UKSSSC Instructor Exam 2024: Check Out the Announced Exam Date Here

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Nainital forest fire: Uttarakhand CM says Army called in to extinguish blaze

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Army deployed in Uttarakhand as forest fire spreads to Nainital

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has mobilized the Air Force's Mi-17 helicopter to combat the intense fire raging in Nainital and the surrounding forests. The helicopter quickly engaged to draw water from the Bhimtal lake and douse the flames in the Pines area. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pramod Kumar told TNIE, The wildfire has been spreading uncontrollably from the pine forests to the Lariyakanta forests. Efforts are being made with the assistance of a helicopter to extinguish and contain the fire. The forests of Pines, Bhumiadhar, Jyolikot, Narayannagar, Bhouwali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, among others, located near Nainital, are currently engulfed in severe blazes. A massive fire broke out in pine forests near Nainital, causing a large part of the forest and a nearby ITI building was partially burnt. The forest of Ladiyakanta in Nainital was also engulfed in fire. After receiving information from the locals, the fire brigade team reached the forest fire and barely controlled the fire. Due to the fire, the road from Nainital to Bhawali has been filled with dense smoke, due to which the movement of vehicles was disrupted for hours. Forest department sources revealed that the wildfires are spreading rapidly due to limited rainfall, affecting dry forests in the region. To address this escalating threat, the fire department and forest department have intensified their efforts. The severity of the situation has led to the deployment of army personnel to assist in containing the fires. Nishant Verma, the Uttrakhand's forest department's nodal officer for forest fires, told, As of April 25, the forest department has recorded 146 cases of 'man-made' fire incidents. Of these, 17 individuals have been identified, leaving 129 cases where the perpetrators remain unknown. Active measures are underway to uncover the identities of the remaining individuals involved in these incidents, added Verma. Nodal officer Nishant Verma said, Forest fire incidents have increased since the second week of April and they are making every effort to stop it. Most of the cases are being reported from the Kumaon region, for which our teams are actively working to control the forest fires with the participation of the villagers According to official data from the forest department, Uttarakhand witnessed 544 incidents of forest fire from 1 November 2023 to 25 April this year, of which more than 656.55 hectares of forest land was destroyed. Out of the total damaged land, 234.45 hectares was in Garhwal region, 370.45 hectares in Kumaon region and 51.65 hectares in administrative wildlife area.

Forest fire in Uttarakhand spreads to Nainital, Army deployed

Forest fire in Uttarakhand spreads to Nainital Army deployed

Forest fire reaches Nainitals High Court Colony; army called in

Dehradun: Forest fires in Uttarakhand became more severe on Friday with the flames reaching the High Court Colony in Nainital. Three persons were arrested in Rudraprayag on Friday while trying to set fire to the forests. In the last 24 hours, 31 new incidents of forest fire were reported from various parts of the state, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Uttarakhand Electricity Commission increases electricity rates by 7 per cent

Electricity rates in Uttarakhand have been increased by about seven per cent, the Commission`s acting chairman ML Prasad, said on Friday

Shah triggers Sharia Vs UCC debate, says personal laws wont be allowed

BHOPAL : Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday triggered a debate by reiterating his partys poll promise of implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country if the Modi regime got another term in power. Claiming that Congresss manifesto mentions re-introducing personal laws, he said, Personal law means they (Congress) want to bring Muslim personal law. Will we allow the country to be run by Sharia? Will the resumption of Triple Talaq be allowed? Till the BJP is in power, we wont allow personal law to return. This country will run according to the UCC in the spirit of its Constitution. We have already done it in Uttarakhand, and it will be done in the entire country. This is PM Modis guarantee, Shah said. The home minister hit the campaign trail in Madhya Pradeshs two high-profile constituencies, Guna and Rajgarh, earlier in the day. While the BJP has fielded Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (four times MP in the seat with Congress ticket) in Guna, the partys second-time MP Rodmal Nagar will take on ex-CM Digvijaya Singh, fighting LS polls from the home constituency Rajgarh after 33 years. Both the seats will vote in the third phase on May 7. Addressing a rally in Ashok Nagar of Guna, Shah praised Scindia. Im here to solicit votes for Jyotiraditya Scindia, my friend and BJPs senior leader. Home seat Former CM Digvijaya Singh is fighting LS polls from his home constituency Rajgarh after a gap of 33 years

Catastrophic Forest Fire Engulfs Nainital's High Court Colony, Prompting Army Deployment

Catastrophic Forest Fire Engulfs Nainital's High Court Colony, Prompting Army Deployment Forest fires in Uttarakhand became more severe on Friday with the flames reaching the High Court Colony in Nainital. Three persons were arrested in Rudraprayag on Friday while trying to set fire to the forests. In the last 24 hours, 31 new incidents of forest fire were reported from various parts of the state, destroying 33.34 hectares of forest land. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has asked the officials to remain on alert and take measures to prevent the fires by coordinating with all departments. The fire that broke out in the forest near Nainital district headquarters took a horrific form, posing a threat to the residents of High Court Colony located in the Pines area. It also affected the traffic movement in the area. Along with the forest department employees, army personnel are also trying to control the fire. Authorities may deploy helicopters to put it out. Anil Joshi, a resident of the area and assistant registrar of the High Court said, ''The fire has engulfed an old and vacant house located near The Pines. It has not caused any damage to High Court Colony but it has reached dangerously close to the buildings. Efforts are being made to control the fire since evening.'' In view of the possibility of the fire reaching the sensitive areas of the Indian Army located near the Pines, efforts are being made to extinguish the fire as soon as possible. The district administration has banned boating in Naini Lake in view of the blaze. Nainital Divisional Forest Officer Chandrashekhar Joshi said, ''We have deployed 40 Manora Range personnel and two forest rangers to extinguish the fire.'' According to the daily bulletin issued by the Forest Department here, 26 incidents of forest fire occurred in the state's Kumaon region in the last 24 hours, while five incidents occurred in Garhwal region, where 33.34 hectares of forest area was affected. From November 1 last year till now, a total of 575 incidents of forest fire have been reported in the state, affecting 689.89 hectares of forest area and costing the state than Rs 14 lakh. Meanwhile, three men were arrested and sent to jail for allegedly starting forest fires in two different areas of Jakholi and Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag's Divisional Forest Officer Abhimanyu in a press release said that the action was taken by a team formed to prevent forest fire. Sheep herder Naresh Bhatt of Tadiyaal village of Jakholi was caught from the spot while setting a fire in the forest, he said. During interrogation, Bhatt said he started the fire to grow new grass for grazing his sheep.

Uttarakhand: Electricity Commission increases electricity rates by 7 per cent for 2024-25

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Monk Sheelratan calls Kharge's remarks aseless and wrong regarding PM Modi's faith in Buddhism

Monk Sheelratan calls Kharge's remarks aseless and wrong regarding PM Modi's faith in Buddhism Monk Sheelratan of the International Buddhist Research Institute in the Uttar Pradesh government's Culture Department, called the remarks made by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge as aseless and wrong regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's faith in Buddhism. The statement given by the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is baseless and wrong. Since PM Modi's government came to power, the work that has been done for Buddhism in the country has not been done by any government to date. For the first time after the independence of the country, due to the work of PM Modi, all our Buddhist centres in UP were given international airports. People who used to come from foreign countries now land directly in our Kushinagar. PM Modi's and CM Yogi's govts are continuously working for the welfare of Buddhism, Monk Sheelratan said. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Baudh Sangh president Bhante Sanghpriya Rahul condemned the remarks made by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly questioning his faith in Buddhism. Mallikarjun Kharge's remark is condemnable. For the first time in 2014, PM Modi celebrated the birthday of Lord Buddha at Talkatora Stadium, which was the first time after independence that a Prime Minister celebrated Lord Buddha's birthday. When he was Gujarat CM, he had a statue of Buddha inside the Assembly and also at CM's residence, Bhante Sanghpriya Rahul said. I want to ask Mallikarjun Kharge when Manmohan Singh's government was in power, why did you not pay attention to Buddha, why did you not celebrate Buddha? he added. The Congress chief stirred a fresh row with remarks on Buddhism and PM Modi during an interview with News 24 earlier in the day. In the interview, Kharge, who is a follower of Buddhism, delved into the inauguration ceremony of Buddha Vihar in Karnataka's Gulbarga in 2009, which was established by the Siddharth Vihar Trust of which he is the founder-chairman. What did you do, whom did you invite for the Pran Pratishtha? Did you give invitations to the leaders of every opposition party? You are doing everything as per your wish, and yet that temple is not even one-third complete. Now there has been some improvement as far as the construction is concerned. Who should have inaugurated it? As per the Hindu customs, who should have carried out the Pran Pratishtha? Kharge questioned PM Modi for doing Pran Prathistha of Ram Temple. For example, I established Buddha Vihar in Gulbarga, then who was called for it? Buddha is considered the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu but they (BJP) don't come near Buddha. You know in Uttarakhand it has been imposed that if someone wants to adopt Buddhism they should approach the District Magistrate. That is a religion of this country, that was established in this country and has been accepted all over the world, but you (PM Modi) do not believe in it. Now they are attacking us. But what did I do at that time, I witnessed it from a distance while the 'pratishtha' was done by Dalai Lama and then president of India Prathibha Patil was also present there, he added. (ANI)

2nd Phase of LS Polls Witnesses 61 Per Cent Voter Turnout Amid EVM Glitches

NEW DELHI: The second phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections saw nearly 61 per cent voter turnout as people avoided venturing out of homes in the summer heat and voted largely in the morning and evening. Polling in the second phase covered 88 seats across 13 states and UTs amid complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said polling remained largely peaceful though incidents of intimidation were reported from Manipur in the second phase too. The ECI data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.25 per cent polling, followed by Manipur 77.32 per cent, while the turnout in Uttar Pradesh was at 54.85 per cent and Maharashtra at 56.63 per cent. Rajasthan registered 64.07 per cent, West Bengal 71.84 per cent, Assam 71.11 per cent, Bihar 55.08 per cent, Chhattisgarh 73.55 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 71.91 per cent, Karnataka 68.26 per cent, Kerala 65.78 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 57.76 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDAs good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars brother D.K. Suresh (Congress), and former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJPs Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. After Fridays phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1).

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Several states experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission (EC) said polling remained largely peaceful. The tentative figure at 8 pm of voter turnout was 63.50 per cent. It is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the EC said, adding voters reaching polling stations till the end of polling hour are allowed to cast their vote. The National Democratic alliance (NDA) under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Election Commission data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.46 per cent polling, followed by Manipur at 77.32 while the turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85 per cent and Bihar 55.08 per cent. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, ''Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA's good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support.'' In Kerala, the turnout was 65.91 per cent. The election process, held amid tight security arrangements, was primarily incident free except for instances of bogus voting and breakdowns of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being reported in some booths of the state. Such incidents resulted in delaying the polling process in the affected booths. One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode. Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a turnout of 79.46 per cent. Election officials said there were some complaints from a few booths but those were ''promptly addressed''. A jawan of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force deployed on poll duty allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at a government school where he was stationed in Gariaband district under the Mahasamund seat in Chhattisgarh, where a voter turnout of 73.62 per cent was recorded. A polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district (Kanker seat) was decorated like a wedding 'mandap', with a display of rituals of traditional weddings. Several brides and grooms, dressed in their wedding finery, cast their votes at several polling booths. The EC said people from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker seats cast their votes in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha election. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, there was a turnout of 57.88 per cent. An estimated 71.11 per cent of the 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam that went to polls in this phase. In restive Manipur, where polling is being held under high presence of security personnel, the turnout was a significantly high 77.32 per cent. There were reports of intimidation by suspected militants, altercation between Congress workers and NPF supporters and damage of EVM at a polling station in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated hill district. At KK Leishi Phanit polling station in Ukhrul, irate voters destroyed an EVM and other items after alleged disturbances by armed miscreants. The overall voting percentage in Karnataka was 68.30. A case was booked against BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said. Another BJP leader CT Ravi was booked for allegedly promoting hatred and enmity between citizens through his social media post. Various restaurants in Bangalore were offering free dosas, laddu, coffee and other food items at discounted rates to customers who cast their vote. A private hospital assisted 41 inpatients cast their vote with the help of city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Green corridors were created for the ambulances across constituencies to ensure easy, hassle-free voting. Some EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not. Officials said an FIR is being filed the Election Commission will take a call after getting a detailed report. A voter turnout of 57.83 per cent was recorded in eight constituencies in Maharashtra, while in Rajasthan, the turnout was 64.07 per cent. Incidents of confrontation between the supporters of the Congress candidate and an independent candidate were reported at a couple of places during polling in Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. Police said they were looking into the complaints besides some about fake voting from some places. The by-election for the Bagidora assembly constituency in Banswara district was also held simultaneously on Friday and 76.66 per cent voting took place. A voter turnout of 54.85 per cent was recorded in the eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Senior citizens dominated the early hours of voting in Noida in the Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency. Some residents' welfare associations made arrangements for electric vehicles to ferry voters to and from the polling booths. In Bihar, the turnout was 55.08 per cent, 71.84 per cent in in West Bengal and 71.91 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls are the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- on August 5, 2019. The Election Commission registered nearly 300 complaints in West Bengal, mostly related to EVM malfunctioning. After Friday's phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). The third phase of elections for 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. Counting will be done on June 4.

Do you also feel like visiting a pilgrimage place? These are the temples to visit during summer, make plans soon

Are you craving a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Perhaps it's time to embark on a spiritual journey to some of the most breathtaking temples. As summer approaches, the weather becomes ideal for exploration and introspection. Here are some must-visit pilgrimage destinations where you can immerse yourself in tranquility and spirituality. 1. Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India Varanasi, also known as Kashi, holds a special place in Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this ancient city is revered for its ghats, where pilgrims gather to perform rituals and seek blessings. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a highlight of any visit to Varanasi. 2. Rishikesh: Yoga Capital of the World Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is renowned for its ashrams and yoga centers. The city attracts spiritual seekers from around the globe who come to meditate, practice yoga, and seek enlightenment. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, amidst lush greenery, offers a tranquil setting for introspection. 3. Amarnath: A Journey to the Ice Lingam For devotees of Lord Shiva, the Amarnath Cave Temple in Jammu and Kashmir is a sacred pilgrimage site. Accessible only during the summer months, the temple is nestled in the Himalayas and houses an ice lingam, which forms naturally inside the cave. The trek to Amarnath is not just a physical journey but also a test of one's faith and endurance. 4. Puri: Land of Jagannath Rath Yatra Puri, located on the eastern coast of India, is famous for the Jagannath Temple and its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and attracts millions of devotees every year. The pristine beaches of Puri offer a serene backdrop for spiritual contemplation. 5. Tirupati: Seek Blessings at the Venkateswara Temple Tirupati, nestled in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of the wealthiest and most visited religious sites in the world. The divine atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for devotees. 6. Badrinath: Gateway to Salvation Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Badrinath is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is nestled amidst the snow-capped Himalayas and is believed to be the abode of Lord Badrinath during the summer months. The tranquil surroundings and spiritual aura make it a haven for seekers of divine blessings. 7. Kedarnath: Serenity Amidst the Mountains Another gem of the Char Dham circuit, Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Himalayas. The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is surrounded by breathtaking peaks and is accessible via a challenging trek or helicopter ride. The journey to Kedarnath is not just a physical endeavor but also a soul-stirring experience. 8. Dwarka: City of Lord Krishna Dwarka, located on the western coast of India in Gujarat, is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and spiritual significance. The serene beaches and vibrant culture of Dwarka attract devotees and tourists alike. Make Your Plans Today: Embrace the Spiritual Journey As the summer sun beckons, why not embark on a pilgrimage to these sacred temples? Whether you seek solace, enlightenment, or simply a break from routine, these destinations offer a perfect blend of spirituality and tranquility. So pack your bags, prepare your prayers, and set out on a journey of self-discovery and divine connection. People of this zodiac sign will be worried today due to children or education, know your horoscope Your day is going to start like this today, know your horoscope Today is going to be like this for Gemini, know your horoscope....

