrinath pilgrimage route, as well as the Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers routes. According to data from the Uttarakhand Tourism Departments Yatra division, as of Friday, 26.5 lakh pilgrims have completed the Char Dham pilgrimage. Pradeep Chauhan, a spokesperson for the Yatra department, stated, By Friday evening, over 950,000 pilgrims had visited Kedarnath Dham, and more than 700,000 had visited Badrinath Dham. Environmental activist Chandan Nayal emphasized, In addition to generating revenue from recycling plastic waste, a significant challenge remains in preserving the environment, as an average of 75,000 pilgrims visit Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib daily.

Vande Bharat Express: High-speed Vande Bharat Express train will run on these two new routes, check route and other details

Bareilly residents are going to get another gift in the coming days after the Dehradun-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express train starts operating via Bareilly. Indian Railways most premium train Vande Bharat Express is going to be run on two more routes, whose journey will be completed via Bareilly. Vande Bharat Express is one of the premium [] The post Vande Bharat Express: High-speed Vande Bharat Express train will run on these two new routes, check route and other details first appeared on informalnewz .

BKTC president receives death threat over Hindi film 'Hamare Baarah'

DEHRADUN: Badri Kedar Temple Committee president Ajendra Ajay has received death threats with abusive comments on social media. People of a particular community have threatened him by posting 'Sar Tan Se Juda' (separation of head from body) on his Instagram. These threats are being given to him because Ajendra is the creative director of the film 'Hamare Baarah'. The controversy has started even before the release of the film 'Hamare Baarah', (referring to twelve kids) which is released in theatres across the country on Friday. The film was earlier scheduled to release on June 7. But before the release of the film, it got entangled in legal complications . According to the information received, a Muslim organization had filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court seeking a ban on the film. The legal battle reached the Supreme Court, the court stayed the film and asked the Bombay High Court to hear it on merits. Karnataka govt bans screening of 'Hamare Barah' for 2 weeks The film's creative director, Ajendra Ajay said, The movie, which delves into the topic of population growth, has encountered resistance from certain members of a particular community who view it as anti-Muslim. The film has generated significant buzz on social media platforms, with debates and conversations surrounding its content. Ajendra stated that this film is not against any specific religion but is centered on the issue of increasing population and criticizes the mentality that views women solely as baby-producing machines. Prior to this, Ajendra Ajay, who has openly addressed issues such as 'land jihad' and demographic change in Uttarakhand stated, He has informed the Uttarakhand government in writing about the threats he is personally receiving. It has been revealed through sources that ever since the release of the film's trailer and teaser, the cast and production team of the film have been receiving continuous threats. To the extent that even cinemas showing the film are being openly threatened with arson.

Travel tips: Dehradun is known for its beautiful valleys, you must visit these 8 places here

Uttarakhand is considered to be the best state in terms of tourism, which is situated in the lap of the Himalayas. One of the various tourist destinations here is Dehradun, which is the capital here. Dehradun, known for its beautiful valleys, is one of the quaint cities that provide natural pleasure. It is an attractive hill station which is the best destination to enjoy with friends or family vacation, spending holidays. This place is no less than a paradise for nature lovers. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about the famous places of Dehradun where you can enjoy roaming freely. Let's know about these places... Rajaji National Park Rajaji National Park is one of the most famous tourist places in Dehradun, spread over 830 square kilometers, which is famous for elephants and tigers as well as Asiatic bears, deer, boar, sambar, nilgai rabbits, etc. A jeep safari facility is provided to visit this park, through which you can do a jungle safari. The fare of jeep safari in Rajaji National Park is around 2500 rupees, in which 6 people can sit and do jungle safari together. Sahasdhara As beautiful as Sahastradhara is, its journey is also equally amazing. You can see its beauty with your own eyes in a 40-minute journey at a distance of 15 kilometers from the city. This is the natural water park of Dehradun where tourists come here to enjoy swimming in the summer season. Along with swimming, many water activities can also be done here. The specialty of this place is that the water coming here keeps flowing naturally, due to which the flowing stream of water collides with the mountain medicines and reaches Sahastradhara of Dehradun. Due to this, skin diseases like skin disease, itching, itching, etc. are cured by bathing here. Robbers Cave The other name of Robbers Cave is 'Guchhupani' and local people mostly know Robbers Cave by the name of Guchhupani. Robbers Cave is an English word, which means 'cave of robbers' in Hindi. During the British rule in India, a dangerous robber named Sultan lived in this cave, who used to loot the goods of the British and hide them in this cave. Due to this, this cave was named 'Robbers Cave'. The length of the Robbers Cave is 600 meters. There is also a waterfall inside this cave, which comes from inside the rocks coming out of the mountains. Some small restaurants are also available for food and drinks inside this cave, where you can have some breakfast etc. You will get to see many people bathing inside this cave. If you want, you can also bathe there. Lachhiwala Nature Park Lachhiwala Nature Park is located in the middle of a forest, where the atmosphere is peaceful. In this park, you will get to see a peaceful natural environment as well as beautiful views around, which attracts a lot of tourists. This park Boating activities and swimming pool facilities have been provided amidst lush green trees and plants inside the park, where you can enjoy a lot with your friends or family. Also, there is a cafeteria in this park, which plays an important role in making this park a very beautiful picnic spot. View Point The viewpoint is located near Sahastradhara. You can reach this place by ropeway. As soon as you reach the top of this viewpoint, you will see a beautiful view surrounded by beautiful valleys of mountains on all sides, which will touch your heart. The calm and golden atmosphere here attracts tourists. This place is like heaven for nature lovers. Tapkeshwar Temple This temple also has Hindu mythological importance attached to it. This religious place located since the Mahabharata period is dedicated to Bholenath, Lord Shiva himself has appeared here. This is the same place where Guru Dronacharya and his wife used to do penance. Guru Dron used to pray to Bholenath here to get an education and his wife Kripi to get a son. The Tons river flowing next to the temple makes it even more beautiful where tourists also swim to relieve their fatigue. Water keeps dripping in this temple of Lord Shiva built inside a natural cave, due to which is called Tapkeswar Temple. The mountain river flowing next to the temple, whose absolutely clean water dazzles the tourists. Malsi Deer Park Situated in a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will get to see many types of wild animals in this park. This park rich in fauna and flora is very much liked by wildlife lovers. This park is mainly famous for deer, but apart from deer, you can also see wild animals like tigers, rabbits, peacocks, etc. here. This park comes in the most prominent parks of Dehradun. Mindrolling Monastery Mindrolling Monastery is a Tibetan monastery, which was established in 1965 AD. It was built in Japanese architectural style by Kochen Rinpoche as well as Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and Ladakhi artists. Around 500 lamas reside in this monastery, who are provided free clothes and food along with other facilities by the officials of this monastery. A 107 feet high tomb of Lord Buddha has been established in this monastery. Tibetan restaurants, books related to Tibet and Buddhism, and some shopping shops are also available on the monastery premises, from where you can do shopping. (PC: Lifeberrys)

