Uttarakhand

Dehradun/Kotdwar:Tension briefly flared in Kotdwar town of Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, after members of a right-wing organisation objected to a clothing shop allegedly owned by a Muslim trader using the name “Baba”. The incident, which occurred on January 26, was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. The controversy erupted on Patel Marg, where a garment shop named “Baba School Dress and Matching Centre” has been operating. Members of Bajrang Dal reached the shop and demanded that the name be changed, claiming religious sentiments were being hurt. Shop Owner Claims 30-Year-Old Business The shop is run by Shoaib Ahmed, who claimed that the establishment has been operating under the same name for nearly three decades. He pointed out that his name was c...

Dehradun:The Uttarakhand government has introduced stringent penal provisions under the amended Uniform Civil Code (UCC), making forced marriages and live-in relationships punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years. The amendment ordinance has received the approval of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), significantly tightening the legal framework governing personal relationships in the state. Uttarakhand became India’s first full state to implement the Uniform Civil Code on January 27, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. One year after its implementation, the government has carried out major revisions following a comprehensive review of the law’s functioning. Forced Relationships Now a Serious Criminal Offence Under the amended p...

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Mussoorie Municipal Council Chairperson Mira Saklani has leveled serious allegations against former Mayor Anuj Gupta and his administration, claiming that the rights of “environment friends” were openly violated during his tenure and that rules were bypassed to favor certain individuals. She stressed that accusations against the current board are misleading and entirely baseless. Strike by Environment Workers Misled:Chairperson Saklani said that the recent strike by environmental workers and employees of Kin Sanstha was based on misinformation. The employees were led to believe that the current municipal board was acting against their interests and colluding with a door-to-door waste collection company, whereas the truth is entirely different. Tender Process a...

Tehri, Uttarakhand: A major accident was narrowly averted during the Acro Festival and SIV Championship 2026 in Tehri, as two paragliding pilots lost balance mid-air and plunged into Tehri Lake. Thanks to the swift response of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), both pilots were rescued safely. The incident occurred at the Tehri Lake area, where athletes from India and abroad were performing aerobatic paragliding during the three- to four-day international event. Promoted by the Tourism Department, the festival features thrilling flights over one of Asia’s largest reservoir lakes. Mid-Air Loss of BalanceAccording to reports, the pilots suddenly lost control, either due to technical issues or balance disruption, causing their paragliders to become unstable and descend into the l...

Dehradun, January 30, 2026: Early morning fog is expected today across five districts of Uttarakhand, according to the Meteorological Centre. A yellow alert has been issued for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar due to reduced visibility. Although recent rainfall has temporarily eased the dry cold, residents in the hilly regions continue to face difficulties. Heavy snowfall has cut off access to several villages, and locals are struggling with intermittent electricity and water supply. Cold Mornings and Evenings Persist:The combination of cold waves in the hills and fog in the plains is making mornings and evenings particularly chilly. While bright sunlight during the day provides some relief, early mornings and evenings remain biting cold. On Thursday, Dehradun experienced light fog dur...

Dehradun, January 29, 2026: In connection with the recent assault on two Kashmiri brothers, the Dehradun Police have arrested a shopkeeper in the Vikasnagar area. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone, raising concerns about the incident and urging strict action against the perpetrators. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh, the 17-year-old Tabish and 20-year-old Danish, residents of Kashmir, had visited a shop on Wednesday evening to purchase goods. A dispute arose with the shopkeeper, Sanjay Yadav, over the transaction, during which the youths were verbally abused and physically assaulted. Tabish reportedly sustained a head injury, but both brothers are currently in stable condi...

Jammu, January 29, 2026: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken immediate cognizance of the alleged assault on a Kashmiri shawl vendor in Uttarakhand. On Thursday, CM Abdullah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging strict action against the perpetrators. This was confirmed by the office of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister. Omar Abdullah’s Statement:CM Abdullah condemned the incident, drawing parallels with recent attacks in Himachal Pradesh. “Such attacks are intolerable and must be prevented at all costs,” he said. He emphasized that while Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, its residents continue to live under fear when in other parts of the country. Abdullah assured that the government would take all necessary measures to e...

Dehradun, January 29, 2026: Uttarakhand’s Tourism, Excise, and Culture Minister, Satpal Maharaj, launched the teaser, songs, and poster of the film Godaan at his camp office on Subhash Road on Thursday. Speaking at the event, Minister Maharaj said that the film is a significant effort to raise awareness about the importance of the cow, considered the soul of Sanatan Dharma, and to promote its protection. The film is set to release nationwide on 6th February 2026. Minister Maharaj congratulated the entire team and remarked that Bollywood is undergoing a transformative phase. “Films today are no longer limited to traditional stories. Directors and producers are exploring social issues and diverse themes,” he said. Directed by Vinod Chaudhary, Godaan presents the importance of the cow i...

Dehradun: Following in the footsteps of Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri, the Yamunotri Dham will now restrict entry for non-Sanatani visitors. The decision was taken by the Yamunotri Temple Committee, which confirmed that the rule will be enforced starting with the April Char Dham pilgrimage. Committee officials stated that the restriction is intended to protect and preserve Sanatan Dharma. The committee secretary clarified that followers of Sanatan-related religions such as Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism are considered aligned with Hindu practices and are therefore exempt from the restriction. However, all other non-Sanatani visitors will be denied access to the Dham and its surrounding areas once the rule is implemented. The restriction aligns with similar measures recently anno...

Dehradun: The soul of Sanatan Dharma resides in the sacred cow, Gau Mata, and in today’s fast-paced world, we are drifting away from our roots. Addressing this concern, Uttarakhand Tourism, Culture, and Religious Affairs Minister Satpal Maharaj launched the poster, teaser, and songs of the upcoming film ‘Godaan’ at his camp office on Subhash Road on Thursday. The film, produced under the banner of Kamdhenu International Production, highlights the importance of Gau Mata and the need to preserve her sanctity. Congratulating the entire team, Maharaj said the Bollywood film industry is undergoing a transformative phase, moving beyond traditional and family-centric narratives. Filmmakers and directors are now exploring social issues, suspense, thrillers, and other unique themes, offering aud...