Rawat defies warning by Congress brass, carries on Uttarakhand yatra
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal had said it had been made clear that individual campaigns would not be tolerated
UTET 2026 Provisional Answer Key Out at ubse.uk.gov.in: Check Download and Objection Details
The Uttarakhand Board of School Education (UBSE) has released the UTET 2026 provisional answer key for candidates who appeared in the Uttarakhand Teacher Eligibility Test. The answer keys for UTET Paper I and Paper II are now available on the official
India-UAE Joint Military Exercise Begins In Uttarakhand, Focus On Mountain Warfare
The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent has troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion, the defence ministry said.
Congress to Run Unified Campaign in Uttarakhand, Says KC Venugopal
Congress leader KC Venugopal emphasizes a unified campaign strategy in Uttarakhand, dismissing separate initiatives ahead of upcoming elections. Congress to Run Unified Campaign in Uttarakhand, Says KC Venugopal
India-UAE joint military exercise begins in Uttarakhand; focus on mountain warfare
The exercise, being conducted from October 5-18, aims to enhance inter-operability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on mountain warfare, it said
In spite of AICC veto, Harish Rawat's Uttarakhand Yatra continues
The Rawat camp has been complaining of a pre-poll attempt to sideline him in the state Congress affairs and poll preparations. The yatra development adds to the internal rift in Uttarakhand Congress, with PCC president Ganesh Godiyal finding it difficult to garner the cooperation of many senior state party leaders.
U-19 WC-winning Captain Mhatre Appointed Mumbai Vice-captain; Suryakumar Left Out
T20 World Cup: Ayush Mhatre, who captained India to U-19 World Cup triumph earlier this year, has been appointed vice-captain in Mumbais squad for their Ranji Trophy season-opener against Chandigarh, starting on October 11 at the Wankhede Stadium. In a major development, Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to win the T20 World Cup on home soil earlier this year, has not been included in the squad despite making himself available for selection, as the selectors led by Rajesh Pawar have opted to prioritise youth power in the red-ball format. Pawar had an hour-long meeting with other selectors, which was also attended by skipper Siddhesh Lad, head coach Omkar Salvi, and cricket advisor, former India cricketer and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar. Mumbai will also miss seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who suffered a fracture to his right middle finger during training and is set to miss at least the first two matches. India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been named in the squad, boosting the batting unit and giving him valuable match time in preparation for Indias Test series against New Zealand, to be held in November. Mhatre missed competitive action for almost five months following a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, where he was playing for Chennai Super Kings. Mhatre and Lad, who dislocated his shoulder while playing in the Mumbai T20 league, recently cleared their fitness tests at the BKC indoor facility and even played in the Kanga League to prove their match fitness. Opener Divyansh Saxena, who was Jaiswals teammate in the 2020 Mens U19 World Cup in South Africa, has also made a comeback to the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad on the basis of putting out strong performances in the pre-season competitions. Mumbai, the 42-time Ranji Trophy winners, are in Elite Group D in this years competition alongside Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Railways, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Mhatre missed competitive action for almost five months following a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, where he was playing for Chennai Super Kings. Mhatre and Lad, who dislocated his shoulder while playing in the Mumbai T20 league, recently cleared their fitness tests at the BKC indoor facility and even played in the Kanga League to prove their match fitness. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Internal trouble seems to be brewing for Congress in Uttarakhand ahead of the 2027 assembly elections after former Chief Minister Harish Singh Rawat on Monday began his public outreach campaign 'Jan Samvad Yatra' despite reservations...
Uttarakhand CM praises Anganwadi workers for delivering schemes
The News Mill
KC Venugopal says individual campaigns will not be tolerated in Uttarakhand Congress
The News Mill
Weather Tomorrow: On Tuesday, October 6, various regions in the country are expected to experience unusual weather conditions. Delhi-NCR will remain mostly dry with gusty winds but limited rainfall is anticipated. In contrast, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar may see thunderstorms and lightning along with gusty winds. Odisha and Uttarakhand are also likely to experience isolated rains with possible thunderstorms.
School Holiday Tomorrow: On October 6, 2026, schools across India are set to remain operational barring any weather-induced interruptions. Regions such as Uttarakhand, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha will likely function as usual. However, Bihar may face localized shutdowns due to thunderstorms, requiring confirmation from local authorities. Parents are encouraged to check official communications and weather forecasts for the latest updates on school operations.
India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 commences in Uttarakhand
New Delhi, Oct 5: The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced today at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise, being conducted from 05 to 18 October 2026, aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on Mountain Warfare. A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from both Armies, are participating in the exercise. The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating in the exercise across specialist roles. During the exercise, troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, establishment of surveillance grids, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises. The training will also incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain. Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 will provide an opportunity for both armies to exchange professional experience, enhance tactical proficiency and exchange best practices in operational procedures. The exercise will further strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE and reinforce the bonds of friendship and trust between the two nations.
Kainchi Dham Rush Sparks Concern As Hanuman Ansh Director Urges Devotees To Plan Visits Carefully
Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand witnessed a massive rush of devotees over the long weekend, with traffic jams reportedly stretching journeys to 1012 hours. The surge has been linked by some to the renewed attention around Hanuman Ansh, the film based on Neem Karoli Babas life and teachings. Director Vishal Chaturvedi has now urged devotees to check ground conditions before travelling. With footfall soaring and authorities introducing traffic measures, the spiritual destination continues to witness unprecedented crowds amid the films 423 crore worldwide success.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami appoints 332 recruits under ESI scheme
The News Mill
Badrinath Dham sets new record with over 18.67 lakh pilgrims; 20 lakh mark in sight
Digital Desk | Chamoli, Oct 5 (IANS) The pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has set a new record this year, with more than 18.67 lakh devotees having visited the revered shrine of Lord Badri Vishal so far. The number of pilgrims has already surpassed the previous record of 18.39 lakh devotees, which was registered in 2023. The earlier record was broken in the first week of October this year, amid a steady rise in the number of devotees arriving at Badrinath Dham. With the pilgrimage continuing to witness a strong turnout, the number of devotees visiting the shrine is expected to cross the 20 lakh mark this year. Officials and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the flow of pilgrims continues to increase. On Sunday alone, more than 14,000 devotees reached Badrinath Dham and offered prayers to Lord Badri Vishal. The steady arrival of pilgrims has resulted in increased movement of vehicles and people along the routes leading to the shrine. Earlier, in 2023, a total of 18.39 lakh pilgrims had visited Badrinath Dham, marking the highest-ever footfall at the shrine at that time. However, the figure has now been surpassed in early October this year, setting a fresh record for the pilgrimage. Given the continuing increase in the number of devotees, expectations are high that the Badrinath Yatra will establish another significant milestone this year. If the current pace of pilgrimage continues, the number of visitors could cross the 20 lakh-plus mark. The pilgrimage is being conducted with heightened monitoring and preparedness, with the safety and security of devotees being kept as the top priority. The Disaster Management Department has been placed on round-the-clock alert in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts, which are among the key districts connected with the Char Dham Yatra route. The second phase of the Char Dham Yatra, which witnessed a renewed increase in pilgrim movement after the monsoon season, has seen a particularly sharp rise in the number of devotees travelling towards Badrinath Dham. However, the growing influx of pilgrims is also creating traffic-related challenges at several points along the Badrinath National Highway. Traffic congestion has been reported at multiple locations, causing inconvenience to devotees travelling towards the shrine. Thousands of pilgrims are continuing to arrive in Badrinath to offer prayers at the sacred shrine of Lord Badri Vishal. With the number of vehicles increasing along the route, long queues have been reported at several stretches between Karnaprayag and Badrinath. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and maintain preparedness along the pilgrimage route as the number of devotees visiting Badrinath Dham continues to rise.
