Pilgrims in front of Amarnath cave

One of the largest religious pilgrimages undertaken in India is the Amarnath Yatra, and thousands of devotees travel to see the holy shrine of Amarnath. The tour’s scheduled dates in 2026 are from July 3 to August 9, spread over a period of 38 days. As per the rules set by the authorities, all the participants will have to go through the process of registration which will be started from April 15, 2026.Amarnath Yatra is organized by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and strict eligibility conditions are followed during the yatra.

Registration Process: Online and Offline Options

Passengers wishing to undertake the Yatra have two options available for registration, either online through the SASB website or through the mobile application “Shri Amarnathji Yatra” or offline through designated bank branches.

online registration

The online registration process is expected to start from April 15, 2026. OTP verification process will be mandatory, which will require mobile phone number and email address. Additionally, pilgrims will be expected to upload a scanned version of the Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 8, 2026, along with a passport size photograph.

Official announcement of Amarnath Yatra

Offline Registration through Bank Branches

If pilgrims choose to register in person, they will have to start the process from April 15, 2026, at selected bank branches. Registration will be done on first come, first served basis.Pilgrims have to approach authorized bank branches with the help of their CHC card, which is issued by an authorized medical practitioner along with identity documents like Aadhaar. Biometric authentication of the individual will be done instantly using the eKYC system at bank branches. The registration fee remains Rs 150 per person.

RFID card mandatory for entry

One of the key requirements for the Amarnath Yatra 2026 will be the use of mandatory RFID cards. On registering themselves for the journey, all passengers will have to collect RFID cards from the designated centers located in Jammu and Kashmir after the eKYC biometric verification process. If one does not have RFID card, he cannot cross the gate point of Domel or Chandanwari.

Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir

Eligibility Criteria and Health Requirements

The criteria to be eligible to participate in the Yatra remain the same. Only those people whose age is between 13 to 70 years can register themselves. Pregnant women who have completed more than six weeks cannot participate in the Yatra.Every candidate is required to have Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), which must be provided by an authorized doctor or clinic as mentioned on the SASB website.

Routes and travel options

Amarnath Yatra can be done through two main routes:

For the convenience of those who cannot walk the entire journey, helicopter facilities are available from both Pahalgam and Baltal to Panchtarni.

Features & Safety & Weather Alerts

For the benefit of the travelers, tents, accommodation and even government facilities are provided at various stopping places en route. Additionally, there are certain safety measures and SOPs that all passengers must follow. Since the climate here is harsh and harsh, it is advisable to be well prepared in terms of clothing and physical stamina.

At first glance, it seems like a stunt, but in central London, visitors are being invited to do something surprisingly rooted in human history: taste the soil. The Edible Earth Museum, currently on display at Somerset House, brings together Edible Earth specimens from around the world and transforms them into a sensory, educational experience. Far from gimmicky, the exhibition explores geophagy, the practice of eating soil, through science, anthropology and art. By combining tasting sessions with research-backed context, it challenges modern notions about what is considered food and opens deeper conversations about humanity’s relationship with the Earth.

What is the Museum of Food Earth?

The Edible Earth Museum is an interdisciplinary project created by artist and researcher Masharu. It houses a growing collection of over 600 edible soil samples collected from over 40 countries, each documented with cultural, historical and chemical context.Rather than presenting clay as a strange or taboo object, the exhibition presents it as a meaningful material. Visitors experience the clay not only visually, but also through smell, texture and taste, turning the exhibition into a completely immersive experience, blending art installation with scientific investigation.

Global History of Eating the Earth

Eating soil may seem unusual in modern urban environments, but geophagy has been practiced for centuries in Africa, South America, Asia, and parts of Europe. Anthropologists have documented its use in traditional medicine to soothe digestive problems, as a source of minerals such as iron and calcium, and in cultural rituals or pregnancy-related cravings.In some areas, specially prepared soil is also sold in markets as a consumable product. The exhibition highlights these traditions to show that clay consumption is not a marginal behavior, but a culturally embedded practice with historical depth.

What does mud really taste like?

One of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition is how it presents clay as a sensory experience. Different types of soil impart different flavors. Clay may taste greasy and slightly metallic, chalky clay may feel dry and mineral-heavy, and volcanic clay may have a smoky or earthy depth.Each sample is accompanied by tasting notes similar to those used for wine or coffee, encouraging visitors to engage with the soil in a structured and thoughtful way.Scientific research has revealed why humans and animals consume soil. Some explanations suggest that some clays provide essential nutrients, while others may help bind toxins and pathogens in the digestive tract. Clay can also act as a protective layer against irritants in the gut.However, scientists warn that not all soil is safe. Contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria and parasites can pose risks, which is why the exhibition uses carefully obtained and prepared samples.

is it safe eat soil?