TNIE's Yoga for All event in Dehradun captivated attendees and wins hearts

DEHRADUN: A diverse array of individuals across various age demographics enthusiastically engaged in the Yoga for All event hosted by The New Indian Express Group at Sky Garden in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in celebration of the 10th International Yoga Day. Participants ranging from 8 to 70 years old showcased their love for yoga by performing a variety of yoga asanas during the event. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountain range, in the serene valleys of the Doon Valley, a morning event was organized where the Mayor Sunil Uniyal Gama spoke as the chief guest. He said, It is a matter of pride for us that with the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Baba Ramdev, today marks the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, which started a decade ago. The entire world celebrates today as International Yoga Day. Mayor Gama said, We must also resolve that Yoga Day should not be limited only to June 21, but it should become a part of our daily routine so that we can realize the vision of a healthy society. He also emphasized the importance of tree planting to combat the intense heat and urged participants to take a pledge for this. Certificates were distributed to the students of Swami Rama University at Sky Garden, Jogiwala, Dehradun. @PCJeweller @PrabhuChawla @Santwana99 #YogaForAll #YogaForHealth #WorldYogaDay #pcjewellerspresentsyogaforall pic.twitter.com/UJ3s8FUcVV The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) June 21, 2024 On this occasion, a large number of participants were present and Assistant Professor Dr. Somlata Jha from Swami Ram Himalayan University's Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences (HSYS) conducted a one-hour yoga session, where participants practiced various important yoga asanas according to the protocol of the Ministry of Ayush. Dr. Jha elaborated on the advantages of practicing 'Shavasana' and 'Makarasana', emphasizing that individuals who incorporate diaphragmatic breathing into their routine experience substantial benefits in promoting overall well-being. Engaging in these practices during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be particularly advantageous for those who have embraced them. During the practice, the participants were made to practice many types of asanas including Adhomukhishvasana, Ardhachandrasana, Ashtavkrasana, Makarasana, Mandukasana, Padmasana, Paschimottan Asana. While speaking to The New Indian Express, Dr. Jha emphasized the importance of incorporating Pranayama into one's daily routine, stating, Every individual should make Pranayama a part of their daily routine because it is a bridge between body and mind. She mentioned that currently, 17 students in HSYS are pursuing a PhD in yoga. Speaking on the occasion, Sadhna Mishra, the Director of Operations at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), highlighted the importance of physical well-being by stating, There are 350 joints in our body and 206 bones in the whole body. There are 26-26 bones in both feet and 27-27 bones in both hands. If we do 10 minutes of exercise of hands and feet daily, then we get rid of many diseases. Shedding light on the importance of diaphragmatic breathing, Sadhna Mishra stated, Depression is released from the left nostril and anger from the right nostril. If we practice diaphragmatic breathing, we can gain control over this. Ms. Preeti Ghildiyal, Neelam Tripathi, Manorama Nautiyal, and Deepti Negi, who participated in the program, shared with this newspaper, Yoga postures and yoga have brought unprecedented changes in their lives. Manorama has reduced her weight from 97 to 71 kilos through yoga, and Deepti has reduced her weight from 85 to 70 kilos. Dehradun resident Nancy Lohani, currently preparing for the UPSC exam, actively took part in a yoga session on Friday. She emphasized, In today's fast-paced world dominated by unhealthy eating habits and high stress levels, yoga emerges as a rejuvenating practice that brings tranquility to both the body and mind. As per Jitendra Kapila, Yoga empowers us to maintain both mental and physical fitness, while also replenishing our energy reserves for work. Aditi Negi, who is preparing for her MBA, shared on Friday after participating in TNIE's program, Yoga has shown her a path to remain stress-free, providing the mind with unbroken peace. The winners were felicitated by Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director, The New Indian Express after the Yoga for All event organised under the joint sponsorship of Swami Ram Himalayan University and PC Jewellers. Sadhana Mishra from SRHU, Dr. Somlata Jha and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