BJP announces 8 names for RS election, drops Hardeep Puri
The BJP has announced eight candidates, including minister Dharam Pal Singh, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. These elections, scheduled for October 16, will fill 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with several prominent members retiring.
A man was admitted to a Dehradun wellness facility by his wife amid their ongoing divorce dispute. After spending 42 days there, he approached the Uttarakhand High Court through a habeas corpus petition. The court found that the facility could not produce the medical certification required under the Mental Healthcare Act and ordered his immediate release.
Chief Minister Dhami Participates in Cleanliness Drive at Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara
Uttarakhands CM Pushkar Singh Dhami leads a cleanliness initiative at Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara, emphasizing the importance of hygiene. Chief Minister Dhami Participates in Cleanliness Drive at Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara
Harish Rawat presses ahead with Uttarakhand yatra despite Congress high command's objections
Despite the Congress high command taking a tough stance, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat is going ahead with his Jan Samvad Yatra from Jaspur to Haldwani in the Kumaon region on Monday. The yatra is scheduled to begin from Jaspur at 11:30 AM and will pass through Kashipur, Ramnagar and Kaladhungi before reaching Haldwani this evening. The development comes despite a strongly worded communication from the Congress high command objecting to Rawat's private Jan Samvad Yatra, which is being organised separately from the official party organisation and its programmes. Uttarakhand Congress in-charge Kumari Selja had earlier written to Rawat expressing displeasure over his decision to undertake a yatra in the state without discussing the programme with the party leadership or the Pradesh Congress Committee president. In her October 1 letter, Selja said it had come to the party's attention that Rawat was undertaking a yatra in Uttarakhand and pointed out that the matter had neit...
Harish Rawat continues Uttarakhand yatra despite Congress objections
The News Mill
Harish Rawat defies Congress warning, goes ahead with Uttarakhand yatra
Harish Rawat is continuing his 'Dhanyawad Yatra' despite warnings from Congress leaders in Uttarakhand. The Congress high command has expressed strong objections to Rawat's independent outreach efforts. Rawat has taken to social media to affirm his commitment to the campaign and highlight issues affecting the state. The internal conflict within the Congress is intensifying as this move contradicts party strategies.
Love jihad, land jihad laws in six months: Bengal CM
Vows UCC in Bengal KOLKATA: Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday announced that his government plans to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, following the example of Uttarakhand and Gujarat, and enact stringent laws against what he termed love jihad and land jihad within six months. Adhikari made the announcement at []
Uttarakhand CM Dhami Criticizes Congress Amid Cabinet Meeting in Banbasa
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami addresses key issues and criticizes the opposition during a cabinet meeting in Banbasa. Uttarakhand CM Dhami Criticizes Congress Amid Cabinet Meeting in Banbasa
BJP fields Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand, Koel Mallick from West Bengal for RS polls
To counter Congress's allegations, the BJP has nominated Dinesh Arya, a candidate from Haldwani, for the Rajya Sabha seat in Uttarakhand, targeting Dalit voters. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the party has announced the selection of actress Rukmini Mallick following her exit from TMC. These nominations reveal BJP's tactical efforts to strengthen its position in regional politics before the elections.
West Bengal UCC, 'Love Jihad' Laws In 6 Months? Suvendu Adhikari Outlines BJP Govt's Plans
Adhikari said the state would follow the examples of Uttarakhand and Gujarat in implementing the UCC.
Reckless Truck Crash in Chamoli Injures Multiple People
A truck crash in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, injured several people after colliding with a bus and a car early Sunday morning. Reckless Truck Crash in Chamoli Injures Multiple People
Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 concludes at Pithoragarh
The Closing Ceremony of the 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant, the Joint Military Exercise between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Army, was conducted at Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh on October 3. According to a release, the exercise was conducted from September 20 to October 3 with the aim of enhancing interoperability, strengthening mutual understanding and further promoting the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two Armies. The exercise provided an opportunity for both contingents to train together, exchange operational experiences and share best practices, thereby enhancing their ability to operate cohesively in a joint environment. The exercise was conducted in three phases. The first phase, Integration, from September 20 to 23, focused on familiarisation with each other
Uttarakhand CM Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Understanding of Indian Culture
Uttarakhands Chief Minister accuses Rahul Gandhi of lacking knowledge of Indian culture and values during a recent event. Uttarakhand CM Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Understanding of Indian Culture
Uttarakhand Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal, referring to the vigilance inquiry ordered by Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in connection with a 2006 case, said no one should be exempt from the law. Ramesh Chennithala ordered an investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities during his tenure as the state
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday called Khatima a
Uttarakhand CM Dhami opens three-day Aadi Rangotsav in Khatima
The News Mill
CM Pushkar Dhami inaugurates Uttarakhand Aadi Rangotsav, dances with tribal artists and plays dhol
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated the three-day Uttarakhand Aadi Rangotsav in Khatima in the presence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, calling it a celebration...
Uttarakhand voter count falls by over 8 lakh after SIR
Uttarakhand's final electoral roll, released after the Special Intensive Revision, shows a significant reduction of approximately 8 lakh voters compared to the start of the process, with the total now standing at 71.58 lakh. The opposition Congress, however, claims the decline is much steeper, citing a 14 lakh reduction from an earlier figure. The Chief Electoral Officer's office detailed the revision process, including additions and removals, and outlined ongoing efforts to ensure all eligible citizens are included.
Mayawati reviews voter list revision and election preparations with Uttarakhand BSP leaders
The News Mill
Mayawati holds review meeting with Uttarakhand BSP leaders, discusses SIR
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday held a meeting with senior officials of BSP Uttarakhand State, in which the party said that she conducted an in-depth review of the latest status of the voter list following the Election Commission's SIR revision, along with the progress in selecting strong and effective party candidates for the upcoming Assembly General Elections in UP and Punjab, as well as other election preparations. According to a release from the party shared by Mayawati, in this meeting held at the BSP Central Camp Office, a review was conducted on the status of reorganising committees up to the polling booth level following the SIR of the voter list, to be completed at a war footing, and instructions were given to address the shortcomings in a time-bound manner. In the release, following the SIR, the names of approximately 9 lakh voters have been allegedly removed from the voter list, but efforts must certain...
'Rahul Gandhi has turned into a comedian': CM Dhami (IANS Exclusive)
Digital Desk | Dehradun, Oct 4 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday hit out at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his Indore 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event, remarking that the Congress MP has urned into a comedian. A political row had erupted after a comedian allegedly mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while sharing the stage with LoP Gandhi during the Indore event. Speaking exclusively to IANS, CM Dhami referred to the LoP as Yuvraj. 'Yuvraj' (Rahul Gandhi) is completely unacquainted with India's culture and values. It is not reflected in his conduct or his upbringing. After all, would anyone mock the gesture of a Prime Minister offering a chair to an elderly mother? he asked. The Chief Minister added: He is no longer acting like a leader. He aspires to be a comedianor rather, he has turned into a comedian on public platforms. He is engaging in such low-level antics and displaying such undignified behaviour. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's remarks on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at the same event, CM Dhami said: NSA Ajit Doval is the son of Uttarakhand who brought pride to the entire nation. He has dedicated his entire life to India's securityboth internal and external. Rahul Gandhi had claimed at the Indore event that NSA Ajit Doval, controls citizens' digital and phone communications and feeds tapped information to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Home Minister (Amit Shah). According to CM Dhami, the language which has been used to describe the NSA Doval, is appalling. I believe that not only the citizens of the country but especially the people of Uttarakhand will never forgive him (Rahul Gandhi). Making such comments is extremely hurtful, the Chief Minister said. The Uttarakhand CM recalled that Congress leaders had previously used terms akin to street thug to describe the late General Bipin Rawatthe first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)who also belonged to the state. This reveals their (Congress') true mentality, he said. In 2017, Congress leader Sandeep Dixit had used the objectionable remark against the then Army Chief Bipin Rawat. However, he had later issued an apology. The Chief Minister also spoke on Opposition staging protests in different parts of the country, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He said that no issue was ever raised regarding the electoral process when it was conducted earlier. This time, fake entries are being removed, and the votes of infiltrators are being deleted. Those who have their names registered in multiple places are being brought down. Earlier, elections were influenced through these (fake) votes. There used to be electoral malpractices and bogus voting, he added. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister asked why daughters who are married and have moved elsewhere, should still remain in the electoral rolls at their parental home? And for those who have passed awaywhy should their votes still exist? Why should votes exist for people who have moved away? CM Dhami asked. So, their (Opposition's) modus operandi is to oppose everything, sometimes they oppose the Election Commission, sometimes EVMs, sometimes our administration or the official machinery, and at other times, they make remarks against the High Court or the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister said.
