Uttarakhand

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...