PM Modi Marks International Yoga Day in Kashmir

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir hosted the 10th International Yoga Day celebrations this morning, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event received enormous attention both nationally and internationally. The Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex, located on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, was the venue for the event. The theme for this year is Yoga for Self and Society, which highlights the importance of yoga in promoting societal harmony as well as personal well-being. There were reports of moderate to heavy rainfall in the Kashmir Valley, and some rainfall was witnessed around Dal Lake. PM Modi did different yoga poses in the indoor hall with a smaller group of attendees, due to the weather. The 30-minute yoga session, which was scheduled to start at 7 am got delayed due to the rain. Lieutenant Governo, Manoj Sinha and Ayush Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav were also present among the attendees. Over the years, PM Modi has led Yoga Day festivities at various famous sites, such as Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jabalpur, and Delhi's Kartavya Path. He led the activities at the UN headquarters in New York last year, which is expected to increase awareness of the Srinagar program. Jammu and Kashmir made the headlines recently due to record turnouts during the recently concluded general election and the terror backlash that followed. Four attacks occurred in the Jammu region this month, including the attack on a bus full of pilgrims in Reasi district, which claimed to left 10 people dead. There have been extensive security drills in and around Srinagar. The entire district has been placed on high alert. Every path leading to the SKICC has been the subject of simulated drills by the Special Protection Group. The function's venue, taken over two days before by the SPG of the prime minister's arrival, has been completely sanitized. Apart from SPG, Navy Marco commandos are positioned near the SKICC. At Dal Lake, deep combing operations are often conducted. The area has been declared a No-drone zone. To commemorate the International Day of Yoga in 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organizing a unique initiative called 'Yoga for Space.' According to the rules of the Common Yoga Protocol, all ISRO scientists and officials shall practice yoga together. The Gaganyaan project team also sets out to participate in International Yoga Day as a global movement by practicing yoga on this occasion. After being elected for the third time, the prime minister is making his first trip to the valley and commenced his two-day visit to the valley on Thursday. At a youth gathering held on Thursday night at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex, he said that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and assembly elections were ot far off.

Everyone should practice yoga...: Hema Malini on 10th International Day of Yoga

Everyone should practice yoga...: Hema Malini on 10th International Day of Yoga Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini performed Yoga in Mathura on the occasion of the 10th International Day of Yoga. During a conversation with ANI, she spoke about the relevance of Yoga and said, Lord Krishna spread the message of Yoga all over the world...Everyone should practice yoga daily... Meanwhile, PM Modi performed Yoga at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on International Day of Yoga on Friday and congratulated all the people of the country and those doing Yoga in every corner of the world and said the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward for the last 10 years. While addressing an event in Srinagar, the Prime Minister said Today, from the land of Kashmir, I congratulate everyone around the world on International Yoga Day! Ten years ago, I proposed the celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. India's proposal was supported by 177 nations, which is a record in itself. In 2015, on Kartavyapath in Delhi, 35,000 people performed Yogasanas together, he said. This year's event underscores Yoga's profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of Yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale. This year's theme, Yoga for Self and Society, emphasizes yoga's vital role in fostering both individual well-being and societal harmony. Since 2015, the Prime Minister has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year's celebrations will span across the Nation, with a notable event termed Yoga for Space, wherein all the centres and units of ISRO will have programs on the practice of CYP or common Yoga Protocol. Globally, Embassies and Indian Missions abroad will join the celebrations, reflecting yoga's widespread influence. (ANI)

Better to practice Yoga than depend on medicines: Rajnath Singh on 10th International Day of Yoga

Better to practice Yoga than depend on medicines: Rajnath Singh on 10th International Day of Yoga Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, spoke about the benefits of yoga, and said at a time when issues like depression, blood pressure, and diabetes are rising, it is better to practice yoga than to depend on medicines. The Defence Minister along with Army Chief General Manoj Pande performed Yoga in Mathura, on the occasion of the 10th International Day of Yoga. Singh said it is a matter of pride today that the cultural heritage of yoga has been accepted by the world. Addressing the event, Rajnath Singh said, I would like to extend my wishes on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2024. It is being celebrated throughout the world with great fervor. It is a matter of pride that the world has adopted this cultural heritage. The reason for its popularity is that it has become a symbol of a healthy lifestyle. Despite the progress in technology and infrastructure people are living a stressful life. People have become more isolated. Earlier there used to be joint families but now there are nuclear families. With the growing importance of social media, it has put more pressure on the minds of youths. Anxiety and depression have become very common. Physical activities have been reduced which has resulted in diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Instead of depending on medicines to cure these diseases, it is better to practice Yoga, the Defence Minister added. He further said that working in this direction Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the concept of Yoga in front of the world and everyone adopted it. While there are clashes taking place in the world we believe in collaboration and cooperation. This year the theme of Yoga is Yoga for Self and Society. Yoga word means to combine. Through Yoga, the importance of meditation also spread to the world. Yoga keeps the body physically as well as mentally fit. Yoga helps to combat unnecessary aggression. Indian Army also resembles the characteristics of a true Yogi, Singh said. Meanwhile, India's security forces also performed yoga at various places across the country, on the International Day of Yoga. Indian Army troops performed Yoga in Eastern Ladakh and icy heights on the northern frontier on the occasion. The sailors of India's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya participated in an early morning yoga drill on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2024. Some children were also seen participating in yoga along with Navy personnel over aircraft carriers. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel deployed at Muguthang Sub Sector in Muguthang Sub Sector, Sikkim at an altitude of more than 15,000 feet were also seen performing Yoga. The ITBP personnel also performed Yoga at Pangong Tso and at Karzok in Leh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Friday. This year's event underscores Yoga's profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of Yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale. This year's theme, Yoga for Self and Society, emphasizes yoga's vital role in fostering both individual well-being and societal harmony. Since 2015, the Prime Minister has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. (ANI)