U'khand Cabinet clears 24 proposals, approves Rs 200 crore skill scheme, major rule changes
Digital Desk | Champawat, Oct 4 (IANS) Several important decisions were taken after the Uttarakhand Cabinet discussed and approved 24 proposals during its meeting held in Champawat's Banbasa on Sunday. The measures covered employment, education, employee accountability, land revenue and regulations governing private universities, according to the officials. The Cabinet meeting, held in the border district under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved a number of proposals aimed at strengthening employment opportunities, improving administrative accountability and facilitating development in different parts of the state. The Uttarakhand government approved a special package of Rs 66 crore for the Tarai Development Corporation Ltd (TDC) as part of the decisions taken during the meeting. The State Cabinet also approved changes to employee conduct rules, making it mandatory for Group A and Group C employees to submit details of their properties every year. For Group B employees, the submission of property details will be required once every five years under the revised provisions. The Uttarakhand Cabinet also approved a proposal to appoint Provincial Armed Constabulary officers to Group B posts. The decision is expected to provide a structured opportunity for eligible officers to be appointed to the designated positions. Another decision focused on promoting poultry farming in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand government has decided to provide subsidies through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to beneficiaries involved in poultry farming in the hill areas. The poultry subsidy scheme is expected to benefit around 2,000 beneficiaries and is aimed at supporting livelihood opportunities in the mountainous regions of the state. On the employment front, the Uttarakhand Cabinet approved a Rs 200 crore skill development scheme. Under the initiative, the Higher Education Department will work towards connecting young people with skill training opportunities and improving their access to employment-oriented programmes. The State Cabinet also approved the introduction of skill diploma courses for students. These courses are expected to benefit more than one lakh students by providing them with opportunities to acquire skills alongside their regular education. In another decision related to the medical sector, the State Cabinet approved an increase in the stipend provided to doctors. Significant changes were also approved in the rules governing the establishment of private universities in Uttarakhand. Under the revised framework, the earlier requirement of 10 acres of land for establishing a university has been changed. The new provision opens the way for establishing a university on the basis of 20,000 square metres of land. Along with this, the earlier requirement of maintaining a guarantee fund of Rs 5 crore has also been removed. The State Cabinet also took decisions concerning the regularisation of Nazul land. The process for regularising such land will be taken forward in Khatima, Banbasa and Champawat, besides other areas of the state. For matters related to forest land, the Uttarakhand government has decided to establish Project Management Units (PMUs) and appoint nodal officers. The move is intended to streamline the handling of forest land-related matters and improve coordination in the process. The Uttarakhand Cabinet also approved the creation of the post of Director General for the Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries departments. In another administrative decision, the proposal to open a Sub-Registrar's office in Narendranagar was also approved.
RS polls: BJP fields Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand
Elections to 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal will be held on October 16.
Uttarakhand Cabinet Meeting Focuses on Char Dham Yatra and Traffic Management
Uttarakhands CM Dhami leads a cabinet meeting in Banbasa, discussing Char Dham Yatra and traffic improvements for pilgrims. Uttarakhand Cabinet Meeting Focuses on Char Dham Yatra and Traffic Management
BJP Names Koel Mallick and Dinesh Arya for 2026 Rajya Sabha Polls
The Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named two candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, fielding former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Rukmini Mallik, popularly known as Koel Mallick, from West Bengal and Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand. Mallick, who originally entered the Upper House on a TMC ticket in April [] The post BJP Names Koel Mallick and Dinesh Arya for 2026 Rajya Sabha Polls appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
The West Bengal government has constituted a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the State
Mayawati Reviews Election Preparations in Uttarakhand, Expresses Concern Over Voter List Changes
BSP leader Mayawati holds a crucial meeting in Lucknow, focusing on election preparations and voter list issues in Uttarakhand. Mayawati Reviews Election Preparations in Uttarakhand, Expresses Concern Over Voter List Changes
In a significant announcement, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed a raise in stipends for Senior and Junior Resident doctors, elevating them from around Rs 75,000 to exceeding Rs 1 lakh. Furthermore, the deadline for regularising 'Class B' lands in areas like Dehradun has been prolonged by one year.
BJP Nominates Dinesh Arya and Koel Mallick for Rajya Sabha Elections
The BJP has announced candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttarakhand and West Bengal, featuring Dinesh Arya and Koel Mallick. BJP Nominates Dinesh Arya and Koel Mallick for Rajya Sabha Elections
Rajya Sabha polls: BJP names Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand, Rukmini Mallick from West Bengal
BJP has revealed its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 16. Rukmini Mallick will represent West Bengal while Dinesh Arya will be the candidate from Uttarakhand. Elections are set to cover twelve seats, including ten from Uttar Pradesh. The current terms of existing members are concluding on November 25. Additionally, there will be a bypoll for one seat in West Bengal.
BJP names Dinesh Arya as RS candidate from U'khand, Koel Mallick from Bengal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Dinesh Arya as its candidate for the 2026 Rajya Sabha biennial election in Uttarakhand and Rukmini Mallick (Koel Mallick) from West Bengal. In Uttarakhand, the by-election is necessitated by the completion of the term of sitting Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal. Actress-turned-politician Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, recently switched to the BJP from the Trinamool Congress. She resigned as Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member in July this year, leaving the seat vacant and forcing a by-election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 22 had announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to the polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The West Bengal election will be held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. The notification for the elections was issued on September 29, while the last date for filing nominations will be October 6. The scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on October 7, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. In Uttar Pradesh, the terms of 10 sitting Rajya Sabha members are coming to an end. The members whose terms are expiring include Arun Singh, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Brij Lal, Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji Gautam, B.L. Verma, Seema Dwivedi, Dinesh Sharma and Hardeep Singh Puri. Earlier in the day, the BJP announced its candidates for three Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council election. The BJP has fielded Smita Yogesh Jadhav from the Pune Division Graduates' constituency, Sudhakar Vitthalrao Kohle from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency and Kaustubh Muralidhar Gawde from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The announcement comes after discussions within the ruling alliance over the distribution of the five seats going to polls. According to MahaYuti leaders, the alliance has finalised a 3:1:1 formula for the elections. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest three seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will contest one seat and the Shiv Sena will contest the remaining one seat. The NCP has been allotted the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates' constituency, while the Shiv Sena will contest the Amravati Teachers' constituency.
Deputy ECs to visit 5 states as poll body steps up preparedness to hold high stakes elections
Senior Election Commission officials will begin visiting five poll-bound states this week to assess election preparedness at the field level, starting with Goa and followed by Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur. Uttar Pradesh is yet to get a visit schedule. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Goa have started first-level checks of EVMs and VVPAT machines as part of preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
BJP names Koel Mallick from West Bengal, Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand as Rajya Sabha candidates
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick from West Bengal and Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand as its candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Polling will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on...