UCC in India, a Modi Guarantee: Amit Shah

BHOPAL: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said that BJP will never allow Congress to reintroduce Muslim Personal Law and pledged to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, terming it a guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a rally in Piprai in Ashok Nagar district falling under Guna Lok Sabha constituency from where Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is seeking election, Mr Shah accused the Congress of conspiring to impose Sharia (Islamic law) in the country through backdoor by implementing Muslim Personal Law and asserted that BJP would foil any such design by the grand old party. Read the Congress manifesto carefully. They have said that they will reintroduce personal law... They want to bring Muslim Personal Law. They want to bring back Triple Talaq... Can this country be run by Sharia? Mr Shah asked. He further said that Rahul Baba (referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi), you can do whatever you want for appeasement. As long as BJP is there, it will not allow personal laws. It is BJPs promise and guarantee of Modiji that we will enforce UCC in the entire country as we have done in Uttarakhand. Highlighting achievements of the Modi government, he said that PM Modi scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August five, 2019 in one stroke. In 2019, Article 370 was abrogated by the Modi government in just one stroke. Rahul Baba was scared and predicted rivers of blood would flow.. But, Rahul Baba, this is not Congress government.. It's the Modi government. Leave aside rivers of flood, a stone was even not hurled (in Kashmir) in the last five years, he said. Mr Shah said that the Modi government has combated terrorism and Naxalism in the country. He lambasted Congress for providing reservation on the basis of religion (in Karnataka) for appeasing its vote bank, and called it anti-other backward class (OBC). The decision to provide reservation on the basis of religion by Congress will hurt the interests of OBC, SC, ST and the downtrodden, he said. For Congress, Muslims have the first right over the country's resources. But, for BJP, the poor, Dalits, OBC and tribals have the first right over them, he said. He said that Congress sat on the Mandal Commission report that recommended reservation for OBC for years without implementing it. He detailed how Congress used to create hurdles in the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, and added, Within five years, the Modi government laid the foundation of the temple and also held the consecration ceremony. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were invited to the occasion, but they did not turn up. Mr Shah appealed to the people to ensure victory of Mr Scindia in Guna, saying that Your every vote to Mr Scindia also goes to PM Mr Modi. Guna LS seat is considered a stronghold of Gwalior royal family of Scindia. Union minister Mr Scindia was elected from Guna four times since 2002 and lost the seat to BJPs K P Yadav in the 2019 LS polls by contesting as a Congress candidate. However, Mr Scindia quit Congress and joined BJP in 2020 and is seeking election from the seat as a BJP candidate. His father Madhavrao Scindia and grandmother Vijayaraje Scindia were also elected from the constituency earlier. The LS constituency has a sizable population of Yadav community. In a bid to placate the community, Mr Shah indicated that the sitting MP Mr Yadavs interests would be taken care of. Mr Shah also addressed an election rally in Khilchipur under Rajgarh LS constituency where Congress veteran and former chief minister Digvijay Singh is pitted against sitting MP Rodmal Nagar of BJP.

IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be heavy rain for the next four days, clouds will rain in UP-Delhi also

IMD Rainfall Alert: For North India, the Meteorological Department has forecast that there will be rain, snowfall and thunderstorm in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand from 26-29 April i.e. for four days. IMD Rainfall Alert: Heat wave continues to wreak havoc in many states of North India. In many areas including eastern Uttar Pradesh, the [] The post IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be heavy rain for the next four days, clouds will rain in UP-Delhi also first appeared on informalnewz .

Maruti Suzuki gets show-cause notice from Legal Metrology dept

NEW DELHI, Apr 26: The countrys leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Friday said that it has received a show-cause notice from the Legal Metrology office in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It has been alleged in the notice that maximum retail price (MRP) is not mentioned on the product listed on the website of boodmo.com which amounts to violation of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The Notice is being analyzed and appropriate action would be taken, the company said in [] The post Maruti Suzuki gets show-cause notice from Legal Metrology dept appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be heavy rain in these states till April 29, know the weather condition in your state.

IMD Rainfall Alert: For North India, the Meteorological Department has forecast that there will be rain, snowfall and thunderstorm in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand from 26-29 April i.e. for four days. IMD Rainfall Alert: Heat wave continues to wreak havoc in many states of North India. In many areas including eastern Uttar Pradesh, the [] The post IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be heavy rain in these states till April 29, know the weather condition in your state. first appeared on informalnewz .

Shah: UCC Implementation in MP Fulfills BJP Pledge, Modi's Commitment

Shah: UCC Implementation in MP Fulfills BJP Pledge, Modi's Commitment Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that while the Congress party's poll manifesto promises to retain religious personal law, it is the BJP's promise and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country. For the Congress, Muslims have the first right over the country's resources, but for the BJP, the poor, Dalits, Other Backward Classes and tribals have the first right, he said while addressing an election rally in support of Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is BJP's candidate from the Guna Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. ''Read the Congress manifesto carefully. They have said that they will reintroduce personal law...They want to bring Muslim personal law. They want to bring back triple talaq...Can this country be run by Sharia (Islamic law)?'' Shah asked. Attacking Rahul Gandhi, he said, ''Rahul baba do whatever you feel like doing for appeasement. As long as BJP is there, no personal law will be introduced. This country will be run by UCC and the Constitution. This is our Constitution's spirit. We have implemented UCC in Uttarakhand.'' ''It is our promise and Modiji's guarantee that UCC will be enforced in the entire country,'' he added. PM Modi scrapped Article 370 on August 5, 2019 at once, Shah said. ''Rahul baba used to scare me saying rivers of blood will flow through Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated. Rahul baba, this is not a Congress government, this is Narendra Modi's government. Leave aside blood, even a pebble could not be thrown there in the last five years,'' he said. PM Modi eradicated terrorism and Naxalism in the country, he said, adding that the Naxal menace in Madhya Pradesh was also eliminated by the government. ''For Congress, Muslims have the first right over the country's resources. But for BJP, the poor, Dalits, Other Backward Classes and tribals have the first right over them,'' he added. The Congress governments in the past kept sitting on the Mandal Commission's report that recommended reservation, Shah alleged. He also accused the grand old party of creating hurdles on the Ram temple issue for 70 years. ''But within five years, the Modi government laid the foundation of the temple and also held the consecration ceremony. Congress former presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were invited for the event, but they did not have a time to attend it,'' Shah said. On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took his cabinet colleagues along to Ayodhya to take darshan of Ram Lalla, he added. In Guna Lok Sabha constituency, the Congress has pitted Yadvendra Singh Yadav against BJP candidate and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. In the 2019 elections, Scindia lost the election as a Congress candidate to BJP nominee K P Yadav by a margin of over 1.21 lakh votes. Before losing the election from Guna last time, Scindia had won the seat four times since 2002. His father Madhavrao and his grandmother Vijayaraje had also represented the seat. When he was in the Congress, Scindia was considered close to Rahul Gandhi. But in 2020, he rebelled against the party and joined the BJP, resulting in the collapse of the Kamal Nath-led government in Madhya Pradesh.

Opposition working together to defeat Modi, getting funds from abroad: Pushkar Singh Dhami

NIZAMABAD/HANAMKONDA: Claiming that the opposition parties have been receiving funds from overseas sources, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday alleged that all these outfits are now working together to prevent Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister for the third consecutive time. Similarly, the Congress and BRS too are working together to halt the BJP surge in Telangana, he said. Addressing a public meeting after the BJP Nizamabad candidate Dharmapuri Arvind filed another set of nomination papers here, the Uttarakhand CM said: The Congress and BRS are two sides of the same coin. These parties are looting the people. The Congress came to power in Telangana giving several assurances to the people. Now its government is unable to fulfil those promises. Campaigns for Aroori The Uttarakhand CM also took part in a rally organised in support of partys Warangal candidate Aroori Ramesh from the historic Thousand Pillars Temple to the Ambedkar Centre in Hanamkonda. Later addressing a public meeting, he urged the people to elect Ramesh if they want to see Warangal Lok Sabha constituency developed on par with others segments. Slamming the rival parties for spreading canards against the BJP, he said: The Congress and BRS are making false allegations against the BJP. The leaders of these parties have launched a false propaganda for political and electoral gains. People should not trust them. BJP will win all 17 seats in TG: Gujarat CM Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed confidence that the BJP would win all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana in the upcoming elections. Patel, along with state BJP president and Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, participated in the nomination rally of the partys Karimnagar candidate Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, the Gujarat CM said: Mukesh Dalal getting elected unopposed from Surat is the first step towards the BJP achieving its target of securing 400 seats. Patel also said that Narendra Modi would take oath as the prime minister for the third consecutive time with the blessings of Karimnagar people. He asserted that Modi will focus on the welfare and development of Telangana. Patel credited the prime minister for humanitarian pauses during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which allowed the evacuation of many Indian students stuck in the war-torn country and facilitated their return. He also raised slogans during a meeting with party activists later. Subsequently, Kishan alleged that the BRS, Congress and AIMIM are conspiring to defeat the BJP.

Phele matdaan, fir jalpaan.. urges Uttarakhand CM as second phase of LS election get underway

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Telangana: Gujarat, Uttarakhand CMs campaign for BJP candidates

Hyderabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday participated in the nomination rallies of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in Telangana. Bhupendra Patel, and Union Minister and Telangana unit BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy joined BJP general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar when he filed his nomination in Karimnagar 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 .

The diary of the van Tomars

Mera naam Priya hai aur mai van me rehti hu (My name is Priya and I live in a van). Every video by Priya Sharma, an Indian-origin Australian travel influencer, begins with the phrase as she and her partner journey across Australia in their home on wheels. But did you know, there is an Indian version of this unique lifestyle? Meet Ajay Tomar, a 62-year-old retired person from Greater Noida, and his wife Sunita Tomar, 58, who have transformed their Ford EcoSport into a chalta firrta ghar (a mobile home). They use it to travel across India, experiencing the beauty of the country at their own pace. Post-retirement mobility I worked with the department of food and civil supplies, and thanks to the perks of the job, we often used the leave travel concession (LTC) to explore various places. However, these trips were often rushed, and we felt as if we have never truly experienced the places we visited. Thats why, after my retirement, we decided to travel in our car, on our terms, and truly savour every moment, he says. After Ajay retired in January 2022, their plans hit a snag when Sunita developed a severe spinal condition, confining her to bed rest for a month. However, this setback became an opportunity for Sunita to delve into her dream of travelling in their car. She spent her time researching and watching videos of other vloggers, especially those who were undertaking similar journeys in India. One such inspiration was Kapil Sharma, a travel vlogger from Ajmer, known as Ghumkkad Bugz on social media. Goa, January 2024 Making a campervan I used to watch videos of influencers abroad who were living this life, but it was Kapil Sharmas videos that struck a chord with us because he was doing this in India, she says. Encouraged by what they saw, Ajay began customising their car the very next day. The most important thing while travelling is to have your own kitchen, points out Ajay, and this became their first modification. He converted the car trunk into a functional kitchen. The design focused on having all the essentials without compromising on space or convenience. Many of their vlogs feature the couple cooking or making tea in their car kitchen. Sunita pulls out a drawer from the trunk that doubles as a stove, while she arranges the plates for their meal on a foldable table. Their second customisation focused on the bed. Travelling at our own pace means we can stop anytime and rest, so the bed was a key part of our campervan, Ajay explains. Initially, they had pull-down beds created on top of the car seats, but this design lacked headspace and storage underneath. To address this, he redesigned the beds. He made the car seats detachable and replaced them with storage boxes. Additionally, he lowered the beds height to allow headspace for the time when someone sits on the bed. Home on wheels It took me about four to five days to complete this customisation. We made these bed modifications after a test trip to Rajasthan at the end of February 2022, to see what works and what doesnt, he says. Next, they explored Uttarakhand and started making videos to share their adventures with their children. When we told our kids about our plans, they were very supportive. They would watch our videos and offer suggestions to improve our shooting, the couple adds. Dharmshala, October 2023 However, it was not until April 2023 that they uploaded their first vlog on their YouTube channel called Ghoomna Firnaa, which now has 4.3K subscribers. Their journey of travel and documentation took off when they visited Chittorgarh in August that year; the video they shot there explained the history of the place and garnered over 40K views. In October, they fulfilled a dream by camping with Ghumakkad Bugz, their favourite travel vlogger, in Dharmshala. We were fans of his, and now we were camping with him and his family, it was a dream come true, says Sunita. Their 24-day-long trip to Maharashtra this January marked a turning point. They actively started uploading videos on Instagram, and one of their reels documenting their journey to Maharashtra went viral and got over 200K views. This led to their channel getting monetised, which now has 106K followers, and is managed by the couple. Ajay primarily shoots and edits the videos, while Sunita handles scripting and content. Their itinerary is based on their bucket list and major destination goals, with careful consideration of the best routes and input from fellow travellers. Always prepared Up next, the couple are going to Ladakh in May, with special preparations for the high altitudes. An oxygen cylinder, enough drinking water, and adequate rest are a must, they emphasise. Always prepared, they even carry their own toilet camp. But why choose to stay in a campervan over a hotel in the first place? Sunita has the answer. When you are in a hotel, your interaction is limited. You go sightseeing and come back. But in our campervan, every time we pull out our kitchen drawer to make tea, people gather around us. Sometimes we share a cup of tea and sometimes we share life experiences. This kind of interaction is what keeps us going.

Congress Announces Candidates for 8 Lok Sabha Seats in Haryana, Including Kumari Selja and Deepender Hooda

Congress Announces Candidates for 8 Lok Sabha Seats in Haryana, Including Kumari Selja and Deepender Hooda The Congress on Thursday night announced its candidates for eight of the nine Lok Sabha seats it is contesting in Haryana, fielding former Union minister Kumari Selja from Sirsa and Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda from Rohtak. Selja will take on her former colleague and BJP candidate Ashok Tanwar in the Sirsa-SC Lok Sabha constituency. Both Selja and Tanwar are former Haryana Congress chiefs, and a keen contest is on the cards for the seat. Selja has represented the Sirsa-SC constituency earlier as well. She is currently the Congress' general secretary and in-charge of the party's Uttarakhand affairs. Party sources said that 400 aspirants had applied for Congress tickets in the state. The party's Haryana youth wing president Divanshu Budhiraja has been fielded from the Karnal seat and will take on former state chief minister and BJP candidate Manohar Lal Khattar from the prestigious constituency. The Congress has fielded former MP Jai Prakash from the Hisar constituency, denying the ticket to Brijendra Singh, who represented the seat as a BJP MP and switched sides a few days ago. Brijendra Singh is the son of former Union minister Birender Singh, who also rejoined the Congress after being in the BJP for a decade. Deepender Hooda, son of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, will take on Arvind Sharma of the BJP from the Rohtak Lok Sabha seat. Deepender Hooda has represented the Rohtak parliamentary constituency three times in the past. The Congress fielded Satpal Brahmachari from the Sonipat parliamentary constituency and Mahendra Pratap from Faridabad. Two sitting MLAs have also found place in the party's list -- Varun Choudhary from the Ambala-SC seat and former Haryana minister Rao Dan Singh from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh. Varun Choudhary is the son of former state Congress chief Phool Chand Mullana. Former MP from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh Shruti Choudhary, daughter of senior Congress leader and MLA Kiran Choudhary, did not feature in this list. The party nominated B S Hooda-loyalist Rao Dan Singh instead from the seat. The Congress is contesting nine of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. The Aam Aadmi Party, a constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc, will contest the Kurukshetra seat. The Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the Gurugram constituency. Several loyalists of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh have found mention in the list. The Congress had come under attack from rival parties, including the ruling BJP, over the alleged delay in announcing the names of candidates for Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and some other rival outfit leaders had accused the Congress of running away from the contest for fear of defeat. Some rival leaders had also alleged that the Congress was not being able to come out with names of candidates due to infighting in its Haryana unit. The ruling BJP named its candidates for six Lok Sabha seats in Haryana on March 13, three days before general elections were announced. The party named its remaining four candidates for the state on March 24. Voting in Haryana will be held in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 25 and notification for the polls will be issued on April 29.

