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UPL 2026: Unbeaten Mussoorie Queens to face Dehradun Warriors in womens final

Digital Desk | Dehradun, Sep 23 (IANS) Mussoorie Queens and Dehradun Warriors booked their places in the womens final of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 after finishing as the top two teams in the league stage. Mussoorie Queens topped the standings with a perfect record, winning all their league matches, while Dehradun Warriors finished second with two victories from three games. The two teams will now face each other in the summit clash of the third edition of the UPL on Thursday. Both teams secured victories in their respective matches on Wednesday to confirm their places in the final. In the first match of the day, the Dehradun Warriors won the toss and elected to bowl against Bageshwar Aerial. Bageshwar struggled to build momentum throughout their innings and were restricted to 98/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Dehradun Warriors, chasing 99 for victory, also lost wickets at regular intervals but remained composed during the chase. Neelam Bharadwaj anchored the innings with a valuable 48 off 39 balls and guided her side towards the target. The Warriors eventually reached 99/6 in 18.1 overs to complete a four-wicket victory and secure two crucial points. Bharadwajs match-winning contribution earned her the Player of the Match award. The result kept the Dehradun Warriors firmly in the race for the final, and they eventually finished second in the league standings with two wins from three matches. In the second womens match, Mussoorie Queens faced Pithoragarh Hurricanes after winning the toss and opting to bat first. The Queens found it difficult to score freely against the Hurricanes' bowling attack and finished their 20 overs at 88/9. Despite posting a modest total, Mussoorie produced a disciplined bowling display to keep themselves unbeaten. Pithoragarh struggled throughout their chase and were restricted to 65/9 in 20 overs, handing Mussoorie Queens a 23-run victory. With another win added to their perfect league-stage record, the Mussoorie Queens finished at the top of the table and will now look to complete an unbeaten campaign by lifting the womens title. Dehradun Warriors, meanwhile, will aim to end the Queens winning run when the two sides meet in Thursdays final.

bhaskarlive 23 Sep 2026 9:39 pm

BJP appoints Sanjay Bhatia as Rajasthan in-charge, Kavita Patidar, Kuljeet Chahal named co-in-charges

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 23 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday appointed Sanjay Bhatia as its new in-charge for Rajasthan, with Rajya Sabha MP Kavita Patidar and Delhi BJP leader Kuljeet Singh Chahal named as Co-in-charges. The appointments are part of a wider organisational reshuffle covering 28 states and eight Union Territories. The new assignments were announced by BJP President Nitin Nabin and take effect immediately. Bhatia will now oversee the party's organisational affairs in Rajasthan, while Patidar and Chahal will assist him as Co-in-charges. The appointments come as the BJP prepares for the next phase of political activity in Rajasthan, including the state's Panchayati Raj elections. The BJP has also been undertaking organisational preparations at the grassroots level ahead of the upcoming polls. Bhatia, a senior BJP leader, has been given responsibility for Rajasthan as part of the latest national organisational reshuffle. His appointment places him at the centre of the BJP's organisational coordination in the state, where the party is currently in government under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. Bhatia will be responsible for coordinating with the State BJP leadership and monitoring organisational activities across Rajasthan. The BJP has appointed two Co-in-charges to assist Bhatia in managing the party's organisational affairs in Rajasthan. Rajya Sabha MP Kavita Patidar has been appointed one of the two Co-in-charges. She hails from Madhya Pradesh and is a member of the BJP's national-level political organisation. Patidar will work alongside Bhatia as part of the new Rajasthan organisational team. Kuljeet Chahal, a Delhi BJP leader and member of the New Delhi Municipal Council, has been appointed the second Co-in-charge for Rajasthan. Chahal has been associated with the BJP's youth organisation and has held organisational responsibilities in Delhi. The Rajasthan appointments are part of a larger BJP organisational exercise covering 36 states and Union Territories. The BJP has appointed new in-charges and Co-in-charges in several states. Among the other major changes, Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed Maharashtra In-charge, Vinod Tawde has been given charge of Uttar Pradesh, Smriti Irani has been assigned Chhattisgarh and Haryana, and Ram Madhav has been given responsibility for Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. For Rajasthan, the new organisational team is In-charge: Sanjay Bhatia, co-in-charge: Kavita Patidar and co-in-charge: Kuljeet Chahal. The new appointments assume significance as the BJP continues to strengthen its organisational machinery in Rajasthan ahead of the next round of elections and grassroots-level political activity.

bhaskarlive 23 Sep 2026 9:14 pm

UPL: 'Proud Moment For All Of Us', Says Mussoorie Queens Captain As India Womens Cricket Team Wins Asian Games Gold

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: Mussoorie Queens captain Nandini Kashyap lauded the Indian womens cricket team for winning the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, describing their success as a proud moment for the entire nation. The Indian womens team defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, to secure their second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in womens cricket. Speaking during the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 womens competition in Dehradun, Kashyap said seeing the Indian flag being raised and the national anthem being played after a major victory evokes a special feeling. As an Indian, whenever we see our flag going up and our team winning, it is a completely different feeling. The Indian womens team has been performing tremendously for the last two Asian Games, and they are continuing that form. It is a proud moment for all of us, and I am sure we will see them continue to win in the upcoming series and matches, Kashyap said. The Indian teams triumph follows their gold-medal-winning campaign at the Hangzhou Asian Games, held in 2023, and further underlines the teams strong performances on the continental stage. As an Indian, whenever we see our flag going up and our team winning, it is a completely different feeling. The Indian womens team has been performing tremendously for the last two Asian Games, and they are continuing that form. It is a proud moment for all of us, and I am sure we will see them continue to win in the upcoming series and matches, Kashyap said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The third edition of UPL 2026 is being held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun from September 21 to October 1. The womens competition features four teams Mussoorie Queens, Bageshwar Aerial, Pithoragarh Hurricanes and Dehradun Warriors highlighting the growing prominence of womens cricket in the state. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 23 Sep 2026 8:26 pm

Cultural fest near Badrinath shrine faces backlash over Bhajan jamming, violation of norms

The festival, organised around the theme Our Heritage, Our Future, was held on September 19 and 20 at the Tourist Arrival Plaza adjoining the Badrinath temple; Chamoli district administration, Uttarakhand Tourism Department attributed the organisation of the event to the Indian Army

The Hindu 23 Sep 2026 7:39 pm

BJP appoints State in-charges; Smriti Irani gets Haryana, Chhattisgarh; Ram Madhav T.N., Uttarakhand

In a reshuffle, the BJP has elevated Anil Baluni as coordinator of its communication department, which includes the party's national media cell and social media unit

The Hindu 23 Sep 2026 6:06 pm

Smriti Irani appointed BJP in-charge for Haryana and Chhattisgarh, Vinod Tawde to look after UP

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party National President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday announced a fresh set of appointments of state in-charges and co-in-charges for various states and union territories. The appointments, detailed in an official press release issued from the partys central office, take effect immediately. According to the circular, the party has assigned organisational responsibilities covering nearly all states and UTs. Notable appointments include Smriti Irani as in-charge for both Chhattisgarh and Haryana, with Siddharth Shambhu as co-in-charge for Chhattisgarh and Dr Bhola Singh as co-in-charge for Haryana. Baijayant Jay Panda has been named state in-charge for Maharashtra, assisted by co-in-charges Amit Malviya, Sadanand Shet Tanavade and Kamaljeet Sahrawat. In Uttar Pradesh, Vinod Tawde has been appointed state in-charge, with Jagadish Patel, Medha Kulkarni, Dr Pradeep Verma and Anant Ojha as co-in-charges. Sunil Bansal will serve as state in-charge for both Telangana and West Bengal. For Telangana, Abhay Patil and Rekha Sharma are co-in-charges, while West Bengals co-in-charges include Lal Singh Arya, Rajendra Singh and Pinki Kushwaha. Other key assignments feature Biplab Kumar Deb as in-charge for Madhya Pradesh with Rekha Verma as co-in-charge, Ram Madhav as state in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, Harish Dwivedi as state in-charge for Bihar and Karnataka, and Dr Satish Poonia as state in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Mangal Pandey has been named state in-charge for Assam, while Dr Arvind Bhadauria will head Andhra Pradesh with Vanathi Srinivasan as co-in-charge. Meanwhile, BJP national president Nitin Nabin has appointed Ashish Usha Agrawal as convenor of the media department and Anil Baluni as co-ordinator of the communication department. The list also covers smaller states and UTs: Jay Prakash (Andaman and Nicobar), Dr Devesh Kumar (Arunachal Pradesh), Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (Delhi), Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar (Goa), Tarun Chugh (Gujarat), Shrikant Sharma (Himachal Pradesh), Gajendra Patel (Jharkhand), Prof M Nagaraja (Kerala), Rajkumar Bhatia (Ladakh), George Kurian (Lakshadweep), Dr Rajdeep Roy (Manipur), Kanad Purkayastha (Meghalaya), Dr Bhagwat Karad (Mizoram), Anil Antony (Nagaland and Goa Sah Prabhari), D Purandeswari (Odisha), K Surendran (Puducherry), Raju Bista (Sikkim) and Mriganka Deb Barman (Tripura). Several leaders hold dual or multiple responsibilities under the partys organisational restructuring. The circular has been issued by national office in-charge Tarun Chugh to all state presidents and organisational general secretaries for information and necessary action. The appointments aim to strengthen the partys organisational network ahead of future electoral and organisational programmes.

bhaskarlive 23 Sep 2026 5:49 pm

Watch: Apache firepower joins US war machines during India-US drill Yudh Abhyas

Apache attack helicopters of the Indian Army are currently participating in Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 with US forces. This joint exercise is taking place at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and Auli in Uttarakhand. Around 600 personnel from both nations are involved in various operations, including mountain warfare and live-fire activities. The Apache helicopters are demonstrating capabilities in target acquisition and precision engagement during these drills.