Organizers emphasize that the tasting experience is controlled and optional. Visitors are guided through the process, and the soil provided is selected with safety in mind.That said, health experts don’t recommend casually eating soil outside of such curated settings. The exhibition aims to educate and inspire thought, not to encourage everyday consumption.

A living collection of human experience

One of the most unique elements of the exhibition is its participatory nature. Visitors are invited to leave their own tasting notes and responses, contributing to a growing collection of how people view the soil.This turns the exhibition into a collaborative project where science, culture and personal experience intersect, creating a broader understanding of how humans relate to something as fundamental as the ground beneath their feet.

Sustainability and environmental reflection

The exhibition also conveys a strong environmental message. Many of its elements are made using recycled materials, including compost and organic waste recovered from previous establishments.By focusing on soil, the exhibition draws attention to the foundations of ecosystems and agriculture. It encourages visitors to think about soil not as dirt, but as a vital resource that supports life, food systems, and environmental balance.The idea of ​​eating soil has generated widespread curiosity online, leading to conversations on social media. While the shock factor draws people in, the deeper appeal lies in the exhibition’s ability to connect science, culture and everyday experience.It challenges deeply held ideas about hygiene, food and nature, causing visitors to question assumptions they might never have thought about before.The Edible Earth Museum is more than an unusual attraction. It is a thoughtful exploration of history, science and sustainability that uses a simple yet provocative idea to engage audiences. By inviting people to taste the soil, it transforms an overlooked material into a powerful lens through which to examine culture, health, and humanity’s relationship with the planet.

मुजफ्फरनगर बॉलीवुड गायक 11 अप्रैल को मेरठ रोड स्थित न्यूमैक्स सिटी में सलमान अली लाइव कार्यक्रम की घोषणा के बाद मुजफ्फरनगर में इस आयोजन को लेकर उत्साह से ज्यादा चर्चा होती नजर आ रही है. आयोजकों के मुताबिक शाम 6 बजे से रात 10 बजे तक चलने वाले इस कार्यक्रम में सलमान अली अपने लोकप्रिय गाने पेश करेंगे.

हालांकि, शहर के कई लोगों का कहना है कि ऐसे बड़े कार्यक्रम अक्सर सिर्फ मनोरंजन तक ही सीमित नहीं रहते, बल्कि लोगों का ध्यान किसी प्रोजेक्ट की ओर आकर्षित करने का माध्यम भी बन जाते हैं.

प्रेस वार्ता में कार्यक्रम को भव्य सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम बताया गया.

रूड़की रोड स्थित एक होटल में आयोजित पत्रकार वार्ता में आयोजकों ने दावा किया कि कार्यक्रम की सभी तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं। कार्यक्रम स्थल पर सुरक्षा व्यवस्था, मंच सजावट और टिकट वितरण की योजना तैयार है.

आयोजक अभिषेक शर्मा ने बताया कि सलमान अली ने ‘धुरंधर’ और ‘छावा’ जैसी फिल्मों में अपनी आवाज दी है और पश्चिमी उत्तर प्रदेश में यह उनका पहला कार्यक्रम बताया जा रहा है.

लेकिन शहर में सवाल उठ रहा है- कार्यक्रम या प्रचार?

कार्यक्रम की घोषणा के साथ ही शहर में इस बात की भी चर्चा हो रही है कि अचानक इतने बड़े कलाकार का कार्यक्रम सरहद पर स्थित बस्ती में क्यों आयोजित किया जा रहा है.

स्थानीय लोगों का कहना है कि “आम तौर पर ऐसी घटनाएं वहां होती हैं जहां पहले से ही बड़ी आबादी होती है, लेकिन यहां घटनाएं पहले दिखाई देती हैं और आबादी बाद में।”

लोकेशन को लेकर भी लोगों की अपनी-अपनी राय है

न्यूमैक्स सिटी शहर के मुख्य आबादी वाले हिस्सों से कुछ दूरी पर स्थित है। ऐसे में कई नागरिकों का कहना है कि लोग घर या प्लॉट खरीदने से पहले इलाके की सुविधाओं, कनेक्टिविटी और बसावट को ज्यादा महत्व देते हैं.

