Heavy rains and flash floods in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district have caused over 100 people to go missing and resulted in at least one death, with rescue efforts hampered by debris and damaged infrastructure. The floods, triggered by a cloudburst, have submerged parts of Dharali village and caused significant damage, including to a major army base and the holy Bhagirathi river, raising concerns about downstream flooding. Authorities continue rescue operations, and weather forecasts warn of further heavy rain.
A sudden cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Dharali village triggered flash floods, causing significant damage and trapping dozens, with rescue efforts underway amid ongoing heavy rains.
A tragic bus accident in the Marchula area of Almora district, Uttarakhand, India, resulted in at least 36 deaths and several injuries after the vehicle plunged into a 60-meter gorge. The bus, carrying 42 passengers, was traveling from Garhwal to Ramnagar. Rescue operations are underway, with some injured individuals airlifted for treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial aid for victims' families. Road accidents are frequent in the Himalayan region due to challenging terrain and poor road conditions.
The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code has sparked controversy with its proposals for live-in relationships and changes to religious personal laws, but legal expert Mihira Sood believes it falls short in delivering true gender equality and equal property rights for women, despite being a supporter of the concept of a uniform civil code.
Security has been heightened in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a violent outbreak after an anti-encroachment drive, resulting in two deaths and over 100 police injuries. A curfew has been imposed in the area by the district administration.
The Uttarakhand government's introduction of a Uniform Civil Code that mandates the registration of live-in relationships has sparked concern and opposition, even among young supporters of the BJP. The law, which could lead to imprisonment for couples who fail to register their live-in relationships, has raised questions about personal freedoms and government intrusion into private lives. Critics argue that the vague terms in the law could be misused, leading to surveillance and harassment, while some supporters see it as a means of providing legal protection in case of disputes. The move has also reignited debates about the BJP's stance on personal relationships and the need for a Uniform Civil Code.
A female police officer in Uttarakhand recounts the terrifying ordeal of being attacked by a violent mob, who threw stones and attempted to set the house where they were hiding on fire, with the intent to burn them alive. Videos depict the police being cornered, while the District Magistrate clarified that the police did not provoke or harm anyone. The clashes in Haldwani resulted in two deaths and over 100 injuries after authorities demolished an illegal madrasa and mosque.
The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has passed a law enforcing a uniform civil code across all religions, sparking concerns over its provisions and potential political motives. The law mandates the registration of live-in relationships and imposes penalties for non-compliance, raising privacy and surveillance concerns. Critics argue that the law disproportionately impacts Muslim personal law practices and undermines cultural autonomy, while supporters claim it promotes social harmony and gender justice. The legislation has triggered speculation over its potential impact on national politics and the BJP's Hindu majoritarian approach, with experts warning of potential communal tensions.
Two people died and 250 were injured in violent clashes in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following the demolition of an illegal madrasa and mosque. The city is under curfew with shoot-at-sight orders, and internet services have been shut down. The confrontation erupted when officials attempted to raze the structures, leading to fierce resistance from residents. The situation escalated with injuries to over 50 policemen, and the Chief Minister has dispatched a team to restore order. A curfew has been imposed, and schools and shops are closed in the affected areas.
Four people have died in clashes in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after authorities demolished a mosque and madrassa during an "anti-encroachment drive", sparking protests and violence. Muslims allege unfair targeting and claim the mosque was demolished before a final court decision. Tensions have risen over demolitions of mosques in India, with Muslim groups feeling unfairly targeted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The situation remains tense, with internet services shut down and schools closed, following the passing of a Uniform Civil Code that has been rejected by Muslims in Uttarakhand.
After the demolition of a madrasa and mosque-like structure on government land in Banbhulpura, Haldwani, communal tension escalated, leading to violent clashes with residents throwing stones, torching vehicles, and injuring police and officials. The district administration enforced a curfew in the area, with "shoot-at-sight" orders issued to control the situation.
Violence erupted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa and mosque-like structure on government land, leading to clashes, arson, and injuries to at least 60 people. The state government has imposed a curfew, issued a "shoot at sight" order, and suspended mobile internet services in the area. The incident occurred following the passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Uttarakhand assembly, and the chief minister has instructed police to deal strictly with rioters while appealing for peace and harmony.
The Indian state of Uttarakhand is set to implement a new law regulating live-in relationships as part of its Uniform Civil Code, requiring couples to inform authorities and undergo a registration process. Critics argue that the state has no business regulating intimate relationships between consenting adults and that the proposed law may drive away cohabiting couples and encourage reporting on them. The law has sparked controversy and legal experts have criticized the provision, while the Supreme Court has previously endorsed the right of unmarried couples to live together.
The Uttarakhand cabinet, chaired by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft report, which will be tabled during a specially-convened assembly session on February 6. If passed, Uttarakhand will become the first state post-independence to implement UCC. The draft includes proposals such as prohibiting polygamy, equal inheritance rights for both genders, and exempting scheduled tribes from the purview of the bill.
The Uttarakhand cabinet, chaired by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft report, which will be tabled during a specially-convened assembly session on February 6. If passed, Uttarakhand will become the first state post-independence to implement UCC. The draft includes proposals such as prohibiting polygamy, equal inheritance rights for both genders, and exempting scheduled tribes from the purview of the bill.