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 5:06 pm

IHG Hotels & Resorts, United Hospitality ink 50-key Garner Hotel Jim Corbett

Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027, the 50-key hotel will be located in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park

The Hindu Businessline 23 Sep 2026 3:18 pm

Autopsy Confirms Suicide in Death of Acquitted Nithari Case Key Accused Surendra Koli

The autopsy of Surendra Koliwho spent nearly two decades in prison before being acquitted in all 13 cases linked to the gruesome 2006 Nithari serial killingshas confirmed that he died by suicide. The Uttarakhand Police on Wednesday stated that the post-mortem report verified the cause of death as asphyxia due to ante-mortem hanging. Koli, aged [] The post Autopsy Confirms Suicide in Death of Acquitted Nithari Case Key Accused Surendra Koli appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Pragativadi 23 Sep 2026 3:07 pm

Mayawati appoints Ishan Anand as BSP national coordinator after Akash Anand's removal from key post

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati has decided to elevate her younger nephew Ishan Anand in the party organisation ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Ishan Anand has been appointed as the party's national coordinator following the removal of his elder brother Akash Anand from a key organisational position.The decision was taken during a major meeting of BSP national office-bearers at the party headquarters in Lucknow on Wednesday. As per details, the meeting focused on strengthening the organisation and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab.

India TV 23 Sep 2026 1:46 pm

Uttarakhand CM Dhami applauds

The News Mill

The News Mill 23 Sep 2026 12:48 pm

Uttarakhand CM Dhami prays to Lord Dhanvantari on Ayurveda Day

The News Mill

The News Mill 23 Sep 2026 11:57 am

UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society: Congress

New Delhi, Sep 23: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that for the Modi government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform but an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, as well as a tool for stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation. The opposition party's assertion comes after former Bombay High Court judge Justice R C Chavan resigned from the Maharashtra government's panel to prepare a draft for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing serious reservations over its decision to restrict public feedback on crucial social issues to a Yes/No format. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the resignation of a former high court judge from the Maharashtra government's committee to draft a UCC for the state raises larger questions, apart from his several concerns on the functioning of this committee. Posting his statement on X, Ramesh said, A retired High Court judge has shown courage to resign from a committee set up by the Maharashtra government to prepare a uniform civil code for the state. Here is our statement on the non-uniform 'Uniform' Civil Codes (UCC) the HM is trying to bulldoze through in every state. Did the Constituent Assembly ever imagine a situation in which every state would enact its own separate version of a UCC? The answer is a resounding no, Ramesh said. Did the architects of our Constitution led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar ever conceive states competing with one another to have different UCCs according to the political machinations and calculations of one political party, he asked. Again, the answer is a resounding no, Ramesh added. He pointed out that on June 17, 2016, the Modi government referred the question of the UCC to the 21st Law Commission of India for detailed examination. After extensive research, the Commission published its Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law on August 31, 2018. Its conclusion appearing in paragraph 1.15 on page 7 of the Consultation Paper was clear: 'The formulation of a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage'. Instead it recommended addressing nor discrimination within individual family laws while preserving India's legal and cultural diversity, Ramesh said. The Modi government has chosen to disregard the findings of the very Commission it tasked with examining the issue because the facts, as usual, did not align with its political agenda, the Congress leader said. Over the last three years, one BJP-ruled State after another bulldozed through its own version of a UCC, Ramesh said. The UCC came into effect in Uttarakhand from January 27, 2025. Subsequently the Gujarat Assembly passed the UCC Bill on March 24, 2026, the Assam Assembly on May 27, 2026 and the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 21, 2026, he pointed out. Ramesh said these State-level UCCs, never envisaged in the Constitution, are not uniform. They contain different provisions, different penalties, different procedures and significant exemptions. Contrary to claims, the Uttarakhand UCC, the only one in force, continues with a number of patriarchal traditions and is creating many problems for perfectly law-abiding residents of the state, Ramesh argued. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a typically bombastic announcement that a UCC will be implemented in all NDA-ruled States before the 2029 Lok Sabha election, he said. Evidently other NDA parties have lost their voices and are being silenced by the BJP, the Congress general secretary said. For the Modi Government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform to be implemented after the widest possible consultations and public debate and with the broadest possible consensus. It is, in reality, an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, a tool for harassment and intimidation, stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation, Ramesh said. Later, asked about the statement, he said, The UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society. In a letter to the panel chairperson Justice Ranjana Desai (retd), former Bombay High Court judge Chavan criticised the committee's approach, stating that reducing complex societal questions, such as delayed marriages, perversions, infertility, and rising matrimonial disputes, to binary options undermined the primary purpose of consensus-building. The former judge said he had misunderstood that the committee aimed to gather views of the people of Maharashtra and to generate a consensus to remedy the issues of late marriages, infertility, unstable marriages, time-consuming dispute resolution mechanism and so on. Now that the misunderstanding is removed, I realise that the aim is to just provide an opportunity to people who may care, to share their responses, in a 'yes or no' format to the questions posed so that analysis of data becomes easy, the letter said. In July, the state government set up a seven-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai to draft a framework for implementing the UCC, which seeks to establish equal laws across religions on issues about marriage, divorce, and property. Justice Chavan, a former high court judge, resigned from the panel on September 19. The Congress' statement also comes days after Shah said the BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states will introduce UCC before 2029. The next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for 2029.

Greater Kashmir 23 Sep 2026 9:59 am

Why Justice R C Chavan Quit Maharashtra UCC Panel

'If the intention was simply to replicate what's already been done elsewhere, there was no need for a committee at all -- there's already an Act passed there (in Uttarakhand); just copy it, paste it, and you're done. Why waste everyone's time convening a panel for that?'

Rediff 23 Sep 2026 9:04 am

Mega Rajput Sammelan to be held in Ramban

The Shree Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, Ramban, is set to organise a Mega Rajput Samelan at the Higher Secondary School, Ramban, on Wednesday, September 23, to commemorate the 131st birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. According to the programme details issued by the organisers, the event will begin at around 10 am and will highlight the legacy, valour and contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh. Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in PMO and Member of Parliament from the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, will be the chief guest, while Sher Singh Rana of Roorkee, Uttarakhand, will be the guest of honour. The sammelan will be presided over by Narayan Singh, chairman of the Trust, Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, while MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju will attend as the guest of honour. The organisers have also announced the presence of Mahash Mandaleshwar Mahant Shri Rameshwar Dass Maharaj and Mahash Mandaleshwar Swami Shri Akshranand Giri Maharaj. As part of the programme, a rally will be taken out from the ward No. 2 petrol pump in Ramban to the Higher Secondary School, Ramban, the venue of the sammelan. Dharam Chand Anthal, chairman of Shree Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, Ramban, and Karan Dev Singh, president of the Sabha, have asked the members of the community and the public to participate in the programme.

Greater Kashmir 23 Sep 2026 6:38 am

Focus on Strengthening Organization in Uttarakhand Ahead of Elections: Abdul Mateen Siddiqui

Abdul Mateen Siddiqui outlines strategies for strengthening the Samajwadi Party in Uttarakhand as elections approach. Focus on Strengthening Organization in Uttarakhand Ahead of Elections: Abdul Mateen Siddiqui

Daily Kiran 23 Sep 2026 1:14 am

All Hail Modis New Pain-for-gain Plan!