Upgrade needed to bring back trust in Election Commission

The Election Commission (EC) is technologically challenged. And no, this is not about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that have been in the eye of the storm that blew itself all the way up to the Supreme Court. The system of level playing field and free and fair elections, intrinsic to how governments are elected in a democracy, requires an EC with updated rules and procedures, and capabilities to handle fast-paced changes in technology, especially communication networks. The 73-year-old rules impose a 48-hour silence in public campaigning. There are injunctions on the news media about opinion and exit polls. There is, however, a gaping hole when it comes to telecasts and webcasts. Television and internet are unregulated and free to deliver campaign content to voters homes, mobiles, laptops, tablets and desktops, even as voting is in progress in the extraordinarily extended multi-phase polling schedule. On April 19, when voting was in progress in all 39 constituencies of Tamil Nadu, all five constituencies in Uttarakhand and in 58 of the total 102 constituencies where polls were held, TV and internet were actively engaged in beaming live speeches by political leaders, including PM Narenda Modi. In the states where voting was in progress, political leaders, including supremos of regional parties, were canvassing votes, which was available on local TV channels and, of course, the internet. A 48-hour period of pre-poll silence has, therefore, become notional. The EC, on the contrary, has no notion of what it should do to prevent voters from being influenced even as they queue up to vote. Since it imposed restrictions on opinion and exit polls, it should not have been difficult for it to work out how to prevent noisy campaigning from being beamed into voters lives. The failure to prevent violation of its rules ought to be a priority for the EC, which every so often iterates its commitment to making sure there is a level playing field. The violation of the silence rule works to the disadvantage of smaller and regional parties in a Lok Sabha election, because national TV networks tend to focus on the ruling regime and offer up disproportionate slices of time to other national parties and leaders. Regional parties do not have the same advantage. Given that the BJP has included the One Nation, One Election promise in its election manifesto and maintains that it has engaged in a consultative process by forming a committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind, the in-built discrimination in favour of the biggest and loudest increases disproportionately. If the election system is artificially reconstructed, regional and national parties would be locked in campaigning for both state and national elections at the same time. In other words, parties like the AAP, TMC, the DMK, the CPI(M), RJD or even the BJD, the YSR Congress or the JD(S) would have to compete against parties like the BJP for time on national TV. Each regional and smaller party would get squeezed out or be relegated to competing against national parties even on local TV networks. Instead of being political equals, the smaller and regional parties would be reduced to second class citizen status. Since there is already a hierarchy in the categorisation of political parties by the EC, any additional disadvantage would skew the principle of fairness in favour of the ruling establishment at the Centre. An incensed Mamata Banerjee, TMCs boss and West Bengals CM, recently lashed out at the EC, branding it the BJP Commission. An independent EC capable of dealing with change, both structural and infrastructuralsuch as technologyis expected of an institution that has almost limitless resources and ample money to do its job without being attacked as biased by its stakeholders. She clearly believed the institution had been influenced to the extent that it had lost its independence. Mamatas attack was directed against the mobilisation of central security forces and the effective ouster of state police by the EC on the one hand and the removals and appointments of senior police and administrative personnel on the other. This sent out a signal that the institution did not trust the professionalism of public officials in West Bengal. This clash of opinions during elections in the state is not new. It was very evident during the assembly elections of 2021, when the DGP was removed. This time, too, a slew of officials have been removed, including the current DGP. The ECs lack of trust, or rather outright suspicion, that public servants working in states are biased is evident from the removal of six home secretaries from as many states, including UP, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The lack of trust in the independence of the EC is equally problematic. While it has become routine for the EC to remove senior government servants before and during elections, there is very little political parties or voters can do to remove people heading the institution. The deep distrust on all sides has grown with every election. From EVMs, to voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) verification by voters of votes cast, counting of VVPAT slips, to how the EC handles the deployment of security forces, state police and government officials, there is no part of the system that is not controversial. For elections to be seen to be free and fair, there is a lot that the EC needs to do to end speculation and distrust about its functioning. Figuring out how to prevent violation of the pre-poll silence period is probably the easiest challenge it currently faces to its credibility. (Views are personal) (s_mukerjee@yahoo.com) Shikha Mukerjee | Senior journalist based in Kolkata

Brother, Nephew of Uttarakhand MLA Ranikhet Accused in Assault Case

Brother, Nephew of Uttarakhand MLA Ranikhet Accused in Assault Case An FIR has been registered against the brother and nephew of Uttarakhand's Ranikhet MLA Pramod Nainwal on charges of abusing and threatening to kill. Police said on Thursday that the complaint was filed against BJP MLA Nainwal's brother Satish Nainwal and nephew Sandeep Badhana by pradhan (village head) Sandeep Khulbe of the Seen village in the Bhatraunjkhan area. In his complaint, Khulbe said that on Tuesday, Nainwal and Badhana abused him and threatened to kill him during a dispute between two groups.

Uttarakhand CM Alleges Opposition Funding from Abroad, Supports BJP Campaign in Nizamabad

NIZAMABAD: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami alleged that Opposition parties were getting funds from abroad to fight against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is giving equal importance to the development of the country and to its defence, he said. Dhami along with Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri took part in election campaign meeting here at old collectorate ground in Nizamabad on Thursday. Speaking at an election meeting in support of BJP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind, Dhami said that the Congress had failed to eradicate terrorism and which Modi had done in 10 years. The people are not interested in listening to the worst history of the Congress, he said, adding, Modi is treating 140 crore people as his family members. He said that Arvind had implemented his promise of securing the Turmeric Board for Nizamabad, and was committed to reopening the Nizam Deccan Sugar Limited factory. Speaking at a press conference, Arvind said the Congress government had failed to implement its guarantees and questioned the non-payment of crop damage compensation and increased Rythu Bandhu aid. He said the BJP would remove the reservations for Muslims and increase SC/ST reservations. Muslim countries are praising Sanatana Dharma and constructing Hindu temples, he said and added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy learn about Sanatana Dharma. He ridiculed the Congress chargesheet against the BJP and said that after the BJPs hat-trick victory at the Centre, India will experience good fortune.

President of Hemkund Sahib meets Uttarakhand Governor, invites him for pilgrimage

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SDSUV Declares UG and PG Results: Download Marksheet Directly from sdsuv.ac.in

Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand Vishwavidyalaya has announced the release of the main results for various UG and PG courses, including B.A, B.Sc, B.Com, M.A, M.Com, and M.Sc. Here's how you can check your SDSUV Result 2023.

Uttarakhand: Muslim vendor harassed for naming shop Lakshmi

A Muslim fruit vendor in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was recently harassed by members of a right-wing group, led by its leader, Radha Semwal Dhoni, for naming his shop Lakshmi. The incident took place on Thursday, April 25, at Dharampur Chowk, where the group created a ruckus outside the shop. A video of the incident is doing 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 .

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(Uttarakhand) , 30 . , .

Meet man who once sold tea with his father, cracked UPSC thrice without coaching, became IPS then IAS officer with AIR..

Born in Sitarganj in the Udhamsingh district of Uttarakhand, Himanshu was raisedin Sirauli, a small town in Bareilly district. His childhood was interrupted by immense struggles as the financial condition of his family was very poor.

Election Special: Will BJP Clean Sweep In Madhya Pradesh

After the first phase of voting in the Lok Sabha Elections, the second phase of voting will take place on April 26. To gauge the election atmosphere and mood of the public, NDTV Election Carnival has travelled to Delhi, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. On Wednesday, the Election Carnival reached Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal. This time voting is taking place in Madhya Pradesh in the first, second, third and fourth phases. Voting will be held in BJP's stronghold Bhopal in the fourth phase on May 7. This time too the contest is between BJP and Congress.

Uttarakhand Board Result 2024: UBSE Class 10, 12 scorecards likely on April 30, here's how to check results

The Uttarakhand Board of School Education is expected to announce the results for the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams on April 30, 2024, although there's no official confirmation yet. According to media reports, the results are anticipated to be released between 11:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Students can check their scores on the official website at uaresults.nic.in. The Class 10 exams were held from March 17 to April 06, while the Class 12 exams were conducted from March 16 to April 06, 2023.

Travel tips: These 8 camping sites are close to nature, adventure lovers should come here.

Everyone likes to go to a place of their choice and do their favorite work. There comes a time in life when you think of going to a place away from the crowd where there is only peace so that you can spend some moments of peace. If you are a nature lover and fond of adventure then camping is a good option. There are many places in India, which are known for their cold climate, where camping is done during the winter season and tourists come from far and wide for this. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about such places that are very close to nature and where you can enjoy camping to the fullest. Let us know about these places... Bhimtal, Uttarakhand This mesmerizing tourist spot is situated at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level, making it a great place for camping in the Himalayas. The beautiful Bhimtal Lake along with ancient temples like Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the primary attraction of this place. This place is surrounded by hills and forests, where you can see the moon and stars very closely while camping. This place is considered the best place for camping. Here you can also choose activities like walking in the surrounding areas and fishing. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh This place is close to the Himalayas and is in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti Valley is between India and Tibet. And is one of the most beautiful places in India. Tourists come here from all over the world. By coming here you can enjoy many activities like trekking and camping. The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between May to October. The nearest airport to the valley is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. It is at a distance of 54 kilometers from the valley. Apart from this, you can also go to Spiti Valley by bus from Manali. Although this journey will be a little difficult. Rishikesh Valley Camp, Rishikesh When it comes to camping, Rishikesh's camping experience must be included in the list. Rishikesh Valley Camp is not only close to nature but also has a strong spiritual connection. The tents here are styled in a sadhu fashion. If you are thinking of finding yourself within yourself then this camp is good for you. The food available during camping is completely organic. Apart from detoxifying, you can go rafting, trekking, Ayurvedic spa, and elephant riding. Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh Chandratal Lake located in Lahaul Spiti is known for its beauty, which is also known as the Lake of Moon. The beauty of this lake surrounded by mountains is worth seeing. Camping here in the winter season has a different fun. It is also one of the good camping sites in India. Camping here with a partner or friends gives a different experience. Adventure lovers trek to reach the lake and their excitement after coming here is worth seeing. Tso Moriri, Ladakh One of the highest lakes in the world, Tso Moriri in Ladakh is one of the best camping destinations in India. The best time to camp here is during May to September as the lake remains frozen the rest of the year. Enjoy the comfort of the camp, watch the sunrise, or go trekking, it will be an experience of a lifetime. Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh Although Sangla Valley is one of the less famous camping destinations, this place will not disappoint you. Situated at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level, this valley has the majestic Kinnar Kailash peak in the background. The valley is surrounded by pine, cedar, apple, walnut, and apricot trees all around it. So, if you are planning to experience camping here, here you will get everything that will make your experience more fun. Camp Desert, Pushkar Camp Desert is a place that people choose because of its proximity to Pushkar. 6 Covering an area of acres, it has been designed in complete Rajasthani style. The best time to visit this place is during the Pushkar Fair which gives you a chance to experience the colorful culture and lifestyle of Rajasthan. Here you can enjoy Rajasthani vibes. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Most of the area of Jaisalmer is desert. This place is known for its camping. The Sam Sand Dunes here are known for their camping. Where you can experience camping as well as the desert. Spending a moonlit night in the desert with your partner is a pleasant experience. Apart from this, you can also enjoy jeep safari, camel ride, bike ride, and paragliding here. The view of the sunset from the dunes is very attractive, which you can watch while drinking tea with your partner. During the winter season, many tourists come here for camping and return with beautiful memories. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Travel tips: Almora is a beautiful place situated in the lap of Himalayan ranges, know the major tourist places here

Talking about the places worth visiting in India, the name of Uttarakhand comes which is situated in the lap of the Himalayan mountain range and offers excellent views of natural beauty. There are many places in Uttarakhand where you can enjoy this beauty. Today in this episode we are talking about the hill station Almora situated at an altitude of 1638 meters above sea level. This is a magnificent hill station that appears like the shape of a horse's feet. The scenic views of snow-covered peaks, grasslands, forests, etc. all around Almora are beautiful. Here we are going to tell you about the major tourist places of Almora where you can cherish your beautiful memories. Let us know about these places... Katarmal Sun Temple Katarmal Sun Temple is considered to be more than 800 years old. This Katarmal Sun Temple is dedicated to Lord Sun. Apart from this Katarmal Sun Temple, when you come here, you can see small and big temples, in which statues of different Gods and Goddesses are installed. This Katarmal Sun Temple is located at a distance of about 16 kilometers from Almora city of Uttarakhand, which looks quite golden and full of attraction. Zero point Zero Point, one of the beautiful attractions of Almora, is a wildlife sanctuary complex. To reach zero point, one has to walk about 1 kilometer in the sanctuary complex. Trekking is a great activity to reach Zero Point. Which tells about the beautiful views here as well as the natural beauty. If you can travel 300 kilometers from zero point, then you can also visit tourist places like Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. Jageshwar Dham Temple There are 125 small and big temples in the Jageshwar temple group. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Jageshwar, Shiva, located on the ancient route of Kailash Mansarovar. It is believed that Jagatguru Adi Shankaracharya visited this place and restored it to Lord Shiva. And dedicated to other gods and goddesses. Which Jageshwar, Mrityunjay, Navadurga, Surya, Navagraha, Pushti Devi, Kalika, and Lakshmi Devi are the main ones. There are cedar trees here which are about 100 feet tall. Jageshwar Dham, according to mythology, sages, and sages performed penance here. This is a very holy place, you should go here to visit and also have the darshan of God. Binsar Binsar tourist place is a small village located at a distance of about 33 kilometers from Almora Hill Station. Which is known for its lush green forests of cedar trees, grasslands, and beautiful temples. Situated at an altitude of approximately 900 meters to 2500 meters above sea level, the attractions are worth visiting and the town is dotted with oaks, pines, and rhododendrons. Govind Vallabh Pant Museum This museum is located near the Almora bus stop. Govind Vallabh Pant Museum is the only museum in Almora. This museum contains items from the history of Almora and old times. This museum also has great importance from the art point of view. It has rural-style paintings which are considered popular paintings in this region. This museum contains many facts related to the legacies of Katyuri and Chand dynasties. This museum is considered to be the first choice of tourists visiting Almora. Bright End Corner This Bright End Corner of Almora is situated at a distance of about 3 kilometers from Almora, which is quite famous for sunrise and sunset. This peaceful place of Almora is not that special, but the view of sunrise and sunset from here is so spectacular that there is no answer. Chitai Temple Chitai temple of Lord Golu, included among the tourist places of Almora, is very famous among the devotees. This temple is known as Chitai, another name of Lord Shiva. Chitai temple was built during Chand's rule. The charm of the bells hung by the devotees in the temple is worth seeing. Whenever you visit Almora, you must visit the Chitai temple to have the darshan of God. Bowden Memorial Methodist Church Budden Memorial Methodist Church, located in Pokhara Khali, is one of the most prominent places to visit in Almora. Built during the British period, this church is one of the oldest structures in the area. Every year during Christmas this church is beautifully decorated and is visited by people from all walks of life irrespective of their religion. Bowden Memorial Methodist Church is a popular Christmas-time attraction for the people of Almora. The church was built in 1897 as a burden on the Reverend John Hardy, associated with the London Missionary Society. Who was later offered a missionary post in Ruma by Captain Henry Ramsay? Deer Park This park is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Almora. Deer Park is also known as N.D.T. The main attraction of Deer Park is the lush green cedar trees and many animals like deer, leopards, and black bears roaming among them making its beauty worth seeing. There is a lot of excitement in the deer park in the evening. Deer Park is one of the major places to visit at Almora Hill Station. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Why Uttarakhand Faces Wildfires Every year?

