Month: July 2025

A grand jungle safari project coming up in the Aravalli Hills is going to redefine Haryana’s identity.

According to a release, this ambitious project will not only promote green tourism in the state but will also serve as an important step towards wildlife conservation. With the aim of giving shape to this project, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with Union Minister Manohar Lal and Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, visited Vantara, Jamnagar, in Gujarat and gathered information in this regard.

This jungle safari in Haryana will be developed over an area of approximately 10,000 acres, where various types of animals, birds, and natural biodiversity will be preserved. This safari will be equipped with modern technology and special arrangements will be made for eco-friendly tourism.

The development of safari in the Aravalli hills will provide new employment opportunities for the local youth in tourism, guiding, hospitality, and other related sectors. Also, this project will strengthen the regional climate and ecology.

Nayab Singh Saini himself is reviewing this big project from time to time. He has given clear instructions to the Forest and Environment Department that the project should be completely eco-friendly. This project will prove to be a milestone in environmental protection, promoting tourism and creating new employment opportunities.

The Forest and Environment Department and the Tourism Department will jointly give shape to this project. The government aims to make this safari a major attraction for tourists from the country and abroad and make Haryana a leader in the field of eco-tourism.

Under Chief Minister Saini, this jungle safari project will not only be a tourist destination but will also be an inspiration for generations to come.

In a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot, the Nayab Singh Saini government is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and firmly place Haryana on the international map.

From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of the Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Haryana government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage.

Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organise three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government. (ANI)

An elderly couple was killed in a suspected hit-and-run accident on the Pune-Solapur Highway near Bhigwan in Pune district on Sunday morning, a police official from Pune Rural Police said.

According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Malhari Pawar (57) and Pankhabai Pawar (50), both residents of Ahilyanagar district. The couple was reportedly returning from Pandharpur after participating in the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage when the accident occurred.

The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. when the couple was riding their motorcycle on the highway. A speeding oil tanker allegedly rammed into their two-wheeler from behind. Malhari Pawar died on the spot, while pillion rider Pankhabai Pawar succumbed to her injuries during treatment at a private hospital.

Police further stated that the tanker driver did not stop after the collision and fled the scene immediately. Local authorities and passersby rushed the injured woman to the hospital, but she could not be saved. The entire incident was also captured on CCTV footage.

According to Vinod Mahangade, Assistant Police Inspector posted at Bhigwan Police Station, “A case has been registered at the Bhigwan Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act against the unidentified tanker driver. Police teams are working to trace the vehicle involved in the incident.”

Further investigation is underway. (ANI)

Union Minister Piyush Goyal enjoyed a ‘shikara’ ride on Dal Lake during his visit to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

Goyal told ANI, “Even my Shikara’s name is Peace of Heaven. The peace I experience when I come to Dal Lake takes me back to my school days. I haven’t forgotten my childhood memories. God has given a heaven to the country.”

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir took a hit after the April 223 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people on April 23.

Goyal lauded the locals for their support during Operation Sindoor and added that tourism is growing as Amarnath Yatra has begun. The Union Minister told ANI, “We are indebted to the people of Kashmir for the way they supported Operation Sindoor and stood firm against terrorism. Like we have decided to end Naxalism by 2026, I am confident that together we will eradicate terrorism from its roots.”

Addressing reporters, Goyal said that tourism in Kashmir will boom due to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, which will lead to growth in the economy. “Now, the Amarnath Yatra has also started, and tourists have also come to Gulmarg. People have done homestays here. Today, home stay will start in thousands of houses, their income will increase, and Kashmir’s economy will also grow,” he said.

Meanwhile in Srinagar, the Union Minister met with various delegations and listened to their issues.

“Today, I met many delegations. The state government and the central government are jointly paying attention to all their issues and will give a boost to the industry and trade here like the Modi government brought a Rs 28000 crore scheme earlier,” Goyal told ANI.

Goyal said that he will try to reduce GST on handicrafts to 5 per cent.

“We have discussed with you people about handicrafts here. Give me its draft. I will try to reduce the GST to 5 per cent so that the production of handicrafts here can increase. There has been a discussion about opening an assembly centre. We will open that too,” he said. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-affected Silai Band and Ojri Band stretches along the Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district, where recent heavy rains caused sections of the national highway to be washed away, disrupting connectivity to the pilgrimage site.

BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt accompanied him during the survey.

Earlier in the week, the Yamunotri National Highway was blocked at two points between Silai Band and Ojri, severely affecting local travel and pilgrimage traffic.

According to Uttarkashi Police, “The Yamunotri National Highway is blocked at two places between Silai Band and Ojri due to some parts of the highway being washed out. It may take time to restore the route.”

Efforts to restore the road are underway on a war footing. On Friday, work began on constructing a valley bridge over the damaged section at Ojri. Materials have been transported by vehicles up to Silai Band and are being carried further to the site as required.

The Chief Minister has directed authorities to ensure speedy completion of the bridge and full restoration of the highway, which is a critical route for both locals and Yamunotri pilgrims.

Later in the day, CM Dhami visited Corbett National Park, where he took part in a jungle safari and emphasised the state’s commitment to environmental protection and eco-tourism.

He said that this experience is not only an opportunity to see the beauty of nature but also to connect with biodiversity and the precious heritage of nature.

On this occasion, under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, more than 1000 saplings were planted with the cooperation of the Forest Department, local community and environment lovers. The Chief Minister said that this is not just a sapling plantation but a soulful symbol of respect for motherhood and nature.

The Chief Minister stated that, as a result of the state government’s continuous efforts, jungle safari tourism has gained a new identity today. A large number of tourists from the country and abroad are visiting Uttarakhand, which has strengthened the state’s tourism-based economy. Additionally, new opportunities for self-employment and livelihood have emerged for the local people.

The Chief Minister also met with the Forest Department team and appreciated the work they are doing to protect forests and wildlife. He described the commitment and dedication of the department as crucial for the conservation of the state’s greenery and biodiversity.(ANI)

On the 10th day of Muharram being observed as Ashura today, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, appealed to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, leading toward humanity, peace, and unity.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi shared, “On this day of Muharram, we should resolve to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, which, through struggle, sacrifice, and dedication, leads us toward humanity, peace, and unity.”

Muharram holds significant religious importance for Shia Muslims. In India, 7-8 crore Shia Muslim community, along with people of different religions, participate in large processions and tazias.

With Muharram processions and the ongoing Kanwar Yatra taking place across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Sambhal, Lucknow and Moradabad, the state administration has stepped up security measures to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents.

A large number of people participated in the Muharram processions in various parts of the state. In view of the Kanwar Yatra happening at the same time, police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, with drones and CCTV cameras monitoring the situation.

Speaking to ANI, Sambhal District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya said, “We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighbourhood, and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water, and other problems were addressed… Clear instructions have been given to inform us if any issues arise.”

He added, “We have appointed magistrates at every location, accompanied by police officers. Any procession, whether for Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be conducted in a box format, with our officers stationed on all four sides. Continuous monitoring is also being carried out through drones. Currently, we have over 13,000 CCTV cameras integrated. All necessary arrangements are in place, and action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is in effect. We are confident that everything will be conducted peacefully.”

In Lucknow, the police have taken extra precautions in the western zone, also known as Old Lucknow, which is considered highly sensitive during Muharram.

DCP Lucknow West Vishwajeet Srivastava told ANI, “During Muharram, Lucknow’s western zone, also called Old Lucknow, remains highly sensitive. There is always a zonal sector system 24/7 here. Separate arrangements are made for the processions held in this area.”

He explained that security during processions is arranged in three layers. “The first moves with the procession in a box formation, the second handles route arrangements, and the third is stationed at key locations of the procession. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. Volunteers from the Civil Defence Organisation are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we are in constant communication with religious leaders,” Srivastava added. (ANI)

Actor Amitabh Bachchan feels like a proud father of his son, Abhishek Bachchan, as the latter receives widespread acclaim for his performance in the recent film ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’.

Taking to his X handle, Amitabh shared a brilliant performance review of Abhishek Bachchan by director Tinnu Anand, saying that it filled his heart with “pride” for his son.