Dehradun Diary | Strict measures for land purchase by outsiders

Following the tragic killing of local youth Ravi Badola in a land dispute involving shooters from western Uttar Pradesh, the Uttarakhand government has announced stringent measures regarding land purchases by outsiders. Under the new regulations, outsiders seeking to buy land in Uttarakhand will undergo thorough scrutiny. They are required to submit comprehensive details in a prescribed declaration form, including the purpose of land acquisition and disclosure of any criminal history linked to transaction. CM Dhami emphasized the necessity of understanding the background and intentions of prospective buyers. Union minister surveys fire-affected areas Union Minister of Environment and Forests, Bhupender Yadav, visited the fire-ravaged forests of Tehri in Uttarakhand to assess the extent of damage and interact with local residents and firefighters. Stressing on the importance of public participation in forest conservation, he visited nurseries in Bemunda, Hindolakhal, and Badshahithaul. During the tour, Minister Yadav instructed forest officials to prioritize planting broad-leaved and indigenous plant species to restore the ecosystem. Uttarakhands Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal and other officials accompanied him. Leopard cubs welcomed at Dehradun zoo Two leopard cubs, named Raja and Rani, have been unveiled for public viewing at the Dehradun zoo after receiving approval from the Central Zoo Authority. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal revealed that their enclosure to the public, marking the culmination of a year-long process since their arrival. The male and female cubs, who had arrived from the Chidiyapur Rescue Center last June, have grown significantly over the past year. Minister Uniyal expressed delight at their official debut, stating, It is a moment of great joy that these two guests can now be observed by the public on a daily basis. Narendra sethi Our correspondent in Uttarakhand narendrasethi@ newindianexpress.com

Big message of people's mandate in this Lok Sabha Elections is that of stability: PM Modi in Srinagar

Big message of people's mandate in this Lok Sabha Elections is that of stability: PM Modi in Srinagar After the BJP-led NDA formed government for a third straight term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the results of the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections gave the message of stability and said that the nation has entered a new era of stable government. He said, Following the expectations of the people, our government shows its performance and brings results. Based on this performance, for the third time after 60 years, a government has received the mandate in our country. The biggest message of the mandate received in the Lok Sabha elections is of stability. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a majority for the third time in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning 293 seats. The BJP won 240 seats on its own, in the 543-member lower house, where the majority mark stands at 272. While addressing the conference in Srinagar, PM Modi targeted the previous governments and said, The last decade of the last century has seen a long period of unstable governments...Elections were held five times in 10 years. That means the country kept conducting elections and there was nothing else to do. Due to this instability, and uncertainty, when it was time for India to take off, we became grounded, and we suffered a lot. He added further, Leaving that period behind, now India has entered a new era of stable government. This has strengthened our democracy. Jammu and Kashmir have played a very big role in strengthening democracy... The remarks of the Prime Minister came while he was addressing the Empowering Youth, Transforming Jammu and Kashmir Programme amidst his two-day visit to Srinagar to participate in International Yoga Day. The Prime Minister also talked about the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision related to Jammu and kashmir and said, We are witnessing Atal ji's vision of Insaniyat (humanity), Jamhooriyat (democracy) aur Kashmiriyat, turning into a reality today. Mentioning record voter turnout in the recent elections, the Prime Minister said. You have broken the record of the last 35-40 years. You have made democracy win in this election. I have come to express my thanks for your efforts to keep the flag of democracy high. PM Modi also said ime is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will elect a new government in assembly polls and indicated that statehood will be resorted soon to the union territory. The people of Jammu and Kashmir elect their representatives at the local level, through them you find ways to solve problems, what can be better than this? Therefore, now the preparations for the Assembly elections have also started. The time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. That day will also come soon, when Jammu and Kashmir will once again make its future better as a state, he said. In his address, PM Modi also announced about 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs 1,500 crore were inaugurated on Thursday. Projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1800 crore were inaugurated. New national highways and expressways are being constructed here. Every Indian feels proud when they see pictures of the world's highest bridge on the river Chenab, he said. Hailing the progress in Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that the Kashmir valley is witnessing major development works on almost every front, including rail connectivity, education, health infrastructure, electricity and water. He said, Thousands of kilometres of roads have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna, and along with new highways and expressways, the valley is also going to be connected with railways. The alluring view of the Chenab railway bridge fills everyone with pride. He added further, The Gurez Valley in north Kashmir gained access to grid connectivity for the first time. The valley is brimming with opportunities in every field, from agriculture to horticulture to sports and start-ups. Hailing the development that has taken place in Kashmir in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said that the valley is emerging as a major hub of start-ups, skill development and sports and pointed out that almost 70 per cent of the valley's agricultural sectors comprise start-ups. The Prime Minister also talked about the establishment of educational institutions and said, Seats in polytechnics have increased, and opportunities to learn new skills. IIT, IIM, and AIIMS are being built along with many new medical colleges have been built. On the latest spate of terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi asserted that the government will teach a lesson to the enemies of the Union Territory. He said, This is their last ditch effort to stop the development of Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure that peace is not established here. He added, The government has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The Union Home Minister has chaired a meeting with the officials of Jammu and Kashmir to review them. I assure you that we will not hesitate to teach a lesson to the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir. The new generation of Jammu and Kashmir will live with permanent peace. We will strengthen the path of progress chosen by Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday for a two-day visit. This is PM Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after taking oath as Prime Minister for a third straight term. On June 21, Prime Minister Modi will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations at SKICC, Srinagar. Since 2015, the Prime Minister has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year's theme, Yoga for Self and Society, highlights the dual role of yoga in fostering individual and societal well-being. The event will encourage grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas. (ANI)

Travel tips: Bhairon Valley is at the confluence of Bhagirathi at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri Dham, pilgrims used to come walking from Lanka