Why Uttarakhand Faces Wildfires Every year

Fires Destroy Over 53 Hectares of Forest in Uttarakhand

Forest fires in Uttarakhand continue to rage, with 47 new incidents reported in a single day, damaging approximately 53 hectares of forest area. The state has seen a total of 478 incidents during this fire season, leading to the destruction of 571 hectares of forest land. These fires pose a severe threat to the state's biodiversity and natural resources. The affected areas include New Tehri, Ranikhet, Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Narendranagar, Uttarkashi, Terai East, Lansdowne, Haldwani, Ramnagar, Rudraprayag, Kedarnath Forest Division, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and Nanda Devi National Park. Despite the efforts of the Forest Department, controlling the fires remains difficult. Nishant Verma, the nodal officer for forest fires, noted that rising temperatures have increased forest fire activity. The department is closely monitoring satellite alerts, verifying ground reports quickly, and taking prompt action when fires are detected. Efforts are also being made to involve the community more in fire prevention and containment. The fire season in Uttarakhand begins in mid-February and lasts until mid-June, characterized by dry foliage and low soil moisture due to higher temperatures. This pattern makes forest conservation efforts particularly challenging. National Commission for Backward Classes Opposes Karnataka's Decision to Extend Reservation to Entire Muslim Community Now celebrate summer vacation abroad, travel will be very cheap 10 Crew Members Killed in Malaysian Military Helicopter Collision

President Murmu Graces 4th Convocation Of AIIMS Rishikesh

Rishikesh: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmugraced and addressedthe4th convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh on Tuesday at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that providing world-class education and service in the field of medicine is a great national achievement of all AIIMS, including AIIMS Rishikesh. All the AIIMS are recognised for providing [] The post President Murmu Graces 4th Convocation Of AIIMS Rishikesh appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Dehradun set to become international airport, seeks direct flights to Kathmandu

In a significant development for Uttarakhands tourism industry, plans are underway to elevate Dehraduns Jolly Grant Airport to international status. This transformation will be accompanied by the introduction of direct flights connecting Dehradun to Kathmandu, Nepal. The state government, with backing from the Union government, has initiated the process by inviting proposals from airlines to... The post Dehradun set to become international airport, seeks direct flights to Kathmandu first appeared on India's Top Travel News Source: TravelBiz Monitor .

Uttarakhand thieves who robbed two houses in Aluva taken for evidence collection

KOCHI: Police on Tuesday carried out evidence collection after getting the custody of two Uttarakhand natives who stole gold ornaments and money from two houses in Aluva in February this year. Danish, 23, and Sahjad, 33, of Rampur, had fired shots at a police team from Aluva when they reached Ajmer to nab the duo. Both were taken to the houses from where they stole gold and money. During interrogation, Danish admitted that he came to Kerala in search of a job in 2018. Then he realised that people used to keep gold ornaments in their houses. After returning to his native, Danish met Sahjad, an autorickshaw driver, and made plans to conduct robberies in Kerala. As part of the plan, they bought two pistols from Bihar for `22,000. They reached Aluva from New Delhi on February 8 and stayed in a lodge. They first stole a motorcycle from Perumbavoor and carried out a robbery at two houses in Aluva.

President Droupadi Murmu offers prayers to Lord Hanuman at 'Parmarth Niketan' in Rishikesh

President Droupadi Murmu offers prayers to Lord Hanuman at 'Parmarth Niketan' in Rishikesh President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers to Lord Hanuman at 'Parmarth Niketan,' a revered ashram in Rishikesh on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Tuesday. The President visited 'Parmarth Niketan', one of the largest ashrams, situated in the lap of the lush Himalayas, along the banks of the Ganges in the yoga capital of the world. The ashram welcomed the President on Tuesday for a blissful evening with Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Sadhviji on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The President was greeted with a traditional welcome by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, International Director of Parmarth Niketan amidst the serene ambience of Vedic chanting, showered by fragrant flower petals and resonating conch shells. The event was also graced by the Governor of Uttarakhand Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmit Singh. The visit commenced with President Murmu offering a sacred flower garland to Goddess Lakshmiji, symbolizing reverence and devotion to the divine feminine. Engaging discussions ensued with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in the tranquil garden of Pujya Swamiji, where they exchanged thoughts on various spiritual and service-oriented initiatives. Details were shared with President Murmu about several impactful charitable and humanitarian service initiatives spearheaded by Parmarth Niketan together with 'The Divine Shakti Foundation.' A few selected participants from some of these initiatives also received the opportunity to meet her. Young women, girls, and children from the 'Divyangta Mukt Bharat' campaign, supporting differently-abled individuals for empowered living with dignity including the Parmarth Vijay Public School, a school for blind children in Uttarkashi, the Parmarth Naari Shakti Kendra, empower women and girls through a wide range of free of cost skill development programs. The President also learned about the work for water, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental protection being undertaken by Parmarth through the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance including the World Toilet College, elevating sanitation standards, celebrating sanitation workers, and transforming their lives. All of these initiatives exemplify the essence of inclusive empowerment. The highlight of the evening was the renowned Ganga Aarti along the sacred banks of Maa Ganga, where President Murmu piously participated. Commencing with prayers to Lord Hanuman at the Hanuman Ghat in Parmarth Niketan, the evening unfolded with patriotic fervor with the rendition of the National Anthem. The sacred ceremony included Ganga Puja and Purnahuti of the Sacred Yagya for World Peace. Immersed in the devotional atmosphere, President Murmu joined the congregation for Harinam Sankirtan and Bhajan and performed the world-renowned Ganga Aarti with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji alongside the Parmarth Gurukul Rishikumars and pilgrims from across India and the world. As a token of appreciation and remembrance, President Murmu was presented with a sacred Rudraksha sapling, a holy Rudraksha mala, and also a beautiful deity of Hanumanji in honor of Hanuman Jayanti, marking the culmination of a blissful evening filled with warmth and spiritual inspiration. President Droupdi Murmu's gracious and devoted presence left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those present. Situated in the lap of the snow-clad Himalayas along the banks of the holy Ganges River in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest ashrams and spiritual institutions in India. Established in 1942, and dedicated to the highest welfare of all beings, Parmarth Niketan is renowned for its spiritual teachings, yoga and meditation programs, and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering global peace and harmony. (ANI)

BJP Leaders to Accompany Candidates Filing Lok Sabha Nominations

Hyderabad: The Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled Gujarat and Uttarakhand and Union ministers Dr S. Jaishankar and Anurag Thakur will accompany the party nominees when they file their papers for the May 13 Lok Sabha polls, the party said on Tuesday. External affairs minister Jaishankar, OBC Morcha Dr K. Laxman and Assembly floor leader Aleti Maheshwar Reddy will attend a rally by Adilabad candidate Gudem Nagesh in Adilabad town on Wednesday, TS BJP general secretary G. Premender Reddy in a statement. Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur along with Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh will take part in a rally by Hyderabad candidate K. Madhavi Latha. The rally will commence from the Lord Vittobha temple in Gowliguda to the Hyderabad district collectorate. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with TS BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy will take part the rally of Karimnagar candidate Bandi Sanjay on Thursday. After filing of nomination papers, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Kishan Reddy will address a public meeting. Then, they will proceed to Nagarkurnool to address a public meeting in support of party nominee P. Bharath. The Gujarat Chief Minister will address a public meeting in the city, being organised by the Kishan Reddy and Madhav Latha, party candidates from Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Dhami and Dr Laxman will attend a rally taken out by partys Nizamabad candidate Dharmapuri Arvind on Thursday. They will proceed to Warangal to take part in an election meeting. Gomasa Srinivas Reddy will file his papers from Peddapalli in the presence of Maheshwar Reddy and party MLA Dr P Harish Babu.

President Droupadi Murmu graces 4th Convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh

President Droupadi Murmu graces 4th Convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday graced and addressed the 4th convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that providing world-class education and service in the field of medicine is a great national achievement of all AIIMS, including AIIMS Rishikesh. All the AIIMS are recognised for providing the best and most affordable treatment. Many AIIMS are being established in different parts of the country with the objective that more and more people can benefit and more meritorious students can get an education in AIIMS, she said. Noting that more than 60 per cent of students at AIIMS Rishikesh are female students, the President said that the increasing participation of women in areas ranging from policy making to tertiary healthcare presents a picture of a huge and positive social change. The President said that using the latest technology in the interest of society should be the priority of institutions like AIIMS Rishikesh. She expressed happiness over AIIMS Rishikesh striving to move forward in the field of CAR T-cell therapy and Stem Cell Research. She stated that the role of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will continue to increase in diagnostics and treatment. She expressed confidence that these changes will be increasingly put to efficient use by AIIMS Rishikesh. The President said, In Uttarakhand, due to lack of sunlight and local food habits, people, especially women, are affected by diseases like osteoporosis and anaemia. She stated that even in this era of global medicine, researching and solving national, regional and local problems related to medicine should be the priority of institutions like AIIMS Rishikesh. She urged AIIMS Rishikesh to pay maximum attention to public health and community engagement. She said that by doing this, the institute will be able to contribute towards building a 'Healthy India' and a 'Developed India'. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Class 10, 12 Result 2024 Soon: Check Past Trends, Passing Criteria and More

The Uttarakhand Class 10 and 12 Result for the year 2024 is set to be announced on April 30th, marking a crucial milestone for students across the state. As anticipation builds, it's worth examining past trends to gauge expectations. Over the years, Uttarakhand has maintained a standard passing criteria, ensuring fairness and reliability in assessment.

Only Few Days Left For Uttarakhand Co-operative Bank Recruitment Application, Apply Immediately

Vacancy has come out in the State Cooperative Bank in Uttarakhand, for which the application process is starting on various posts. There are only a few days left for the application. Interested candidates can check the details here...

Video Of Uttarakhand CM Distributing Money For Votes Is Old

BOOM found that the video is from 2022 when members of the Aam Aadmi Party accused Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami of buying votes.

India among Asian countries hit by heatwave in 2003: UN report

India among Asian countries hit by heatwave in 2003: UN report Asia was among the world's most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water hazards in 2023, the United Nations said on Tuesday, with floods and storms the chief cause of casualties. Floods and storms caused the highest number of reported casualties and economic losses in Asia, while the impact of heatwaves became more severe, according to a report launched by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Bangkok. In 2023, over 80 per cent of reported hydrometeorological hazards in Asia were flood and storm events, the report said. According to the 'The State of the Climate in Asia 2023' report, prolonged heatwaves affected South and South-East Asia in early summer. In India, severe heatwaves in April and June resulted in about 110 fatalities due to heatstroke. In 2023, the mean temperature over Asia was 0.91 degree Celsius above the 1991-2020 reference period, the second highest on record. Many parts of the region experienced extreme heat events last year. Precipitation is a key climate parameter, essential for society in terms of providing water for drinking and domestic purposes, agriculture, industry and hydropower. Variations in precipitation also drive major climate events such as droughts and floods. In 2023, substantial precipitation deficits in the region were observed in the Turan Lowland (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan); the Hindu Kush (Afghanistan, Pakistan); the Himalayas; around the Ganges and lower course of the Brahmaputra Rivers (India and Bangladesh); the Arakan Mountains (Myanmar); and the lower course of the Mekong River. Precipitation was below normal in the Himalayas and in the Hindu Kush mountain range and the rains associated with the Indian summer monsoon were insufficient. Elaborating on the several extreme precipitation events that took place in 2023, the report mentions that in July and August last year there were landslides in India due to intense monsoon rains. In August 2023, widespread floods and landslides struck multiple states in India, including Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, claiming 25 lives and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture, it said. The onset of the Indian summer monsoon was delayed in 2023. The Indian summer monsoon seasonal rainfall (ISMR), averaged over India as a whole, was 94 per cent of its climatological normal for the 1971-2020 period, the WMO report said. Below-normal rainfall during the Indian summer monsoon season led to a precipitation deficit in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Indian summer monsoon seasonal rainfall, averaged over India from June to September, was about 6 per cent below the 1971-2000 average (see also Asian monsoon section). For the second consecutive year, certain regions in south-west India, the Ganges catchment, and the lower course of the Brahmaputra received less-than-normal precipitation. Due to emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases resulting from human activities, the global ocean has warmed. It has taken up more than 90 per cent of the excess heat in the climate system, making climate change irreversible on centennial to millennial timescales. Ocean warming contributes to about 40 per cent of the observed global mean sea-level rise and alters ocean currents. It also indirectly alters storm tracks, increases ocean stratification and can lead to changes in marine ecosystems. In 2023, the global average sea level continued to rise at a sustained rate (3.43 +- 0.3 mm/year over the period from January 1993 to May 2023) in response to ocean warming (via thermal expansion) and the melting of glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets. However, the rate of rise is not the same everywhere. Both Asian parts of the north-west Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean are warming at a mean rate comparable to the global rate, the analysis showed. In 2023, the global average sea level continued to rise at a sustained rate (3.43 +- 0.3 mm/year over the period from January 1993 to May 2023. Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms. Climate change exacerbated the frequency and severity of such events, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and, most importantly, human lives said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. Yet again, in 2023, vulnerable countries were disproportionately impacted. For example, tropical cyclone Mocha, the strongest cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in the last decade, hit Bangladesh and Myanmar said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and underscored the the importance of regional approaches for early warning of transboundary hazards. ESCAP and WMO, worked in partnership to produce the report. According to the report, the global annual mean near-surface temperature over Asia in the year 2023 was the second highest on record , 0.91 degree Celsius [0.84 degree Celsius-0.96 degree Celsius] above the 1991-2020 average and 1.87 degree Celsius [1.81 degree Celsius-1.92 degree Celsius] above the 1961-1990 average. Particularly above average temperatures were recorded from western Siberia to central Asia and from eastern China to Japan. Japan and Kazakhstan each had record warm years. Average temperatures were below normal in parts of the inland Indian Peninsula, it said.Even the sea was not spared from rising mercury. The sea surface in the areas of the Kuroshio current system (west side of the North Pacific Ocean basin), the Arabian Sea, the Southern Barents Sea, the Southern Kara Sea, and the South-Eastern Laptev Sea is warming more than three times faster than the globally averaged sea surface temperature, according to the WMO analysis. Warming of the upper-ocean (0 m-700 m) is particularly strong in the North-Western Arabian Sea, the Philippine Sea and the seas east of Japan, more than three times faster than the global average; it further stated. Many parts of the region experienced extreme heat in 2023. Prolonged heatwaves affected South and South-East Asia in early summer, the report stated. A major and prolonged heatwave affected much of South-East Asia in April and May, extending as far west as Bangladesh and eastern India. Glaciers in High-Mountain Asia have lost significant mass over the past 40 years, at an accelerating rate. In 2023, record-breaking high temperatures and drier conditions in the Eastern Himalayas and the Tien Shan (mountain range) exacerbated mass loss, the WMO report said. Pointing out that lightning is a significant hazard that claims numerous lives each year, the WMO report said that in India, in recent years, lightning accompanied by thunderstorms has been a leading cause of fatalities. In 2023, thunderstorms and lightning claimed around 1200 lives in various parts of the country. Approximately 80 per cent of WMO Members in the region provide climate services to support disaster risk reduction activities. However, there is a gap in climate projections and tailored products (provided by less than 50 per cent of Members in WMO Regional Association II (Asia)) that are needed to inform risk management and adaptation to and mitigation of climate change and its impacts. (ANI)

Inaugural Trip of Manaskhand Express Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train to Uttarakhand Starts from Pune on 22.04.2024

This unique initiative by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is perhaps the first-of-its-kind in India in which an attempt is being made to promote lesser known destinations through train tours.

