National

Uttarakhand Minister Resigns, Fuels Rumors of Cabinet Reshuffle

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2025

The resignation of Uttarakhand minister Premchand Agarwal, following his controversial comments about residents of the hill areas, has sparked rumors of a potential Cabinet reshuffle within the Dhami administration. Reports indicate that this reshuffle could involve replacing one or two current ministers and welcoming five to seven newcomers.

BJP leaders in Uttarakhand have revealed that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is likely to travel to Delhi soon to consult with the party’s central leadership regarding the upcoming Cabinet modifications.

While there is currently no acute political crisis, party leaders acknowledge that the reduced size of the state cabinet—now at its lowest in Uttarakhand’s history—may become a pressing issue in the future. Sources suggest that the reshuffle may occur before March 23, which marks the third anniversary of the Dhami government, with four new members anticipated to join the cabinet.

Agarwal’s departure had been looming since after Holi, as public dissatisfaction with him increased in the mountainous regions. Despite attempts by BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt and Agarwal to address the controversy, ongoing discontent within the party exacerbated the situation.

Bhatt advised Agarwal to avoid making controversial remarks and issued a report concerning the hill-plain divide to the central leadership. Following this, the party’s central leadership sought direct input from both the Chief Minister and the State President before ultimately requesting Agarwal’s resignation, evaluating the political stakes involved.

According to regulations, the Uttarakhand government can include up to 12 cabinet ministers. However, with Agarwal’s exit, the Dhami cabinet now consists of only seven ministers, including the Chief Minister. Dhami has the capacity to nominate up to five new ministers, which could rise if the central leadership suggests dismissing one or two additional ministers.

Meanwhile, BJP MLAs aspiring for cabinet roles have begun lobbying influential figures in Delhi, eager to be part of the final selection of names that the Chief Minister will present to the central leadership during his forthcoming visit.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.