Uttarakhand is a beautiful state of India. Uttarakhand is also famous as Devbhoomi or say the land of Gods. Uttarakhand has emerged as a favorite tourist destination for people of all ages. Apart from roaming with family and friends, you can also spend some romantic moments with your partner. Uttarakhand is a place where not only the beauty of the Himalayas can be seen, but many cultural civilizations can also be seen here. The beauty of Bhairon Valley and Jadh Jahvi Ganga, located at the confluence of Bhagirathi River at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri Dham in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is amazing. The view of Bhairon Valley surrounded by a gurgling river, huge rocks, and pine trees is so captivating that everyone becomes helpless to admire it. It is said that before 1985, pilgrims used to come on foot from Lanka to Bhairon Valley and then from here they used to go to Gangotri Dham. From Bhairon Valley, you can also have a panoramic view of the Bhrigu mountain range, Sudarshan, Matri, and Chidwasa peaks. Some pieces of ropes are left Raja Wilson had built a rope bridge on the Jahvi River, which was the world's highest suspension bridge. You could see many amazing views from this bridge. At present, only some pieces of ropes are left here. E.T. Atkinson has mentioned in his work Himalayan Gazetteer of the year 1882 that there was a suspension bridge here, which was built by forest officer O Callaghan on Jadhganga by making a light iron bridge. Which was 380 feet long and 3 feet wide. Pilgrims used to cross it by crawling. It is said about Hagson, who discovered Jahvi Ganga, that when he saw the impressive beauty of Bhairon Valley, he kept staring at it. He found the huge rocks, steep walls, tall deodar trees and the panoramic view of Bhagirathi very attractive. Apart from this, the famous mountaineer Heinrich Harrier reached Tibet from Bhairon Valley along the banks of Jahvi. Where he became the teacher of Dalai Lama. How to reach Bhairon Valley To reach Bhairon Valley, one has to reach Uttarkashi. From there you can reach Bhairon Valley with the help of local vehicles. To go by road, one can easily reach Uttarkashi from the Dehradun bus stand. To go by rail, one can easily reach Dehradun station from any part of the country. To go by air, one has to reach Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun. The distance between Dehradun and Uttarkashi is about 188 kilometers. (PC: Lifeberrys)

PM Modi on his way to Srinagar, to lead Yoga Day celebrations tomorrow

PM Modi on his way to Srinagar, to lead Yoga Day celebrations tomorrow Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day visit during which he will unveil various development projects and participate in International Yoga Day celebrations in Srinagar on Friday. This is PM Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after taking oath as Prime Minister for third straight term. The Prime Minister will be participating in the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J-K' programme focussing on youth-led development later in the evening. Leaving for Srinagar, where I will be taking part in two programmes. Later this evening, I will be at the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' programme, which focuses on youth-led development. Key projects worth over Rs. 1500 crore will be inaugurated or their foundation stones would be laid. These works cover infrastructure, water supply, education and more. Tomorrow morning, I will take part in the Yoga Day programme in Srinagar, the Prime Minister said in a post on 'X'. PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Jammu and Kashmir. He will also launch Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP). On June 21, at around 6.30 a.m., the Prime Minister will participate in 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar. Prime Minister will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the CYP Yoga session thereafter. The event Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K is a pivotal moment for the region, showcasing progress and providing inspiration to young achievers. On occasion, the Prime Minister will inspect stalls and interact with young achievers in the region. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs. 1,500 crore. The inaugurations will include projects related to road infrastructure, water supply schemes, infrastructure in higher education, etc. Additionally, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for projects like the improvement of Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri Section, the development of Industrial estates, and construction of six Government Degree Colleges. Prime Minister will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project, worth Rs. 1,800 crore. The project will be implemented in 90 Blocks across 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir and will have an outreach of 300,000 households, covering 15 lakh beneficiaries. Prime Minister will also distribute appointment letters to more than 2,000 people appointed in government service. The foundation stone laying/inauguration and launch of these projects will empower the youth and upgrade the infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion of the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2024, the Prime Minister will lead the International Yoga Day Celebrations at SKICC, Srinagar. This year's event underscores Yoga's profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of Yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale. Since 2015, the Prime Minister has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year's theme, Yoga for Self and Society, highlights the dual role of yoga in fostering individual and societal well being. The event will encourage grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas. (ANI)

Melting glaciers push power generation to record in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: While people in the plains and hilly regions of Uttarakhand are grappling with scorching heat, the soaring temperatures have proved advantageous for the states hydroelectric power projects. The rise in mercury has led to an increase in the water level of the Bhagirathi river due to glacier melting, resulting in enhanced power generation at the Dharasu powerhouse of the Maneri Bhali Phase-2 project, officials said. Electricity production in the Maneri Bhali Phase-2 project of the Jal Vidyut Nigam depends on the water level of the Bhagirathi River. Currently, the rate of glacier melting has increased due to severe heat, causing the water level of the the river to reach 150 to 180 cusec feet per second in just two days, said Sandeep Singhal, the managing director of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam. The increase in the rivers water level has led to the production of 7 million units of electricity at Dharasu powerhouse. The 304 MW capacity project comprises four turbines, each with a capacity of 76 MW. The total recorded generation reached 290.46 MW, with the first turbine producing 69.29 MW, the second 74.48 MW, the third 72.22 MW, and the fourth 74.36 MW, said Singhal. Vimal Dabral, public relations officer of the corporation, said, Production is expected to increase further due to rise in river water level during the monsoon season. He also highlighted the potential risk of silt deposition in the river during monsoon, which could hamper production midway. In the absence of silt-related issues, the project stands to achieve significant production levels during the monsoon season, Dabral said. According to experts, the accelerated melting of glaciers poses a major environmental threat, though state hydropower project operators consider it as a blessing. With the summer season driving up power demand, the Uttarakhand government previously had to purchase electricity from other states, power department officials said.