Constitution can never be changed... Congress creating confusion: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla

Constitution can never be changed... Congress creating confusion: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP candidate from Kota constituency for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Om Birla, slammed the Congress for spreading confusion within the Scheduled Castes by saying that the BJP wants to change the Constitution and curtail the rights of people. The BJP candidate assured that the Constitution can never be changed. Speaking to ANI here on Monday, Birla said, Prime Minister Modi has clearly said that the Constitution can never be changed. No one is going to be fooled. The Congress is trying to spread false things and create confusion within the Scheduled Castes... Replying to a query, he said, If someone has secured and protected the rights of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Dalits, then it has been done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government wants to change the Constitution and curtail the rights of people. Their (BJP) leaders are saying to everyone that they should get 400 seats and they will change the Constitution. On the other hand, Narendra Modi says - We will not change the Constitution. This is a conspiracy. The Constitution gives the right to equality to women, and the right to 'jal, Jungle' for Adivasis. This is the same Constitution for which the great men of the country sacrificed themselves. They want to change the Constitution because the PM only wants power. They want to weaken the rights of the people. They want to weaken the reservations, Priyanka Gandhi said at a rally in Rajnandgaon. Voting for Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan is being held in two phases. Polling for 12 seats was held in the first phase on April 19 and voting for the remaining 13 seats will be contested in the second phase on April 26. The counting will take place on June 4. In 2019, the BJP registered a sweeping victory, winning 24 out of 25 seats. Rashtriya Loktrantrik Party's Hanuman Beniwal also won a seat. The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories was held on Friday with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. In the first phase of LS polls, voting took place in the following states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Polling was also held in the following Union Territories - Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. (ANI)

Malayali love for gold too hard to resist for burglars

KOCHI: The lustre has been attracting the attention of the illustrious -- though of a criminal persuasion! As high prices and the ceaseless demand of Malayalis combine to give the yellow metal added sheen, its inter-state burglars who are looking to benefit from the interplay. And Kochi the commercial capital of Kerala is emerging as a favoured destination for those looking for a piece of this toxic action. According to police, some of the burglars arrive on flights for a quick operation. On April 20, dreaded burglar Mohammed Irfan, from Bihar, broke into the house of film-maker Joshiy, a day after another group from Maharashtra targeted jewellery shops in Kochi and Kalamassery. The group, comprising a man and three women, was arrested on Sunday while attempting to force their way into a jewellery shop in Thrissur. The gang had arrived by flight from Mumbai and was based out of Angamaly. The increase in the price of gold could be attracting inter-state gangs to the state, says Kochi commissioner S Syamsundar. They know about the Malayalis penchant for gold. Even though most people keep their ornaments in bank lockers, there are some who hold on to it for use during social events. Added to this is the fact that the price of gold has skyrocketed in recent months, Syamsundar pointed out. We plan to revamp patrolling activity after the election, he said. During the election period, security is already on high alert. After the vote, patrolling will take on a new dimension. We will look to cover each and every locality in the city in coordination with the public, Syamsundar said, adding that theft and burglary cases in the city rarely go unsolved. In February, an Ernakulam Rural police team on the hunt for two burglars from Uttarakhand was fired upon by the duo in Ajmer. They were fleeing after stealing gold ornaments from two houses in Aluva. Officers arrested Danish, 23 and Sahjad, 33, who had decamped with 38 sovereigns of gold and `33,000 in cash. A few years back, three persons from Delhi burgled 20 sovereigns of gold from six houses in Kadavanthra and Palarivattom. The trio had also arrived in the city by flight. A top police officer said Ernakulam district attracts criminal minds as it is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Unlike other places, thieves can vanish immediately after committing a crime here. Thats why we have cases in which gangs arrive by train or plane for their criminal activity and leave in a jiffy, he said. Recent Cases April 19 - Four-member gang steals gold ornaments from two jewellery shops in Edappally and Kalamassery after arriving by flight from Maharashtra. All four members arrested from Thrissur. April 20, 2024- Diamond and gold jewellery worth over D1.2 crore stolen from the house of film-maker Joshiy in Panampilly Nagar. Bihar native Mohammed Irfan held. April 2022 - A three-member gang from Delhi carried out six thefts between April 21 and 24. The members also reached Kochi by flight. They were caught from a lodge in Kochi. February 15 - Tamil Nadu man posing as a KWA official burgles laptops and electronic equipment from several houses in Palarivattom. The accused landed in Kochi by flight and roamed the city on a stolen motorcycle. Feb 9 & 10 - Two Uttarakhand natives break into two houses in Aluva and steal gold jewellery.

President Murmu on two-day Uttarakhand visit from April 23, to attend Ganga aarti in Rishikesh

President Murmu will also attend the fourth convocation of AIIMS-Rishikesh on April 23

APs Power Demand at 245 Million Units in April, 236mu in May and 253mu in June

Vijayawada: The power demand for AP is expected to be 245 million units in April, 236mu in May and 253mu in June. This was stated at a review meeting chief secretary KS Jawahar Reddy held with officials of the power department here on Monday. He asked the officials to ensure that there is no interruption in supply during the summer season. If there is any interruption, immediate action should be taken to restore the supply, he said. AP Transco CMD KVN Chakradhara Babu said the daily coal stocks in various power generation companies were being monitored. Complaints from the people regarding the power supply are being solved by the respective power distribution companies, he said. Officials explained that AP Discoms have met 244.888mu of power demand on April 21. The total demand met on the same day in 2023 was 241.292mu, registering a growth of 1.49 per cent year on year. The peak demand during the day 12675mw at 14:27hrs --against the 12074mw the same day in 2023 meant a growth of 4.98 per cent year on year. AP met the maximum power demand during the day --at 12675mu --without any shortage. This record is better than of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, which are facing energy shortages, he said. The officials explained that in the 244.888mu of Power Demand, APGenco Thermal met 90.982mu, APGenco Hydel met 6.966mu, APGenco Solar met 2.321mu, Central Generating Stations met 39.466mu, IPPs(SEIL, HNPCL) met 34.453mu, Wind Power met 4.077mu and Solar met 20.116mu. The market purchases were 42.688mu and purchases from others 3.819mu. The total short term power purchase was 44.154mu. AP Discoms are all prepared to provide power supply as per demand, officials said. Deputy Secretary Kumar Reddy, CMD of EPDCL, CPDCL, SPDCL and other officials participated in this meeting.

President Droupadi Murmu to visit Parmarth Niketan on occasion of Hanuman Jayanti tomorrow

President Droupadi Murmu to visit Parmarth Niketan on occasion of Hanuman Jayanti tomorrow President Droupadi Murmu will visit Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Tuesday. The President will be greeted with a traditional welcome by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, International Director of Parmarth Niketan. President's visit would commence with offering a sacred flower garland to Goddess Lakshmiji, symbolizing reverence and devotion to the divine feminine. The President will also join the congregation for Harinam Sankirtan and Bhajan and perform the world-renowned Ganga Aarti with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji alongside the Parmarth Gurukul Rishikumars and pilgrims from across India and the world. As a token of appreciation and remembrance, the President will be presented with a sacred Rudraksha sapling, a holy Rudraksha mala and also a beautiful deity of Hanumanji in honour of Hanuman Jayanti, marking the culmination of a blissful evening filled with warmth and spiritual inspiration. The President will also learn about the work for water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental protection being undertaken by Parmarth through the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance including the World Toilet College, elevating sanitation standards, celebrating sanitation workers and transforming their lives; all of these initiatives exemplifying the essence of inclusive empowerment. Parmarth Niketan, situated in the lap of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy Ganges River in Rishikesh, India, is the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the largest spiritual institutions in India. Established in 1942 and dedicated to the highest welfare of all beings. (ANI)

President Droupadi Murmu To Visit Uttarakhand From 23 To 24 April

New Delhi: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Uttarakhand from April 23 to 24, 2024. On April 23, the President will grace the 4thconvocation of AIIMS Rishikesh. On the same evening, she will attend the Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh. On April 24, the President will grace the convocation ceremony of officer trainees [] The post President Droupadi Murmu To Visit Uttarakhand From 23 To 24 April appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

NGT Directs Prompt Demarcation of Ganga's Floodplain in Uttar Pradesh

NGT Directs Prompt Demarcation of Ganga's Floodplain in Uttar Pradesh The National Green Tribunal has directed the authorities concerned to expedite the demarcation of floodplain zones of the Ganga and the Ram Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district. The green panel was hearing a plea alleging a state-owned company in the energy sector is carrying out illegal construction in the rivers' floodplains in the Milak Kharakpur Baaje village of the district's Munda Pandey block. A tributary of the Ganga, the Ram Ganga originates in Uttarakhand and enters Uttar Pradesh in Bijnor district. In February, a report by the Moradabad district magistrate and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board said a pipeline was being constructed by GAIL. A bench of National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said in pursuance of the tribunal's earlier directions, the district magistrate filed another report, saying Rs 1.12 crore had been paid to the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) in Roorkee for demarcation of the floodplain. According to the NIH, the determination of geo-coordinates for demarcating the floodplain would be completed within 12 months, following which the demarcation process would begin, the bench -- also comprising Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel -- said noting the report. In an order passed on April 12, the bench noted that according to the authorities concerned, it could be ascertained whether the construction work was within the floodplains only after the process of demarcation was completed. ''Hence, we dispose of the original application, directing the authorities to expedite the process of demarcation of floodplain zone in question and submit a quarterly report before the tribunal disclosing the progress till it is demarcated and to take action against the project proponent (GAIL), if required, after demarcation, and submit final action taken report thereafter,'' the tribunal said.

Uttarakhand: One dead, one injured after vehicle falls into gorge in Rudraprayag

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Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal 2024 Phase 2: Schools and colleges to remain closed on April 26

Voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commenced on April 19th across 21 states and Union territories in India, witnessing a turnout of approximately 64% of eligible voters. States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry participated in the electoral process.

Four killed as car falls into gorge in Uttarakhands Pithoragarh

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Rainfall Update: There is a possibility of rain with strong winds in Delhi-Punjab-Haryana, know the weather condition in your state.

Weather Update: According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain with strong winds in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi on April 22. There are chances of snowfall in Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Apart from this, heatwave alert has been issued in Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand. Rainfall Alert: Different moods of weather [] The post Rainfall Update: There is a possibility of rain with strong winds in Delhi-Punjab-Haryana, know the weather condition in your state. first appeared on informalnewz .

Delhi: Mega BJP show for saffron push

NEW DELHI: While AAP leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwals wife Sunita Kejriwal were campaigning for the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand, the Delhi BJP, giving a saffron touch to its electioneering, hosted a mega conclave of Hindu priests, saints and seers on Sunday in the capital and celebrated the Hindu new year along with construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The religious-cum-political event, just a month ahead of the polling day in Delhi, was hosted at the IGI stadium through the Mandir Prakoshth (BJPs temple cell). Senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, Delhi Lok Sabha Election In-charge Om Prakash Dhankar and Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva were among the top attendees along with all seven parliamentary candidates of the party. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goyal said that he has worked to enhance Indias culture, faith, and heritage along with the countrys development. It is a matter of pride that India has entered an era, which is making it prosperous and developed, the Union Minister said. Notably, the entire venue, even the chairs, wore the saffron look as the organisers had placed thousands of saffron flags along with the seats and the name of Lord Ram reverberated through the speakers during the entire duration of the event. A big TV screen displaying Hum Hai Sanatani became the centre point of selfies and the speakers of the event encouraged the public to click their photos and upload it on social media so that everyone knows about the Hindu new year. The Uttarakhand CM, in his address, described all the saints and sages present as the guardians of Sanatan culture. Earlier, there used to be indifference regarding the celebration of Hindu New Year, which was mainly due to the government before 2014, which had no special inclination towards any Hindu festival, but now the promotion of Sanatan culture is happening. Lord Shri Ram has reached his grand abode from the tent, and we all have been fortunate to have his darshan, Dhami said. The Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said in the last 10 years, the country has seen that our culture, our traditions, which were under attack, have been protected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The election of 2024 will decide the future of India, and along with that, we all will keep the foundation of a developed India of 2047, and with this resolution, we will leave from here today, Sachdeva said. In an apparent reference to the ongoing polls, Sachdeva, without naming his political rivals, said just like the Centre, Delhi should also have Ram devotees rule. The national capital will go to polls on May 25 in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha election with results on June 4.