कुछ लोगों ने हल्के व्यंग्य में यह भी कहा कि “अगर संगीत कार्यक्रम से कॉलोनियां बसने लगतीं तो शहर की आधी खाली कॉलोनियां कब की भर गई होतीं।”

प्रोजेक्ट को लेकर पहले भी चर्चा हुई थी

स्थानीय स्तर पर भी चर्चा रही है कि समय-समय पर इस प्रोजेक्ट को लेकर लोगों के बीच तरह-तरह के विचार सामने आते रहे हैं. ऐसे में एक बड़े कार्यक्रम की घोषणा ने एक बार फिर इन चर्चाओं को तेज कर दिया है.

हालांकि, आयोजकों ने इसे पूरी तरह से सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम बताया है.

जन प्रतिनिधियों को भी निमंत्रण भेजा गया

आयोजकों के मुताबिक कार्यक्रम में सांसद, मंत्री और विधायकों को आमंत्रित किया गया है. इससे साफ पता चलता है कि कार्यक्रम को बड़े पैमाने पर पेश करने की तैयारी है.

शहर में कई लोग इसे ”घटनाओं के जरिए पहचान बढ़ाने की कोशिश” के तौर पर भी देख रहे हैं.

सलमान अली का मुजफ्फरनगर शो शहर में चर्चा का विषय बना हुआ है

सलमान अली के कार्यक्रम ने इस समय न्यूमैक्स सिटी को चर्चा के केंद्र में ला दिया है. जहां एक ओर संगीत प्रेमी इस आयोजन का इंतजार कर रहे हैं, वहीं दूसरी ओर लोग यह भी देखने को उत्सुक हैं कि इस आयोजन के बाद क्षेत्र की गतिविधियों में कोई बदलाव आता है या नहीं.

मेरठ रोड स्थित न्यूमैक्स सिटी में होने वाले इस कार्यक्रम को जहां सांस्कृतिक संध्या के तौर पर प्रस्तुत किया जा रहा है, वहीं शहर में चल रही चर्चाएं यह संकेत दे रही हैं कि लोग अब सिर्फ गीत-संगीत ही नहीं, बल्कि ऐसे आयोजनों के पीछे के संभावित मकसद पर भी गौर कर रहे हैं।

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (ANI)

BENGALURU: Even as the ongoing conflict in West Asia is reshaping modern warfare, India’s Navy is holding back from drawing firm conclusions, instead choosing to observe, analyze and adapt in real time.Speaking at the RAN Dialogue 2026 in Bengaluru on Thursday, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said it was “too early” to draw definitive lessons from what he described as a still-evolving conflict.“The war continues… dynamic activities have not stopped. We are monitoring 24/7 what is working, what is not and what should be done or should not be done,” he said during a question-and-answer session. Nevertheless, some broad trends are already visible.

transparency and vulnerability

The Navy Chief said, the most important thing is the unprecedented transparency of the battlefield. “Anything that can be seen as dynamic or static is vulnerable,” he said, underlining that land, sea, air and even space-based assets are now exposed in previously unseen ways. Sub-surface platforms, particularly submarines, remain relatively low detectable, especially in complex waters such as the Indian Ocean, where salinity and hydrothermal conditions make detection extremely difficult.

Resilience on invincibility

Rather than invincibility, the conflict has highlighted the importance of resilience. Admiral Tripathi pointed to the continued operations of US carrier strike groups, including USS Abraham Lincoln, as evidence of enduring combat capability despite threats.“Every platform is vulnerable. What matters is the balance between the opponent’s offensive capability and your defensive strength,” he said.

Carrier and amphibious relevance retained

Responding to questions on the vulnerability of aircraft carriers to low-cost drones and asymmetric attacks, the Navy chief rejected suggestions that their role was being diminished. Carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups, he said, “have relevance and purpose”, with their employment shaped by the operational and strategic context. He said amphibious forces in particular “pack a punch” and can be reused, as evidenced by supervised deployments during recent conflicts. Indian Navy Officials are closely monitoring the deployment and flight patterns of US naval personnel.

speed, scale, togetherness

In his address, Admiral Tripathi framed modern warfare as based on three defining characteristics – speed, scale and simultaneity. He cited the use of AI-enabled targeting systems in West Asia, which compress the decision cycle from detection to attack, as a sign of how warfare is shifting from linear kill chains to a network kill web.

Human judgment is still central

Despite rapid advances in artificial intelligence and data processing, he stressed that machines cannot replace human decision making. He warned of cognitive warfare, saying, “Machines can give choices. The final decision will remain human.”

