National

Modi Proposes Transforming Uttarakhand’s Hot Springs into Wellness and Spa Centers

Published

11 months ago

March 6, 2025

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the potential of Uttarakhand’s hot springs to be transformed into wellness and spa centres. He suggested that content creators could play a vital role in promoting tourism and uncovering new destinations within the state. Modi announced plans to develop 50 new tourist spots in Uttarakhand in the near future.

Speaking at a public event in Harsil village, PM Modi noted that the state’s hills are home to numerous hot springs that could attract more tourists, particularly during the winter months. “Beyond Badrinath, there are many hot springs that could be turned into wellness spa centres. We should also focus on Ayurveda to enhance winter tourism in Uttarakhand,” he stated. The Prime Minister advocated for the organization of yoga retreats in the serene, snowy settings, urging heads of religious institutions, saints, and yoga instructors to conduct at least one yoga camp in Uttarakhand during the winter season.

He commended Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his initiatives and emphasized the importance of diversifying Uttarakhand’s tourism sector to promote year-round activity, as current tourist influx primarily occurs from March to June, leaving hotels, resorts, and homestays empty in winter.

Additionally, PM Modi referred to an exhibition on winter tourism held in Harsil, which evoked fond memories of his earlier years in the region. He expressed a desire to revisit and stressed the importance of safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage, including its cuisine, music, and dance, to enhance tourism appeal. He proposed leveraging content creators to raise awareness and promote these unique offerings, suggesting the Uttarakhand government invite them to organize a national competition aimed at showcasing the state’s tourist locations and winter tourism opportunities.

Modi confirmed that 50 new tourism destinations are set to be developed, backed by a budget provision aimed at enhancing Uttarakhand’s offerings. He also mentioned that winter wildlife safaris could establish a distinctive identity for the state.

In response, Chief Minister Dhami expressed his gratitude for Modi’s ongoing support in preserving Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural legacy. He highlighted significant milestones achieved under the Prime Minister’s leadership, including the successful Global Investors Summit, G20 meetings, the implementation of the UCC law, and the successful hosting of the 38th National Games.

Dhami also thanked Modi for allocating ₹4,081 crore for the Kedarnath ropeway and ₹2,730 crore for the Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects, which are expected to greatly benefit pilgrims, as well as elderly, children, and women devotees, while enhancing religious tourism. He noted that the Char Dham Yatra is a crucial component of Uttarakhand’s economy, supporting local hoteliers, taxi operators, shopkeepers, and thousands of workers.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.