Praying for the longevity of the Prime Minister is a signal in code; crucial elections in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Manipur are due within the next five months. Organised and coordinated lighting of lamps is part of voter engagement, signifying the role of Modi as the guardian spirit who can repel the Bharat Todo Gang, a rather ugly euphemism for parties in Opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party

Deccan Chronicle 22 Sep 2026 10:56 pm

Bageshwar Aerial, Mussoorie Queens Notch Wins In UPL 2026

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: Bageshwar Aerial and Mussoorie Queens registered contrasting victories in the womens competition at the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026, with both sides successfully chasing targets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun on Tuesday. Bageshwar Aerial began the day with a three-wicket win over Pithoragarh Hurricanes after chasing down 136 with five balls to spare. After opting to field, Bageshwar Aerial restricted Pithoragarh Hurricanes to 135/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Gayatri Arya top-scored with 41 off 35 balls as the Hurricanes struggled to build enough momentum for a challenging total. The chase proved to be a closely fought affair, but Bageshwar Aerial held their nerve to finish on 136/7 in 19.1 overs. Nandini Kaushik played a key role in the successful pursuit, contributing 41 off 35 balls. Mussoorie Queens, meanwhile, produced a more commanding performance in the second game, defeating Dehradun Warriors by eight wickets. Dehradun Warriors chose to bat first but were bowled out for 123 in 19 overs. Preeti Bhandari offered the strongest resistance with a 38-ball 59, but Mussoorie Queens' bowlers kept the scoring in check throughout the innings. Nisha Mishra was the chief architect of the bowling effort, claiming four wickets to earn the Player of the Match award. The Queens then completed the chase with 10 balls to spare, reaching 125/2 in 18.3 overs. Captain Nandini Kashyap anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 64 balls to steer her side comfortably over the line. Kashyap said the team's preparation and planning against individual opponents had played an important role in their performances. We are doing a lot of preparation. As I said earlier, we are planning against every team. We are studying the batters and bowlers and making our plans accordingly, and so far, those plans have worked really well. We will take the same approach into our next two matches, including the final. All the girls are following the plans and executing them really well, which is helping us as a team. The Mussoorie captain also felt the surface offered better batting conditions than in their previous outing, although it became slightly slower by the time her side began its chase. We are doing a lot of preparation. As I said earlier, we are planning against every team. We are studying the batters and bowlers and making our plans accordingly, and so far, those plans have worked really well. We will take the same approach into our next two matches, including the final. All the girls are following the plans and executing them really well, which is helping us as a team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The two results added further momentum to the women's competition as the teams continue their push towards the next stage of the third UPL season. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 22 Sep 2026 10:38 pm

Rajya Sabha polls announced, all eyes on UP's 10th seat

The Election Commission has announced elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal on October 16. The BJP is expected to retain eight seats in UP and gain one in West Bengal, increasing its overall strength. The Samajwadi Party is also likely to gain one seat in UP, while Mayawati's BSP faces the prospect of losing its representation in Parliament.

Rediff 22 Sep 2026 7:11 pm

Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats announced; BJP likely to retain 8 in Uttar Pradesh, SP eyes gain, BSP faces exit

The Election Commission has scheduled Rajya Sabha elections for twelve seats on October 16th. A heated rivalry is anticipated in Uttar Pradesh for ten seats, with the BJP expected to secure eight. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the BJP aims to capture the lone contested seat. In Uttarakhand, the ruling BJP party is also projected to maintain its control over one seat.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 6:31 pm

IIT-IIM Graduates Quit US Jobs For Mushroom Farming, Now Grow 10+ Exotic Varieties

Naveen Patwal and friends launched Planet Mushroom in Uttarakhand, growing diverse mushrooms including shiitake and morels to expand local markets.

NDTV 22 Sep 2026 6:05 pm

'Doctor ne aankhain nikal di': Uttarakhand montessary school's anti-mobile phone activity leaves kids crying and screaming in fear

An anti-mobile phone activity at Adarsh India Montessori School in Khatima, Uttarakhand, reportedly left several children crying and screaming after a student was made to appear as if his eyes had been removed.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 4:49 pm

Doctor Removed My Eyes: Uttarakhand School's Bizarre Anti-Mobile Exercise Leaves Children Screaming

As part of the exercise, one child was reportedly made to wear bandages over his eyes, with red-coloured liquid applied around them to make it appear as though he had suffered a serious eye injury.

NDTV 22 Sep 2026 3:46 pm

NRLMs Four-Day Regional Workshop on Supportive Supervision Framework Begins in Srinagar

SRINAGAR , September 21: A four-day Regional Workshop on the National Supportive Supervision Framework (NSSF), Zone-3, commenced in Srinagar today, focusing on strengthening women-led community institutions and enhancing their sustainability. Hosted by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under DAY-NRLM, the workshop brings together NRLM officers and representatives from State Rural Livelihoods Missions of participating States. Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary (Rural Livelihoods-I) at the Ministry of Rural Development, inaugurated the event virtually. He emphasized shifting from institutional scale to maturity, setting a milestone-based goal to develop 5,000 self-reliant Swawalambi Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) across blocks by 2031. Dr. Monika B, Deputy Secretary for Rural Livelihoods, highlighted that CLFs must evolve into self-sustaining units. She stressed that these groups should independently build leadership and mobilize resources rather than rely on continuous external support. Raman Wadhwa, Deputy Director of DAY-NRLM, discussed the potential of CLFs to implement the SHE LIFE programme. He noted that their grassroots networks can translate national policies into coordinated community action Welcoming the participants, Mission Director JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma, said the workshop provides an important platform for collective learning, sharing of experiences and effective implementation of the NSSF. The framework aims to strengthen Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) through supportive supervision, with focus on governance, human resources, financial self-reliance, member outcomes and social agency, enabling them to evolve into autonomous and self-reliant institutions. The inaugural session also featured a documentary highlighting JKRLMs achievements in womens empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. The four-day workshop will include technical sessions by national-level experts from DAY _NRLM focusing on strengthening linkages among SHGs, Village Organisations, Producer Groups, FPOs, government departments and local markets..and communities in a coordinated and sustainable manner. The inaugural ceremony was attended Dr Shubhra Sharma, Mission Director JKRLM; Syed Sajad Qadri Sm Mission Director Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission; Dr Jui Bhattacharya, National Mission Manager, Anshuman Singh, National program Manager; Additional Mission Director JKRLM (Kashmir) Syed Naseer ,I Ms Anita, Mehmood Hassan and Pankaj Suyal from NMMU besides Participants from Six States and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, are taking part in the workshop.

RisingKashmir 22 Sep 2026 3:17 pm

EC announces dates for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, U'khand, WB

The Election Commission has announced that elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal will take place on October 16. This includes 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with significant implications for party representation, particularly for the BJP and BSP.

Rediff 22 Sep 2026 1:15 pm

EC announces biennial polls for 11 Rajya Sabha seats in UP, Uttarakhand

The Election Commission today announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats. This includes ten seats in Uttar Pradesh and one seat in Uttarakhand. Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, B L Verma, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji of BSP and six others are completing their terms on 25th November. Naresh Bansal from []

newspoint 22 Sep 2026 1:13 pm

Delhi woman dies while taking photo in Uttarakhands Chopta; Had told parents she was going to look for a job, found dead in 400-metre gorge

Tragedy strikes as a 26-year-old woman is found dead in the picturesque Chopta region of Uttarakhand. Authorities discovered her body in a steep gorge along the popular Chopta-Tungnath trekking trail. Preliminary investigations suggest she may have slipped while attempting to capture the perfect photo. The woman had traveled from Delhi under the pretext of job hunting, prompting her family to report her missing after she did not return.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 1:12 pm

Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats in UP, Uttarakhand, West Bengal on October 16

The polls will cover 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and one in Uttarakhand, where the terms of the sitting members are ending on November 25. A separate by-election will be held for one vacant Rajya Sabha seat in West Bengal

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 1:09 pm

Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats on October 16

New Delhi: Elections to 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal will be held on October 16, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday, September 22. The elections will cover 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand, where the terms of the sitting members end on November 25, along with 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 Siasat Daily 22 Sep 2026 1:08 pm

Rajya Sabha Elections Announced for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal; Voting Set for October 16

The Election Commission has announced Rajya Sabha elections for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, with voting scheduled for October 16. Rajya Sabha Elections Announced for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal; Voting Set for October 16

Daily Kiran 22 Sep 2026 12:48 pm

Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal on October 16; MLC polls for 28 seats on October 23

The Election Commission of India announced election schedules for Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils. Biennial elections will fill 12 Rajya Sabha seats across three states. Simultaneously, 28 Legislative Council seats will see biennial elections in 4 states. Polling for Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled for October 16. Legislative Council elections will occur on October 23.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 12:15 pm

Rajya Sabha Polls For 10 UP, 1 Uttarakhand Seats On October 16

The October 16 elections will therefore cover both scheduled retirements and a casual vacancy in the Upper House.

