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DEHRADUN: In a significant development, the Uttarakhand government has suspended the revered Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimages until September 5, citing relentless and devastating monsoon rains wreaking havoc across the state. The decision comes amidst widespread landslides and blocked routes, prioritising the safety of pilgrims. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the decision on Monday. "Heavy rainfall has led to numerous landslides across the state, blocking routes with debris. While the government is working on a priority basis to clear these, the decision to suspend the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib yatras until September 5 has been taken to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims," Pandey said. The Commissioner urged devotees to refrain from travelling on these routes for now, given the adverse weather conditions, and to strictly follow advisories issued by the administration. He added that pilgrimages would only resume once the weather normalises and routes are deemed completely safe for passage. This pilgrimage season has witnessed an unprecedented influx, with over 42.7 lakh devotees visiting Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib by the end of August. However, specific routes have been impacted earlier: the Yamunotri Dham pilgrimage has been closed since August 18, and the Gangotri route has been shut since August 6 following flash floods in Dharali and Harsil. A spokesperson for the Tourism Department said a remarkable achievement for Hemkund Sahib, noting, "Despite the challenging weather, the number of devotees visiting Hemkund Sahib this year has already surpassed 2.5 lakh, setting a new record." Sources within the Tourism Department's pilgrimage division indicated that, based on the surging pilgrim numbers before August, expectations were high for a record-breaking year for the Char Dham Yatra. "However, the natural calamities and route disruptions witnessed throughout August have unfortunately put a severe brake on the pilgrimage," a source said. Data from previous years shows the growing popularity of these pilgrimages: 4,627,242 pilgrims visited Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib in 2022, 5,618,497 in 2023, and 4,804,215 this year to date, underscoring both the immense devotional significance and the economic impact of these journeys.
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
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 >
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 8 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has begun advanced planning to ensure that if urban roads across the state are severely damaged due to heavy rains during this year's monsoon, resurfacing and repair work can begin without delay. For this purpose, the Chief Minister has approved the allocation of a total grant of Rs 107 crore to 149 municipalities across the state from the Mukhyamantri Shaheri Sadak Yojana, under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhya Mantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana, according to the release. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall is like ...Read More >
The financial repercussions of Parliament disruptions are considerable, impacting both public resources and the productivity of the nation's legislative process. However, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have cumulatively functioned for merely 2 hours, with daily disruptions and sloganeering resulting in adjournments. The Rajya Sabha faced disruptions today (December 2) as Vice Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed discontent over sloganeering by Opposition MPs. The protests, which centered around demands for discussions on key issues, forced the Vice Chairman to adjourn the session until 12 ...Read More >
Kanpur, January 27: Due to the massive influx of devotees for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Varanasi's District Magistrate in Uttar Pradesh has announced that all schools in the district will be closed from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and managing traffic congestion caused by the large number of pilgrims arriving in Varanasi for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Despite the school closures, online classes will continue as usual to maintain the academic schedule, News18 reported. This directive applies to all CBSE, ICSE ...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 >
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for FY2025-26, announced a 0.50 per cent cut in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.5 per cent. Alongside this, key changes in CRR, inflation forecasts, and policy stance were also introduced to boost economic growth. Repo Rate Cut RBI reduced the repo rate by 0.50 per cent, bringing it down from 6.00 per cent to 5.50 per cent. This means loans may become cheaper for borrowers. CRR Cut for Liquidity RBI also reduced CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) by 1 per cent, from 4 per cent to 3 per cent, to add mo ...Read More >
Katra, June 06: The Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) Friday extended heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating and flagging off the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express on the Katra-Srinagar railway line. This significant milestone is hailed as a transformative development for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and spiritual resurgence. In addition to launching the Vande Bharat service, the Prime Minister also inaugurated two of India's most remarkable engineering feats: the Chenab Rai ...Read More >
Itanagar, Jun 7 (PTI) The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh improved on Saturday with water levels of most rivers receding, even as 33,000 people in 24 districts remained affected, officials said. Twelve people lost their lives and one person went missing in rain-related incidents, including landslides, after the monsoon set in, they said. In its daily report, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said 33,200 people in 215 villages remained affected due to floods and landslides in the state. The water levels of most major rivers and their tributaries were showing a receding trend o ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Pakistan high commission on Wednesday said it issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit the Shree Katas Raj temples in Punjab province's Chakwal district. The group has been given visas to visit the Katas Raj temples from December 19 to 25. The temples are also known as Qila Katas. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. Under the provision of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year.Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol. ...Read More >
Ladwa (Haryana) [India], May 22 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday carried out the Tiranga Yatra to honour armed forces for Operation Sindoor. The CM, in his address to the people, stated that the rallies were occasions to pay true homage to the sense of patriotism and sacrifice. "Tiranga Yatra is being organised in Ladwa today. Tiranga Yatras are being organised across the country...These Yatras are not just events but occasions to pay true homage to the sense of patriotism and sacrifice...This Yatra is not just of the tricolour, this is a Yatra of our pledge, brave ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major boost to connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, regular services of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra commence on Saturday. The Northern Railway has confirmed that the semi-high-speed trains will operate six days a week, significantly reducing the travel time between Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage hub in Katra. This development marks a transformative step in the region's transport infrastructure. The new Vande Bharat service will cut the travel time between Srinagar and Katra to just three hours, ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 8 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Kavi Sammelan program in Dehradun on Saturday and said that the state government is dedicated and has been continuously working to preserve the cultural and literary heritage of the state. Addressing the gathering at the program, CM Dhami said, "The Uttarakhand government is dedicated and has been working to preserve the literary works and the culture of the state. Through the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, excellent literary works will be facilitated as well. Our government wi ...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 >
