Thursday, July 2

State

Tragic Bus Accident in Tehri: 5 Dead as Vehicle Plunges into Deep Gorge
State, Uttarakhand

Tragic Bus Accident in Tehri: 5 Dead as Vehicle Plunges into Deep Gorge

Tehri, Uttarakhand: A devastating accident occurred in Narendra Nagar, Tehri district, when a bus carrying around 28 passengers fell into a deep gorge. At least five people—four women and one man—have died, while several others have been injured. Rescue operations by the SDRF are currently underway. Full Story: The incident took place near Kunjapuri-Hindolakhal. Preliminary reports suggest that brake failure led to the tragic accident. The bus was returning from a pilgrimage to the Maa Kunjapuri Temple as part of a “Bharat Darshan” tour when it lost control shortly before joining the Gangotri National Highway. According to the Tehri District Control Room, the bus plunged approximately 70 meters into the gorge. Several passengers have been rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals, wh...
Love Story of Former Uttarakhand BJP MLA Suresh Rathore Takes a Turbulent Turn, Conflict Between Both Wives Escalates
State, Uttarakhand

Love Story of Former Uttarakhand BJP MLA Suresh Rathore Takes a Turbulent Turn, Conflict Between Both Wives Escalates

Dehradun: The personal life of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore of Jwalapur, Haridwar, has once again become the center of public attention. Actress Urmila Sanawar has accused Rathore of sexual harassment in a tearful video and threatened self-immolation if action is not taken within four days. Full Story: In a video that went viral on social media, Urmila alleged that Rathore has subjected her to physical and mental abuse for the past four years. She appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for help, claiming that local authorities, including the Haridwar SSP, have not taken any action despite her complaints. “I am Urmila Sanawar, the wife of former Jwalapur MLA Suresh Rathore. I reques...
Indian Army’s Tsewang Wins Mussoorie Ultra Marathon, Completes 50 km in 3 Hours 40 Minutes
State, Uttarakhand

Indian Army’s Tsewang Wins Mussoorie Ultra Marathon, Completes 50 km in 3 Hours 40 Minutes

Mussoorie witnessed a thrilling display of endurance and skill as Indian Army personnel Tsewang claimed first place in the 50 km Ultra Marathon. Tsewang, currently posted in Ladakh, completed the challenging course in 3 hours and 40 minutes, overcoming steep inclines along the route. Full Story: Mussoorie: Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayan hills, runners from across India participated in the Mussoorie Ultra Marathon, showcasing their talent and determination. Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, honored the winners with trophies and cash prizes. Minister Joshi congratulated Sandeep Sahni, head of the organizing committee, local sports enthusiasts, and social organizations for successfully hosting the event. He lauded the runners’ ...
Uttarakhand Villages Ban Fast Food, DJs, and Expensive Gifts in Weddings; Violation Attracts ₹1 Lakh Fine
State, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Villages Ban Fast Food, DJs, and Expensive Gifts in Weddings; Violation Attracts ₹1 Lakh Fine

In a unique move to revive tradition and reduce social pressures, around two dozen villages in Uttarakhand’s Chakrata region have collectively banned fast food, DJs, and lavish gifts in weddings. Villagers have mandated that only traditional Garhwali meals made from local grains like mandua and jhangora be served. Violators face fines of up to ₹1 lakh imposed by the Gram Panchayat. Full Story: Dehradun: Representatives from villages in the Jaunsar-Bawar region have unanimously implemented rules aimed at bringing weddings back to their cultural roots while alleviating financial burdens on families. The new regulations prohibit serving fast foods like chowmein and momos, as well as exchanging expensive gifts, during wedding celebrations. Rajendra Tomar, head of the Doha village clus...
Cold Wave Intensifies in Uttarakhand; Plains See Sunshine Relief, Frost Creates Trouble in Hills
State, Uttarakhand

Cold Wave Intensifies in Uttarakhand; Plains See Sunshine Relief, Frost Creates Trouble in Hills