NDTV 22 Sep 2026 12:13 pm

2 die due to contaminated drinking water in Nainital, 6 Uttarakhand engineers suspended due to negligence

Six engineers have been suspended after an inquiry into the supply of contaminated drinking water in Jyolikot, Nainital, where cases of jaundice and other waterborne diseases were reported and two deaths occurred. The action followed directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 11:54 am

Rajya Sabha polls on October 16: Puri, Ram Gopal Yadav seats among 11 up for election in UP, Uttarakhand

The Election Commission on Tuesday (September 22) announced the schedule for biennial elections to 11 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as a by-election for one seat from West Bengal. According...

India TV 22 Sep 2026 11:22 am

Uttarakhand students visit UP Assembly

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 1:32 am

Uttarakhand Premier League 2026 Gets Underway As Dehradun Warriors, Mussoorie Queens Register Wins

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: The third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) got underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, on Monday, with the womens competition opening the tournament with two matches. The opening day saw Dehradun Warriors and Mussoorie Queens register victories in contrasting fashion, setting the tone for an action-packed edition of the states premier T20 competition. In the opening match, Dehradun Warriors won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pithoragarh Hurricanes. Batting first, Pithoragarh Hurricanes were restricted to 84/7 in 20 overs, with Minakshi Joshi leading the bowling effort for Dehradun Warriors with three wickets. Chasing 85 for victory, Dehradun Warriors made light work of the target, reaching 85/3 in 14.1 overs to begin their UPL 2026 campaign with a win. Minakshi Joshi was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution. The second womens fixture of the day saw Mussoorie Queens take on Bageshwar Aerial. Mussoorie Queens won the toss and opted to bowl first, but Bageshwar Aerial posted a competitive 108/6 in 20 overs. However, rain intervened during the chase, and Mussoorie Queens reached 62/1 in nine overs, securing victory by the DLS method. Roshni Danu was adjudged Player of the Match for her contribution to Mussoorie Queens successful chase. Reflecting on the challenging conditions during the chase, Mussoorie Queens captain Nandini Kashyap said, The pitch was not looking very good after the rain. The ball was staying low and there wasnt much movement. We saw a low score in the first innings and felt that chasing it would not be easy. But our approach was very clear. From the first innings, we noticed that most of their batters were playing across the line. So, my coach and I decided that we would play with a straight bat. We knew the ball would stay low, so we planned to play in the V. Aarti executed the plan really well and converted the opportunities into boundaries. We had a clear plan and we executed it properly. The opening days cricketing action will be followed by a grand opening ceremony in the evening, headlined by Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, alongside performances celebrating Uttarakhands diverse musical traditions. Reflecting on the challenging conditions during the chase, Mussoorie Queens captain Nandini Kashyap said, The pitch was not looking very good after the rain. The ball was staying low and there wasnt much movement. We saw a low score in the first innings and felt that chasing it would not be easy. But our approach was very clear. From the first innings, we noticed that most of their batters were playing across the line. So, my coach and I decided that we would play with a straight bat. We knew the ball would stay low, so we planned to play in the V. Aarti executed the plan really well and converted the opportunities into boundaries. We had a clear plan and we executed it properly. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The womens competition features four teams Mussoorie Queens, Bageshwar Aerial, Pithoragarh Hurricanes and Dehradun Warriors while the mens competition comprises seven teams. The tournament will run until October 1, with the mens UPL 2026 Final scheduled for the final day. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 21 Sep 2026 7:50 pm

India, Mongolia Kick Off 18th Edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant in Pithoragarh

The 18th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant commenced on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, the Ministry of Defence announced. The exercise will run from September 21 to October 3, 2026. Nomadic Elephant is an annual platoon-level exercise held alternately in India and Mongolia, with the two militaries [] The post India, Mongolia Kick Off 18th Edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant in Pithoragarh appeared first on Tfipost.com .

TFIPOST 21 Sep 2026 7:38 pm

CBI arrests absconding Maha CGST official in Rs 40 lakh bribe case

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) The CBI arrested a CGST official from Uttarakhands Rishikesh in connection with a Rs 40 lakh bribe case that involved proceedings against a company based in Maharashtras Raigad, an official said on Monday. Additional Commissioner, CGST, Vinay Kumar Kantheti, IRS 2009 batch, has been absconding since September 16, when the Bombay High Court cancelled his bail, along with that of two co-accused, and directed him to surrender before the CBI, the official said. Instead of complying with the High Courts order, Kantheti absconded and has now been traced in Rishikesh and taken into custody by the CBI, said the statement. His colleague and Superintendent, CGST, Raigad, Rakesh Kumar Sinha, and a private person, Narinder Rajput, who worked as a conduit to the college on behalf of the officials, are already in judicial custody, the CBI said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Anti-Corruption Branch, Mumbai, registered a case on August 26 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, based on a complaint alleging that a Superintendent, CGST, Khandeshwar, Raigad, demanded illegal gratification. It was alleged that an illegal gratification of Rs 1.50 crore, subsequently reduced to Rs 40 lakh, was demanded in connection with proceedings relating to the complainants firm, the CBI said The Central probe agency laid a trap on August 27, during which a private person/Customs House Agent was apprehended while allegedly accepting Rs 40 lakh on behalf of the Superintendent, CGST, Raigad and the Additional Commissioner, CGST, Raigad, it said. The CBI arrested all three accused and produced them before the learned Special CBI Court, Thane. The CBI sought five days of police custody for custodial interrogation. However, vide order dated August 28, the Special Court rejected the request for custody, held the arrests illegal and released the accused on bail, the statement said. The CBI challenged the Special Courts order before the Bombay High Court, which accepted the agencys plea, quashed and set aside the Special Court's order, and remanded three accused to two days CBI custody. After examining the record, the High Court found that the grounds of arrest had been communicated to the accused in writing and that the family members and advocates had been duly informed, the statement said. Pursuant to the High Court order, the accused Superintendent and the accused private person were taken into CBI custody for two days and subsequently sent to 14 days of judicial custody by the Court, the CBI said. However, the accused Additional Commissioner, Vinay Kumar Kantheti, absconded instead of complying with the High Court order. The CBI said it has now arrested him He Rishikesh.

bhaskarlive 21 Sep 2026 7:14 pm

India, U.S. Soldiers Take On Jungle And Mountain Drills In Yudh Abhyas 2026

Indian and U.S. soldiers are taking their joint training into some of the toughest terrain in Uttarakhand, practicing jungle warfare, indoor firing and mountain drills during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at Auli.

indicanews 21 Sep 2026 6:25 pm

Uttarakhand CM Dhami highlights cooperatives

The News Mill

The News Mill 21 Sep 2026 6:12 pm

India and Mongolia set to enhance military interoperability during 'Exercise Nomadic Elephant'

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) The opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the IndiaMongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 was held on Monday at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The Exercise is being conducted from September 21 to October 3. The Exercise aims to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, while facilitating the exchange of best practices, refinement of operational drills and enhancing interoperability between the two Armies, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army stated on X. The Joint Exercise will cover Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills, Special Heliborne Operations, Cyber Security Training and employment of drones and counter-drone systems, it added. In July, the multinational peacekeeping exercise 'Khaan Quest 2026' concluded at the Five Hills Training Area in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, with India reaffirming its commitment to global peace. The multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2026 concluded today at the Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The closing ceremony was attended by Major General Baasandamba Dashtseden, Deputy Minister of Defence and Lieutenant General Ganbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, who commended the professionalism and camaraderie displayed by all participating contingents, ADGPI wrote on X. Bringing together contingents from 18 nations, including India, the exercise enhanced interoperability, joint peacekeeping capabilities and humanitarian assistance under the United Nations Peacekeeping framework. The Indian Army demonstrated high standards of professionalism and operational proficiency during joint training and simulation-based exercises alongside partner nations. Exercise Khaan Quest 2026 reaffirmed India's commitment to global peace, UN peacekeeping and multilateral military cooperation, noted the ADGPI. An Indian contingent of the Jat Regiment, consisting of 40 troops, including two lady officers, participated in the opening ceremony of the 23rd edition of the multilateral exercise Khaan Quest 2026 on June 20. The ceremony was inaugurated by Batlut Damba, Minister of Defence of Mongolia, and Lieutenant General Ganbyamba Sunrev, Chief of Defence Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces.

bhaskarlive 21 Sep 2026 5:38 pm

India-US Armies Conduct Joint Firing-Rappelling Drill in Uttarakhand

Indian and US Army troops are conducting joint training in jungle warfare, indoor firing and rock-face rappelling as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at Auli in Uttarakhand, strengthening interoperability and familiarity between the two forces

Deccan Chronicle 21 Sep 2026 3:19 pm

Hanuman Ansh Box Office Collection Day 45: Neem Karoli Baba Film Is Just Rs 3 Crore Away From Hitting Rs 350 Crore Mark

Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, Hanuman Ansh is a retelling of the life of Uttarakhand's revered saint, Baba Neem Karoli

