Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Secretariat to assess the preparations for Chardham Yatra-2026.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Secretariat to assess the preparations for Chardham Yatra-2026.The Chief Minister directed the officials to implement last year’s ‘Green and Clean Chardham Yatra’ campaign more effectively this time. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, he directed that the Yatra be made plastic free by installing adequate number of collection boxes on the routes and strictly controlling the use of plastic. He also warned that any attempt to spread misinformation or rumors regarding the Char Dham Yatra will be followed by immediate FIR and strict action.Emphasizing on public participation, he called for active participation of local bodies, voluntary organizations and youth to turn the Yatra into a people’s movement.With regard to helicopter services, the Chief Minister issued strict instructions to ensure complete compliance of SOPs, mandatory regular maintenance and fitness checks of all helicopters and adequate rest intervals to avoid operational overloading.He also directed officials to further strengthen the weather-based real-time monitoring system to effectively deal with emergencies. Along with improving cleanliness, beautification and signage on the travel routes, instructions were given to develop attractive selfie points and theme based installations at major places.According to the release on supply management, the Chief Minister clearly said that there should be no shortage of essential commodities like gas, petrol, diesel and other necessities on the route. District supply officers will be made responsible and separate nodal officers will be appointed to ensure daily monitoring.He directed to set up adequate medical units and temporary hospitals as per requirement on the routes to strengthen the health services. He also gave instructions to increase veterinary facilities for animals. Also, emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate availability of clean drinking water through CSR and other resources.Giving priority to the convenience of the pilgrims, the Chief Minister ordered the development of basic amenities such as toilets, shelters and other facilities. He stressed the need for effective slot management and crowd control systems along with real-time digital monitoring to reduce waiting time for darshan.He also directed that the online registration system be further strengthened with additional booths at congested registration centers and simplification of the digital process. From the security point of view, CCTV cameras should be fully operational along the entire route and AI-based monitoring systems should be implemented where necessary. Emphasis was also laid on increased surveillance at sensitive locations and constant monitoring from control rooms.Taking a tough stance on law and order, the Chief Minister directed for deployment of adequate police and home guards on major roads, intersections and markets.He also directed that traffic congestion should be avoided through an effective traffic management plan and alternative routes should be identified to ensure that local residents are not inconvenienced.Regarding disaster management, he directed to pre-identify sensitive areas and deploy necessary resources. Emphasis was laid on better coordination between SDRF, NDRF and local administration along with keeping 24×7 control rooms and helplines active for quick emergency response.The Chief Minister also directed to hold regular review meetings during the visit period to monitor the progress and implement immediate corrective measures based on past experiences. He stressed on timely repairing of potholes and maintaining the condition of the road.Referring to the controversies related to community food services (bhandars) last year, he directed the administration to establish coordination between the local people and pilgrims to find a permanent solution. Strict action against overcharging was also ordered, along with mandatory display of rate lists at all shops.On transport, he directed that all vehicles should have valid fitness certificate, green card and trip card. He also directed the supply department to ensure uninterrupted availability of LPG, kerosene, petrol and diesel on the Chardham Yatra routes.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, speaking at the 18th convocation of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) on Thursday, said the talent and potential of today’s graduates will take the country to new heights on the global stage. “Today’s graduates are the real drivers of a developed India,” he said at the event organized at the university’s East Delhi campus in Surajmal Vihar. A total of 26,649 degrees were awarded to students, which includes 124 PhD, 11 MPhil, 2,873 Post Graduate, 22,455 Bachelor, 477 MBBS and 709 MD/MS and DM/MCh degrees. University officials said 70 percent of the PhD recipients graduating this year are women. Seventy-six gold medals and six memorial prizes were awarded to meritorious students. Addressing the ceremony, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Chancellor of GGSIPU, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that the convocation not only marks the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of new responsibilities towards nation building. He said students are entering a world increasingly reshaped by Artificial Intelligence and sustainable innovation, and urged them to go beyond textbook education. LG Sandhu said, “In the age of AI and innovation, logical thinking is the real power.” “The degree must go beyond textbook knowledge,” he said. He said that adaptability, logical thinking and courage to innovate will be important in the coming years. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Developed India @2047”, he said the country needs problem-solvers who can tackle complex challenges in areas such as urban development, public health and digital governance. GGSIPU Vice Chancellor Mahesh Verma reaffirmed the university’s focus on innovation, research and preparing students for the rapidly evolving world. “Proceed with responsibility, integrity and purpose,” he said. Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education Yogesh Singh also attended the convocation ceremony. The Chief Minister said that the convocation ceremony reflected the years of hard work, discipline and dedication of the students. He urged the students to use their education not only for personal development but also for the larger well-being of the society. He also highlighted the university’s work in emerging areas such as AI, robotics, data science and design innovation. Praising the Atal Incubation Center in the university, the Chief Minister said that it has supported more than 170 startups, helping youth transform from job seekers to job creators. Highlighting the education priorities of the Delhi government, Gupta said that this year the education budget has increased to Rs 19,326 crore. “Our aim is not just to make schools smart but also to ensure world-class facilities in higher education,” the Chief Minister said. He said more than 2,200 students are receiving free coaching for competitive exams like JEE, NEET and CLAT.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sharply criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government and alleged that it has “turned crude bomb making into a cottage industry”.Addressing an election rally in Birbhum, West Bengal, the Prime Minister said the TMC has normalized violence in the state and promised strict action if the BJP comes to power. He said, “Today I make a promise to the people of Bengal. As soon as the BJP government is formed in Bengal, a special investigation will be conducted against those who helped in infiltration. This is my guarantee to you. No matter how powerful they are, they will be identified and sent to jail.”The Prime Minister also took a dig at TMC’s slogan, saying, “TMC’s ‘Maa-Mati-Manush’ is nothing more than empty talk.” The Prime Minister commented, “Mothers are crying, the soil has been taken over by infiltrators and the humans are scared.”Referring to Rabindranath Tagore, he said, “Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore envisioned a society where everyone would be free from fear. However, TMC’s ‘Maha Jungle Raj’ has done just the opposite.”Referring to the 2022 Birbhum violence, also known as the Bogatui massacre, he said, “What happened in Bogatui was not just an incident; it was a stain on humanity. Innocent women and children were burnt alive. If this is not jungle raj, what is it?”The PM also accused TMC of insulting the tribal communities. “What kind of mentality does TMC have that it can even insult the country’s first tribal woman President? How much arrogance is there?” he asked.Appealing to young voters, Modi said, “The youth power of Bengal is bidding farewell to this ruthless government. They will give their answer on April 23 and April 29.”The Prime Minister had earlier addressed a rally in Asansol. Voting for the 294 assembly seats of West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 and the counting of votes will take place on May 4.

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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.

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