Battle for Delhi: AAP-Congress alliance challenges BJP in Lok Sabha Polls

The temperature of Delhi and politics is increasing with each passing day. On May 25, the citys voters will elect their seven representatives to Parliament. Like in previous elections, the leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and other parties have hit the streets to canvass. But what is different this time is that bitter rivals AAP and Congress have joined hands to take on the common enemy, BJP. As per the seat sharing agreement, the AAP has settled for four constituenciesEast Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi, and West Delhi. On the remaining three seatsNorth East Delhi, Chandni Chowk, and North West DelhiCongress will be contesting. On the other hand, the BJP has replaced all its sitting MPs except on the North East Delhi seat. As the trio campaign starts under the scorching summer sun, it will only get hotter in the coming days. While the BJP claims it will sweep the polls like last timebagging all seven seats with a significant margin, the AAP-Congress is hopeful to dent the electoral prospects of the saffron party. Seeing the initial campaign, the AAP is trying to create sympathy for the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The Congress is trying to remind the voters of days under the leadership of the late Sheila Dixit, while the BJP is trying to ride on the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But is there really any positive political movement in AAP or Congresss favour? If the BJP claims of no anti-incumbency, then why did it drop six MPs? This week, we delve deeper to gauge which party holds the ground, the issues that may combust, and the odds of a candidate entangled in this seven-piece puzzle. In Delhi, BJP targets third consecutive sweep; AAP hopes to capitalise on 'sympathy wave' for Kejriwal WEST SIDE STORY The largest parliamentary constituency of Delhi is likely to witness a tight contest between the BJP and the AAP. The former has fielded Kamaljeet Sehrawat, former MLA and mayor of erstwhile South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), against Mahabal Mishra of the AAP, former MP from the seat. The constituency came into existence a year before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections after the delimitation exercise. Earlier parts of the constituency were included in Outer Delhi and others in South Delhi. It has seen three general elections2009, 2014 and 2019and the party that won the seat, ruled at the Centre.The constituency has a total strength of 24,88,831 eligible voters including 13,27,008 males, 11,61,717 females and 106 third gender. It is spread across 10 Assembly segmentsMadipur, Rajouri Garden, Hari Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Janakpuri, Vikaspuri, Uttam Nagar, Dwarka, Matiala and Najafgarhcurrently all held by the AAP. In previous polls, there has been a three-cornered contest. However, with AAP and Congress stitching an alliance, the fight has now remained between BJP and AAP. What can Delhi expect from BJPs manifesto? In 2014, BJPs Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma won the polls by a margin of 2.68 lakh votesthe highest since that year. In 2019, he improved further and won the elections with the highest-ever margin of 5.78 lakh votes. Still, he was dropped, and the baton was handed over to Sehrawat, a law graduate and former teacher widely acknowledged for her connection with the public. Though it is her first Lok Sabha elections, she has experience in public life. Besides serving as Mayor, in the past decade, Sehrawat has gradually risen in the organisational ranks and worked in different capacities, such as district vice-president from Najafgarh to Secretary, president of the BJP Mahila Morcha, and Delhi BJP vice-president. The west Delhi, considered a seat where Jat voters play a key role, Mahabal Mishra continues to firmly hold his ground among the rural belt. Mishra, who was once a big Poorvanchali face of Delhi Congress, has a long stint in politics for more than two decades. After entering Delhi politics in 1997 as a municipal councillor and serving as an MLA thrice and MP once on a Congress ticket, Mishra has started campaigning in his dominant areas. Meanwhile, the residents of the constituency face multiple issues, ranging from a lack of infrastructural development to an irregular water supply. However, many residents highlighted traffic congestion. THE RESERVED Since the Congress party announced Udit Rajs candidature for the North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, the electoral battle for the seat has entered a decisive phase. The BJP has fielded Yogendra Chandolia from this constituency, and now both candidates have been making final appeals to voters. Following the delimitation, the North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency was constituted in 2008 and was reserved for Scheduled caste (SC) candidates. It is currently being represented by Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans (BJP). BJP candidate Yogendra Chandolia is a former North MCD mayor, while the Congress Udit Raj had who had won the seat in 2014 on a BJP ticket. Raj joined the Congress in 2019 after being denied a ticket by the BJP. Congress fields Kanhaiya Kumar in North East Delhi against BJP's Manoj Tiwari The constituency, located in the outer parts of the city, has a sizable number of voters from the Scheduled Caste community, Jats, and Purvanchalis. In the last Lok Sabha results in 2019, Hans won by a margin of 5,53,897 votes, while AAPs Gugan Singh stood second. As per the seat-sharing formula, Congress will be contesting the seat. Chandolia, currently serving as the general secretary in the state unit, has been associated with the party since the 1990s and has been active in politics since his student days. He became mayor of the erstwhile North Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2014. He was made the state units general secretary in 2019, and this is his first Lok Sabha battle. In the 2015 and 2020 assembly polls, Chandolia unsuccessfully contested from the Karol Bagh constituency against AAPs Vishesh Ravi.As far as his profile is concerned, he was an IRS officer who resigned from his service in 2003 and formed a political party, namely, the Indian Justice Party. In 2014, he joined the BJP and in the same year he was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha after defeating Rakhi Bidlan of AAP. As an MP, he worked as a member of the Consultative Committee, Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Rules Committee Member, and Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment.In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP denied him a ticket, and he later joined the Congress party.BJPs campaign focuses on good governance, security, and economic prosperity. On the other hand, Udit Raj has been trying to get support over inclusivity and social empowerment, resonating with sections of the electorate seeking change. BJP won't cross 150 seats; INDIA bloc will foil its attempt to scrap Constitution: Rahul Gandhi THE HIGH PROFILE SEAT In 2014, Meenakshi Lekhi made history by becoming the first woman in 54 years to clinch the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat for the BJP. Lekhis resounding victory was mirrored in 2019, yet her bid for re-election in 2024 has been met with an unexpected twist. The BJP has opted to replace her with Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj, a stalwart of the party. Bansuris foray into politics has raised eyebrows, not only due to her newcomer status but also because of the high-profile nature of the New Delhi constituency. Despite her political lineage, Bansuris selection underscores a departure from conventional choices by the BJP leadership. Her political journey commenced in 2023 when she was appointed co-convenor of the Delhi BJPs legal department. With 16 years of legal experience, including a stint as an additional advocate general for Haryana, Bansuri holds academic credentials from prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford and BPP Law School, London.Bansuri had said that as an MP, she will ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantees reach every Delhiite and will work on building a new start-up hub in the New Delhi area In contrast, Somnath Bharti is the AAPs seasoned contender for the New Delhi seat. Since its inception, Bharti, a familiar face in AAP circles, has secured consecutive victories in the Malviya Nagar Assembly segment. Renowned for his proactive approach to addressing public concerns, Bhartis popularity and administrative acumen have been instrumental in his rise within the party ranks. With a background in law and an engineering degree from IIT, Bhartis tenure as a minister in the inaugural AAP government showcased his multifaceted capabilities. Bharti has said that he will expand his Mohalla WhatsApp groups, currently active in Malviya Nagar, to all of New Delhi. I will remain accessible, accountable and available to everyone.The electoral clash between Bansuri and Bharti promises to inject enthusiasm into the political landscape of New Delhi. While Bansuri embodies a new chapter in the BJPs electoral strategy, Bhartis experience and grassroots appeal pose a formidable challenge. THE OLD DELHI Nestled in the bustling heart of Delhi, Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency carries a rich tapestry of history and cultural diversity. Established in 1956, it stands as the smallest parliamentary constituency in terms of geographical area, encompassing the famed Chandni Chowk market renowned for its labyrinthine lanes, ancient architectural marvels, and vibrant street culture. The constituency sprawls across several assembly segments including Adarsh Nagar, Shalimar Bagh, Shakur Basti, Tri Nagar, Wazirpur, Model Town, Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Matia Mahal, and Ballimaran. Over the years, Chandni Chowk has witnessed a dynamic political landscape, with representatives from various parties holding sway. Dr Harsh Vardhan of the BJP served as a Member of Parliament from 2014 until his retirement from active politics. In the upcoming elections, the BJP has nominated Praveen Khandelwal as their candidate. A prominent businessman from North Delhi, Khandelwal has a law degree from Delhi University. His credentials extend to his role as the secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The Congress, which is contesting in Chandni Chowk, has put JP Agarwal in opposition to Khandelwal. Agarwal is a seasoned party leader who has previously clinched victories from Chandni Chowk in 1984, 1989, and 1996. Grateful for the partys nomination, he has pledged to address regional concerns, mainly focusing on GST, unemployment, and inflation. With both candidates bringing their unique perspectives and promises to the fore, the electoral battle in Chandni Chowk promises to be a compelling contest. MIGRANT DOMINATED On April 14, the Congress announced Kanhaiyya Kumars candidature from the North East Delhi constituency against BJP MP Manoj Tiwari. People may know Kumar as a once upon a time student leader who rose to national prominence after being accused of allegedly raising anti-national slogans when he was the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union. Kumar has a doctorate from JNU. Despite the negative publicity, he garnered support from those opposed to BJPs rise to power in 2014. Besides being a leader of the All India Students Federation (AISF), he served as a National Executive Council member of the Communist Party of India. He contested from Begusarai on CPI ticket in the 2019 general election but lost. He joined Congress in September 2021. The 37-year-old leader, who is now in the fray from North East Delhi on a Congress ticket, doesnt belong to this region as he hails from Bihar. The constituency has a significant migrant population from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Going by the experts, Kumars candidature is more like an effort by Congress to consolidate the migrant and Muslim vote base. On the opposition is Manoj Kumar Tiwari, who, besides being an MP and BJP member, is also a singer, actor and producer. Tiwari, a two-time MP, is the only sitting parliamentarian of the seven BJP MPs in Delhi, who has been awarded a ticket to contest in the Lok Sabha elections.Tiwari was a Member of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly for the Almora Assembly, and this is how he was counted as a popular figure who could attract Purvanchali voters. One of the most vulnerable areas communally since the riots in 2020, North East Delhi is home to an approximate 21 per cent Muslim population. Despite such statistics, the constituency appears carefully divided along communal lines in region including Mustafabad, Seelampur, Karawal Nagar and Ghonda, predominantly Muslim populated. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP grew stronger, with Manoj Tiwari fetching 53.86 per cent of the votes. Former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit managed to bring the Congress back to some fight with 28.83 per cent, while AAP had a considerable dip with only 13.05 per cent. Hemant Soren sent to jail for refusing to part ways with INDIA bloc, says Kharge in 'Ulgulan Nyay' rally THE EASTERN PERIPHERY AAP MLA from Kondli, Kuldeep Kumar, has been fielded from East Delhi, where he will contest against Harsh Malhotra of the BJP. A dropout of Delhi University, Kumar led the Ambedkar Andolan in East Delhi at the age of 18. The movement focused on raising awareness about education among Scheduled Castes youth. Kumar came in contact with Kejriwal during the India Against Corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare and joined the AAP after its formation in 2012. He volunteered in the partys early days, working closely with the founding members. The AAP fielded him in the 2017 municipal election in Delhi from Kalyanpuri ward in East Delhi. He was elected the youngest corporator in the MCD at the age of 27. He was then appointed leader of the Opposition of the erstwhile East Delhi Municipal Corporation and vice-president of AAPs Delhi Unit. In 2020, he was again given an AAP ticket from the Kondli (East) reserved seat and defeated BJPs Raj Kumar by nearly 18,000 votes.Meanwhile, Harsh Malhotra, one of the three general secretaries of the BJPs Delhi unit, became a councillor from the Welcome ward in 2012. In 2015, he was elected mayor of the erstwhile East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC). During his time as mayor, Malhotra was also appointed Chairman of the Education Committee of EDMC, a post he served for three years. He is one of the six candidates replacing incumbent BJP MPs in Delhi. Malhotra has replaced cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who quit the party and active politics last month.The 58-year-old hails from the Punjabi community, which has a significant presence in the constituency. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP won the seat by over 3.9 lakh votes. In the 2019 polls, the AAP had fielded Atishi, currently the education minister, from East Delhi against the BJPs Gautam Gambhir, who defeated her. Gurjar vs Gurjar An interesting poll fight could be witnessed in the South Delhi constituency. The contest is between BJPs Ranveer Singh Bidhuriand AAPs Sahiram Pehelwan. Both are sitting MLAs and belong to the same communityGurjar. The two-time Member of Parliament, Ramesh Bidhuri was dropped by the BJP. Ramveer, a Political Science graduate from Deshbandhu College, joined the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in 1970 and was an active worker of Jan Sangh. In 1993, he became MLA, and in 2008 was awarded the best MLA award by the then Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee. In 2013, Ramveer was elected member of the national executive branch of the BJP and is presently representing the Badarpur seat in the Delhi assembly alongside the leader of the opposition. Sahiram, an MLA from Tughlakabad, has been with AAP since 2014. In his younger days, he wrestled and served in the CISF. In 1997, he left his job and contested the councilor election, which he won. From 1999 to 2002, he was the president of the MCDs zonal committee from central Delhi. He was elected as municipal councilor consecutively in 2007 and 2013 and became Deputy Mayor in 2013. In 2015, he contested the assembly elections for the first time on the AAP ticket and turned victorious. In the constituency, the water problem is the biggest issue. More than half of the segments, which are full of unauthorized colonies, have been witnessing water scarcity.

Uttarakhand starts work to make Dehradun international airport starting with Kathmandu flights

Former Uttarakhand Ministers daughter-in-law Anukriti Gusain joins BJP

After joining the BJP, Ms. Gusain expressed gratitude to Mr. Bhatt and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Fire breaks out in coach of Yoga Express in Haridwar, no casualties

Fire breaks out in coach of Yoga Express in Haridwar, no casualties A fire broke out in a coach of the Yoga Express train at Iqbalpur railway station here on Sunday afternoon, the police said. No casualties were reported in the incident, they said. As soon as the Yoga Express, which was going from Ahmedabad in Gujarat to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, reached the Iqbalpur railway station, a fire was noticed in the lower portion of one of its coaches, police said. Fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control, they said. Sanjay Sharma, in-charge of Laksar GRP police station, said that prima facie, the fire broke out as the train wheels heated up due to friction caused by brake application. All the passengers were deboarded from the train and the fire was extinguished, he said. There was no loss of life or property in the incident, he added. Due to the fire, the train was stationed at Iqbalpur station for about one-and-a-half hours. After the minor damage was repaired, the train left for Rishikesh, Sharma said.

Four Jharkhand DMs fined Rs 10,000 each for submitting incomplete reports on Ganga pollution

Four Jharkhand DMs fined Rs 10,000 each for submitting incomplete reports on Ganga pollution The National Green Tribunal has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on four district magistrates in Jharkhand for submitting ''incomplete reports'' regarding the prevention and control of the Ganga's pollution. The National Green Tribunal has taken up the matter of abatement of pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries and had sought specific information on the matter from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In February, the panel had imposed costs of Rs 25,000 on Jharkhand after noting that no report was filed from any district magistrate, who are heads of District Ganga Protection Committees. In an order passed on April 10, a bench of National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that compliance reports were received from Sahibganj, Dumka, Ranchi, Rajmahal, Giridih, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Ramgarh districts. The bench, also comprising Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, however, said the reports from Sahibganj, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Ramgarh did not have the information as required and directed by the tribunal. ''There is clear non-compliance of the earlier order of the tribunal by these four district magistrates who have submitted their incomplete reports. Hence, we grant further four weeks time to these district magistrates to deposit a cost of Rs 10,000 each,'' the tribunal said. The bench has posted the matter to July 19 for further proceedings.

Former Uttarakhand Minister Harak Singh Rawat's Daughter-In-Law Anukriti Gusain Joins BJP

She said she is impressed by the policies of the Prime Minister and the BJP.

BJP sure of winning all seven LS seats in Delhi: Piyush Goyal

BJP sure of winning all seven LS seats in Delhi: Piyush Goyal Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked for the resurgence of India's culture and faith while making the nation prosperous, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday and exuded confidence that the BJP would win all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. Addressing a gathering at the IGI stadium on the occasion of the 'Hindu Nav Varsh Function', he said it is a matter of pride that India has entered an era when work is being done to make the country prosperous and developed. ''The BJP is very sure that it will win all the seven Lok Sabha seats of Delhi,'' Goyal said. PM Modi has worked for the resurgence of India's culture, faith, and heritage. It is a matter of pride that the country has entered an era when the focus is on making it a prosperous and developed nation, the Union minister said. At the event, Uttrakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami alleged that the previous government at the Centre did nothing for the development of the country. It is Prime Minister Modi who implemented several schemes for the welfare of all communities, he said. ''Before 2014, no government did anything for Lord Ram. It is the BJP government which brought Lord Ram back to his palatial house in Ayodhya,'' Dhami said. ''Recent elections in Uttarakhand were peaceful and I am sure that the BJP will all five seats in the state by huge margins,'' he said. Polling in all five parliamentary constituencies in Uttarakhand was held in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Highlighting the development works in Uttarakhand, Dhami said, ''Work on ropeways in Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib is almost complete while an elevated road from Delhi to Dehradun is being built. Once completed, it will take only two and a half hours to reach Dehradun.'' Besides Goyal and Dhami, senior BJP leaders, including Om Prakash Dhankhar, Virendra Sachdeva and Karnail Singh, also addressed the gathering. The party's candidates for all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi were also present at the event. Voting in Delhi will be held in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 25.

BJP sure of winning all seven LS seats in Delhi: Piyush Goel

BJP sure of winning all seven LS seats in Delhi: Piyush Goel The BJP will win all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Piyush Goel said at an event here on Sunday. Uttrakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami who also attended the ''Hindu Nav Varsh Function'' at the IGI stadium here, said that before 2014 no government did anything for Lord Ram. ''It is the BJP government that brought back Lord Rama to his palatial house in Ayodhya.'' ''Recent elections in Uttarakhand were peaceful and I am sure that the BJP will all five seats in the state by huge margins,'' he said. About the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, Goel said, ''The party is very sure that all the seven Lok Sabha seats of Delhi will be won by the BJP only.'' In his address at the event, the Uttrakhand chief minister said Kedarnath had witnessed a massive tragedy, but it was PM Narendra Modi who personally monitored the situation and now Kedarnath is again welcoming devotees. ''Work on ropeways in Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib is almost complete while an elevated road from Delhi to Dehradun is being built. Once completed, it will take only two and a half hours to reach Dehradun,'' Dhami said.

A 100km-poll trek fetches only four votes in this Uttarakhand village

Low voter turnout in Kanar village for Lok Sabha elections due to lack of road access. The incident reflects challenges in remote electoral participation, emphasizing the necessity for improved infrastructure and addressing voter apathy in marginalized communities.

Mercury continues to soar, no respite likely from heat this week in Uttar Pradesh: IMD

Mercury levels soar in UP, Lucknow hits 40.6C. Prayagraj records 43.2C. High temperatures across various cities. Gusty winds and warm nights. Thundershowers possible in West UP, Uttarakhand due to western disturbance.

Weather Update: There will be rain in Punjab-Haryana, heat wave alert in these states, know IMDs latest update on weather.

According to the Meteorological Department, today i.e. on April 21, there is a possibility of rain with thunder in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Heatwave alert has been issued in West Bengal, Telangana, Bihar and Jharkhand. Apart from this, there are chances of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Summer has started in [] The post Weather Update: There will be rain in Punjab-Haryana, heat wave alert in these states, know IMDs latest update on weather. first appeared on informalnewz .

100km poll trek to village yields just 4 votes

The polling team embarked on a four-day expedition to reach Kanar village, situated in one of the most secluded areas of Uttarakhand and housing 587 registered voters. Their journey concluded in disappointment as only four villagers, along with four members of the polling party, exercised their voting rights on Friday. Disheartened, the team made their way back to Pithoragarh on Saturday.