NDTV 21 Sep 2026 8:39 am

BJP To Deploy Vistaraks Across Uttarakhand

Party targets grassroots gaps and nearly 3,000 booths ahead of Assembly elections

Deccan Chronicle 20 Sep 2026 10:56 pm

Yudh Abhyas 2026: How India & US Are Preparing for the Future of War | GPS Jamming, AI & Drones

India and the United States are conducting the 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas across Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, with around 600 personnel from each army participating.This year's exercise goes beyond conventional field training, with Indian and American troops focusing on some of the biggest challenges of modern warfare, including GPS-denied and heavily jammed environments, artificial intelligence for intelligence analysis, counter-drone operations and cyber capabilities in multi-domain operations.The exercise also includes training and exchanges on high-altitude and cold-weather operations, aviation, mortars, snipers, medical support and information warfare.So, what exactly happens during Yudh Abhyas, and why does interoperability matter when two militaries use different equipment, procedures and command structures?Here's a closer look at Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 and the evolving India-US military partnership.#YudhAbhyas #IndianArmy #USArmy #IndiaUS #MilitaryExercise #ModernWarfare #DroneWarfare #AI #CyberWarfare #DefenceHq #TOI

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 8:25 pm

Third Edition Of Uttarakhand Premier League To Begin On Monday With Women's Clashes

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: The third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) will get underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Monday, with the women's competition set to begin the 11-day tournament before the men's event starts on September 22. Action kicks off on Monday with a double-header in the women's category, where Pithoragarh Hurricanes take on Dehradun Warriors in the morning fixture, followed by Bageshwar Aerial facing Mussoorie Queens in the afternoon clash. The opening day's matches will precede a grand opening ceremony in the evening, headlined by Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor alongside prominent regional musical artistes from Garhwal, Kumaon, Jaunpur, and Jaunsar. Highlighting the growth of the league, Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) secretary Kiran Verma said, UPL has grown into an important platform for cricket in Uttarakhand, and the third edition is another step forward in that journey. We are particularly happy that the opening celebrations will bring cricket together with the states talented artistes, making it a celebration that reflects the spirit of Uttarakhand. Former BCCI vice-president Mahim Verma shed light on the league's role in providing exposure to local talent. The UPL has created an opportunity for Uttarakhands cricketers to compete in a structured T20 environment and gain valuable exposure. At the same time, the opening ceremony gives us an opportunity to celebrate the states rich cultural heritage. We hope this edition creates many memorable moments for players and fans alike, he said. Echoing similar sentiments, UPL Chairperson Sunil Joshi expressed confidence in a competitive season coming ahead for both mens and womens players. The third edition represents another significant chapter for the Uttarakhand Premier League. The mix of experienced players and young talent should make for competitive cricket, while the womens and mens competitions will provide opportunities for players to make their mark. We are excited to begin the tournament and look forward to a strong response from cricket fans across the state. Echoing similar sentiments, UPL Chairperson Sunil Joshi expressed confidence in a competitive season coming ahead for both mens and womens players. The third edition represents another significant chapter for the Uttarakhand Premier League. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Meanwhile, the seven-team men's competition, comprising Haridwar Elmas, Nainital Tigers, Pithoragarh Hurricanes, USN Indians, Rishikesh River Kings, Tehri Titans, and Dehradun Warriors, will commence on September 22 with Haridwar taking on Nainital. The men's Eliminator will be played on September 30, with the final to be held on October 1. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Sep 2026 5:38 pm

Pushkar Singh Dhami Attends Shri Badrinath Katha Mahotsav

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Shri Badrinath Katha Mahotsav in Badrinath and described the shrine as a centre of Indias Sanatan consciousness. He also paid tribute to Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami on his 125th birth anniversary.

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 5:25 pm

Pushkar Singh Dhami Offers Prayers At Badrinath Dham

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at the Shri Badrinath Dham temple and sought the blessings of Shri Badri Vishal for the prosperity and well-being of the state and its people.

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 5:25 pm

Uttarakhand CM Dhami prays at Badrinath, highlights Char Dham Yatra

The News Mill

The News Mill 20 Sep 2026 2:02 pm

Vikrant Massey To Open Real-Life Musafir Cafes In Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Actor Vikrant Massey is reportedly planning to open two Musafir Cafes one each in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. They are being designed as replicas of the cafe featured in the Netflix series.

NDTV 20 Sep 2026 11:50 am

Uttarakhand Govt to Provide Tablet Purchase Funds to Class 10, 12 Students Through DBT

The Uttarakhand government has announced financial assistance for students studying in Classes 10 and 12 in government schools to help them purchase tablets through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami

CareerIndia 20 Sep 2026 9:50 am

10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup begins in Leh

Leh, Ladakh: The 10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2026 is being held at the NDS Indoor Stadium in Leh, bringing together Pencak Silat athletes, coaches, officials, team managers and sports administrators from across the country. More than 850 athletes and participants are taking part in the national championship, which has emerged as a major sporting gathering in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Teams from various States, Union Territories and Paramilitary Forces are participating in the championship. The event also features more than 100 technical and federation officials and State/UT representatives, along with over 70 coaches and team managers. The opening ceremony will be attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena as the chief guest. Administrative Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh Bhanu Prabha; Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh Shashanka Ala; Joint Director, Youth Services & Sports, Ladakh Tsering Paldan; Additional Deputy Commissioner to the Lieutenant Governor Shekh Aadil; President, Indian Pencak Silat Federation; President, Ladakh Pencak Silat Association; and District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Leh, will also be present. The championship has brought together sporting delegations from Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, CISF, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, ITBP, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, SSB, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The participation of State and UT teams along with Paramilitary Forces has added diversity to the championship, bringing athletes from different sporting backgrounds onto one national platform. Besides athletes, the championship includes technical officials, federation representatives, coaches, team managers, referees, judges, delegation representatives and members of the organising and support teams. The event has brought together more than 1,000 athletes, officials, coaches, managers, representatives and other sporting stakeholders. Hosting a national-level Pencak Silat championship in Leh at the high altitude of the Himalayas gives the event a distinctive setting. The championship provides athletes from across India an opportunity to compete at the national level while also experiencing the culture and hospitality of Ladakh. The event also highlights Ladakh's potential to host major sporting competitions and provides a platform for promoting sports and sporting activities in the region. The 10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2026 brings together athletes and sporting delegations from different regions of the country on a common platform. With more than 850 participants, 100 technical officials and representatives, and over 70 coaches and team managers, the championship provides a significant platform for Pencak Silat athletes to compete and showcase their skills.

RisingKashmir 20 Sep 2026 7:58 am

Uttarakhand Glaciers Melting Rapidly: Study Flags Threats Days After Nepal Disaster

Uttarakhand's terrain is almost identical to Nepal's, and it has glaciers whose rate of melting has risen sharply in recent years, note researchers.

NDTV 19 Sep 2026 5:02 pm

Uttarakhand CM Dhami transfers Rs 18.49 crore to 10,709 beneficiaries

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The News Mill 19 Sep 2026 2:37 pm

Ministry of Rural Development to begin DDUGKY 2.0 training batches in Oct

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Ministry of Rural Development will roll out Deen Dayal UpadhyayaGrameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY) 2.0 training batches across most states and union territories (UTs) from October 2026, an official statement said on Saturday. As many as 1,164 batches enrolling 34,920 rural youth will start training in October, against a sanctioned target of 3,57,112 rural youth to be trained by December 31, 2027, in these 14 jurisdictions. The statement from the Ministry of Rural Development said preparedness for the commencement of training batches was reviewed with 14 States and UTs in the first phase. Preparedness was evaluated at Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana and Bihar. As per the DDU-GKY 2.0 portal, allocation of 5.6 lakh targets towards more than 1,200 projects has been done by 24 states or UTs. Other states are in the advanced stages of target allocation. Review meetings in phases will expedite the processes of batch commencement. The Ministry emphasised that that scheme is in a crucial phase and called upon implementing States/UTs to accelerate the allocation of targets to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and to commence batches as per envisaged timelines. DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for poor rural youth providing placement-linked skill training. The duration of the training varies from 3 months to 12 months. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of states/UTs for implementation of DDU-GKY 2.0. The targets have been allocated to all the 31 participating states or UTs for a 2-year period 2026-28. States or UTs are supposed to ensure allocation of targets to PIAs for commencement of training latest by October 31, 2026. Over 5 lakh targets have already been allocated to PIAs for mobilisation of eligible rural youths, the statement noted.

bhaskarlive 19 Sep 2026 11:51 am

Discovering the Mystical Jankar Sam Temple in Uttarakhand

Explore the Jankar Sam Temple in Almora, Uttarakhand, a revered site dedicated to the deity Sam, known for fulfilling devotees wishes. Discovering the Mystical Jankar Sam Temple in Uttarakhand

