Sunday, February 8

Uttarakhand

Devotees Flock to Haridwar for Magh Purnima, Millions Take Holy Dip in Ganga
State, Uttarakhand

Devotees Flock to Haridwar for Magh Purnima, Millions Take Holy Dip in Ganga

Haridwar, February 1, 2026: On the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima, Haridwar witnessed a massive influx of devotees, who braved freezing temperatures to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga and seek spiritual merit. From early morning, pilgrims from across India thronged Har Ki Pauri and other major ghats, including Brahmakund, Malviya Ghat, and Subhash Ghat. The chants of “Har-Har Gange” resonated throughout the city, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere. Pilgrims from Five States Participate in Rituals:Devotees from Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan participated in lamp-lighting ceremonies (Deepdan) at Har Ki Pauri. Many performed prayers, rituals, and charitable acts following their holy bath in the river. Religious Significance of Magh Purnim...
CM Dhami Hails Union Budget 2026-27 as a Roadmap for “Developed India and Self-Reliant Uttarakhand”
Politics, State, Uttarakhand

CM Dhami Hails Union Budget 2026-27 as a Roadmap for “Developed India and Self-Reliant Uttarakhand”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has lauded the Union Budget 2026-27, describing it as a development-oriented and inclusive blueprint that will create new opportunities for all sections of society. CM Dhami congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a budget that emphasizes the welfare of farmers, women, marginalized communities, youth, small entrepreneurs, and backward classes. He said the budget focuses on accelerating economic growth, fulfilling public aspirations, and ensuring “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (collective progress for all). The Chief Minister highlighted that the budget makes significant provisions for employment, education, healthcare, tourism, skill development, women’s empowerment, industry, and inf...
Contract Worker Shot Dead at AIIMS Rishikesh; Police Hunt for Unknown Assailants
State, Uttarakhand

Contract Worker Shot Dead at AIIMS Rishikesh; Police Hunt for Unknown Assailants

In a shocking incident, a woman working on a contract basis at AIIMS Rishikesh was shot dead at her rented home in Shivajinagar. The attack, carried out by unknown assailants, has sent shockwaves through the locality. According to police, 32-year-old Preeti Rawat was living alone in her rented accommodation. Around 9:30 PM on Saturday, unidentified attackers reached her house and fired through the door grille, striking her directly in the chest. Neighbors alerted authorities after hearing the gunshots. Preeti was rushed to AIIMS by the police but was declared dead on arrival. SP Rural Jaya Baluni confirmed that multiple police teams are investigating the case from all angles. A forensic team collected evidence at the scene, and CCTV footage is being reviewed. Police are also question...
Uttarakhand Weather Today: Rain and Snow Expected in Six Districts
State, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Weather Today: Rain and Snow Expected in Six Districts

Uttarakhand continues to experience cold weather due to ongoing rainfall and snowfall. Today, light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected in six districts of the state, with temperatures likely to drop in higher-altitude areas. According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain is forecast in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. Snowfall is expected in areas above 3,000 meters. Other regions may see scattered light rain, while the hilly terrain is likely to experience a partial drop in temperature due to the changing weather pattern. Chilly Mornings and Evenings:Plains are experiencing relatively warmer daytime temperatures due to sunshine, but mornings and evenings remain cold. In the hills, light rain and snow are keeping the ...
Dehradun Shopkeeper’s Wife Alleges Misconduct by Kashmiri Youths Amid Market Clash
State, Uttarakhand

Dehradun Shopkeeper’s Wife Alleges Misconduct by Kashmiri Youths Amid Market Clash

Dehradun: A recent clash in Vikasnagar Main Market, Dehradun, involving two Kashmiri brothers and local shopkeeper Sanjay Yadav has taken a new turn, as Yadav’s wife has now filed allegations against the youths. Sanjay Yadav was arrested by police and produced in court on Friday, after which he was sent to 14 days of judicial custody. Allegations by the Shopkeeper’s WifeYadav’s wife lodged a formal complaint at Vikasnagar Police Station, claiming that the Kashmiri youths behaved indecently towards her. She alleged that the youths made obscene gestures, grabbed her hand, and tried to pull her towards them. She stated that the incident occurred while she was attending to the shop with her husband, and when her husband intervened, the situation escalated into a confrontation. Speakin...
Dehradun Assault Case Takes New Turn as Shopkeeper’s Wife Alleges Molestation by Kashmiri Youths
State, Uttarakhand

