Nestled in the northern Himalayan foothill region, the state of Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi Uttarakhand due to the presence of a number of holy shrines and pilgrimage sites. Earlier known as Uttaranchal, it was formed by carving out the northern hilly part of erstwhile Uttar Pradesh.
The state shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and China(Tibet). For administrative purposes it has been divided into two divisions of Garhwal and Kumaon respectively with a total of 13 districts. Dehradun, which is the largest city of the state, serves as its winter capital while Gairsain in Chamoli district is the summer capital.
Uttarakhand is most notable for the various holy sites found spread across the state. Pilgrim sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath as well as Gangotri and Yamunotri glacier systems, forming two of the holiest rivers Ganga and Yamuna and the towns of Haridwar and Hrishikeh are among the well known sites.
Apart from this, the Himalayan state is also quite rich in terms of flora and fauna. Jim Corbett National Park, Auli, Munsiyari, etc are a favourite amongst thrill seekers. The geography of the state has made it a preferred destination for adventure tourism with sites like Vasundhara Falls, Hrishikeh, Roopkund etc emerging as sites for trekking, river rafting and mountain climbing etc.
In this Get Real India segment, watch this story from Uttarakhand's Kotwar, where Bajrang Dal workers targeted a school uniform shop over its name, demanding that Baba be removed from the name.
A massive showdown erupted in parliament on Monday after Rahul Gandhi tried to quote from former army chief Naravane's unpublished memoir claiming the government showed no political will against Chinese incursions in 2020.
This news report details a distressing incident in Uttarakhand where Kashmiri shawl sellers were allegedly attacked based on their religious and regional identity. The victims claimed that while purchasing snacks, a shopkeeper made casteist and religious remarks, referenced the Pahalgam attack, and physically assaulted them. One individual was reported to be seriously injured during the confrontation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has intervened, speaking with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister and describing the attack as 'unacceptable.' He further urged the Home Ministry to sensitize other states regarding such communal issues. The Congress Party condemned the assault, noting the irony of artisans who create shawls for high-ranking officials facing such harassment. Local police have since registered an FIR and arrested the main accused involved in the case. The programme highlights the growing concerns over the safety of Kashmiri traders and the 'abnormalization' of Kashmir's existence within the country as noted by political leaders.
This report focuses on the recent communication between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami following a mob attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred in the Vikas Nagar area, where a Kashmiri youth was injured and one individual was subsequently detained. During the conversation, Omar Abdullah emphasized that the 'Uttarakhand government and the centre should ensure the safety of Kashmiris' in the state. The attack reportedly involved a mob making objectionable comments against the youth. India Today's Ashraf Ghani provides details on the diplomatic outreach between the two state leaders. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has raised serious concerns regarding the security of Kashmiri traders operating in Uttarakhand, urging the state administration to take proactive measures to prevent such communal incidents and ensure a secure environment for all citizens.
This news bulletin reports on the intense winter conditions across North India and North America. In India, the second snowfall of the season has commenced at Badrinath Dham, while an orange alert in Shimla has led to snow-covered hills and a surge in tourist inflow. The speaker notes that 'Visuals show the holy shrine wrapped in a thick white blanket as temperatures dip sharply.' In Jammu and Kashmir, heavy snowfall in the Pir Panjal mountains has impacted the Kotranka Subdivision, while children were seen enjoying the weather in other districts. Globally, a massive winter storm has left hundreds of thousands without power in the United States, with nearly 200 million Americans under extreme cold alerts. In New York and Toronto, schools remained shut and travel was severely disrupted, with many flights delayed or cancelled due to the icy conditions and heavy snow accumulation.
In this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant examines India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and the nation's evolving security paradigm. The program highlights European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement regarding India’s role in global stability and the progress of the India-EU security and defense partnership. A central focus is placed on 'Operation Sindoor' and a Swiss military think-tank report detailing India's air superiority over Pakistan. Experts Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon and Air Marshal M. Mateshwaran analyze precision strikes on strategic targets, including Sargodha and Jacobabad airbases, which reportedly called Pakistan's nuclear bluff. The discussion covers reported casualties of 400 Pakistani soldiers in the Lipa Valley and the impact of Indian political will on regional dynamics. Additional coverage includes AI-enabled surveillance displays at Kartavya Path, the historic participation of women in military contingents, an internal purge within China's PLA, and the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The report also addresses entry restriction controversies at Badrinath-Kedarnath temples.