“T 5433 – When someone of the eminence of dear friend and my Director, Tinnu Anand sends this , it says more than just words .. my gratitude. Sirjee, as I don’t have Abhishek’s number, could you please congratulate him on my behalf? He is absolutely brilliant in Kaalidhar Lapata. Warmth,” wrote Amitabh Bachchan.

While sharing his reaction to Abhishek’s worldwide praise for his performance in Kaalidhar Laapata, the ‘Sholay’ actor wrote, “T 5434 – with the mountains of praise coming for Abhishek and the film Kaalidhar Laapata. Mountains of pride fill my heart and mind for my SON.”

Directed by Madhumita, ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ stars Abhishek as Kaalidhar–a middle-aged man grappling with memory loss, abandonment and a lifetime of quiet betrayals.

When he overhears his siblings’ cruel plan to abandon him at the crowded Maha Kumbh Mela, Kaalidhar decides to disappear on his own terms.

Fate intervenes in the form of Ballu (Daivik Bhagela), an outspoken, street-smart 8-year-old who’s been surviving solo on India’s chaotic streets.

It was released on Zee5.

Prior to ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’, the actor was seen in the blockbuster film ‘Housefull 5’, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh in the lead roles. (ANI)

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) member, Daljit S Cheema on Sunday criticised security measures implemented by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab following the arrest of party leader Bikram Singh Majithia, recently in an alleged money laundering case and termed that the situation in the State had become “Emergency-like.”

Cheema claimed police prevented him while he was on his way to meet the former Punjab minister Majithia’s wife at the lawyer’s office.

“… Our party has no programme planned here, yet an emergency-like situation has been created here; there is barricading all around. What does the government want to do?… I just got a call from my colleagues. The Police have been at their home since 4:00 am. What is the government nervous about?… This government wants to defame the Akali Dal leadership by spreading lies and false propaganda. This is vendetta politics.”

“The wife of Bikram Singh Majithia, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, is sitting alone in the lawyer’s chamber. So, I came here to sit with her and talk,” he said.

The SAD leader questioned the State government’s actions, saying, “I don’t know what this government is panicking about. Isn’t it our right to go and support her when she is alone?”

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had on June 25 taken into custody MLA Majithia in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act after conducting searches at his house in Amritsar. He was brought to Mohali the next day and the court sent him to a seven-day Vigilance Bureau custody. The remand was then extended by four days.

A Mohali court today sent the SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia to judicial custody till July 19. Majithia was brought to court and presented before the duty magistrate amidst heavy police deployment. (ANI)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking at the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, praised the spiritual leader’s global influence.

Rijiju called him a “living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world,” pledging to follow his decisions and traditions, honouring his presence in India.

Rijiju said, “Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world. We feel blessed by his presence in our country, which he regards as his ‘aryabhoomi’.”

He further affirmed unwavering support for the Dalai Lama’s decisions and the spiritual institution he represents.

“As a devotee and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision is taken by His Holiness, the established traditions and conventions, we will fully abide by it and follow the directions and guidelines to be issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama,” he said.

Meanwhile, the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama were held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries.

The dignitaries seated on the dais, along with the Tibetan spiritual leader, included Hollywood actor Richard Gere.

Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony.

Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso.

The term “Dalai Lama” is Mongolian, meaning “Ocean of Wisdom”. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings.

After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion.

For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide.

Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama’s lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI)

A total of 74 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, with 47 deaths attributed to rain-related disasters and 27 to road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA’s cumulative report, released on July 6, details the toll and infrastructural damage caused by heavy rains across the state between June 20 and July 5.

Landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, electrocution, snake bites, and other weather-induced hazards caused the 47 rain-related fatalities. Mandi district reported the highest number of such deaths at 17, followed by Kangra with 11, and Una with four.

Among the causes, cloudbursts alone accounted for 14 deaths, while electrocution incidents led to four deaths, and flash floods resulted in eight. The SDMA also recorded six fatalities from falls off steep slopes and trees.

In addition, 27 people died in road accidents during the same period, with Chamba district recording six such deaths, followed by Bilaspur and Kullu with three each.

Two additional deaths occurred on July 5–one each in Bilaspur (due to electrocution) and Kullu (due to slippage on wet terrain), highlighting the continuing risks amid the ongoing monsoon.