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, instead of introspecting on the defeat in the 2024 state assembly polls, has been repudiating the mandate given by the people because they rejected him. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha is preparing his excuses for future defeats in the upcoming assembly elections, including Bihar, Fadnavis said in his articles published in the Indian Express and Marathi daily Loksatta. On Saturday, Gandhi, in an article published in several newspapers and in posts on X, claimed the 2024 Maharas ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 5: Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally. Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origin -- whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy." "This gran ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 27 (UNI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its manifesto for the next month Assembly election with 15 guarantees, including employment and the women's dignity scheme. While releasing the manifesto on Monday, AAP's national convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Kejriwal's guarantees are solid," emphasising that free electricity for 24 hours, free water, free education, free pilgrimage for senior citizens, free bus travel for women, and free medical treatment in hospitals and Mohalla Clinics will continue in Delhi. He alleged, "BJP leaders and spokespersons ...Read More >
Guwahati, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The flood situation in Assam marginally improved on Thursday, while the situation further improved in other northeastern states, an official said. With two more fresh deaths in Assam, the death toll in seven states, excluding Sikkim, of the region increased to 48. According to the disaster management officials of different northeastern states, out of 48 deaths during the current spell of rain and floods since May 29, at least 21 people died in Assam, followed by 12 in Arunachal Pradesh, six in Meghalaya, five in Mizoram, two in Tripura and one each in Nagalan ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Dehradun: A helicopter en route from Sirsi to Kedarnath with pilgrims crash-landed on a road on Saturday due to a possible technical snag. However, no casualties have been reported, and all passengers on board are safe. A car has been damaged due to the sudden landing of the chopper operated by Crystal Aviation Private Limited, police said. As per the preliminary information, a technical fault midair caused the helicopter to opt for an emergency landing. Sensing the fault, the alert pilot acted quickly and brought the chopper down safely, preventing any injury or damage to the passengers. Th ...Read More >
Hyderabad: With the early onset of pre-monsoon showers, farmers across Telangana have started their agricultural activities ahead of schedule. However, the agriculture department is facing strong criticism for failing to provide adequate fertilizers and seeds necessary for the current season. According to officials, there is a significant shortfall in the availability of essential inputs like urea and cotton seeds, which may negatively impact crop planning and productivity across the state. Also Read: Madhuri Dixit Recalls 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' Magic with Salman Khan as Monsoon Arrives For ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced that it would streamline its technology-driven system for generating Index Cards and various other post-election statistical reports. The new system will ensure faster reporting through automation and data integration. "This upgraded mechanism replaces the traditional manual methods, which were often time-consuming and prone to delays. By leveraging automation and data integration, the new system ensures faster reporting," the press note issued by the Election Commission read. Also Read | Delhi: Hig ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, who was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation to Europe, said that during their recently conclued visit they successfully communicated India's development story and its resolute stand against terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan. Highlighting the delegation's key discussions during the tour, Khatana told ANI, 'We discussed how we dismantled the terrorism factory in Pakistan by responding... We also talked about tourism infrastructure, G20 Summit, and projects like the six-lane roads, bridges, solar initiatives, our ...Read More >
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 8 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has begun advanced planning to ensure that if urban roads across the state are severely damaged due to heavy rains during this year's monsoon, resurfacing and repair work can begin without delay. For this purpose, the Chief Minister has approved the allocation of a total grant of Rs 107 crore to 149 municipalities across the state from the Mukhyamantri Shaheri Sadak Yojana, under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhya Mantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana, according to the release. Also Read | Encroachers Can't Claim Right To Cont ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced an ambitious plan of planting 7.5 crore saplings across the state within a year. Speaking at the state-level celebration of World Environment Day at the OUAT Agriculture Education Hall in city, the CM emphasised the importance of public awareness and collective responsibility in protecting nature and ending plastic pollution. "A healthy environment is essential for a healthy society," he said.Addressing the rising threat of single-use plastic, the CM urged citizens to support a mass movement to eliminate plastic from daily li ...Read More >
PUNE: Automobile dealers clocked a modest rise of 5 per cent year-on-year to 22.12 lakh units in the retail sale of total vehicles in May, buoyed by healthy two- and three-wheeler sales. However, passenger vehicle (PV) sales bucked the trend, slipping 3.1 per cent as rising inventory and cautious consumer behaviour signalled a pause in demand recovery, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations or FADA data showed on Friday. The PV registrations last month stood at 3,02,214 units, as compared to 3,11,908 units in May 2024. FADA said that customers delayed purchases in several states d ...Read More >
KATRA: The Chairman of Guru Nanak Sewa Charitable Trust (GNSCT), Parvinder Singh Happy on Friday hailed the Prime Minister's visit to the holy town of Katra as a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister inaugurated a flagship railway line that will now directly connect Kashmir to the national railway network-an achievement the Chairman called a "remarkable step" by the Modi government. According to the Chairman, the direct rail connectivity to Kashmir will not only bridge physical distances but also open up vast economic opportunities for the region. The enhanced connecti ...Read More >