Uttarakhand is experiencing a sharp increase in cold as a cold wave grips the region. While sunny spells in the plains are providing some relief, frost in the hilly areas is causing difficulties for commuters and affecting crops. The dry chill is also raising health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Full Story: Dehradun: The weather in Uttarakhand remains dry, with temperatures expected to drop by 2–3°C in some areas. The cold wave has intensified the chill, making the mornings particularly biting across the plains. Meanwhile, frost in the mountainous regions has created slippery road conditions, posing challenges for drivers. The absence of pre-monsoon rains has resulted in a dry cold, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. While daytime s...
Ludhiana Woman Wins ₹3 Crore Lottery, Pledges Daughter’s Jewelry for Birthday Tickets
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Ludhiana Woman Wins ₹3 Crore Lottery, Pledges Daughter’s Jewelry for Birthday Tickets

Chandigarh: Luck smiled on a Ludhiana woman in Punjab after she won ₹3 crore in the Punjab State Lottery Diwali Bumper 2025. In a heartwarming twist, the woman had purchased the tickets for her daughter’s birthday, even pledging her jewelry to afford them. A Life-Changing Win The woman, a resident of Bansi village in Ludhiana, bought four lottery tickets for ₹2,000 each on 10 November. Twelve days later, she received the life-changing news: one of her tickets had hit the bumper prize of ₹3 crore. Overcome with joy and emotion, tears welled up in her eyes as she celebrated her good fortune. From Struggle to Hope Maheshwari Sahni, the lottery winner, works as a domestic helper and has faced personal hardships, including a divorce and the loss of her son. She lives with her daught...
Al Falah University Under Scrutiny: NCMEI Issues Show-Cause Notice Over Minority Status
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Al Falah University Under Scrutiny: NCMEI Issues Show-Cause Notice Over Minority Status

Faridabad: Al Falah University is facing intense scrutiny as authorities investigate its links following the Delhi blast on 10 November, which claimed 15 lives. The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) has issued a show-cause notice to the university, questioning why its minority status should not be revoked given the ongoing probe involving two of its doctors. Regulatory and Legal Pressure The move by NCMEI comes amid regulatory concerns, as the university is not accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and has faced prior questions regarding its funding and administration. Adding to its troubles, the university’s founder, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. Impact on Students The po...
Haryana DGP Orders Strict Action Against Singers Promoting Gun Culture
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Haryana DGP Orders Strict Action Against Singers Promoting Gun Culture

Chandigarh: In a decisive move to curb the rising influence of gun culture among youth, Haryana Police Chief DGP O.P. Singh has directed authorities to treat singers promoting gangster lifestyles and firearms as criminal offenders rather than artists. Crackdown on Controversial Haryanvi Songs DGP Singh’s order comes in the wake of increasing popularity of songs glorifying gangsters, violence, and firearms, which are believed to negatively influence young listeners. The Haryana government has already banned around 30 songs by nine singers who have been identified as promoting such content. Notable names include Masoom Sharma, Gajendra Phogat, Amit Saini, Sumit Parta, Harsh Sandhu, Ankit Balayan, and Kulbir Danoda. Government Measures To discourage the promotion of gangster lifes...
Political Storm in Punjab Over Chandigarh Bill: What’s the Controversy About
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Political Storm in Punjab Over Chandigarh Bill: What’s the Controversy About

Chandigarh: Tensions are rising in Punjab politics as preparations are underway to introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill regarding Chandigarh in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Punjab’s political parties are portraying the proposed bill as an attack on the state’s rights, while BJP leaders have dismissed the opposition’s claims as baseless. Why the Bill Matters Chandigarh’s status is deeply tied to Punjab’s regional identity, making it a sensitive political issue ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections. The BJP, which won only two seats in Punjab in 2022 with a vote share of around 6%, could face political backlash if opposition parties frame the bill as undermining Punjab’s rights. The Controversy The bill seeks to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the ...
Haryana Extends Working Hours to 10 Hours for Shops and Companies; Overtime Limit Increased
Politics, PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Haryana Extends Working Hours to 10 Hours for Shops and Companies; Overtime Limit Increased

Chandigarh, Haryana: The Haryana government has amended the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, increasing working hours in companies and shops from 9 hours to 10 hours per day. Alongside this, the maximum overtime limit has been raised from 115 hours to 144 hours per quarter, with all overtime being voluntary and compensated at double the normal wage rate. Key Amendments Mandatory Appointment Letters & ID Cards: Large establishments and companies must now issue appointment letters and identity cards to all employees. Two-Tier Registration Framework: Businesses employing up to 20 employees and those employing more than 20 employees must register online under the new framework. Compliance & Penalties: First-time violations related to registration or documenta...