Insights on Hyderabad's Wanderlust and India's Travel Landscape

Delving into the heartbeat of Hyderabad's travel scene and India's burgeoning wanderlust, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, shares exclusive insights with Deccan Chronicle. From the surge in domestic and international travel preferences to the rise of 'Pilgrimage Plus' experiences, Kale unveils the dynamic shifts and emerging trends shaping the travel industry. He also gives a list of most instagrammable tourist spots in the world. How is Hyderabad as a market for travel? Could you give us some statistics on the travel scene in Telangana, especially Hyderabad? Hyderabad is a key source market for us and our data reflects uptick of 29% YoY from Telangana and Hyderabad. This increased demand is emerging from customers across segments of families, couples, Young Indias millennials and Gen Z. While Hyderabad is a key market, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam are emerging strongly. What do Hyderabadis prefer domestic or international travel? Could you tell us about the most popular tourist hotspots they visit? Name the top most travelled destinations within India Customers from Hyderabad and Telengana are travelling like never before and demand for both domestic and international destinations are equally high. Domestic and short-haul destinations are preferred for weekends, mini-cations; Long Haul destinations are opted for summer vacations, festive season like Dusshera, Diwali and year-end. Our customers are displaying strong appetite for Europes Switzerland, France, Hungary, Spain; also Finland and the Scandics; Australia-New Zealand, and USA despite visa challenges. Short haul destinations witnessing high interest include Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia; Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. What is noteworthy, is that we have relaunched our flagship European Extravaganza holidays that offers our customers with a range of exclusive experiences that are share-worthy on social media. To address this demand, we have introduced Telugu and south special departures from Hyderabad to cater to the growing demand. On the domestic front, in addition to the cooler climes of Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, North East, we have observed a demand for beach destinations including Kerala and Goa. Spiritual tourism has gained momentum in the recent past. What are the top pilgrim towns? We are witnessing increased preference for spiritual tours to Char Dham, Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi, Tamil Nadu, etc. from not only from Telenganas senior segment but also families, couples and millennials. What is noteworthy, is the trend of Pilgrimage Plus where customers are combining darshans while exploring the surrounding destination. What about instagrammable locations? Could you give us 5 most travelled spots? From Scandic countries like Finland with Iceland and inclusions of husky-safaris, stays in glass igloo/bubbles or traditional log cabins with spectacular views of the Northern Lights, to panoramic views of Tegallalang rice terraces in Bali, Japans Cherry Blossom/Sakura season, are some examples. What are the unexplored places in India that have the potential to become tourist hot spots Hyderabadis are displaying increased interest in offbeat destinations with high preference for hidden gems including hot sulphur springs of Panamik in Nubra valley Ladakh; Yusmarg and Doodhpathri in Kashmir - exquisite hill stations in Kashmir with a lush green landscape and snow-capped mountain ranges, Damro - longest enchanted hanging bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, and Vantawng falls - the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Mizoram. Beach destinations like North Kerala's Kappad Beach, Andhra's Rushikonda Beach and Andaman's Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island have emerged as top beach favorite choices. What about Lakshadweep? Have the booking surged post PM's tweet? The Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Lakshadweep and encouragement to Indians to explore the islands within the country, we have witnessed an uptick in our searches for both domestic islands and beach destinations. Our search data for Lakshadweep indicates a significant jump of over 950% compared to December, followed by destinations like, Goa - a clear catalyst for Domestic Tourism. What trends have you noticed in the travel industry during long weekends and seasonal holidays like Navratri or Summer? Our consumer trends indicate that customers from Telangana state are utilizing their extended weekends and public holidays, taking multiple holidays in a year especially to no-visa and easy visa destinations; also drive-cations. The announcements of visa-free entry has been a game-changer for destinations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand, resulting in a significant uplift of approx. 35%. What is interesting, is that Indian consumers have shifted from being a Saver to a Spender, and this changed mindset has had a cascading impact on holidays; customers are willing to increase spends on their holidays by 20-30% compared to pre-pandemic levels and stay in premium properties while travelling for a longer duration from 7-10 days to over 15 days.

Uttarakhand High Court dismisses PIL seeking constitution of SIT to probe embezzlement by Village Pradhan

The Uttarakhand High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking a direction to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT), with regard to the embezzlements done by respondent 11 during his tenure as Village Pradhan of Village Panchayat Kwili, Post Magron, Tehsil Devprayag, District Tehri Garhwal, with a further direction to the respondents not []

Travel Destinations: Cheapest weekend trip, visit these places for just Rs 5000

Summer has come. In this season, people get troubled by the high temperature, but in summer, getting out of the high temperature and busy schedule, you can plan to travel somewhere. This will give you rest between work and you can also get relief from the heat by choosing a good place. You can plan a weekend trip in April and May. Weekend trips do not require separate holidays and can be within the budget. In this article, we are talking about some beautiful and thrilling places to visit with less money and less time, where you can visit for less than Rs 5000. In the next slides, learn about the best places to visit on a low budget this summer weekend. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand If you want to go to some cool place in summer, then include hilly areas in your travel list. Uttarakhand is very close to Delhi, where Mussoorie would be a better option to visit this weekend. The lush green valleys and beautiful mountains of Mussoorie will give you peace. Mussoorie is called the queen of hills. This place is also very romantic. You can go to Mussoorie with friends or partners. You can go from Delhi to Mussoorie by train, bus or your car. Less money will be required to stay here, eat, drink, and explore Mussoorie. For just five thousand rupees, you can visit Company Garden, Gun Hill Point, Kempty Fall, Mall Road, etc. in Mussoorie. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh Kasauli is the favorite travel destination of the people in Himachal Pradesh. There are many hill stations in Himachal, where you can go on weekends. You can travel to Kasaul to spend moments of peace amidst natural beauty for less money. Kasol is situated in the Parvati valley. This place is the best place for adventure lovers. You can go from Delhi to Kasauli by bus, the fare of which is around Rs 1000. You can book a room here at low cost. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh Apart from Kasol, Mcleodganj is also a good option to visit in Himachal Pradesh. McLeodganj Hill Station is located near Dharamshala, where you can enjoy trekking. Tourists will get to see Tibetan culture at this place. You can also visit the most famous monastery in India. The beauty of Mcleodganj can be enjoyed on a budget of just five thousand. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh You can also go for a holiday to Pachmarhi Hill Station from Delhi. Pachmarhi hill station is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. You will get to see historical monuments at this hill station. You can explore waterfalls, natural views, caves, forests, etc. The special thing is that you do not need to spend much money on this. You can visit here for just five thousand rupees. Gypsy can be hired to roam in Pachmarhi, the fare of which can be up to Rs 1200. Agra From Delhi, you can go to Agra by bus, train or drive in your car. Here one can visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Mughal Garden, Akbar's Tomb, etc. Apart from this, there are many historical buildings here. Fatehpur Sikri is also close to here. This weekend you will be able to visit Agra and Mathura for less money. (PC: ISTOCK)

We will win all five seats with good margin: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami

The News Mill

More than 55% voter turnout recorded in five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand during the first phase of elections

More than 55% voter turnout recorded in five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand during the first phase of elections The voter turnout in all the five parliamentary constituencies of Uttarakhand where polling was held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday has been revised to 55.89 per cent, a drop of around five percentage points compared to the 2019 general elections. The voter turnout in Uttarakhand in the 2019 general elections was 61.48 per cent. The turnout percentage was revised after arrival of data from remote polling stations in the hills late on Friday night, election officials here said. Haridwar seat recorded the highest turnout of 62.36 per cent followed by Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar where 61.35 per cent polling was recorded, Tehri Garhwal (52.57 per cent), Pauri Garhwal (50.84 per cent) and Almora (46.94 per cent).

Anupam Kher drives lansdowne kids to school, shares videos

Mumbai: Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who was last seen in Kaagaz 2, recently spent time with some children in Lansdowne town of Uttarakhand. The actor shared videos from his meet-up on social media, reminiscing about the memories he made with them during his time in Lansdowne. On Saturday, the actor took to his X (formerly []

First day, First show and the polling begins

The first round of 7-phase parliamentary polls was held across 21 states, with sporadic incidents of violence being reported from Manipur and West Bengal. In the biggest round of the elections, all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu, 12 of Rajasthan and 8 of Uttar Pradesh went to polls. With PM Modi eyeing a third term in office, the BJP hopes to win 22 of the 25 seats in Northeast, hold on to its 2019 tally in the Hindi heartland and Maharashtra and better its show in West Bengal as well as in the South. The Opposition INDIA bloc insists that it will do well across the country, especially in the saffron bastion of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar this time. The counting of votes will take place on June 4 Rajasthan: Total seats - 25 1st phase - 12 It was subdued enthusiasm among voters in 12 seats. Voting was largely peaceful in most constituencies, though some witnessed sporadic clashes. In Kuchera, Nagaur, one of the hot seats, supporters of BJP candidate Jyoti Mirdha and INDIA Alliance candidate Hanuman Beniwal of RLP clashed with each others, injuring Tejpal Mirdha, the chairman of Kuchera municipality. Nagour is a Jat-dominated seat. In another hot seat of Jhunjhunu in the Shekhawati region, BJP candidate Shubhakaran Chaudhary fought with security personnel and in Churu, an MLA was involved in altercation with a policeman Uttar pradesh: Total seats - 80 1st phase - 8 The overall turnout seemed to be lower than the 2019 elections. The eight constituencies which went to the polls included Saharanpur (63.29%),Pilibhit (60.2%), Kairana (58.68%), Nagina (SC) (58.05%), Moradabad (57.65%), Muzaffarnagar (54.91), Bijnor (54.68%), Rampur (52.42%). No major incident was reported during the polling. Last time, a turnout of 66.47% was recorded in the eight constituencies. Overall turnout in Uttar Pradesh during 2019 was 59.21%. In the Neuria area of the district, villagers said they would not vote as they are peeved at man-animal conflict Bihar: Total seats - 40 4 A low turnout of 48.23% was recorded in four constituencies where 38 candidates were in the fray. In 2019, 53.47% voters had exercised their franchise. Gaya has the highest 14 candidates in the fray. There is a decrease of around 5.24% of turnout in 2024. According to chief electoral officer H R Srinivasa, Gaya (SC) recorded the highest 52% turnout, Jamui (SC) and Aurangabad 50% each. In Nawada, only 41.50% voters exercised their franchise. In 2019, Aurangabad had recorded 53.63% turnout, Gaya 56.16 %, Nawada 49.33% and Jamui 55.21%. Voters called for poll boycott in six stations, there was no report of clashes or violence though, according to Srinivasa. WEST BENGAL: Total seats - 42 1st phase - 3 Sporadic incidents of violence marred the first phase, with TMC and BJP workers clashing in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri. Three reserved seatsJalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Beharin North Bengal went to polls. The TMC and the BJP lodged 80 and 39 complaints, respectively, related to violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. Union MoS Nisith Pramanik is contesting from Cooch Behar. TMC leader Udayan Guha said that the BJP, along with central forces, unleashed a reign of terror to rig the elections. The BJP, however, denied the allegations. chhattisgarh: Total seats - 11 1st phase - 1 The voters defied the Maoist threat, as the encouraging turnout eclipsed the terror that haunted Bastar zone ahead of the polling. A CRPF personnel, Devendra kumar, was killed in an IED blast at Usoor in an edgy district of Bijapur during an area domination operation. He died of his injuries while on the way to Raipur in a chopper. In the same district, an assistant commandant of CRPF was injured during a poll-related duty at Bhairamgarh. Barring the two incidents, the polling across Bastar remained peaceful. For the first time, 102 new polling stations were set up for the convenience of voters. Madhya Pradesh: Total seats - 29 1st phase - 6 Six constituencies recorded around 67% turnout till 6.30 pm and the figure is likely to go up. The six seats had registered 75.23% polling in. The high-profile Chhindwara seat (where ex-CM Kamal Naths MP son Nakul Nath took on BJPs Vivek Sahu) stood on top in terms of poll percentage with 78.67% as shared by chief electoral officer Anupam Rajan. Another key constituency Mandla-ST (where sixth-time BJP MP and Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste was pitted against ex-minister and fourth-time Congress MLA Omkar Markam) reported 72.92% polling. The Maoist-hit Balaghat seat reported 72.60% polling Jammu & Kashmir: Total seats - 5 1st phase - 1 For the first-time in over three decades, residents at the International Border in Hira Nagar sector of Kathua district exercised their right to vote for the Udhampur seat without any fear or threat of cross-border firing. It was the first major electoral exercise in J&K since the abrogration of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories. People men, women, including young and old thronged at the polling station in Kadyala village close to International Border. India and Pakistan on February 24, 2021, announced to strictly uphold the November 2003 border ceasefire pact between the troops of two countries. Residents said due to the ceasefire, more people have come to vote in this election UTTARAKHAND 5 5 Despite clear weather and relatively low temperature, the turnout was below expectation. Villagers of Jalal in Nainital and Tehri parliamentary constituency boycotted the election for lack of infrastructure, posing risks to their travel and safety. Newlywed couples, dressed in their wedding attire, arrived at several polling stations to cast their votes. However, around 350 were not able to vote on polling day due to wedding ceremonies. Bhagwan Singh, father of the groom from village Chhedi in Srinagar, expressed regret for not being able to vote on polling day due to clash over marriage date Maharashtra: Total seats - 48 1st phase - 5 Voting for the five seats took place without untoward events in Maharashtra. The voting began on a slow pace due to the scorching heat in the Vidarbha region. The tribal and Naxalite district of Gadchiroli witnessed the highest turnout at 64.95%, while Nagpur reported lowest at 47.91% till 5pm. In Ramtek-SC seat, 53.38% turnout was reported, 56.87% in BhandaraGondia and 55.11% in Chandrapur seat. To avoid technical snags cropping up in EVMs in the remote polling booths in Gadchiroli, three spare EVMs were dispatched by a helicopter to the Sironcha area of the district, said an official. Manipur: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Sporadic incidents of gunfire and intimidation of voters as well as Congress workers by armed miscreants marred Lok Sabha elections in ethnic violence-hit Manipur on Friday. The turnout was 72.32% in the Inner Manipur seat and 61.98% in Outer Manipur. The violence occurred in places falling under the Inner Manipur seat which straddles the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. The armed men fired several rounds outside a polling station at Thamnapokpi in Bishnupur district. Three persons were reportedly injured.The voters and the Congress polling agents were intimidated by the armed miscreants Tamil Nadu: Total seats - 39 1st phase - 39 The polling began at 7am amid tight security in most of the 39 constituencies. Argument broke out between voters and officials in some polling stations as authorities did not allow people to carry their smartphones/mobiles inside the booths. People belonging to Parandhur village with over 1,000 voters near Sriperumbudur did not turn up to vote till 9.30 am. Around 1,000 voters of Ennore who had called for boycott of the election over the ammonia gas leak incident at Ennore Creek withdrew their decision and decided to vote Puducherry: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 The Union Territory gets to elect their lone representative to the Lok Sabha. A visit to some of the polling stations in rural areas brought to the fore a mixed picture. Pink booths were the centre of attraction. The green environment at a booth housed on the premises of the more-than-century-old VOC Government Boys school in the town added to the lustre of the arrangements. Gruel, nutritious cereals, millets and buttermilk were given to the voters Lakshadweep: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Nearly 60% voter turnout was recorded until 5pm in the Lakshadweep constituency spanning across 10 inhabited islands of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, with an electorate of 57,784, as per data shared by the Election Commission. Out of this total, 28,506 are women. The polling began at 7.30am across the 10 inhabited islands and concluded at 6.30 pm. An official said that the figures provided are preliminary, as voters who were in line by this deadline were given the opportunity to cast their votes Andaman & Nicobar islands: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Around 3,15,148 voters in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have exercised their franchise till 3pm for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Union Territory. Seven members of the Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTGs) of the Great Nicobar Islands, on Friday exercised their voting rights for the first time, an election official said. Other two primitive tribes, too, exercised their voting rights like in 2019, the CEO said Arunachal Pradesh: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 The unique Malogam polling station in Anjaw district of the state recorded cent per cent polling with the lone female voter, exercising her constitutional right on Friday, officials said. Supporters of two candidates clashed at the Bameng Assembly constituency in East Kameng. Irate mobs damaged EVMs in polling stations elsewhere in the state. Miscreants tried to snatch EVMs in three polling stations in the Nacho constituency in Upper Subansiri and in one in Kurung Kumey district, where polling was also suspended Assam: Total seats - 14 1st phase - 5 Long queues were seen outside booths since morning as polling was underway for five constituencies. Poling began at 7 am in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Kaziranga seats, and 86.5 lakh voters are eligible to vote. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of BJP and Congresss deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were among those who cast their votes in the first hour Meghalaya: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Voters at numerous polling stations were seen queuing up as early as 6 am, underscoring their enthusiasm to participate in the electoral process. The first five voters were rewarded with mementoes and first-time voters were also felicitated. Voters in a model polling station planted trees after casting their votes. Polling was being held at 3,512 polling stations in which 10 candidates are in the fray Mizoram: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 At least 6,500 polling personnel, over 3,500 policemen and 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed for the polls in the state. All international borders and inter-state borders have been sealed to ensure peaceful elections, a senior police officer said. Although there are six contenders, it is believed that the fight will be mainly among ZPM, MNF and Congress Nagaland: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Polling personnel in six eastern districts of Nagaland waited for nine hours in booths, but not one of the four lakh voters of the region turned up following a shutdown call given by an organisation to press for its demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). Of the 13.25 lakh voters in Nagaland, 50.41 per cent have exercised their franchise, the officials said. Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan exercised his franchise at Model Polling Station Sikkim: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Over 50% of the 4.64 lakh voters in Sikkim exercised their franchise in the 32 Assembly seats and in the lone Lok Sabha constituency till 3 pm on Friday, an official said. Thirteen companies of CAPF have been deployed in Sikkim, of which five companies are from ITBP and eight from SSB, he added. Former Indian Football captain and SDF vice president Bhaichung Bhutia who is contesting from Barfung (BL) assembly seat voted Tripura: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 1 The opposition Congress and CPM alleged that largescale rigging in several places across the constituency, with the Election Commission saying that it received some complaints and was looking into those. In the bypolls to the Ramnagar assembly seat, which was being held simultaneously, a turnout of 56.68% was recorded. Altogether 14.61 lakh people are eligible to vote in this phase of Lok Sabha polls in Tripura