Uttarakhand CM Dhami holds first cabinet meeting outside Dehradun
The News Mill
In a first, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami chairs State cabinet meeting outside Dehradun
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday chaired a State cabinet meeting at the NHPC complex in Banbasa, Champawat. Notably, this marks the first time a State cabinet meeting is being held outside the capital city of Dehradun, in Banbasa along the Indo-Nepal border. The Chief Minister has taken a new initiative to take governance closer to the state
U'khand govt holds Cabinet meet in Banbasa near India-Nepal border for 1st time
Digital Desk | Dehradun, Oct 4 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday chaired a Cabinet meeting in Banbasa in Champawat district, marking the first such meeting to be held in an area close to the India-Nepal international border. Speaking about the significance of holding the meeting in Banbasa, Dhami said the state government's objective is to take governance closer to the people and ensure that policy decisions are informed by the issues and development needs of different regions. The Chief Minister said the government is making efforts to hold Cabinet meetings in various parts of Uttarakhand instead of limiting them to the state capital Dehradun. Such meetings, he said, provide an opportunity to understand problems being faced by people at the local level, assess development possibilities and formulate decisions accordingly. Taking to X after the Cabinet meeting, Dhami said, A cabinet meeting in Banbasa, Champawat, near the India-Nepal international border, marks the beginning of a new initiative in the state. Our effort is to ensure that cabinet meetings are not confined solely to Dehradun, but are held in various districts of the state, so that local problems, possibilities, and development priorities can be understood more closely and effective decisions can be taken. Ensuring equitable development in every sector and reaching the government to every individual is our priority, he added. Dhami underlined the strategic and developmental importance of Uttarakhand's border regions and said that areas along the state's international borders should not be viewed merely as geographical boundaries. The Chief Minister stated that border areas are vital links in our security, culture, and development, highlighting the need to give greater attention to the people and infrastructure in these regions. The government's priority is to integrate the people living in border areas into the mainstream of development while further strengthening basic facilities, employment, tourism, and connectivity, he said. He emphasised that balanced and inclusive development across every region of Uttarakhand remains a commitment of the state government. According to Dhami, development should reach all parts of the state at a similar pace, from villages located along the international border to the plains. The Chief Minister's remarks came as the Cabinet meeting was held outside Dehradun, with the government seeking to underline its focus on decentralised governance and region-specific development priorities. Dhami said that taking important government meetings to different districts would help the administration gain a closer understanding of local challenges and the possibilities available for development in each area. He also reiterated the government's focus on strengthening basic amenities, creating employment opportunities, promoting tourism and improving connectivity in border areas, while ensuring that residents of these regions remain closely integrated with the state's broader development process.
Uttarakhand voter count drops by over 8 lakh after SIR, check how many voters left in state
The final electoral roll for Uttarakhand, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), lists around 71.58 lakh voters, nearly 8 lakh lower than the number of electors at the start of the revision process. The final list was released on Saturday (October 3).
Uttarakhand Voter Count Drops By 8 Lakh In Final Electoral Roll
The office of Uttarakhand's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said the electoral roll had 79.6 lakh voters when the SIR began on June 8.
Does Article 14 Belong in Arbitration? The Pre-Deposit Reference in Santosh Associate
LAST MONTH, the Division Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Manmohan of the Supreme Court pronounced its judgment in Santosh Associate (P) Ltd. v. Haryana SIIDC Ltd. (2026) in which it made reference to a larger bench the question of whether an arbitration clause that requires a refundable pre-deposit to be made by a claimant as a precondition to arbitration is legally valid. The reference was necessitated by the fact that the Division Bench expressed disagreement with a decision of a full bench (3 judges) of the Supreme Court in S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009), where a similar clause was upheld as valid. The reference is a welcome development inasmuch as it will clear the ambiguity around such pre deposit clauses. However, the earlier line of cases which test the validity of such pre-deposit clauses against constitutional standards in what should be a purely an Arbitration Act and/or private law issue, raises important questions that a larger bench would do well to address. Facts The Appellant held a works contract with HSIIDC awarded through a tender. Clause 25-A(vii) of the contract made the reference to arbitration non-maintainable unless the contractor first furnished a security deposit on a slab basis: 2% for claims below 10,000, 5% up to 1 lakh, and 10% for claims of 1 lakh and above. At the end of the arbitration the deposit was adjusted against any costs awarded against the contractor, and the balance, or the whole sum if no costs were awarded, was refunded within one month of the award. At the threshold, HSIIDC made an application under Section 16 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) to the appointed arbitrator challenging his jurisdiction because the pre-deposit had not been made by the Appellant. The Arbitrator ruled in favour of HSIIDC and directed the Appellant to make the deposit, and dismissed the claim when it refused. The Commercial Court, Gurugram dismissed the Appellant's Section 37 appeal, relying on S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009). The Appellant then appealed to the Supreme court. Discussion of Law The Supreme Court in Santosh Associate draws from a line of earlier Supreme Court cases to arrive at its holding and reference to a larger bench. S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009): In this case, a full bench (3 judges) of the Supreme Court had the opportunity to examine a pre-deposit clause similar to one in question in SK Associate . The claimant contractor in a public works contract had to pay a refundable security deposit to the Haryana Government to invoke arbitration under the arbitration clause of the said contract. The Court upheld this pre-deposit condition stating that there was logic in the clause to prevent frivolous and inflated claims. Further, the tiered percentage rates (of the claim) for the pre-deposits were also found to have merit. Notably, while arriving at the judgment, the Court rejected the arguments of unequal bargaining power in commercial contracts citing Central Inland Water Transport Corp. Ltd. v. Brojo Nath Ganguly (1986). It stated that there was no compulsion on anyone to enter into these contracts and that it was voluntary on both sides rejecting allegations of state power. It also rejected arguments on doctrine of fairness (to be undertaken by the State) given it is an administrative law concept and refused to invoke any additional public law standards for the States dealings in the performance of contracts. Icomm Tele Ltd. v. Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Anr. (2019): Here, a Division Bench (2 judges) of the Supreme Court through Justice Rohinton Nariman examined the validity of a deposit-at-all condition in the arbitration clause for a public works contract tendered by the Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The clause stipulated a 10% deposit to invoke arbitration by the claimant contractor which would be refunded only in proportion to the percentage success of the claim amount. The Court here struck down this deposit-at-call clause. It differentiated the facts from SK Jain . The clause in question in SK Jain stipulated a refundable deposit as opposed to an essentially non-refundable clause in Icomm . Further, there was no plea taken in SK Jain that the arbitration clause was violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. It is interesting that SK Jain rejected the invocation of public law standards for the State in the contractual sphere, but the Court in Icomm seems to have imported Article 14 and public law commitments of the State into the contractual sphere as well. The Court cited ABL International Ltd. v. ECGIL (2004) to hold that the State has the responsibility to act fairly and reasonably in terms of Article 14 even in the contractual sphere. The Court emphasised that arbitration is an important alternate dispute resolution process and must be encouraged given the high pendency of cases in the courts and cost of litigation. It held that the clause as such defeats the very purpose of alternate dispute resolution given that it would discourage claims and render arbitration expensive and ineffective. Lombardi Engineering Ltd. v. Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (2024): In this case, a full bench of the Supreme Court speaking though Justice JB Pardiwala had the opportunity to examine yet another arbitration pre-deposit clause in a public works contract. The clause stipulated that 7% of the claim amount would need to be furnished as a fixed deposit for security. However, no criteria for eligibility or conditions for refund of the security deposit was mentioned in the clause. Given the ambiguity and vagueness of the clause, the Court struck it down. In doing so, also held the clause as violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. Notably, upon an examination of previous Supreme Court and High Court judgement, the Court also held that there was no conflict between Icomm and SK Jain . The clauses in question in those cases were on a different footing. More interestingly, what the Court picked up on was the observation in Icomm that no plea of Article 14 reasonableness was taken in SK Jain . The Court dedicated a whole section to whether the validity of a pre-deposit condition can be decided on the anvil of Article 14 and be decided in a petition to appoint an arbitrator under Section 11 of the Act. The Court held that a referral court under Section 11(6) can test an arbitration clause against Article 14 since the arbitration agreement sits below the Constitution and the 1996 Act in the grundnorm hierarchy. Party autonomy therefore cannot extend to terms that violate fundamental rights, and a contractor's consent to a pre-deposit clause at the time of contracting does not estop it from challenging that clause. Relying on Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corpn. (1985) and Basheshar Nath v. CIT (1958), the Court held that the Article 14 right cannot be waived. Discussion in Santosh Associate The starting point of the reasoning of the Court in Santosh Associate was approvingly citing from Justice Hrishikesh Roys opinion in Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) v. ECI SPIC SMO MCML (JV) (2025) concerning Section 18 of the Arbitration Act which mandates equal treatment of parties across all stages of arbitral proceedings as being mandatory and non-derogable. However, it also cited from the portion of the majority judgment in CORE which cited Lombardi to the extent of holding that party autonomy cannot be stretched to an extent where it violates fundamental rights of parties under the constitution. It found that unlike Lombardi which found no conflict between SK Jain and Icomm , Icomm indeed is in conflict with SK Jain . The Court said Icomm could not have overridden the ratio of SK Jain even though the Court was in prima facie agreement with the reasoning in Icomm . It also held that given judicial discipline, it could not hold SK Jain to be sub silentio or no longer good law. It also cited a Smt. Gangabai v. Vijay Kumar (1974) wherein the supreme court reiterated that the right to sue inheres in every individual and it is no defence to contend that there is no such right. Unlike an appeal, the maintainability of a suit requires no statutory sanction. It also said that such pre-deposit clauses fall foul of Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1972 which voids any contractual stipulation that restrains parties from enforcing contractual rights by the usual proceedings in ordinary tribunals. Having said this, the Court said that it was of the view that an arbitration clause cannot impose pre-deposit conditions so onerous as to render the right to sue illusory or nugatory. A stipulation mandating the deposit of a substantial percentage of claim amount as a precondition to invoking arbitration would inevitably, suppress claims, deter recourse to ADR, and defeat its very object. Consequently, the court framed the following questions for reference to a larger bench: Whether a stipulation requiring the contractor alone to make a pre-deposit of security/fees prior to reference of disputes to arbitration is contrary to Section 18 of the Act, which mandates equal treatment of parties at all stages of arbitration Whether pre-deposit conditions in contracts having an arbitration clause discourage Alternative Dispute Resolution and undermine its objective of declogging the court system? Whether a condition of pre-deposit of security/fees prior to reference to arbitration is arbitrary and violative of the right to sue, as well as Article 14 of the Constitution and Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872? Whether a requirement of pre-deposit of security/fees has any rational relation to the object of curbing frivolous claims? At that stage it cannot be said that the claims are frivolous, and such claims may in any case be addressed through costs under Section 31(8) of the Act at the conclusion of the arbitral proceedings. Whether a pre-deposit condition is valid in an arbitration case where the deposit is refundable upon the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings? Whether S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009) is a valid and binding precedent? The Supreme Courts Snowballing Doctrinal Confusion The judgment in SK Jain was pronounced in 2009, in the pre-BALCO ( Bharat Aluminium Co. v. Kaiser Aluminium Technical Services Inc. (2012)) era, when courts intervened far more in arbitration-related proceedings. After BALCO, courts have been far more hands-off in dealing with arbitration, and far more attentive to party autonomy and the equality of parties under the Arbitration Act. I postulate that SK Jain would never have upheld such a unilateral pre-deposit clause had BALCO come to pass before it. Even so, what SK Jain did well, even if its conclusion may have been wrong, was to refuse to invoke administrative and public law principles at the stage of arbitration reference. In doing so, it stated that the State is not liable to fulfil its duties in the contractual sphere in the same way it does when carrying out its sovereign and public functions. There is no doubt that the grant of tenders by public authorities can be scrutinised by courts, as it is essentially a public and sovereign function of the State. However, it would be better if the State were treated as any other private party once a public works contract is entered into, and its performance and the disputes arising from it come to be adjudicated, much like SK Jain held. The problem has been that the Supreme Court has since been reading Article 14 reasonableness and administrative law principles into the functioning of essentially private contracts when it ought not to. This is apparent not just from Icomm and Lombardi . In CORE too, where the Supreme Court held unilateral appointments of arbitrators by one disputing party impermissible, the majority opinion said that Article 14 could be read into public-private contracts. Lombardi , Icomm , and CORE invoked Article 14 in the context of arbitration, but the Supreme Court has also been allowing Article 14 to be read into the States contractual dealings more generally as well (See for example, Madras Aluminium Co. Ltd. v. T.N. SEB (2023)). Reading Constitutional Standards into the States Contracts Is Unfair to Everyone The problems with this approach are apparent on the face of it. It is fair neither to the State nor to private parties in general for Article 14 to be read into the States functions in the contractual realm. The State does exercise its commercial weight in all its contracts. It is a monopsony and can extract very favourable terms from contractors, terms which a contractor would not agree to with others in normal market conditions. If Article 14 testing were to be applied, then not only such arbitration clauses but almost every contract of a State body would be susceptible to judicial review. Article 14 invocation will upend government contracting if future judgments continue going down this path. Article 14 then becomes a blunt weapon to attack anything perceived as less than palatable in the States commercial contracts. Commercial contracts should not be interfered with in this manner. The bargain struck by the parties should be upheld. Most of the pre-deposit cases deal with one State party and one private party. What if such a pre-deposit clause were introduced in an arbitration clause between two private parties say, a private contractor and a private owner? Would the court uphold such a clause? Article 14 cannot be invoked against a private party. By giving an Article 14 justification rather than a statutory one, the courts end up creating situations where clauses may be valid not on the basis of what their content is but who the parties are. This persistent widening of constitutional principles to test and challenge anything is akin to using a bazooka to kill a mosquito, when a humble spray would have sufficed. The Solution This view is further elaborated in Justice Hrishikesh Roys dissent in CORE . Agreeing with Justice Narasimha that public law principles evolved in constitutional and administrative law should not generally be imported into arbitration law, he held that equality between the arbitrating parties must be anchored in the framework of the Arbitration Act itself, with the obligations of fair treatment grounded in Sections 12 to 15 and Section 18 of the Act. Importing constitutional principles at the Section 11 stage, in his view, would defeat the very objective of the Arbitration Act and depart from the norm of minimal judicial intervention. The solution here was simple. The humble spray referred to above would have been Section 18 of the Arbitration Act, which mandates equal treatment of parties. Had Section 18 alone been used, such pre-deposit clauses would have been outlawed simpliciter on the basis of the statute, as opposed to the Constitution, which cannot be enforced against private parties and opens a Pandoras box for the State. And even in the contractual sphere, if the fear is that the State will not perform its duties in good faith, instead of reading Article 14 reasonableness, courts can infer duties of good faith in commercial contracts. Although good faith dealing in contract law is not part of common law, following Bates v. Post Office pronounced by the English High Court in 2019, good faith dealings are being read into performance of contracts in relational contracts. Indian courts can certainly create common law for government contract dealing rather than open up avenues for constitutional challenges. The Santosh Associate judgment also refers to Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act (which declares agreements in restraint of legal proceedings void) and the common law right to sue. These are other instruments, short of the Constitution, available to courts to restrict pre-deposit clauses. The resort to Article 14 is, therefore, perplexing. Conclusion The problem with the line of cases relation to arbitration pre-deposits is apparent. To the credit of the bench in Santosh Associate , the precise questions for reference also delineate whether the validity of such pre-deposit clauses should be tested against Article 14. Given the problems delineated above in importing constitutional provisions into the arbitration and private law realm, it is hoped that the larger bench looking into this issue will be open to considering the very doctrinal basis upon which these will be tested to be valid or invalid. Justice Roys and Narasimhas opinions in CORE will be a good starting point for the larger bench, when constituted.