Daily Kiran 19 Sep 2026 10:58 am

EPFO holds awareness programme for private schools in Srinagar

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Srinagar, held an outreach and awareness programme at CASET Experimental School, Karan Nagar, to sensitise employers and employees about social security schemes and recent policy initiatives. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Ajay K. Mehra, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The EPFO team was led by Sunil Kumar Toura, RPFC-II and Officer-in-Charge, Regional Office Srinagar. Prof. (Dr.) C.L. Vishen, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Unaided Private Schools Association (JKUPSA), which represents around 800 schools, welcomed the EPFO team. During the programme, participants were briefed about the Governments decision to enhance the EPFO wage ceiling from 15,000 to 25,000 per month. According to EPFO, the move is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory coverage across the country, expanding access to provident fund, pension and insurance benefits. The EPFO officials also explained the Vishwas and EEC schemes, aimed at facilitating compliance, resolving eligible past compliance-related matters and expanding social security coverage. Participants were briefed about the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), which has an outlay of 99,446 crore and seeks to incentivise the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years. The PRAYAS scheme and pension-related benefits were also discussed. Officials stressed the importance of e-Nomination and updating KYC and nominee details to ensure smooth access to benefits. The session also covered EPFOs digital initiatives, including auto-claim settlement and UPI-based PF claim settlement. An interactive session followed, during which school representatives raised queries regarding compliance, schemes and social security benefits. The EPFO team addressed their concerns and provided clarifications.

Greater Kashmir 19 Sep 2026 7:26 am

UPL 2026: Haridwar Elmas, Nainital Tigers set for mens opener; womens competition to kick off on September 21

Digital Desk | Dehradun, Sep 18 (IANS) The third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 is set to get underway with an exciting mens opening clash, as Haridwar Elmas lock horns with Nainital Tigers on September 22 at 7:30 PM at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Dehradun. The League will bring together the leading mens and womens teams from across Uttarakhand, with the tournament scheduled to run until October 1. The womens competition will get the UPL 2026 action underway on September 21, with Pithoragarh Hurricanes taking on Dehradun Warriors at 11:00 AM, followed by Bageshwar Aerial facing Mussoorie Queens at 3:00 PM. The mens competition will begin on September 22, with Haridwar Elmas locking horns with Nainital Tigers at 7:30 PM in the opening mens fixture of the third season. The second mens fixture will see Pithoragarh Hurricanes take on Tehri Titans on September 23, as the seven-team mens competition gets underway. The subsequent days will feature double-header action, providing fans with an extended run of T20 cricket as the teams compete for a place in the knockout stages. The mens competition will feature Pithoragarh Hurricanes, USN Indians, Nainital Tigers, Rishikesh River Kings, Haridwar Elmas, Tehri Titans and Dehradun Warriors. The teams have assembled squads comprising established players, icon players, Under-23 and Under-19 cricketers and uncapped talent following the Players Draft held on September 16. Sunil Joshi, chairperson, Uttarakhand Premier League said, The announcement of the UPL 2026 schedule marks an exciting stage as we get ready for the third edition of the league. With the womens competition opening the tournament on September 21 and the mens action beginning the following day, we are looking forward to a competitive season featuring players from across Uttarakhand. We hope the league provides an engaging platform for both established and emerging cricketers and gives fans an exciting month of T20 cricket. The opening mens fixture promises an intriguing contest, with Haridwar Elmas facing Nainital Tigers on September 22. On September 23, Pithoragarh Hurricanes will face Tehri Titans, with Mayank Mishra representing Pithoragarh Hurricanes as their icon player and Tejasvi Jaiswal headlining the Tehri Titans squad. The league phase will continue with mens double-header fixtures on the subsequent days, with the teams competing for progression into the knockout stage. The Eliminator is scheduled to be played on September 30, before the tournament reaches its climax with the UPL 2026 Final on October 1. The womens competition will feature Mussoorie Queens, Bageshwar Aerial, Pithoragarh Hurricanes and Dehradun Warriors. The four teams will be led by icon players Nandini Kashyap, Prema Rawat, Raghavi Bisht and Sweta Verma, respectively. The September 21 double-header will mark the beginning of the womens competition, with Pithoragarh Hurricanes and Dehradun Warriors meeting in the opening game before Bageshwar Aerial take on Mussoorie Queens in the afternoon fixture. The UPL 2026 will be played from September 21 to October 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Dehradun. The womens competition will culminate with the Final on September 24, bringing the womens leg of UPL 2026 to a close.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 11:58 pm

Nithari killings accused Surendra Koli found dead in Haridwar

Surendra Koli, who was acquitted in all 13 cases linked to the Nithari killings, was found dead at his tea stall in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on September 18. Koli had been living in Haridwar and running the tea stall on rent. Following his death, the family of one of the minor victims in the Nithari case raised suspicions of foul play and a possible cover-up.

The Hindu 18 Sep 2026 9:15 pm

Nithari killings accused Surendra Koli found dead in Haridwar

Surendra Koli, who was acquitted in all 13 cases linked to the Nithari killings, was found dead at his tea stall in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on September 18. Koli had been living in Haridwar and running the tea stall on rent. Following his death, the family of one of the minor victims in the Nithari case raised suspicions of foul play and a possible cover-up.

The Hindu 18 Sep 2026 9:15 pm

Didn't know he was related to Nithari killings case, says man who helped Surendra Koli get job

Digital Desk | Haridwar, Sep 18 (IANS) Dharmender, a local, who helped Surendra Koli land a job at a tea stall in Uttarakhand's Haridwar, said on Friday that he was not aware that the latter had been an accused in the sensational Nithari killings case. This comes hours after Surendra Koli committed suicide by hanging himself. His body was found at the tea stall. Speaking to IANS, Dharmender said: I met him 15 days back when he begged me for a job. He had told me that he knows cooking, so I arranged for him to work at the tea stall at my guarantee...Only today I got to know that he is Surendra Koli and was related to the Nithari case. About whether Koli was asked for any identification proof, he said: Just yesterday, I had asked him for his Aadhar card for verification, to which he said that he did not have it here but would get it. So, I had given my Aadhar card to the owner (of the tea stall) and asked him to keep him here on my guarantee. Today morning I saw customers were sitting outside the shop but the shutter was closed. As soon as I attempted to knock, I realised that the shutter was already open. Upon opening it, I saw that he (Surendra Koli) had hanged himself. Dharmender said that Koli was under depression. He (Surendra Koli) was also suffering from low sugar, he added. Meanwhile, Shishupal Singh Negi, Circle Officer (Haridwar City), said that Koli's family has been informed about the incident and investigation is underway. Talking to IANS, Negi said: Surendra Koli has been frequently in the news as he was an accused in the Nithari case, which is why people recognised him. His family members have been informed and should be arriving soon. An investigation is underway, and any further updates will be shared as facts emerge. Whether he (Surendra Koli) was facing trouble at home will only be known once his family arrives. For now, it remains a matter of investigation, he added. In November last year, Koli, who was given the sobriquet Butcher of Nithari, was set free by the Supreme Court, which allowed his curative petition, giving a formal closure to a saga of botched-up probe and media trial built on theories of cannibalism. The 2006 Nithari killings captured public attention after the disappearance of minors from the village was linked to the discovery of human remains in a drain outside Moninder Singh Pandher's home in Noida's Sector-31, which became infamous as House of Horrors.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 5:53 pm

'Can become Prime Minister of Pakistan or Italy': Shehzad Poonawalla's swipe at Rahul Gandhi

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Political analyst and former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday took a swipe at the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that he can become the Prime Minister of Pakistan or of any of those countries where he goes on vacations. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Poonawalla said: Rahul Gandhi can become the Prime Minister but perhaps of Pakistan. If he prefers, of Italy, or whichever country he frequently visits, like Bangkokif he wishes to take citizenship there, he could become Prime Minister of that country, since he spends most of his time abroad anyway. In India, he only visits briefly between his vacations. He (Rahul Gandhi) could certainly become Prime Minister of those countries, but here, in 2029, Narendra Modi will be re-elected India's Prime Minister with an even bigger margin. In 2034, if he decides to contest, he will become Prime Minister then as well. In 2027, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will return with an even greater margin than the BJP received in 2017 Assembly polls, he asserted. He expressed optimism that under BJP President Nitin Nabin's leadership, the party will form governments in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, even in Punjab and emerge victorious in the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. The former BJP leader added: PM Modi will become the country's Prime Minister for the fourth time. Those who are unable to digest this fact can keep crying. Shehzad Poonawalla also shed light on his decision to resign from the BJP, saying that he had been considering a transition to the private sector after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Poonawalla added that he had always intended to return to the private sector after the 2024 elections, but decided to continue working with the BJP for some more time due to the political situation following the polls. After the 2024 elections, it was in my mind to transition to the private sector. The reason behind this was that when I joined politics in 2021 and became the national spokesperson of the BJP, I had previously been in the media. Before that, I drew a regular salary, he said.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 5:25 pm

Police Officer Rescues Kitten Trapped Under Car

A heartwarming moment from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, shows a police officer halting a car to rescue a kitten trapped underneath it. The rescue video has since gone viral on social media, drawing praise for the officers quick intervention.