The disaster authority also reported 296 house damages (both fully and partially), over 10,000 poultry deaths, and widespread losses to agriculture, public infrastructure, and livestock. The total monetary loss across sectors, including roads, water, power, and rural development, has been estimated at Rs 56,687.65 lakh.

The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) continues to operate its 24/7 disaster response helpline (1070) to address citizen concerns and coordinate relief efforts.

Meanwhile, widespread rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has severely affected essential public utilities, with 269 roads blocked, 285 electricity transformers disrupted, and 278 water supply schemes rendered non-functional in the last 24 hours, according to the SEOC, Himachal Pradesh.

In its daily situation report issued at 10:00 AM on July 6, the SEOC said the maximum damage has occurred in Mandi district, where 200 roads are currently blocked due to heavy rains. The district also reported 236 power transformers and 278 water supply schemes disrupted — the highest in the state.

Kullu district was the second most impacted in terms of road access, with 39 roads blocked in sub-divisions like Banjar and Nirmand due to rainfall-triggered obstructions. Meanwhile, Chamba reported 32 blocked roads and 17 damaged transformers across its subdivisions, including Salooni, Dalhousie, and Bharmour.

“The heavy monsoon showers have triggered landslides, waterlogging, and infrastructure damage, disrupting road connectivity and essential services across multiple districts,” the SDMA said.

He added, “Efforts are underway to restore services swiftly, and field teams are on alert in highly affected regions such as Mandi and Kullu.”

In districts such as Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti, the report showed minimal or no disruptions. However, SDMA cautioned that continuing rains could aggravate the situation in the coming days.

The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in landslide-prone zones. Restoration efforts are ongoing with the Public Works, Electricity, and Jal Shakti departments mobilised for repairs.

The SEOC continues to monitor the evolving situation closely and is coordinating relief efforts through its 24/7 helpline (1070). (ANI)

Olympic tennis champion Novak Djokovic sealed his 100th victory at Wimbledon on Saturday, July 5, beating Serbian compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 in the third round at the Championships 2025 on Saturday.

Next up for the seven-time Wimbledon men’s singles champion is a showdown with 11th seed Alex de Minaur of Australia in the round of 16. The pair were due to meet in SW19 last year before the Australian withdrew ahead of the final eight clash.

“You’re not super excited to play Alex de Minaur on grass because he’s so quick and he’s a complete player, all around. He has gained pace on his serve, as well. He hits his spots very well. Just a very tough challenge expecting me. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a great test to see where my game is at against a top player like Alex,” Djokovic said of his next opponent during his press conference as quoted by Olympics.com.

With world number one Jannik Sinner brushing aside Pedro Martinez in Saturday’s opening match on Centre Court, a Sinner-Djokovic semi-final remains on the cards.

With 20th Championships appearance and 20 years after his debut, Djokovic has reached the magic century of victories and now holds a 100-12 record at SW19.

He is just the third singles player in tennis history to achieve the feat, joining 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and 18-time major winner Martina Navratilova.

“I did enjoy myself, except maybe the last couple of games. Tennis has made me who I am. I try not to take anything for granted, particularly at this age, still going strong…I feel blessed,” Djokovic said on the court post-match.

It was plain sailing for the world number six, who registered his first bagel (a 6-0 scoreline) of the Grand Slam season and sealed the win in an hour and 47 minutes.

But if Djokovic had to be summed up in one point, refer to the moment when he was at deuce at 4-3 up in the first set. A diving backhand winner after angled drop shots and a tweener from Kecmanovic brought Centre Court to its feet in pure awe.

A point that looked wiser to concede than chase, yet the 38-year-old just did not stop. He rarely stops – not until he wins – somehow salvaging the point with his masterful defence and calculated lunges to take advantage and subsequently break.

“It was like ecstasy in that moment, I was super, super happy. It came at a really important moment…I was pumped for that one. I’m not diving as much on the courts; the only surface where you would dive is grass. But I’m not used to it as much. So these unique, rare moments are something you cherish,” he told the assembled media, including Olympics.com at Wimbledon. (ANI)