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Amarnath Yatra 2025: The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra departed from Jammu on Wednesday morning under tight security following the Pahalgam terror attack. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Amarnathji Shrine Board, flagged off the pilgrims towards the twin base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal. The 38-day yatra is set to formally begin on Thursday. In light of serious security concerns after the April 22 terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the yatra route has been declared a no-fly zone from both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes.
Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 8 (ANI): The Indian Army with support from an NGO, M3M Foundation, organised the Gujjar-Bakerwal Mela at Aishmuqam in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, aimed at supporting the nomadic community ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. Speaking to ANI, Dr Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee of M3M Foundation, said, "Discussions with the Indian Army were going on from a long time, on furthering their community initiatives in the valley. One of them was, that as soon as the Amarnath Yatra begins, facilities are needed here for the Gujjar Bakarwals who accom ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Jammu, Jun 28 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements and administrative preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and impressed upon the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the pilgrims' safety and security. He also directed officers to enhance surveillance and threat detection capabilities by utilizing advanced technologies and real-time monitoring. To take stock of the security arrangements and administrative preparedness for the upcom ...Read More >
Uttarkashi (U'Khand) | Nine construction labourers went missing early Sunday after a landslide triggered by a cloudburst hit their shelters along the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district, officials said. The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel. District Magistrate Prashant Arya said the landslide occurred at Silai bend about 4 km ahead of Paligad, Uttarkashi The labourers were engaged in the construction of a hotel, he said, adding a new landslide zone has developed close to the hotel. "There were 19 labourers at the camp ...Read More >
Uttarakhand (Dehradun) [India], May 19 (ANI): The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in the hilly districts of Uttarakhand, effective today and tomorrow. In light of this warning, the Uttarakhand Police have issued a safety advisory for pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims are advised to exercise caution while travelling, consider the weather conditions, and call 112 in case of any emergency." Authorities are working to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions," said the police authorities. In light of the forecast, the Uttarakh ...Read More >
Jammu, June 26: One terrorist was killed on Thursday in an ongoing gunfight between the security forces and the terrorists in J&K's Udhampur district's Basantgarh area. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti said that four terrorists are believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter. Speaking with reporters, the IGP said the contact with the terrorists was established around 8.30 a.m., but the weather is unfavourable. "The situation will become clear once the weather improves. As per our assessment, a group of four terrorists is holed up," he said. Earlier, the Army sa ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that security measures have been strengthened to ensure the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra this year. SInha acknowledged dip in the registration of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims post the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April this year. Addressing media persons at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar, Sinha said that registration dropped by around 10 percent, but maintained that ìthe numbers are now rising again.î ìPublic confidence is returning, and I am hopeful it will continue to grow. Befor ...Read More >
Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, a terrorist of Jaish -e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit was gunned down during an encounter between security forces and four terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday morning, army's Nagrota-based White Knight Corps stated on X. Earlier, a senior police officer said that acting on an intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by the police and the army in Basantgarh during which they came under intense fire, triggering a gunfight. Additional reinforcements were rushed to the area. Jammu zone IGP Bhim Sen Tuti said the encounter took place aroun ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The government on Saturday extended the term of the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Ravi Agrawal by one year, an official notification said.The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the re-appointment of Agrawal, an IRS officer of the 1988 batch, as CBDT chairman for one year from July 1 this year to June 30, 2026, on contract basis.Agrawal took over as the CBDT chairman from Nitin Gupta in June 2024 after Gupta's extended tenure ended. Agrawal has been a member of CBDT. He was member administration and had served as DG investigation in Delhi. The gover ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 29 (ANI): The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours following a heavy rain alert, officials said on Sunday. While speaking to ANI, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that the pilgrimage had been halted temporarily as a precautionary measure. 'I have given instructions to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar,' Pandey told. The suspension followed a cloudburst that hit Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi d ...Read More >
Over 331,000 devotees have already registered for the Amarnath Yatra, commencing on July 3 and concluding on August 9, 2025. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting to review preparations, focusing on essential amenities and safety measures along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The board discussed enhancing facilities, lodging, and services for a hassle-free pilgrimage. SRINAGAR: More than 3,31,000 devotees have registered so far for this year's Amarnath Yatra, which is set to begin on ...Read More >
Srinagar: Lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Thursday said that the Pahalgam attack has impacted tourism and the number of registrations for the Amarnath yatra has fallen 10% so far, compared to last year. Speaking to the media in Srinagar, he said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth yatra and urged all pilgrims to ensure that they move in a security convoy - right from Lakhanpur in Jammu to the holy cave in Kashmir. The LG was hopeful of an increase in the number of yatris. The duration of the yatra, starting from July 3, has been ...Read More >
Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India], June 28 (ANI): Continuous rainfall in Uttarakhand has caused severe disruptions, including the blockage of the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. In a post on the social media platform X, Chamoli Police Uttarakhand stated, "The Badrinath National Highway is blocked near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. Work is underway to open the road." Also Read | Dausa Road Accident: 4 Die As Car Rams Into Truck in Rajasthan. The National Highway near Nandprayag is a critical route for pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath, making the clearance of the road a priority. ...Read More >
Jammu, Jun 28 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements and administrative preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and impressed upon the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the pilgrims' safety and security. He also directed officers to enhance surveillance and threat detection capabilities by utilizing advanced technologies and real-time monitoring. Also Read | Long-Awaited Relief for Retired Government Employees? 8th Pay Commission May ...Read More >