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Moderate polling in 1st phase

NEW DELHI: The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday covering 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories witnessed a moderate 62% voter turnout. The figure is expected to go up after reports come in from all polling booths. It was the biggest of the seven-phase festival of democracy. There were reports of sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal, the strife-torn Manipur, Nagaland and Chhattisgarh. Elections were held for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, all five seats in Uttarakhand, 12 seats in Rajasthan, five in Maharashtra, and all seats in the Northeastern states and three Union Territories. Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were also held simultaneously. HIGHLIGHTS | LS polls 2024: Phase 1 voting ends with 62.37% nationwide turnout, TN records 72% Billed as the worlds largest electoral exercise, elections for the 18th Lok Sabha is crucial for the BJP as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in office. Riding on populist welfare schemes such as free ration, housing schemes and construction of the Ram temple, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance aims to reach the 400-seat mark in the 543-strong Lok Sabha. The Oppositions INDIA bloc, which is looking to dislodge the BJP from power, projects the rising employment, inflation and rural distress as the main issues to attack the government. Strife-torn Manipur records over 68% voter turnout in LS polls amidst incidents of gun fires, EVM damage, booth capturing One of the keenly watched contests is Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is hoping to make significant gains. All eyes are on Coimbatore, where the BJP has fielded state chief K Annamalai. The election to the eight states in Western Uttar Pradesh is also crucial for the saffron party as it is facing trouble from upper caste communities and farmers. Other high profile candidates who are seeking the mandate in the first phase include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Bhupendra Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Sarbananda Sonowal. The second phase of voting for 89 seats in 13 states will be held on April 26 and the seventh and last phase on June 1. The counting of votes will be on June 4. Home secretarys circular sparks furore, withdrawn A circular issued by the state home secretary P Amudha stating that one casual leave or earned leave will be deducted if staff fail to cast votes sparked a row. The circular was later withdrawn 3 voters die in three separate incidents Three voters died in three incidents in polling booths. Two victims, R Chinnaponnu (77) and N Palaniswamy (65), were from Salem, and K Kanagaraj (70), the third victim, was from Tiruttani Heat wave sweeps TN, Erode sizzles at 43C Heat wave swept TN on Friday with Erode recording the highest of 43C. Places with temperature in excess of 41C included Vellore (41.9), Karur (41.5), Tiruchy (41.3), Tiruttani (41.2) and Salem (41.2)

Uttarakhand records low voter turnout of 53% in Phase 1 of LS polls

During the 2019 Lok Sabha poll, the State recorded 58.01% turnout

Candidates win or lose with power of single vote: Congress' Kuldeep Sharma casts vote in Port Blair

Candidates win or lose with power of single vote: Congress' Kuldeep Sharma casts vote in Port Blair Congress MP and candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kuldeep Rai Sharma, cast his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair on Friday for the Lok Sabha polls. The Congress candidate stressed the importance of casting votes and explained how a single voter can determine the outcome of an election for any given candidate. Speaking to ANI, Kuldeep Rai Sharma said, I feel great. The power of a single vote of the people--candidates win or lose with one vote. The victory or loss of each candidate plays an important role in forming the government in the country. The public is God. With the work I have done in the last 28 years, I believe that the public will once again think and vote. Meanwhile, after casting his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, appealed to all the voters of the union territory to cast their vote. BJP candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, also cast his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair on Friday and said that every resident of the island should celebrate this festival and cast their vote. Bishnu Pada Ray faces sitting MP and Congress candidate Kuldeep Rai Sharma here. The mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7 am today in 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6 pm today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is eyeing ousting him from power. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, according to the ECI data. (ANI)

LS polls: Uttarakhand records 53.56 pc voter turnout until 5 pm

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Polling underway in five Uttarakhand LS seats, Harish Rawat casts vote in Dehradun

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Uttarakhand High Court Result 2024 declared at exams.nta.ac.in, direct link to check

The scorecards for the UKHC Recruitment 2024 Exam have been officially released and are now available for viewing. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now access their individual scores to gauge their performance. To conveniently access your results, simply visit the official examination website at exams.nta.ac.in. The direct link to check your scorecard has been provided below in the article for easy access.

Tripura, West Bengal lead in Lok Sabha poll voter turnout at 3 pm; moderate polling in Bihar, Rajasthan

Tripura, West Bengal lead in Lok Sabha poll voter turnout at 3 pm; moderate polling in Bihar, Rajasthan Parliamentary seats in northeastern states and West Bengal recorded high voter turnout till 3 pm in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on Friday with polling percentage also picking up in constituencies in some other states and union territories which went to the polls. Polling percentage was relatively less in Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. Voting is being held in 102 seats in the first phase of Lok Sabha election. Voting for India's parliamentary election, the largest democratic exercise in the world, began at 7 am with Election Commission urging people to exercise their franchise in maximum number. Of the 102 seats going to the polls on Friday, BJP-led National Democratic Alliance had won 43 seats and parties in INDIA bloc 48 seats in 2019 election. While the BJP-led NDA is seeking third consecutive term in office under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the INDIA bloc is hoping to oust it from power. Polling is being held in 21 states and union territories in the first phase. These are - Arunachal Pradesh (two seats), Assam (five), Bihar (four), Chhattisgarh (one), Madhya Pradesh (six), Maharashtra (five), Manipur (two), Meghalaya (two), Mizoram (one), Nagaland (one), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (one), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (one), Uttar Pradesh (eight), Uttarakhand (five), West Bengal (three), Andaman and Nicobar (one), Jammu and Kashmir (one), Lakshadweep (one) and Puducherry (one). According to Election Commission data at 3 pm, Tripura, which saw brisk polling in the initial hours, continued to maintain its lead with 68.35 poll percentage. It was 55.58 per cent for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam (60.70), Chhattisgarh (58.14), Jammu and Kashmir (57.09), Madhya Pradesh (53.40) Manipur (63.03), Meghalaya (61.95), Mizoram (49.97), Nagaland (53.38), Puducherry (58.86), Sikkim (52.72). Seats in West Bengal also witnessed a high voting percentage of 66. 34 per cent. In seats in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, 47.44 per cent voters had cast their ballot by 3 pm. In Tamil Nadu, where all 39 Lok Sabha seats are going to the polls, voting percentage was 51.18 per cent till 3pm. In Uttarakhand, where polling is being held on all five parliamentary seats, the voting percentage was 45.62 per cent. The polling percentage was relatively low till 3 pm in Bihar (39.73 pc), Andaman and Nicobar islands recorded (45.48 pc), Lakshadweep (43.98), Maharashtra (44.12), Rajasthan (41.51). Polling is also being held on Friday for assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. According to Election Commission data at 3 pm, it was 56.19 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh and 52.73 per cent in Sikkim. Polling will be completed in a single phase today in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, voting will take place across all seven phases starting April 19. The poll schedule was announced by the Election Commission on March 16. Bypolls to 26 assembly constituencies will also be held alongside the Lok Sabha and four state assembly polls. Voting for bypolls is being held in the Ramnagar seat in Tripura and the Vilavancode seat in Tamil Nadu today. The first phase has the highest number of parliamentary constituencies among all phases. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters and 11,371 third gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)

Annamalai, Kanimozhi: Heavyweights in first phase Of Lok Sabha 2024 Elections

Several political heavyweights were in poll fray in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls 2024 on Friday. The polling began at 8 AM where around 16.35 crore people are expected to exercise their franchise. Elections in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry will conclude in a single phase. First phase of voting begins today on 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs and 92 Assembly Constituencies in the state assembly elections in Arunachal and Sikkim.Nitin Gadkari, Annamalai, Kanimozhi and Chirag Paswans fate will be sealed in the EVMs today.

Travel tips: Neither too cold nor too hot, these places are best for traveling in April for just Rs 5000

The temperature starts increasing from April. Mild summer starts from this month. The normal temperature in most of the plain areas is more than 30 degrees Celsius. Although there is not very humid heat. For those who hesitate to step out of the house in the severe cold of January- February, the month of April is a better time to travel. There is neither too much cold nor too humid heat in this month. Due to this, one does not have to face the problem of sweat and dehydration while traveling. You can also go on a weekend trip this month. There is a chance to travel and the weather is also suitable for traveling, in such a situation, if you are planning a trip but are worried about the budget, then there is no need to worry. In this article, you are being told about some such tourist places, that you can visit in April, that too in a budget of just Rs 5000. Pachmarhi Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Located on the Satpura hills, away from the peaks of Pachmarhi, one can see only greenery at this hill station. The month of April is suitable to see the magnificent carvings and waterfalls in the caves of Pachmarhi. Here you can also enjoy hiking and trekking. The nearest railway station to reach Pachmarhi is Pipariya. Bhopal or Jabalpur are the nearest airports by flight. Although there is a good road to Pachmarhi, you can enjoy the natural views while going by road. It will not cost much to visit and stay here. Hospice Dharamshala, a beautiful hill station located in the valleys of Himachal, is the best place to visit in April. Dharamshala is also called Mini Tibet. Tibetan flags keep waving all around here. You can visit this relaxing place amidst the mountains to see bustling markets, museums, and monasteries. Bus to Dharamshala is easily available from Delhi, Shimla, and Dehradun, which is also within budget. Hotel rent is also not very high. Mussoorie Mussoorie of Uttarakhand is also called the 'Queen of Hills'. Cold winds blow in Mussoorie in April. While roaming the streets of Mussoorie on Scooty during the day, the cool breeze amid the golden sunshine makes for a wonderful journey. Here you can visit Lal Tibba, Kempty Fall, Company Garden, and Dalai Hills. Apart from this, one can also visit Dhanaulti and Surkanda Mata temples. For adventure, you will also be able to enjoy many sports on a budget. The cost of living, traveling, and eating in this hill station can be less than Rs 5000 thousand. Buses and taxis are easily available from Dehradun or Rishikesh to Mussoorie. Mount Abu The month of April is also a better time to visit Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. There are dense forests around Mount Abu surrounded by a peak made of granite. There are many holy and ancient temples of Jains and Hindus here. Away from the scorching sun and heat, Mount Abu is a cool and close-to-nature city, with Abu Road being the nearest railway station to reach it. One can also reach here by road. Other places If the budget is high then the month of April is best suited to visit Darjeeling, Ravangla, Cherrapunji, Gulmarg, Ooty, and Tawang. Apart from this, the month of April is the right time to visit Nainital and Ooty. (PC: ISTOCK)

Lok Sabha elections: Tamil Nadu records 39.51 pc voter turnout by 1 pm

Lok Sabha elections: Tamil Nadu records 39.51 pc voter turnout by 1 pm The average voter turnout in 39 constituencies of Tamil Nadu where Lok Sabha elections are underway stood at 39.51 per cent till 1 pm as per the data released by the Election Commission of India. The south Parliament constituency of Chennai recorded a voter turnout of 28.92 per cent till 1 pm whereas the Chennai north constituency witnessed 29.05 and the voter turnout in central Parliament constituency was recorded 28.08 per cent. Voting percentages for the other constituencies participating in phase 1 elections are Arakkonam- 40.30 per cent, Arani- 44.16, Chidambaram-37.76 per cent, Coimbatore-35.89 per cent, Cuddalore-37.84 per cent, Dharmapuri-40.70 per cent, Dindigul-42.12 per cent, Eorde- 43.54 per cent, Kallakurichi-46.06 per cent, Kacheepuram-39.92 per cent, Kanniyakumari-37.86 per cent, Karur- 46.23 per cent, Krishnagiri-39.78 per cent, Madurai-35.79 per cent, Mayiladuthurai-40.50 per cent. Nagapattinam-42.05 per cent, Namakkal-46.31 per cent, Nilgris-40.88 per cent, Perambalur-45.86 per cent, Pollachi-40.08 per cent, Ramanathapuram-40.90 per cent, Salem-46.89 per cent, Sivganga-34.10 per cent, Sriperumbudur-30.65 per cent, Tenkasi-39.91 per cent, Thanjavur-41.14 per cent, Theni-41.28 per cent, Thoothukkudi-39.11 per cent, Tiruchirappalli-38.13 per cent, Tirunelveli-38.24 per cent, Tiruppur-44.08 per cent, Tiruvallur-38.55 per cent, Tiruvannamalai- 41.74 per cent, Vallore-39.5 per cent, Viluppuram-43.84 per cent and Virudhunagar-42.19 per cent. Meanwhile, there was a substantial increase in the voter turnout charts across the states in the country, with North-Eastern state of Tripura still leading at 53.04 per cent till 1 pm as per the data released by the ECI. Other Northeast states like Meghalaya (48.91) and Manipur (46.92) are also witnessing high voter turnout percentages. After Tripura, West Bengal is experiencing high voter turnout at 50.96 per cent. Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise the franchise until 6:00 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is eyeing ousting him from power. In Tamil Nadu in the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, comprising the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, registered a landslide victory, winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, according to the ECI data. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)

Northeast states record high voter turnout, Tripura leads with 53 percent turnout at 1 pm

Northeast states record high voter turnout, Tripura leads with 53 percent turnout at 1 pm There was a substantial increase in the voter turnout charts across the states in the country, with North-Easterm state of Tripura still leading at 53.04 per cent till 1 pm as per the data released by the Election Commission of India. Other Northeast states like Meghalaya (48.91) and Manipur (46.92) are also witnessing high voter turnout percentages. After Tripura, West Bengal is experiencing high voter turnout at 50.96 per cent. The lowest turnout till 1 pm has been recorded in Lakshadweep at 29.91 per cent. Voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 35.70 per cent, Arunachal Pradesh - 37.39 per cent, Assam - 45.12 per cent, Bihar - 32.41 per cent, Chhattisgarh - 42.57 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir - 43.11 per cent, Maharashtra - 32.36 per cent and Madhya Pradesh- 44.43. Mizoram - 39.71 per cent, Nagaland - 43.62 per cent, Puducherry - 44.95 per cent, Rajasthan - 33.73 per cent, Sikkim - 36.82 per cent, Tamil Nadu - 39.51 per cent, Tripura - 53.04 per cent, Uttar Pradesh - 36.96 per cent, Uttarakhand 37.33 per cent. The voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was over 67 per cent. The commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu are also monitoring the progress of polling in Phase 1 of General Elections at ECI Headquarters today. Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6:00 pm. According to the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1.87 lakh polling stations have been set up, while 18 lakh personnel have been deployed across the 102 constituencies going to the polls. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. (ANI)