Madhav Seeks Over 60 Seats For BJP In Uttarakhand
BJP Uttarakhand in-charge Ram Madhav urged party workers to target more than 60 of the states 70 Assembly seats in the 2027 elections.
SIR exercise: Nine lakh names dropped from Uttarakhands poll roll; State now has 71.59 lakh voters
The State will now begin a special drive to enrol missing and eligible voters, following the nearly 10% decline in the electoral roll, with a large number of voters placed in the uncollectable (ASDD) category
Womans Life Saved After Complications in Rare Pregnancy Case in Uttarakhand
Doctors in Rudraprayag saved a womans life after a rare pregnancy complication led to a critical situation. Womans Life Saved After Complications in Rare Pregnancy Case in Uttarakhand
Gujarat govt honours 93 farmers, takes natural produce sales network to 1,200 centres
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 3 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Saturday expanded its network for marketing naturally farmed produce with the inauguration of more than 100 new sales centres, taking the total number of such outlets in the state to 1,200, as 93 progressive farmers were honoured with the Best ATMA Farmers Awards. Governor Acharya Devvrat, who chaired the award ceremony in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, called for wider adoption of natural farming and urged every farmer practising the method to bring at least one more farmer into the campaign. Devvrat said natural farming is necessary to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and protect soil, water and the environment as well as human health and future generations. Referring to Denmark, he said: Urea and DAP are not subsidised there, while cow dung and urine are used for producing biogas and organic fertilisers, helping maintain soil organic carbon at two per cent. Welcoming the inauguration of the new sales centres, the Governor said they should become centres of consumer trust rather than merely places where produce is sold. He called for maintaining the quality and purity of naturally farmed products, creating awareness about the centres and sharing information about them among citizens. He also appreciated the state government's efforts to promote natural farming and indigenous cow rearing under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Patel, and congratulated the award-winning farmers. Patel said the state had undertaken various initiatives centred on good governance, development, technology and public welfare to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service. Development is not just about creating infrastructure but also about improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens, he said. The Chief Minister said knowledge, science, research and technology would be central to India's development in the 21st century. Referring to PM Modi's call for Jai Anusandhan alongside Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, he said the approach linked national security, food security, scientific progress and research. Patel said Gujarat is seeking to empower farmers by integrating natural farming with technology and environmental conservation. New technology and agricultural research could help increase productivity and farmers' incomes while ensuring efficient use of resources, he said. Emphasising the link between soil and human health, Patel called for greater awareness about balanced use of chemical inputs, soil health and sustainable farming. He urged farmers to demonstrate the practical benefits of natural farming on their fields and inspire others to adopt it. He also stressed water conservation and judicious use of water, calling for greater rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient utilisation of water resources. 'Seva' is at the heart of programmes marking PM Modi's 25 years of public service, adding that cleanliness, water conservation, saving electricity and fuel and protecting natural resources are also forms of social service, he said. He urged people to incorporate such measures into their daily lives. Patel asked farmers to bring problems related to natural farming or the marketing of their produce to the government's notice and congratulated the award recipients and Agriculture Department officials. Vaghani said natural farming had emerged as a major campaign in Gujarat under Modi's vision and the guidance of the Governor and Chief Minister. An increasing number of educated young people were also taking up natural farming, and the government is working to provide marketing and certification support, he said. Describing natural farmers as the government's Brand Ambassadors, Vaghani urged them to connect five more farmers with natural farming. He also said Gujarat had become the second state after Uttarakhand to receive the President's assent to its Uniform Civil Code Bill. He congratulated Patel on behalf of the people of Gujarat. He said the measure would introduce a uniform law across the state while preserving the traditional systems and culture of tribal areas. During the programme, an MoU was signed between the Directorate of Agriculture and SAC-ISRO to promote the use of satellite and geospatial technology in agriculture. Appointment letters were handed over to 14 newly appointed Assistant Directors of Agriculture (Class-II) to strengthen agricultural extension services. The dignitaries also released the Agriculture Department's Annual Action Plan 2026-27, Assistance-Oriented Schemes of the Agriculture Department and Assistance-Oriented Schemes of the Horticulture Department. Around 50,000 farmers from across Gujarat, besides ministers, MPs, MLAs and representatives of local self-government bodies, participated virtually in the programme.
Tourists from neighbouring states flocked to the hills over the weekend, leading to heavy crowds and prolonged traffic jams across major tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Popular destinations including Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Bhimtal...
Working remotely from hill stations in India may be cheaper than renting in cities. Various listings show monthly rates in Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and West Bengal.
Pushkar Singh Dhami Meets Haryana Youths Visiting Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met a group of youths from Haryana during their three-day visit to Uttarakhand. The youths shared their experiences and appreciated the state governments efforts in connectivity, tourism, homestays, solar energy, border-area development and welfare schemes.
The final electoral roll of Uttarakhand was published on Saturday following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the state now having 79,60,762 registered voters. The SIR exercise was conducted with July 1, 2026 as the qualifying date and commenced in Uttarakhand on June 8. The draft electoral roll published on July 14 had 71,33,785 voters, compared with 79,60,762 registered voters when the revision exercise began. Following the publication of the final roll, the state has added 8,26,977 voters. During the claims and objections period from July 14 to August 13, voters were given an opportunity to raise objections or seek inclusion in the electoral roll. The claims and objections were subsequently disposed of before publication of the final roll. According to the final electoral roll, Uttarakhand has 37,37,701 male voters, 34,21,036 female voters and 212 third-gender voters. The final roll includes 72,656 voters in the 18-19 age group and 1,22,...
Uttarakhand Budget Trip: Explore Mukteshwar, Auli and Binsar Without Spending a Fortune
Escaping crowded streets, traffic and the hectic pace of city life does not necessarily require an expensive holiday. Uttarakhand has several scenic mountain destinations where travellers can enjoy forests, Himalayan views and peaceful surroundings while keeping their expenses under control.For trav...
Union Minister Jual Oram leads Gandhi Jayanti cleanliness drive at Uttarakhand school
The News Mill
BJP Welcomes New Uttarakhand In-Charge Ram Madhav in Muzaffarnagar
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomes Ram Madhav as new BJP state in-charge in Muzaffarnagar, addressing political challenges. BJP Welcomes New Uttarakhand In-Charge Ram Madhav in Muzaffarnagar
BJP held an introductory organisational meeting as the party gears up for the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections, BJP MP and co-in-charge Bansuri Swaraj said on Friday. Uttarakhand in-charge for the BJP, Ram Madhav and co-in-charge Arvind Menon attended the meeting along with state and district-level BJP functionaries and ministers associated with various campaigns. Describing the meeting as an organisational exercise, Swaraj said the party leadership interacted with state office-bearers, district presidents, district general secretaries and ministers serving as coordinators and co-coordinators for different campaigns. Bansuri Swaraj told reporters,
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Uttarakhand statehood movement at Shaheed Sthal in Rampur Tiraha at Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, and highlighted the Centre's approval to extend the Ganga Expressway to Haridwar. CM Dhami attended a tribute ceremony held in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice during the movement for the creation of Uttarakhand and paid floral tribute at the memorial. Speaking at the ceremony, CM Dhami said that several issues, including the division of assets between Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, had remained unresolved since the formation of the two states in 2000. Since the formation of our two states in 2000, numerous issues, including the division of assets, have remained unresolved. Today, most of these asset-sharing matters have been settled, and work is proceeding rapidly on the remaining ones... The Ganga Expressway has indeed become a reality; one can now travel from near Meerut to Luckno...
Mohammad Deepak Arrested For 'Assaulting' Trader Over FB Comment On Ujjain Mosque Demolition
Uttarakhand gym owner Deepak Kumar, also known as Mohammad Deepak, has been arrested after a local trader accused him of assaulting and threatening him over a Facebook comment.According to police, the dispute was linked to a social media post concerning the partial demolition of a mosque in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Police said Deepak allegedly went to trader Sanjeev Tonks shop following the online disagreement, where a heated argument reportedly took place.Police initially registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation. Deepak was subsequently arrested under Section 170 of the BNSS as a preventive measure amid concerns over a possible law-and-order situation.Deepak had earlier made headlines after confronting members of the Bajrang Dal during an incident involving an elderly Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar.