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 3:25 pm

After Musafir Cafe fame, Vikrant Massey to open 2 replica cafes in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

Actor Vikrant Massey is set to launch two innovative cafes in the picturesque regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Drawing inspiration from his acclaimed web series Musafir Cafe, these cafes are already under construction. Each location promises a unique experience with twenty dedicated artist residency rooms, fostering creativity and collaboration in stunning natural surroundings.

The Economic Times 18 Sep 2026 3:15 pm

Surendra Koli, Acquitted in Nithari Killings Case, Dies by Suicide in Haridwar

Surendra Koli, who was acquitted by the Supreme Court in connection with the notorious 20052006 Nithari serial killings, died by suicide by hanging on Friday, according to local police. Following his complete acquittal in November 2025, Koli had relocated to Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where he had been running a tea stall over the past few days. [] The post Surendra Koli, Acquitted in Nithari Killings Case, Dies by Suicide in Haridwar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Pragativadi 18 Sep 2026 1:56 pm

Surendra Koli Dies By Suicide In Haridwar, Months After Supreme Court Acquittal In Nithari Case

Surendra Koli, who was accused in the 2006 Nithari killings case, has died by suicide in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The incident took place on Friday, September 18, in the Bhupatwala area of North Haridwar, less than a year after the Supreme Court

Oneindia 18 Sep 2026 1:39 pm

Nithari case accused Surendra Koli commits suicide in Haridwar

Digital Desk | Haridwar, Sep 18 (IANS) Surendra Koli, the accused in the sensational Nithari killings case, has committed suicide by hanging himself in Uttarakhand's Haridwar, police said on Friday. His body was found at a tea stall. The incident reportedly took place opposite the Lalmata Temple on Sapt Sarovar Road in the Bhupatwala area of north Haridwar. According to reports, Koli had been running a tea stall in the area for the past few days. His body was found hanging from a rope inside the stall. Upon receiving the information, a team from the Saptarishi police outpost arrived at the scene, took possession of the body, and initiated an investigation. Police stated that the deceased has been identified as Koli, a resident of Mangrukhal village in the Bhikiasain area of the state's Almora district. The police have informed his family members, and all aspects of the incident are being investigated. In November last year, Koli, who was given the sobriquet Butcher of Nithari, was set free by the Supreme Court, which allowed his curative petition, giving a formal closure to a saga of botched-up probe and media trial built on theories of cannibalism. The 2006 Nithari killings captured public attention after the disappearance of minors from the village was linked to the discovery of human remains in a drain outside businessman Mohinder Singh Pandhers home in Noida Sector-31, which became infamous as House of Horrors. The investigation into the case that involved allegations of abduction of children and young women, and horrifying claims of rape, cannibalism, and organ theft, had culminated in 19 cases, some of which even resulted in Kolis conviction and sentencing to death. Koli, a domestic worker, and his employer, Pandher, were initially convicted in the case. A total of 19 cases were lodged against the two in 2007. The CBI filed closure reports in three cases because of insufficient evidence. Koli was found not guilty in three of the 16 remaining cases, and his death sentence in one case was changed to life imprisonment.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 1:38 pm

Delhi man murdered by ex-colleague and her partner in Gurugram, body dumped in drain

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) A 31-year-old Delhi man, who had left a restaurant after informing his family about an urgent meeting in Gurugram, was allegedly murdered by his former colleague and her partner over a suspected financial dispute, and his body dumped in a drain there, police said. The deceased, Yuvraj Singh Manchanda, was reportedly due to get married in October. On September 6, Manchanda had gone shopping with his sisters at Lajpat Nagar market for his wedding. The family later stopped for food at the Golden Dragon restaurant at around 4.15 p.m. After some time there, he told his sisters that he needed to meet his former colleague in Gurugram and left the restaurant. His sisters subsequently returned home by cab. According to Manchanda's family, he spoke to them on the phone at around 7 p.m. and assured them that he would be home by 10 p.m. However, he did not return as expected. Repeated attempts by his family to contact him were unsuccessful. On September 8, at 4.16 p.m., the family received what they said was Manchanda's final WhatsApp message. His mobile phone was switched off shortly afterwards. After being unable to establish contact with him, the family approached the Lajpat Nagar police station and filed a missing-person report on September 11. The family has alleged that Gurugram police had recovered Manchanda's body on September 10 but did not inform them. They further claimed that details of the unidentified body were not uploaded on the Zonal Integrated Police Network (ZIPNET), a government platform used to circulate information about unidentified bodies, within the required timeframe. According to the family, the body was cremated by authorities on September 14, two days before they were informed about his death. Under the applicable procedure, authorities can proceed with cremation of an unidentified body after the prescribed waiting period if attempts to establish the identity, including circulation through designated missing-person networks, remain unsuccessful. Manchanda's family has sought preservation and access to his post-mortem report, investigation documents, photographs, DNA samples and personal belongings. The family said Manchanda was the sole earning member of the household. His father is paralysed, while his mother has a heart condition. During the investigation, police found that Manchanda's last known phone conversation was with Vats, his former colleague whom he had gone to meet in Gurugram. Her phone was subsequently found switched off. Investigators then examined CCTV footage, technical evidence and information from the workplaces associated with Manchanda and the suspect. Vats subsequently emerged as a key suspect. Police later traced a new mobile number allegedly being used by her and arrested her in Uttarakhand. Her partner was also arrested in connection with the case. During interrogation, the two accused allegedly told police that they had killed Manchanda and disposed of his body in a drain near their residence in Gurugram. Police suspect that a financial dispute may have been behind the alleged murder. However, Manchandas family has claimed that Vats has not disclosed the actual reason for the killing. The accused are being questioned to establish the motive, reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged murder. Both accused have been sent to five days of police custody as the investigation continues.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 1:02 pm

Nearly 40% Of Uttarakhand Madrasas In Old Records Closed After New Norms, Only 30 Get Recognition

Nearly four in 10 madrasas listed under Uttarakhands previous regulatory framework have shut down, according to official data, as the state overhauls its system for recognising minority educational institutions. Of 452 previously registered madrasas, 179 are no longer operating, while 19 have been sealed for alleged rule violations. Only 30 have secured recognition from the Education Department, with 134 applications pending and 54 institutions yet to apply. Meanwhile, the newly established Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has recognised 35 minority institutions, including 33 madrasas. The figures come amid a regulatory transition following the replacement of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board.

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:25 am

Uttarakhand CM Dhami dispatches relief for Nepal flood victims

The News Mill

The News Mill 18 Sep 2026 11:07 am

Uttarakhand cancels four MBBS admissions over fake quota certificates

The News Mill

The News Mill 18 Sep 2026 9:02 am

Uttarakhand News: 2,100 Lamps Illuminate Yamuna Riverbank as CM Dhami Unveils Goddess Yamuna Statue in Kalsi

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami unveils Goddess Yamuna statue, Hari Ghat, and lays the Yamuna-Krishna Temple foundation in Kalsi, boosting Jaunsar-Bawar

Oneindia 18 Sep 2026 12:32 am

CM Dhami Celebrates PM Modis Birthday at Blessing Lamp Event in Dehradun

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami honors PM Modi at the Blessing Lamp event, marking his birthday and contributions to modern India. CM Dhami Celebrates PM Modis Birthday at Blessing Lamp Event in Dehradun