Indian Navy’s response

In this backdrop, the Navy is focusing on building a networked, flexible and integrated force. This includes greater use of uncrewed and autonomous systems, integration of long-range precision strike and layered defense, and indigenous battle management systems linking sensors and shooters across all domains. The Navy has adopted spiral development as a guiding principle for technology induction, iterating on prototypes and scaling up what works rather than waiting for an ideal solution. Training in cyber, information and multi-domain operations is being progressively developed, with exercises such as the Navy-led theater level operational exercise TROPEX and a tri-service exercise coordinated by the Navy in November last year already incorporating cyber and information warfare elements.Admiral Tripathi said the doctrine and strategy are being continuously updated, with a revised maritime security strategy expected shortly. However, the bigger message was one of caution. The Navy is keeping a close watch, but is not rushing to conclusions. “The right lesson will come when the time is right,” he said.

पीएम मोदी 14 अप्रैल को हेलीकॉप्टर से गणेशपुर स्थित हेलीपैड पहुंचेंगे. वहां से उनका काफिला एशिया के सबसे लंबे एलिवेटेड वाइल्डलाइफ कॉरिडोर से होते हुए दटकाली मंदिर पहुंचेगा. वह उत्तराखंड को इस एक्सप्रेस-वे समेत करोड़ों रुपये की सौगात देंगे, इसलिए बीजेपी संगठन ने भी उनके स्वागत के लिए बड़ी तैयारी की है.

डाटकाली मंदिर से कैंट के महिंद्रा ग्राउंड तक 30 हजार बीजेपी कार्यकर्ता सड़क के दोनों ओर फूल बरसाकर पीएम मोदी का स्वागत करेंगे. इसके लिए देहरादून, सहारनपुर, हरिद्वार समेत अन्य इलाकों से टनों गुलाब की पंखुड़ियां मंगाने की व्यवस्था की गई है।

बीजेपी के लिए हैट्रिक बनाना आसान होगा

दावा है कि पीएम मोदी की रैली में 30 हजार से ज्यादा कार्यकर्ता भी शामिल होंगे. बीजेपी ने पांच संगठनात्मक जिलों देहरादून ग्रामीण, देहरादून, ऋषिकेश, हरिद्वार और रूड़की के अलावा टिहरी के नरेंद्रनगर और उत्तरकाशी से भी कार्यकर्ताओं की टीमें रैली के लिए तैनात की हैं. रैली के दौरान पीएम मोदी पार्टी कार्यकर्ताओं और पदाधिकारियों से बात भी करेंगे. मकसद होगा चुनावी माहौल को नई ऊंचाइयों पर ले जाना, ताकि बीजेपी के लिए हैट्रिक लगाना आसान हो जाए. इधर, मुख्यमंत्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी गुरुवार को पीएम मोदी की रैली की तैयारियों की समीक्षा बैठक करेंगे. इसमें संगठन के प्रदेश अध्यक्ष समेत सभी पदाधिकारी शामिल होंगे.

ये भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: 1.34 लाख बुजुर्ग महिलाओं को सरकारी सहायता की जरूरत; सर्वे में चौंकाने वाले आंकड़े सामने आए

आयोजन भव्य होगा

बीजेपी प्रदेश अध्यक्ष महेंद्र भट्ट ने कहा कि पीएम मोदी की रैली का कार्यक्रम भव्य होगा. उन्होंने बताया कि बैठक सीएम धामी की अध्यक्षता में होगी. साथ ही पीएम पर फूलों की वर्षा की जाएगी. वह शहर के डाटकाली मंदिर से कार द्वारा गढ़ी कैंट स्थित महिंद्रा ग्राउंड पहुंचेंगे। बताया कि इस दौरान वह दून-दिल्ली एक्सप्रेस-वे का उद्घाटन करेंगे।

Climate forecasts for the region around the Pacific Ocean point to the emergence of changes in the global climate. At present the La Nina situation seems to be weakening. In such a situation, there is speculation that the latter half of the year 2026 may witness the emergence of El Nino phenomenon. Reports from climate experts and organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show gradual changes in ocean conditions, including warming trends. Currently, the system is still in neutral state and awaiting further development.These forecasts are made using traditional techniques employed to monitor ENSO activity.according to NOAAA transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral is expected within the next month, with ENSO-neutral conditions likely to persist until May–July 2026 (55% probability). By June–August 2026, El Niño is projected to develop (62% probability) and is expected to last until at least the end of the year.

super el nino 2026: early signs of a potentially violent event

What makes predicting the future interesting is the high probability of the event occurring. Some forecasts suggest that the climate is likely to shift from neutral ENSO conditions to El Niño conditions in the mid to late 2026s. There is some speculation that warming in significant areas could exceed the limits associated with strong events or even super events. In the past, such events included the strong El Niño episodes of 1982–83, 1997–98, and 2015–16.One of the predictive factors of interest is model stability. It often means something when multiple models start showing the same forecast trend. However, it should be noted that seasonal forecasting is uncertain.