Pushkar Singh Dhami Pays Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi And Lal Bahadur Shastri
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the CM Residence in Dehradun on their birth anniversaries.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami Honors Martyrs on Ramapur Shooting Anniversary
Uttarakhands CM Pushkar Singh Dhami pays tribute to martyrs of the Ramapur shooting, pledging to fulfill their dreams for the state. Uttarakhand CM Dhami Honors Martyrs on Ramapur Shooting Anniversary
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid floral tributes and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Chief Minister
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami honours Gandhi, Shastri on birth anniversaries
The News Mill
YouTuber Sourav Joshi Abused By Group Of Men In Uttarakhand, Then A Car Chase
Sourav Joshi posted a blog on his YouTube channel 'souravjvlogs' about the incident that took place when the YouTuber was travelling with his wife and two brothers.
Mohammad Deepak arrested for 'assaulting' businessman in Uttarakhand
Police said the arrest was made as a preventive measure amid apprehension of a breach of peace
Rare Blue-Eyed White Tiger Tejas Reaches Dehradun Zoo After 556 Km Journey
Rare blue-eyed white tiger Tejas has arrived at Dehradun Zoo from Gwalior Zoological Park after a 556 km journey, becoming Uttarakhand's first white tiger.
BJP-Linked Men Filed 6,500 Voter Deletion Pleas in Uttarakhand
Newslaundry finds bulk deletion objections concentrated among Muslim electors
Massive Landslide Caught on Camera in Uttarakhand
The widely circulated video shows part of the slope giving way within seconds, sending up clouds of dust as debris moves down the hillside.
Akhilesh Yadav keeps on changing PDA formula: O.P. Rajbhar on SP's Rajya Sabha nominations
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 1 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) President Om Prakash Rajbhar said on Thursday that Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav was changing the framework for PDA (Pichhda, Dalits and Alpsankhyak) repeatedly. Rajbhar was referring to two candidates placed by the Samajwadi Party for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Pichda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (backward classes, Dalits, and minorities/Muslims) is a political acronym and social coalition floated by Akhilesh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav keeps changing the PDA formula from time to time. Yesterday, he came up with the formula of a PDA family. 'P' now stands for 'Parivaar', Rajbhar said, referring to Ram Gopal Yadav. On Wednesday, SP leaders Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani filed their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav and senior party leader Shivpal Yadav were present when the two candidates filed their nominations. Incidentally, Ram Gopal Yadav is the late Mulayam Singh Yadavs cousin and uncle to current Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav. 'D' stands for the 'Daulat', referring to Dhani Ram, who is affluent, Rajbhar said. Now, only 'A' remains, and he will bring in some criminal to represent it. The new PDA formula stands for 'Parivaar', 'Daulat' and 'Apradhi', he added. Coming heavily on Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party, Rajbhar said that Akhilesh Yadav has insulted the Muslim leaders of his party. To the Muslim leaders of his party -- Loaders not leaders of the Samajwadi Party -- Akhilesh ji has thrown a shoe at them, the SBSP Chief added. Taking a jibe at Akhilesh Yadav being indirectly connected to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rajbhar claimed that the SP Chief has threatened his leaders that if they say anything they will be ousted from the party. If the father (Akhilesh Yadav) is a BJP's Rajya Sabha MP then the son (Akhilesh Yadav) will be too, the SBSP Chief told IANS. The SP had earlier announced Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Nathwani as its nominees for the Upper House from Uttar Pradesh. Their candidature comes ahead of the biennial elections for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in the state. Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar criticised the SP's candidate selection and took a jibe at Akhilesh Yadav's PDA strategy. Earlier too, on social media, Rajbhar questioned whether the SP's proposed candidates would represent its PDA formula, referring to the party's emphasis on backward classes, Dalits and minorities. Akhilesh ji, I have heard that you are going to field three candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Tell me, will all three be from your PDA or not? Rajbhar said. He referred to Ram Gopal Yadav as the first candidate and questioned how the remaining positions would fit into the PDA framework. He also alleged that the SP's approach could involve promoting family members, wealthy individuals and people facing criminal allegations. Rajbhar said that members of backward classes, Dalit communities and Muslim communities would want clarity on the party's strategy for sending candidates to the Upper House. He also advised Akhilesh Yadav not to risk securing two Rajya Sabha seats by attempting to win a third. The Election Commission had announced on September 22 that elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats -- 10 from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand -- would be held on October 16. The terms of the sitting members representing these seats are scheduled to end on November 25. The poll panel has also announced a bye-election for a Rajya Sabha seat in West Bengal. The upcoming elections will determine the new members for the seats falling vacant upon the completion of the current members' terms.
India and Mongolia Conduct Joint Anti-Terrorism Training in Pithoragarh
Indian and Mongolian armies engage in joint military exercises focused on anti-terrorism strategies in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. India and Mongolia Conduct Joint Anti-Terrorism Training in Pithoragarh
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram Begins Four-Day Visit to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram has embarked on an official four-day visit to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from October 1 to October 4, 2026. The multi-state tour will cover a series of high-level engagements, including senior citizen welfare events, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activities, visits to Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), and participation in [] The post Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram Begins Four-Day Visit to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Delhi Police bust crypto fraud network, three arrested in Uttarakhand
According to police, the case came to light after a complainant reported being cheated of Rs 7,86,300 in a Telegram-based task and cryptocurrency investment fraud. The complainant allegedly came in contact with the fraudsters through a Telegram group
Delhi Police bust interstate cryptocurrency fraud syndicate; three arrested
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) The Cyber Police Station of Delhi's South District has busted an interstate cyber-fraud network involved in Telegram-based task and cryptocurrency investment fraud, arresting three accused persons from Udham Singh Nagar in Uttarakhand, police said on Thursday. According to police, the case came to light after a complainant reported being cheated of Rs 7,86,300 in a Telegram-based task and cryptocurrency investment fraud. The complainant allegedly came in contact with the fraudsters through a Telegram group, where he was induced to undertake online tasks and invest money in cryptocurrency with the promise of substantial returns. Believing their representations, the complainant transferred Rs 7,86,300 in two instalments of Rs 4,66,300 and Rs 3,20,000, as directed by the accused, police said. However, the accused neither provided the promised returns nor returned the invested amount and subsequently stopped responding to the complainant. Following the complaint, e-FIR No. 0149/2025 under Sections 318(4), 319 and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at Police Station Cyber South, and an investigation was initiated. The police team comprised Sub-Inspector Raj Kumar Singh, Head Constable Sunil Kumar Bairwa and HC Rajkumar Bairwa, under the leadership of Inspector Hansraj Swami, SHO, PS Cyber South, and the supervision of ACP/Operations Balram Singh Beniwal. During the investigation, technical and financial analyses were conducted to trace the flow of fraudulent funds. Police identified several mule bank accounts allegedly used to route the proceeds of the cyber fraud. An amount of Rs 4.66 lakh was traced to one mule account, while another account had received Rs 5.22 lakh. Based on the investigation, the accused Karan Biswas and Mohit Sarkar alias Monu were traced and arrested in Udham Singh Nagar. Further investigation led to the formal arrest of Vinay Mandal, who was already in custody in connection with another cyber-fraud case registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Rohtak, Haryana. He was subsequently taken on a three-day police custody remand. Police said the accused operated Telegram-based task and cryptocurrency investment schemes to lure victims into transferring money. Mule bank accounts were allegedly arranged through intermediaries on commission and used to receive, route and withdraw the fraudulent funds. The proceeds were also allegedly utilised for cryptocurrency transactions, including through USDT. The police recovered two mobile phones, one Canara Bank passbook and relevant digital and financial evidence from the accused. According to police, Karan Biswas and Mohit Sarkar have no previous criminal involvement, while Vinay Mandal was previously involved in FIR No. 148/25 registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Rohtak, Haryana. Police said the investigation resulted in the identification and arrest of three alleged members of the network and uncovered the use of mule accounts to route cyber-fraud proceeds. Further investigation is underway.