SRINAGAR, June 26: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdhi, today said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other security forces, have made elaborate and advanced security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, including the deployment of Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), multi-layered security grids and anti-drone measures. Click here to watch video Speaking to Excelsior in an exclusive interview, Birdhi said that this year's Yatra-set to begin from 3rd July-will see a stronger and more technology-driven security setup compared to previous years. "We have made ela ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 28 (ANI): Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani, along with his family, took part in the annual Rath Yatra celebrations of Lord Jagannath in Puri on Saturday and also offered 'Prasad Seva' to devotees. Accompanied by his wife Priti Adani and son Karan Adani, the industrialist participated in the rituals associated with the procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Also Read | Christy Martin Biopic: Sydney Sweeney Says She 'Didn't Care' About Getting Hurt While Filming Fight Scenes With Co-Star Katy O'Brian. "I have got everything from Lo ...Read More >
JAMMU: Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements and administrative preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and impressed upon the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the pilgrims' safety and security. He also directed officers to enhance surveillance and threat detection capabilities by utilizing advanced technologies and real-time monitoring. To take stock of the security arrangements and administrative preparedness for the upcoming yatra, the DGP chaired a hi ...Read More >
Digha: A day after Rath Yatra, the festive fervour continues in Digha as the seaside town is now gearing up to host Ulta Rath or the return journey of the deities from the 'Masir Bari' or the old Jagannath temple. On July 5 -- the Ulta Rath day -- hotels are hoping for fresh tourist influx. Though the deities are currently in Masir Bari, a large queue of devotees visited the newly-constructed Jagannath temple on Saturday. They offered prayers to the stone idol permanently installed there. It is the wooden idols of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra that have taken the chairot rides. Bipradash Cha ...Read More >
Imphal, June 29 (UNI) A series of successful operations carried out by Manipur Police and security forces during the last 24 hours led to the arrest of several individuals involved in vehicle theft, insurgent activity, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Police arrested a vehicle lifter identified as Syed Riyaj from his residence at Lilong Chaobok in Thoubal District. The arrest was made under Lilong Police Station. Authorities seized a blue two wheeler without registration number, along with a key and an Aadhaar card believed to be linked to the suspect. In a s ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday attacked the Centre and Rajasthan governments over the reported plan to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve for the reactivation of over 50 mining operations, saying the move would be "ecologically devastating". The opposition party also said that with the Rajasthan and Union environment ministers both being from Alwar, this "double engine" cannot be supporting such a move. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report which claimed that a plan to redraw the boundaries of Rajasthan's ...Read More >
Srinagar: With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to commence on July 3, Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat has directed all security agencies to take proactive and preventive measures to counter any potential threats. He emphasised strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and robust coordination among forces to ensure a peaceful and safe pilgrimage. Chairing a high-level security review meeting in Jammu, DGP Prabhat said dismantling terror networks and maintaining a vigilant security grid throughout the 38-day pilgrimage was a top priority. "We must ...Read More >
Thousands of pilgrims, including foreigners, congregated in Digha, West Bengal, for the Rath Yatra festival. The Chief Minister, along with cabinet members, initiated the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Rituals commenced in the morning with 'Pahandi Vijay' at the newly-built Jagannath Dham Temple, followed by the idols being placed on the chariots amid devotional chants and festivities.Thousands gathered from different parts of the state to attend the Rath Yatra fe ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
SRINAGAR, June 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today held a meeting with the members of civil society organisations, religious leaders, elected representatives, trade and business community and discussed the arrangements for forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Special Director General (Coordination), PHQ, SJM Gillani; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Bidhuri; Administrative ...Read More >
New Delhi: On this day in 2024, India defeated South Africa by 7 runs and lifted the T20 World Cup title at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. India posted a 177-run target for the Proteas in 20 overs after opting to bat first. Virat Kohli smashed 76 runs off 59 balls with the help of six boundaries and two maximums. Axar Patel also batted brilliantly and scored 47 runs off 31 balls, hitting four maximums and one boundary in his sensational knock. Chasing the target of 177 runs, Bumrah provided India their first breakthrough when he removed Reeza Hendricks in the second over of the run-chase, ...Read More >
Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], June 29 (ANI): A severe landslide caused by heavy rainfall struck a labour camp at Silai Band on the Yamunotri Highway on Sunday, resulting in nine workers missing while ten others were rescued. Officials confirmed that a 10-12 meter stretch of the highway was completely washed away, severely disrupting road connectivity and delaying immediate rescue operations. Also Read | Puri Temple Stampede: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Seeks Forgiveness From Jagannath Devotees, Tender Apology for Stampede During Jagannath Rath Yatra. According to officials, teams from ...Read More >
Jammu: Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Friday visited Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district and reviewed the security arrangements ahead of the Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3. The 38-day-long yatra is scheduled to start on July 3 from the twin routes -- the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district -- leading to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp a day before the start o ...Read More >
Puri, June 28: Today is the second day of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra. As part of the tradition, the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings are being pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will rest for nine days before returning to the Jagannath Temple. Devotees from across India and around the world are arriving in Puri to take part in the Yatra and seek blessings. A devotee from West Africa who came to Puri for the first time said, "This is my very first opportunity to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri. Yesterday, we only got the opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagan ...Read More >
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Bhubaneswar: As Odisha gears up for the grand Rath Yatra, Reliance Industries Limited, in close collaboration with the Puri district administration, has launched a comprehensive series of efforts to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe, comfortable, and enriching journey. The annual chariot festival in Puri draws lakhs of devotees who gather to witness the majestic procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Honouring the spirit of seva, Reliance Foundation, with its characteristic We Care spirit, is proud to support this 13-day sacre ...Read More >
Jammu, Jun 27 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made arrangements to house over 50,000 pilgrims in various lodgement centres across the Jammu region for their comfortable pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in the South Kashmir Himalayas beginning July 3, officials said. The 38-day-long Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to start on July 3 from the twin routes -- the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district -- leading to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine. The first batch of pil ...Read More >