Dehradun Assault Case Takes New Turn as Shopkeeper’s Wife Alleges Molestation by Kashmiri Youths

Dehradun: The assault case involving two Kashmiri youths in Vikasnagar market, Dehradun, has taken a fresh turn after the wife of the arrested shopkeeper filed a counter-complaint, alleging indecent behaviour and attempted molestation by the youths. The shopkeeper, Sanjay Yadav, was arrested earlier in connection with the assault and was produced before a court on Friday, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. Woman Alleges Indecent Gestures and Physical Harassment In her written complaint submitted at Vikasnagar Kotwali, the shopkeeper’s wife alleged that the two youths from Jammu and Kashmir visited their shop under the pretext of buying goods and made obscene gestures. She further claimed that when she objected, one of them held her hand and attempted to pull her to...
Kotdwar Shop Name Controversy: ‘Mohammad Deepak’ Stands Up Against Bajrang Dal Protest
State, Uttarakhand

Kotdwar Shop Name Controversy: ‘Mohammad Deepak’ Stands Up Against Bajrang Dal Protest

Kotdwar, Uttarakhand: A heated dispute erupted in Kotdwar over the naming of a shop, drawing attention on social media and prompting police to intervene. The incident involved members of a Hindu nationalist organization protesting the use of the name “Baba” on a Muslim-owned store. The IncidentThe controversy centered on a clothing store, Baba School Dress & Matching Centre, operated by Shoaib Ahmed on Patel Marg. Some Bajrang Dal activists objected to the shop’s name, claiming it encroached upon religious sentiments associated with the nearby Baba Siddhbali temple. The protest escalated as the activists demanded that the store owner change the name. Shoaib Ahmed stated that the shop had operated under this name for 30 years, and his name was also displayed on the signboard. A local...
Major Changes in Uttarakhand UCC: Up to 7 Years’ Jail for Forced Marriages and Live-in Relationships
State, Uttarakhand

Major Changes in Uttarakhand UCC: Up to 7 Years’ Jail for Forced Marriages and Live-in Relationships

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand government has introduced significant amendments to the state’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC), imposing stricter penalties for offenses related to marriage and live-in relationships. The changes, approved by Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.), include imprisonment of up to seven years for forced or fraudulent marriages and live-in arrangements. The original UCC was implemented in the state on 27 January 2025, making Uttarakhand the first state in India to adopt a comprehensive civil code. Following a one-year review, the amendments strengthen punitive measures against offenses involving coercion, deception, or pressure in marital and live-in relationships. Key Provisions of the Amendments: Forced or Fraudulent Relationships: Any pe...
Brutal Murder of Young Woman in Dehradun: Head Crushed, Fingers Severed
State, Uttarakhand

Brutal Murder of Young Woman in Dehradun: Head Crushed, Fingers Severed

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: In a shocking incident in Dehradun, a young woman was brutally murdered. The accused allegedly severed her fingers before crushing her head with a stone. Police are actively searching for the suspect. Details of the IncidentThe incident occurred in Dhalipur, Vikasnagar area, where the body of a 12th-grade student, identified as Manisha, daughter of Anand Singh of Boksa Basti, Devipur, was found on the night of 29 January. Local authorities and residents identified the victim after police arrived at the scene. The young woman’s head had suffered severe injuries. According to initial reports, Manisha had gone out with her cousin Surendra, son of Chhota, also a resident of Boksa Basti, to collect medication from a hospital. When she did not return by late evening,...
Uttarakhand Weather Today: IMD Issues Alert for Rain and Snow
State, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Weather Today: IMD Issues Alert for Rain and Snow

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: The weather in Uttarakhand is witnessing a drop in temperatures as rainfall and snowfall continue across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for further precipitation in the coming hours. Weather Forecast for Uttarakhand – 31 January 2026According to meteorologists, the plains of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, are expected to remain dry today. However, light rainfall and snowfall are likely in the hilly regions. A fresh western disturbance is expected to become active on Sunday, potentially bringing rain and snow to the mountainous areas. While Dehradun and nearby regions are enjoying bright sunshine during the day, the mornings and evenings remain chilly. Cold winds in the hilly areas are contributing to a sharp drop in t...