Dry weather to persist in Delhi with cooler nights ahead; AQI remains moderate
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) The weather in the national capital has turned quite dry, with bright sunshine keeping daytime temperatures warm. However, a slight drop in night temperatures is likely. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted clear skies throughout the coming week, with no possibility of rain in Delhi. Bright sunshine was observed across most parts of Delhi from Wednesday morning. However, with northwesterly winds prevailing over the region, the weather has become increasingly dry. The maximum temperature at Delhi's standard observatory at Safdarjung was recorded at 34.2 degrees Celsius, which was 0.5 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 22.4 degrees Celsius. The IMD has said that the southwest monsoon season had ended with a 13 per cent rainfall deficit. However, monsoon rains continue to withdraw from different parts of the country. As the monsoon retreats, parts of southern and northeastern India are expected to receive rainfall on Thursday, according to the IMD. Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. In IMD's terminology, 'isolated' refers to rainfall occurring over a small proportion of locations, generally up to 25 per cent of weather stations in a region. Meanwhile, Kerala, coastal Karnataka and the southern parts of Karnataka are expected to receive rainfall at several places on Thursday. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Lakshadweep are likely to receive rain at a few places. Karnataka has already experienced a wet spell during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Kibbanahalli in Tumakuru district recorded 10 cm of rainfall, the highest recorded by the IMD during the period. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are very likely at isolated places over Kerala and Mahe, Rayalaseema, and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Winds of 30-40 kmph are expected over Andhra Pradesh, Interior Karnataka and Odisha, while strong surface winds may also prevail over parts of Andhra Pradesh. In the Northeast, thunderstorms and lightning are likely over Assam and Meghalaya, as well as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Similar conditions are also expected over East Madhya Pradesh. Scattered rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. The southwest monsoon normally begins withdrawing from northwest India in mid-September and completely retreats from the country by mid-October. This year, the withdrawal line currently passes through Gurdaspur (Punjab), Chandigarh, Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh), Aligarh (UP), Dholpur, Udaipur and Deesa (Rajasthan) before extending to Naliya in Gujarat. The IMD said conditions are likely to become favourable over the next two to three days for the withdrawal of the monsoon from the remaining parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Similar conditions are expected to develop over most parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, as well as the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Some parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra may also witness further withdrawal. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category, with several monitoring stations recording elevated pollution levels. The AQI readings included Mandir Marg (150), Aya Nagar (135), CRRI Mathura Road (198), Pusa (22), Sirifort (171), IGI Airport T3 (155), Commonwealth Sports Complex (179), IIT Delhi (249), Anand Vihar (98), Najafgarh (144), Jahangirpuri (207), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (173), Sonia Vihar (151), Cantonment Area (106) and Narela (189).
Five Trekkers Go Missing on Vasukital Trek in Uttarakhand
Trekkers are being searched as contact has been lost with them; they had left on September 25 and usually it takes 10-12 days to complete this trek and return
'Yashasvi and Jwala sir told me to start cricket in Tripura': Tejasvi Jaiswal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Star India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal's brother, Tejasvi, feels extremely proud of his brother for having made it big for India. And the boy has made it big today, with Yashasvi being a Test regular, smashing one record after the other, while he is also the back-up opener in ODIs for India and is in line to board the plane to Africa for the 2027 ODI World Cup, apart from having turned heads with his IPL and T20I batting. Tejasvi, 29, is extremely proud of his brother having made it big. I feel very proud that my brother is playing for India. It is everyone's dream. I feel very good, Tejasvi told IANS. December 6, 2025 stands as a strong coincidence between the two brothers. It was the same day when Yashasvi scored his maiden ODI hundred against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, and Tejasvi hit his maiden T20 fifty for Tripura. My parents were very happy that both their sons played well that day. It was a good feeling for us, he said. A young Tejasvi had once sacrificed his dream to play cricket to support Yashasvi to make it big one day. He worked as a salesman in Delhi to support Yashasvi to continue his dream, Tejasvi had said in an interview with sports magazine. However, he got a second wind in his career once Yashasvi was largely settled. And now he has played all formats for Tripura in the domestic circuit. It was Yashasvi and coach Jwala Singh who suggested Tejasvi play for Tripura, and he has played five First-class matches, eight List A games and four T20s for the state with fifties in each of the three formats in the limited games that he has been part of. Yashasvi and Jwala sir (their coach) told me to go to Tripura and start playing cricket again. So I started from there, he added. Tejasvi is currently playing in the Uttarakhand Premier League and has scored 117 runs in four matches for Tehri Titans with a recent blistering 19-ball 50. He is their 'icon player' and has a challenging role of batting in the top and also in the middle order, as he has to adjust to different game conditions and types of bowlers. He reflected on batting in different positions and also hailed the UPL for providing opportunities to the youngsters. I have played in the middle order as well as in the top order. I don't care about the order. I care about how I can win the match, how I can play an impactful innings, he said. It is a very important league. Thanks to the CAU (Cricket Association of Uttarakhand) for organising it. It is a very good opportunity for the youngsters here and for us as well to perform well and move forward, he said. Speaking on the time when he returned to cricket after being away for years to support his brother and family, Tejasvi stated that returning was not much of a challenge; rather he was happy to play the sport once again. It was not very challenging. When I got a chance to come back, I was very happy that I was getting to play cricket again. I was very happy that I was getting to play cricket again, he added. Tejasvi has now made a switch to Uttarakhand from Tripura and is expected to feature in the domestic circuit for them in the times to come. Playing in the 50-over Gold Cup in Uttarakhand, he scored two centuries too. I came to Uttarakhand to play the Gold Cup so that I get selected to play from here. I had a good performance (in the Gold Cup), and I am now also playing in the UPL. I want to do well in the UPL and let's see what happens next, he said.
SP names Ram Gopal Yadav, Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as RS candidates from UP
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 30 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday announced Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its two candidates for the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. The two are scheduled to file their nominations later in the day in the presence of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. The party took to X and made the announcement: Samajwadi Party's authorised Rajya Sabha candidates Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani will file their nomination papers at 11 am in the presence of the Honourable National President Akhilesh Yadav. The Rajya Sabha elections also come ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Ahead of the announcement, Uttar Pradesh Minister O.P. Rajbhar took to X and questioned whether the SP chief will make choices of candidates based on the 'PDA' slogan. Akhilesh ji, I've heard you're going to field three candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Tell me, will all three be from your PDA or not? The first one is Professor Sahab. He's from your PDA, P for family. Now, who will it be for D and A? Will there be some wealthy person for D? A criminal for A? Rajbhar questioned. Do tell, because all the backward class folks, Dalit brothers, and Muslim brothers want to know how you're scheming to send family, the wealthy, and criminals from your PDA to the upper house of Parliament, he said. The Minister also advised the SP chief to ot lose the second seat in the pursuit of three. Earlier on September 22, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to the polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The West Bengal election will be held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, the notification for the elections will be issued on September 29, while the last date for filing nominations will be October 6. The scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on October 7, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. In Uttar Pradesh, the terms of 10 sitting Rajya Sabha members are coming to an end. The members whose terms are expiring include Arun Singh, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Brij Lal, Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji Gautam, B.L. Verma, Seema Dwivedi, Dinesh Sharma and Hardeep Singh Puri.
Malda Town Haridwar Pooja Special Express to run for the festive season
Malda Rail Division has been granted the railway connectivity to Uttarakhand, but only till the festive season. In a temporary ... Read more