Unprecedented dry spell, Uttarakhand sizzles

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state, has been experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius this summer due to an unprecedented dry spell, surprising meteorologists. Compared to previous years, this time the temperature in Uttarakhand has been relatively higher. In Dehradun, the temperature has remained above 40 degrees for 22 out of the last 30 days, said Bikram Singh, director of the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun. One of the main reasons for this is the occurrence of a continuous dry spell in May and June, Singh added. Dehradun had recorded 43.9 degrees C on June 4, 1902, and 43.7 degrees C on June 16, 1995, according to meteorological department data. In 1995, the temperature exceeded 40 degrees for 12 days in June. On Tuesday, Uttarakhand experienced intense heat with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees C in 15 cities, including Srinagar, Devprayag and Rudraprayag in the hills. The Citizens for Green Doon will organise a protest march on Sunday against the state governments decision to cut down trees. The government has identified 250 trees, aged between 50 and 75 years, in a central area of Dehradun for removal to make way for the construction of four lanes. The loss of green cover and increasing concretisation is leading to the urban heat island effect. The unbearable 43C temperature in Dehradun is the result of undesirable and mostly avoidable concretization, said Ira Chauhan, a senior member of Citizens for Green Doon. It will be a regrettable realisation for the government when they finally wake up to the fact that the network of expressways and roads has supplanted Dehraduns renowned basmati rice fields and litchi orchards, Ira said. Expressing concern, Anoop Nautiyal, the founder of the Social Development for Communities Foundation, said, It is quite perplexing that there has been a notable absence of discussion regarding the persistent heatwave in Uttarakhand. I fail to comprehend why the political leadership in our state has remained silent on crucial matters pertaining to climate and public welfare. Hill state Himachal Pradesh is also experiencing extreme temperatures this year. According to IMD, a hilly region experiences heatwave when the maximum temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius, with 4.5 degrees Celsius above normal for two consecutive days. Protest march against felling of trees by government The Citizens for Green Doon will organise a protest march on Sunday against the state governments decision to cut down trees. The government has identified 250 trees, aged between 50 and 75 years, in Dehradun for removal to make way for the construction of four lanes. Heatwave plagues hilly areas Mercury crossed the 40 degree Celsius mark for eight consecutive days in Ukhand One of the main reasons for this is the occurrence of a continuous dry spell in May and June, say experts On June 18, Uttarakhand saw intense heat with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees C in 15 cities The rise in mercury has led to an increase in the water level of the Bhagirathi river due to glacier melting, resulting in enhanced power generation According to IMD, a hilly region experiences heatwave when the maximum temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius, with 4.5 degrees Celsius above normal for two consecutive day

North India grapples with brutal heat wave, rising casualties; slight relief likely in coming days

Northern and eastern India faced severe heat wave conditions on Wednesday, with only slight relief expected in the coming days from a western disturbance, according to the India Meteorological Department. Additionally, conditions are now favourable for the further advancement of the monsoon, which had stalled between June 12 and 18, prolonging the wait for rains in north India amidst the intense heat. Maximum temperatures ranged from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius in many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan. In the national capital, hospitals reported a spike in heatstroke cases and several deaths in the last two days. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius, over four notches above normal. The minimum temperature in Delhi was 35.2 degrees Celsius, highest in June since 1969. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in parts of Uttar Pradesh, south Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab and pockets of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and the Jammu division. A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring some relief in the northern region from the high temperatures. Delhi can expect light rainfall on June 20. Several places in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun received light showers on Wednesday after a prolonged dry spell. In Himchal Pradesh, thunderstorms and rains in Shimla and surrounding areas brought some respite. The maximum temperature in Dehradun, which had shot up to around 40 degrees Celsius by Wednesday afternoon, plummeted sharply with the rains which were preceded by gusty winds. In Haryana, Nuh recorded a high of 45.3 degrees Celsius, Faridabad recorded 45 degrees Celsius, and Gurugram recorded 43.6 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, also sweltered at a maximum of 43.1 degrees Celsius. Sangrur in Punjab recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius, while Pathankot saw a high of 44.3 degrees Celsius. The blistering heat has left a large number of people scrambling for water, with storage levels in reservoirs and rivers hitting record lows. The shortage of water for irrigation is impacting agriculture in some areas. The power grids are under immense pressure and there has been an increase in incidents of short circuits and fires. The Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC) said on Wednesday that multiple-tripping incidents were reported in the northern region on Monday after power demand shot up to 89.4 gigawatts (GW), leading to a supply gap of 16.5 GW. Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and J-K were the affected states, it said. Bats drop dead as heatwave intensifies in UPs Kanpur Massive consumption of electricity amid a punishing heat wave stretching over weeks pushed the peak power demand of Delhi to an all-time high level of 8656 MW on Wednesday afternoon, according to discom officials. Cooling load due to the increased use of air conditioners and other cooling appliances amid the relentless heat wave has led to a record rise in power demand, they said. Temperatures in Delhi have remained above 40 degrees since May 12. In these 36 days, the city saw 16 days when the mercury reached or surpassed 45 degrees. The water crisis, worsened by the heat wave, prompted Delhi Water Minister Atishi to seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention. She threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike from June 21 if the issue was not resolved soon. Hospitals in Delhi-NCR have been seeing an influx of patients with complaints of heat stroke and heat exhaustion as the mercury continued to soar, with doctors advising the elderly and immuno-compromised patients to avoid stepping outdoors. At the Centre-run RML Hospital, authorities have received 22 patients in the last two days. There have been five deaths and 12 patients are on ventilator support. At the Safdarjung Hospital, there have been a total of 60 heatstroke cases, including 42 patients who have been admitted. The hospital has reported six casualties, including a 60-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man who died on Tuesday. According to LNJP Hospital authorities, four patients have died due to suspected heatstroke in the last two days. Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation and preparedness of central government hospitals. He ordered that special heatwave units be started in the central government-run hospitals. IMD officials said high minimum temperatures or warm nights are exacerbating the impact of the deadly heat. High night temperatures are considered dangerous because the body does not get a chance to cool down. Increasing nighttime temperature is more common in cities because of the urban heat island effect, in which metro areas are significantly hotter than their surroundings. This is scaring me. The minimum temperature in cities is not going down. People are not getting a chance to recover, which means that we are getting more deaths at night than during the daytime, because normally the minimum temperature would fall and you would be able to recover to go back to work the next day, just not getting that, environmentalist Sunita Narain said. India is experiencing one of its hottest summers this time. Multiple heat waves have pushed millions in the country to their limits and many states have reported heat-related deaths. According to IMD, around 40 percent of the country has recorded double the number of heat wave days than it usually does. Rajasthan has hit 50 degrees Celsius twice over the last few weeks, and Delhi has recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for 36 consecutive days. On Wednesday, maximum temperatures were recorded two to five degrees Celsius above normal in Rajasthan's Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur and Bikaner divisions. According to the Meteorological Center Jaipur, in the last 24 hours, rain was recorded with cloudy weather in some parts of eastern Rajasthan and the weather remained dry in western Rajasthan. Experts attribute the scorching heat to climate change and the naturally occurring El-Nino phenomenon, which is basically an unusual warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. While heat waves are common in India during April and May, scientists say climate change has made them more frequent and intense. Data shows that 12 of the warmest years in India have occurred since 2006, with 2016 experiencing the highest temperatures to date. The World Weather Attribution Group said similar heatwaves, which once occurred every 30 years, have become about 45 times more likely due to climate change. Delhi's outdoor workers, low-income households bear brunt of deadly heat