Daily Kiran 17 Sep 2026 10:09 pm

We protected states interests in Kishau project, says Himachal CM

Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 17 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday said that the Congress government had firmly worked to protect the interests of the state in the Kishau multipurpose dam agreement, resulting in benefits of around Rs 1,500 crore without any investment. Addressing a public meeting at Rail in Nadaun in Hamirpur district, the Chief Minister said BJP leaders Anurag Singh Thakur and Jai Ram Thakur should seek clarity from Uttarakhand regarding its concerns over the project. He said he had the opportunity to understand the concerns of the Uttarakhand Chief Minister. He said the state government had ensured that the states interests remained protected; otherwise, the people of Himachal Pradesh could also have faced an economic burden similar to that being faced by Uttarakhand. He said under the Kishau project the state would receive benefits of around Rs 1,500 crore without any additional investment, while Uttarakhand would have to invest around Rs 3,000 crore to generate a similar amount. Sukhu said the cost of the project, which was estimated at around Rs 800 crore five years ago, had now increased to between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore. He added that a larger area of land in Uttarakhand was also being affected by the project. CM Sukhu said after the Congress government came to power in the state, three important meetings were held regarding the Kishau project, and the government ensured that the interests of Himachal Pradesh remained protected. He said the trust and confidence of the people of the state remained with him, and it was with their strength that he strongly presented the states case. Uttarakhand also wanted an agreement similar to that of Himachal Pradesh, but this could not happen there. He said the government was firmly pursuing the rights of Himachal Pradesh and expressed hope that the BBMB arrears would also be received by the state soon. The Chief Minister said the previous BJP government had caused damage to the states resources, while the present Congress government had fought against corruption. He said the Wildflower Hall case, which had been pending in court for the past 23 years, was won by the state government in the Supreme Court. He said this had brought Rs 401 crore into the state exchequer and was generating additional income of around Rs 2 crore per month. As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will continue to fight for the people. We will not bow down to any temptation. The Chief Minister said the state government had strongly pursued cases related to the interests of Himachal Pradesh in courts. CM Sukhu said the matter regarding an additional six per cent royalty from JSW had been pending since the previous BJP government. After the Congress government came to power, the High Court decision in the matter was challenged in the Supreme Court and the state government won the case. He said this had resulted in additional annual revenue of around Rs 150 crore for the state.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 9:27 pm

PM Modi receiving blessings for his transformation efforts, says BJP chief Nitin Nabin

Digital Desk | Ujjain, Sep 17 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Thursday hailed the ransformation work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that he is receiving the lessings for his own hard work. The BJP chief was in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain to take part in the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, including the 'aarti' ritual of the holy Shipra River, on the Prime Minister's 76th birthday. Speaking to IANS, Nitin Nabin said: I believe that the transformation the Prime Minister has brought into the lives of crores of people today impacts all of us...alongside the form in which PM Modi built housing for the poor, created toilets for sisters, and introduced schemes like Lakhpati Didi. The transformation that has come into the lives of crores of people through such schemes is today returning to the Prime Minister in the form of blessings, he asserted. The 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', is being organised in various states across the country, where NDA leaders and Ministers are lighting lamps at significant venues and taking part in 'aarti' rituals at the banks of holy rivers to pray for good health and long life of the Prime Minister. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' has been launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Modi, while asserting that India has crafted an identity of its own under the latter's leadership. Addressing a gathering, CM Adityanath said: Scores of earthen lamps are being lit across the country to pray for the good health and long life of PM Modi. He further said that the 'Ashirwad ka Diya' is being lit to signify the exemplary work undertaken under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Similarly, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami referred to Prime Minister Modi as architect of modern India during the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event held in Dehradun. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, took part in the event in Ahmedabad.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 9:10 pm

'India crafted identity of its own under PM Modi's leadership': CM Adityanath lights 'Aashirwad ka Diya'

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 17 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while asserting that India has crafted an identity of its own under the latter's leadership. The Chief Minister made the remark after lighting earthen lamps in Lucknow during the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' ceremony, as part of the nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. Addressing a gathering, CM Adityanath said: Scores of earthen lamps are being lit across the country to pray for the good health and long life of PM Modi. He further said that the 'Ashirwad ka Diya' is being lit to signify the exemplary work undertaken under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. I thank everyone for being a part of this 'Rashtra Yagya', CM Adityanath added. Considering that Lord Vishwakarma is the artisan of the universe, the CM said: PM Modi is the craftsman of new India, who is today one of the most revered global leaders. Under his leadership, India has crafted an identity of its own. Today, we are witnessing a new India where every person, irrespective of any field, is proud of the nation. The credit for India emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies of the world goes to our successful Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, he asserted. Further, CM Adityanath extended birthday greetings to PM Modi on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh. The 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', is being organised in various states across the country, where NDA leaders and Ministers are lighting lamps at significant venues and taking part in 'aarti' rituals at the banks of holy rivers to pray for good health and long life of the Prime Minister. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' has been launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service. Earlier in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called Prime Minister Modi the architect of modern India during the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event held there. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, took part in the event in Ahmedabad.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 9:08 pm

100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan to begin with nationwide Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh tomorrow

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) The Department of Youth Affairs will launch on Friday a 100-week nationwide Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign to mobilise support for a collective commitment for a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat through awareness and community-led activities, an official said. The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), will commence the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan with the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh, said the official in a statement. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 2 through a virtual address to spiritual organisations, industry associations, NGOs and university associations. The campaign is structured around four pillars Prevent, Protect, Recover and Lead. Since its launch, the initiative has recorded participation from over 30,200 locations, more than 2.5 crore viewership and over 1 crore pledges. As part of the opening phase, the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh will be organised by NSS from September 18 across 300 identified locations. The participating network comprises educational institutions located across States and Union Territories and includes colleges, universities and other institutions identified through NSS Regional Directorates, the statement said. The identified institutions include, among others, institutions in Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Maharashtra and Kerala. The first Sunday of the 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be observed on September 20, with activities being organised across 485 MY Bharat units, including MY Bharat District Offices and Youth Hostels. The Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh will centre on a collective Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign, complemented by thematic street plays, slogan writing and youth-led discussions. These activities will provide young people with platforms to participate in awareness-building and reaffirm their collective commitment towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat. The opening of the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be followed by a structured 12-week activity calendar from September to December 2026, with three thematic phases My Health, My Pride, Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth and Life Skills Month, said the statement. The programme will feature health check-up and BMI camps, meditation and wellness sessions, health walks and runs, Yuva Melas, yoga sessions, traditional sports, mini marathons, cyclothons, sports leagues, decision-making workshops, discussions on peer pressure, problem-solving activities and youth-led role plays and street plays, said the statement. Under the NSS component, activities will subsequently be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays, with 200 locations planned for each of the following 11 weeks, taking the projected NSS coverage to 2,500 events during the 12-week period, it said. MY Bharat will undertake weekly activities across its designated units, with the implementation plan providing for 3,235 MY Bharat unit-level activities during the period, it said.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 8:53 pm

'Architect of modern India': CM Dhami hails PM Modi at 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event

Digital Desk | Dehradun, Sep 17 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the architect of modern India during the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, held to celebrate the latter's birthday. The 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', is being organised in various states across the country, where NDA leaders and Ministers are lighting lamps at at significant venues and taking part in 'aarti' rituals at the banks of holy rivers to pray for good health and long life of the Prime Minister. Addressing a gathering in Dehradun, CM Dhami said: Today is a truly auspicious day because, alongside unveiling the statue of Maa Yamuna, we are also inaugurating the first phase of the construction of ghats. Furthermore, today marks 'Vishwakarma Puja'worship of the deity who sustained the world through his craftsmanship, industry, and artistry. It is also a momentous occasion because today is the birthday of the architect and visionary of modern India, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has elevated India's global stature to a point where today the world awaits India's stance before making any major decision. On his birthday, I extend heartfelt best wishes and congratulations to him on behalf of all of you, the Chief Minister added. CM Dhami also said that PM Modi holds a deep affection for Uttarakhand. Along with the Uttarakhand CM, President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Mahamandaleshwar Avdhoot Baba Arun Giri Ji Maharaj were also present at the occasion. They are here to bestow their blessings upon us all and to offer their best wishes and blessings to the Prime Minister, CM Dhami said. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' has been launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service. Earlier on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the campaign in Varanasi. Highlighting that Gujarat's Vadnagar is the birthplace of PM Modi, CM Adityanath said that 10 'yatras' will start from Varanasi, where the participants will carry the holy water of the sacred rivers of Kashi and reach the city's Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple through different routes. Similarly, the holy water from rivers in Gujarat will be carried by the participants of the 'yatra' and offered at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple here, he added.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 8:25 pm

How Uttarakhand construction workers can avail Rs 50,000 house loan

Uttarakhand offers registered construction workers a housing loan at a minimal interest rate. Eligible workers can receive up to Rs 50,000 for house purchase or construction. Applicants need five years of fund membership and fifteen years until retirement. The application process is online, followed by departmental verification and investigation. Approved advances are disbursed and recovered in equal installments by the Board.

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 8:15 pm

'84 rules changed': Congress accuses Uttarakhand CM of handing power project meant for PSUs to Adani

The Opposition party asked why did the BJP government kill its own UJVN-THDC project only to create a 1,320 MW opportunity that perfectly fits Adani's Korba plant, and why 84 tender conditions were rewritten

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 5:19 pm

India, US Begin Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 In Uttarakhand

The 22nd edition of India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 has begun. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from India and the US are participating in the joint drill. Troops will train in integrated battle group operations across mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. The exercise focuses on infantry operations, interoperability and strengthening joint operational capabilities. Drones, autonomous systems and modern weapon technologies will also feature in the exercise

NDTV 17 Sep 2026 2:13 pm