Super El Nino 2026 global weather impacts

El Nino affects the jet stream. This change can alter rainfall, temperatures and the path of storms in different regions. In parts of the southern United States, wet and cool conditions are often seen during strong El Niño events. Meanwhile, northern areas may experience a mild winter. These patterns vary from year to year depending on intensity and timing.Globally, the effects may be mixed. The risk of rainfall and floods has increased in some areas. Others may see dry conditions or thermal anomalies. Agriculture, water resources and ecosystems can all feel the impacts.

Super El Niño 2026 and its impact on the Atlantic hurricane season

One area that is often discussed is the Atlantic hurricane season. El Nino conditions increase wind shear over the Atlantic Basin. That shear can make it harder for storms to form and intensify.Historical data suggests fewer hurricanes during strong El Niño years, although exceptions exist. Even in calm weather, a single major hurricane can cause significant damage if it reaches land. For 2026, the early outlook indicates that ENSO conditions may remain neutral for parts of the summer before El Niño strengthens later in the year. Hurricane activity in the early season may not be greatly affected, while late season patterns may change.

Understand the term ‘El Nino’

According to USA Today, El Nino is a component of a larger climate system called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The term “El Nino” refers to unusually high sea surface temperatures in the eastern region of the Pacific Ocean.When this happens, the trade winds weaken, and warm currents that normally move west begin to move east. The rise of cold current has also reduced. As a result, ocean warming affects atmospheric circulation, affecting weather systems around the world. This occurs every few years, usually for nine to twelve months, although sometimes for longer periods.

Why is “Super El Nino” being mentioned?

The phrase “Super El Niño” is not an official classification used by agencies such as NOAA. It is a descriptive term used when anomalies in sea surface temperatures become exceptionally high. According to Forbes, some researchers and commentators reportedly use it when anomalies in major Niño regions exceed the average by about 2.5 degrees Celsius. That level has been associated with some of the strongest events historically recorded.

what to expect next

Forecast confidence generally improves as the year progresses. Spring is considered a difficult period for ENSO prediction due to changing atmospheric conditions. Currently, the general outlook suggests a gradual transition from neutral conditions to El Niño by mid-2026, with strong potential by late 2026. Whether it will reach “super” status remains uncertain.Models will continue to be updated. Observations will guide direction. Ocean temperatures, wind patterns and atmospheric reactions will all play a role. But the signals are strong enough that scientists are keeping a close eye, and global weather systems may begin to respond if warming trends continue.

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) director Anand Verma has accused unauthorized persons of ticket fraud during the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, April 4. Verma claimed that valid ticket holders were denied entry because their duplicate passes were used by others to gain entry.

Verma lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central District), stating that he and his guests were barred entry during the match despite holding valid tickets for the hospitality section. he won dc. He alleged that the tickets in his possession had already been scanned and used by unknown persons.

In his complaint, Verma said, “When the complainant and his guests reached the designated entry gate of the stadium, the security personnel deployed at the entry point illegally stopped them and refused entry.” He further said, “Upon enquiry, the complainant was shocked to find that the two complimentary physical tickets in his possession had already been scanned and used for entry by some unknown and unauthorized persons.”

After discovering the matter, Verma contacted DDCA Chief Financial Officer Manan Gupta and informed him about the fraudulent use of tickets. He also brought the matter to the attention of DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.

Verma said, “Instead of taking immediate action, Mr. Manan Gupta provided the complainant with the contact details of one Mr. Bhushan, who is said to be the DDCA in-charge for handling all tickets… but no meaningful or satisfactory explanation was provided by him regarding pre-scanning and usage of tickets.”

He described misuse of complimentary tickets as a breach of trust and a security risk. Verma said, “…This reflects a complete breakdown of internal controls…The complicity of the security personnel in this fraudulent activity is a matter of grave concern…Their complicity in allowing entry of unauthorized persons through fraudulent means compromises the entire security mechanism of the stadium, posing a significant threat to public safety.”

What did DDCA say on the issue?

Responding to the allegations, DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma termed the incident as a technical issue. “Delhi Capitals told us it was a technical issue. Sometimes the scanner fails to read the barcode,” he told PTI.

Delhi Capitals have to play five more matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

ipl 2026 | ipl schedule | ipl points table | ipl player stats | purple cap | orange cap | ipl video | cricket news | live score

– ends

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Thursday, made a scathing attack on the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata BanerjeeUrging voters to remove what he called “nirmam” (brutal). Trinamool Congress Government from power.Addressing a rally in Haldia, the stronghold of opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, PM Modi accused the ruling government of holding the state backward while the rest of the country is moving forward.