Uttarakhand Receives Respite from Scorching Heat as Rains Return

Uttarakhand Receives Respite from Scorching Heat as Rains Return Various places in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, received light showers on Wednesday after a prolonged dry spell brought relief to people from the scorching heat. The maximum temperature in Dehradun, which had surged to around 40 degrees Celsius by Wednesday afternoon, plummeted sharply with the rains, preceded by gusty winds. The MeT office reported that the plain areas will witness a drop of around 2-4 degrees Celsius, and the hills around 4-6 degrees Celsius due to Wednesday's rains. Temperatures are likely to hover around 38-39 degrees Celsius in Dehradun on Thursday. Rainfall continues to lash various places in both Garhwal and Kumaon regions, including Dehradun, Tehri, and Pithoragarh. This summer's scanty rainfalls had previously pushed Dehradun temperatures beyond the 40-degree mark on numerous occasions.

Travel tips: Want to spend a peaceful time after retirement, these 7 places of the country will give a good environment

Most people live their life in such a way that they work hard till a certain age and after that, they like to live a peaceful life after retirement. People use their savings after retirement and like to go to a place that gives peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. After years of service, commitments to yourself, your job, and your family, you are finally ready to rest. In such a situation, it is important to choose the right place so that life after retirement is spent laughing and smiling. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about some such places in the country where you can have a peaceful time after retirement. Nagpur Nagpur is a great city of Maharashtra, which has been developing a lot in the last few years. Here the facilities of local transport along with the airport are also good. From here you can easily get trains and buses for every place. This city is also good to settle here after retirement because the health facilities here are better. People who shift to another city after retirement pay more attention to health facilities first. Since the property prices are also low in this city, you will get a house or land for rent at an affordable price. Dehradun Dehradun, the capital of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, is adorned with its natural beauty. Dehradun is the most preferred place for senior living in North India. This city is calm, clean, and green. Dehradun is located near the foothills of the Himalayas. It has a pleasant weather throughout the year. Dehradun is easily connected via air and rail and is not too far from the capital Delhi. Dehradun is rich in culture and natural beauty. Dehradun is an education hub nowadays and there are a lot of prestigious colleges here. The weather, cost of living, easily accessible health care services, and all-weather connectivity make this city the most preferred retirement destination in India. Chandigarh If you want to settle in a new city after retirement, then Chandigarh is the best. The weather here is good as compared to other cities and pollution is also very low. The medical facilities for the elderly are also good here. Interestingly, the people here are very kind-hearted. They have a habit of making strangers their own very quickly. Therefore, it will not take you much time to adjust here. The city is also at the forefront in terms of cleanliness. Overall, Chandigarh can be a very good option to start a new life after retirement. Coimbatore The second largest city in Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is one of the best places in India to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. The weather, connectivity, and healthcare facilities make Coimbatore an ideal retirement destination. People generally lead a very peaceful life and communal harmony is very high in the city. The people of the city are very friendly and treat everyone with utmost respect. The city has a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year. Neither too humid nor too cold so the weather is especially suitable for senior citizens. Safety and security are also the main factors in selecting a city to live a peaceful life. The city of Coimbatore is considered to be one of the best cities in India with a very low crime index. Pollution is also very low and the city is completely covered with greenery and natural surroundings. Good healthcare facilities and good connectivity from anywhere make Coimbatore an ideal city to live in. Kolkata Kolkata is called the City of Joy. As per the name, the people here are very friendly and helpful. Although this city is quite crowded, Kolkata is the cheapest despite being a metro city. The local transport fare here is low and health facilities are good and cheap. If you are a person associated with art and culture, then you should shift to this city after retirement without thinking. Some events are happening here every day, which are enough to keep you busy. Jaipur One of the best places in India for retirement, Jaipur often comes on the bucket list of retirees and tourists. Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is well connected by road, rail, and air and also has excellent medical facilities and beautiful tourist places. The living standard of the people here, delicious food, friendly locals, and beautiful palaces and castles with magnificent views attract people from all over the country. The weather here may seem a bit hot, but still the peaceful atmosphere here makes it a perfect place for retirees to live. Mysore Mysore is a city in Karnataka. But it is far from the crowd. So the retirees can spend their life comfortably here. The best thing is that houses are easily available here and in a very low budget. In terms of infrastructure, Mysore beats even the big cities, while when it comes to health facilities, there are many facilities for the elderly here. In fact, Mysore can be called a pensioner's paradise. This city is clean, wide roads with less traffic, good connectivity, low rent, good quality education, good locations, cheap vegetables and less pollution. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Uttarakhand to install mines surveillance system to curb illegal mining