In this episode of India First, host Gaurav Sawant leads a heated debate on the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's proposal to restrict non-Hindu entry to protect Vedic culture. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'Devbhumi Uttarakhand is staring at a fresh flashpoint' as faith and politics collide. Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla argues against the move, stating that Hinduism is an inclusive way of life and that as someone from a Muslim family who worships Lord Shiva, such restrictions feel unfair. Conversely, author Shantanu Gupta supports the committee's right to set rules, citing global examples like Mecca and specific Christian monasteries where entry is restricted. The discussion explores whether these measures are necessary to maintain sanctity or if they represent a divisive agenda, especially following reports of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami backing the committee's decision-making authority.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the significant announcement by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) regarding entry restrictions. Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the BKTC, has stated that a resolution will be passed in the upcoming board meeting to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus into the world-renowned Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams. Dwivedi emphasized that 'protecting the religious and cultural traditions of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand are most important to them.' He noted that while such restrictions existed traditionally, they were not strictly enforced in the past. The move aims to ensure the proper observance of age-old traditions across the chain of temples from Kedarkhand to Manaskhand. The programme discusses the implications of this decision and the practical challenges of its enforcement at these sacred sites, which hold the faith of millions of Indians. India Today's Ankit Sharma provides further details on the plan and the historical context of these secular yet deeply revered shrines.
On this special broadcast of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd), former Director General of the Indian Air Force, provides expert insight into the ceremonial protocols of gallantry awards. Explaining the significance of the presentation, he notes, 'The extraordinary achievement which any defence personnel gets... This is presented on the Republic Day by the President at the parade ground.' The discussion highlights the rare honour bestowed upon Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, who was conferred the Ashoka Chakra, and Group Captain Nair, who received the Kirti Chakra. Air Marshal Kapoor draws a historical parallel to the 1985 awards given to Rakesh Sharma and Ravish Malhotra, noting that such marquee achievements are uniquely honoured at Kartavya Path as a mark of national respect. The bulletin also captures the musical prelude 'Vividhata me ekta' led by Sri Lokesh Anand, featuring folk artists from across India, setting a harmonious tone for the national narrative and the theme of 150 years of Vande Mataram.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political row erupting in Maharashtra following the announcement of the Padma Awards. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has strongly criticised the decision to confer a Padma honour upon Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the former Governor of Maharashtra. The party alleged that the 'man who murdered democracy to install BJP-Shinde government in state is being honoured' by the Modi government. The transcript highlights the friction stemming from the 2022 political crisis when the Uddhav Thackeray-led government lost its majority. While the opposition views the award as a reward for enabling the current Eknath Shinde-BJP administration, the report also notes Koshyari's long political career, including his time spent in jail during the Emergency and his tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The programme explores the deepening divide between the Sena UBT and the ruling alliance over this controversial recognition.
On this breaking news report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards, one of India's highest civilian honours. The unidentified speaker details the recipients of the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan across various fields including cinema, politics, and medicine. A significant highlight is the posthumous recognition of the legendary actor Dharmendra, with the speaker noting, 'He has got the Padma Vibhushan, recognizing his contribution as far as the film industry is concerned.' Other prominent awardees mentioned include former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan and megastar Mammootty for their contributions to public affairs and cinema respectively. The list further includes former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, JMM chief Shibu Soren, and industry leaders like Uday Kotak and Piyush Pandey. The report underscores the diverse contributions of these individuals to the nation in fields ranging from social work to literature and education, marking a moment of national recognition for their professional and public service.
On this Special Report, reporter Himanshu Mishra provides an exclusive look at the list of 'unsung' Padma awardees accessed by India Today ahead of Republic Day. The broadcast highlights extraordinary citizens who have worked at the grassroots level across various sectors including education, medicine, and environmental conservation. Himanshu Mishra notes, 'These unsung heroes, every year, through Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they are awarded the Padma Awards' to recognise those who remain away from the media spotlight. Key figures mentioned include Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old from Karnataka who established a massive private library, and Kailash Chand Pant, an environmentalist dedicated to Himalayan conservation. The report emphasises that since 2014, the focus has shifted towards identifying individuals who have made significant contributions to society and the welfare of the poor without seeking public recognition. The programme explores the diverse backgrounds of these awardees from states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Assam, celebrating their dedication to nation-building.