Dehradun, Jun 19 : The Uttarakhand government will install mines surveillance systems across the state to check illegal mining. The state Chief Secretary Radha Raturi on Tuesday approved a Rs 93-crore proposal for the installation of Mining Digital Transformation and Surveillance System (MDTSS), according to an official statement. The systems will be installed at 40 check gates across Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. Dehradun will have 8 check gates, Haridwar 13, Nainital 10, and Udham Singh Nagar 9. [] The post Uttarakhand to install mines surveillance system to curb illegal mining appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Uttarakhand: Manglaur set to witness close triangular contest

DEHRADUN: The ruling BJP and Congress have announced their candidates for the July 10 Manglaur bypoll in Uttarakhand. While Congress has named Qazi Nizamuddin, the BJP has fielded Kartar Singh Bhadana. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded Udebur Rahman, son of late MLA Sarwar Karim Ansari. Based on the electoral analysis, the historical trend of the Manglaur Assembly seat reveals consistent representation by Muslim candidates who have successfully secured seats in the state Assembly. In the last 22 years, from the 2002 to the 2022 elections, the BJP has not won this seat. Since the formation of Uttarakhand, the results of by-elections have always favoured the ruling party. Out of the 14 bypolls held since the first Legislative Assembly election in 2002, the ruling party had won 14 out of 15. The outcome of the Manglaur seat heavily relies on Muslim voters. Historically, the BJP has not been successful in securing votes here. The BJP may have made strategic moves in the upcoming bypolls, but it faces a tough fight from the Congress and BSP. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Congress saw a significant increase of 23,000 votes. Congress state president Karan Mahara said, By fielding a parachute candidate, the BJP has proved that they have no organisational presence in the Manglaur constituency. Cong nominates Sukhus wife from Dehra seat Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhus wife Kamlesh Thakur will contest the forthcoming assembly bypoll from the Dehra constituency. This will be for the first time that the wife of a sitting CM is fighting assembly polls. Earlier, Pratibha Singh, the present state Congress president and wife of former CM Virbhadra Singh, had fought the Lok Sabha polls and was the sitting MP from Mandi.

People protest over firing incident in Dehradun, CM Dhami warns criminals

People held a protest in the Raipur area here on Tuesday against the firing incident in Dobhal Chowk in which one person was killed and two more were injured, while police arrested the main suspect and another man in connection with the case. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami warned that no one would be allowed to disrupt Uttarakhand's peace and said the criminals should leave the state or face strict action. Police officials said main suspect Ramveer of Muzaffarnagar was arrested from Rajasthan's Kotputli district, and another suspect, Ankush alias Golu, was nabbed from Raipur. So far, five people have been apprehended. The firing followed a dispute between two sides late Sunday night involving a vehicle. During the altercation, one group fired gunshots, killing vehicle owner Deepak Badola and injuring his friends Manoj Negi and Sanjay Chhetri. On Monday, police arrested Sonu Bhardwaj, his brother Monu Bhardwaj and Shambhu Yadav. Authorities are searching for two more people, th

Modi to lead Yoga Day event in Kashmir

New Delhi: In his first visit to Kashmir after being sworn in for the third consecutive term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga (IDY) event in Srinagar on Friday. Mr Modi will go on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The Prime Minister, according to Union minister of state for ayush (independent charge) Prataprao Jadhav, has written to all the gram pradhans across the country, encouraging grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas. The main IDY event will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Sharing the details of this years IDY, Mr Jadhav said, This year's IDY celebrations will be held in Srinagar, with the Prime Minister once again at the helm. The Union minister said that this years theme Yoga for Self and Society highlights yogas dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. He said, Yoga nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual growth while promoting societal harmony. The enthusiastic participation of millions in recent years reflects the profound impact of yoga on communities. Mr Jadhav noted that Mr Modi has been a pivotal figure in promoting yoga globally. Since 2015, he has led the IDY celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jabalpur and even the United Nations headquarters in New York. His (Mr Modi) leadership has significantly boosted yoga's global popularity and recognition, the minister said. Mr Jadhav pointed out that following a proposal by Mr Modi to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014, it was unanimously resolved to observe June 21 every year as IDY. It was an important diplomatic victory for India at the international level. This effort led to the global recognition of yoga, he said. On Tuesday, Mr Jadhav launched a Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille to support the visually impaired in learning and practicing yoga with convenience. He also launched the Professor Ayushman comic on Yoga. This book will help children learn and practice yoga with interest and entertainment, he said. As a special initiative, this year the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is organising a unique initiative Yoga for Space to mark the IDY 2024. All Isro scientists and officials will perform yoga together as per the common yoga protocol guidelines. The team from the Gaganyaan project will also join the IDY global campaign by practicing yoga on the occasion. To promote technology and start-ups in the field of yoga, the Ayush ministry has organised the Yoga Tech Challenge on the MyGov portal and the MyBharat portal, which aims to identify and promote those start-ups or individuals who have developed yoga-related tools, software, and accessory products. Ayush ministry secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that the IDY is not only a celebration but also a concerted effort to bring about a behavioural change so that people adopt yoga in their lives so that they can get the benefits of yoga. Mr Vaidya highlighted that the whole government's approach to the IDY celebrations is to ensure an inclusive and widespread observance each year. Along with state governments, Union territories are actively participating in the IDY 2024. The National Ayush Mission team across the nation is also actively involved in organising IDY events. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and well-being across all sectors of society, he said.

One killed, two injured in firing incident between two groups at Dehradun

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