Parts of North India, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Kashmir valley, are experiencing heavy snowfall, leading to significant disruptions. In Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala and Shimla are covered in thick snow, while vehicles struggle on slippery roads in Chamoli. The 'Unidentified speaker' noted that 'Beyond the Patli Kuhal, only 4x4 vehicles that are being permitted' as authorities manage the influx of tourists during the long weekend. While the snow has created a spectacular white blanket across Kashmir, it has also led to the closure of highways and left many commuters stranded. Emergency services, including the SDRF, remain on high alert to handle any exigencies. Traffic at the Atal Tunnel has been completely halted due to heavy snow accumulation, and travellers are being urged to proceed only with confirmed advance bookings to avoid further congestion and safety risks in the high-altitude regions.
Manali witnessed continuous snowfall over the past 30 hours, drawing tourists eager to enjoy the winter wonderland but causing massive traffic snarls along the Kullu-Manali stretch of NH 3. Although the skies have partially cleared, light snowfall continued, leaving vehicles stranded on snow-covered roads. Authorities have reported that vehicles were stuck at multiple points, forming long queues that stretch for several kilometres. Many tourists arriving last night had to spend the night inside their cars, unable to reach their destinations. Thousands remain stranded between Kullu and Manali as the administration struggled to clear the road. Tourists expressed frustration, saying they came to enjoy the scenery but now simply want to return home. With the road blocked and heavy traffic, even leaving hotels has become a challenge.
In this Special Report, Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor examines the tragic death of 27-year-old techie Yuvraj, who drowned after his car plunged into an open, water-filled pit in Noida's Sector 115. Kapoor highlights the systemic failure, stating, 'Time to hold the system accountable,' as India Today accesses exclusive details from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The report reveals that five departments of the Noida Authority are under the scanner, with officials from the SDRF, fire department, and police being questioned regarding response times and lack of precautions. The program also features insights from Arvind Ojha on the SIT's progress and Piyush Mishra's interaction with anguished locals who describe the pit as a hazardous sewage dump. Additionally, the broadcast addresses how severe air pollution is threatening India's global sporting ambitions and provides a winter update on heavy snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand ahead of the Republic Day long weekend.
In this India Today special report, anchor Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor examines the intense winter conditions currently gripping North India. Following a late arrival, the season has intensified with heavy snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor notes, 'In the national capital and its adjoining regions, the smell of rain has finally brought the much-needed relief and cheer from the toxic air,' as Delhi's AQI improves. The bulletin highlights significant disruptions, including the cancellation of 26 flights at Srinagar airport and the closure of key mountain passes like Zojila and Mughal Road due to several feet of snow. While the snowfall has transformed tourist hotspots like Gulmarg and Shimla into scenic landscapes just ahead of the Republic Day long weekend, local authorities face challenges in restoring power and road connectivity. Correspondents Ashraf Wani, Ankit Sharma, and Maninder Arora provide ground updates on the weather's impact on agriculture, tourism, and daily life in the Himalayan region.
From Chamoli, where locals are praying for snowfall, to Auli, where residents are demanding artificial snow, the crisis is unfolding in real time.
On this report, India Today’s Ankit Sharma provides details on the disciplinary action taken at Doon Medical College in Uttarakhand following a disturbing ragging complaint. Two senior students, identified as Priyanshu and Mohammad Saqib, have been suspended from the hostel after a first-year student alleged he was thrashed with belts and slippers, forced to sleep outside, and had his hair trimmed against his will. Ankit Sharma noted, 'The hospital administration has indeed suspended these two seniors from the hostel because they were concerned of the security of the victim.' While the anti-ragging committee is currently investigating the matter to determine if the incident was a case of ragging or a personal scuffle, the college has summoned the parents of the accused. The report highlights the administration's focus on campus security and the mental well-being of students as they await the final investigation report.
Renewed protests have erupted across Uttarakhand, demanding justice in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The central demand of the protestors and Ankita's parents is that the recently announced CBI inquiry 'should be done under the Supreme Court judge'. The demonstrations, which intensified after an actress named Urmila Sonawar made new revelations on social media, have led to an 'Uttarakhand bandh' with widespread support in the state's mountain districts. Protesters are alleging the involvement of high-profile 'VIPs' and claiming there has been tampering of evidence. Following the public outcry and intensifying protests on the streets of Dehradun, the government has now added Ankita's father as a complainant in the FIR, which was previously filed based on a complaint by Urmila Sonawar to investigate the alleged VIP angle.
The big talking point of this episode of News Today is the escalating political war over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
