Benital: India’s First Astro-Village and a Gateway to the Stars

Benital: India’s First Astro-Village and a Gateway to the Stars

Benital which is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, amidst the picturesque mountains, lies a beautiful hill station and meadow. This location is ideal for stargazing and studying celestial phenomena. It has been developed as India’s first Astro Village. As part of this plan, an Astro Camp was also organized in Benital . Its high altitude provides a clear view of the sky, making it one of the best places in India to observe stargazing, eclipses, and the Milky Way. The high meadows offer views of famous Himalayan snow peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. The area is surrounded by dense pine and oak forests, making it a good place for camping and eco-tourism. According to the 2011 census, this village is a very small village with a population of only four families and 23 people. It is located approximately 16 kilometers from Karanprayag. As part of the Astro Village, a large telescope and a night-vision astronomical dome have been installed here, offering close-up views of eclipses, meteors, and constellations. Organizations like the Uttarakhand Tourism Board and Starscapes regularly organize Astro Camps, rocket-making workshops, constellation identification competitions, and astronomy sessions. During the day, you can enjoy activities like trekking, bird-watching, and cycling, while enjoying the 270-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas The months from April to June are considered ideal for escaping the harsh winter cold and enjoying the natural beauty of the lush green velvet landscape. The bright Torridor shower is also visible here on November 7th. Declaring as Astrotourism Hub The official launch of developing and declaring it as Astrotourism Hub took place in the year 2021, during which India’s first Bhaav Astro Party was also organized in December 2021, which was jointly developed by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Food and Chamoli District Administration in association with Ashok Leyland. This project was started under the supervision of the then Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana. After this, the responsibility of development was handed over to Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, who in collaboration with a private astronomy institute, made it India’s first official Astrotourism Hub.

Benital: India’s First Astro-Village and a Gateway to the Stars Read More »

WHO Warned : New annual cancer cases could hit 35 million by 2050 if countries fail to act

WHO Warned : New annual cancer cases could hit 35 million by 2050 if countries fail to act immediately

Health remains one of the biggest challenges worldwide. Despite advances in the medical field, the mere mention of a disease like cancer evokes fear and anxiety. In light of this, the WHO has issued a warning regarding the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. According to its latest report on the global status of cancer, the WHO stated that if countries do not take immediate action, the annual number of new cancer cases could reach approximately 35 million by 2050. Approximately 20.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, and approximately 10 million people die from cancer. The same report also states that cancer is already the leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting that this disease not only impacts individuals physically but also devastates entire families financially and emotionally. Medical science is making significant progress in preventing and effectively diagnosing cancer, yet people in low- and middle-income countries face difficulties in accessing timely diagnosis, medication, and appropriate treatment. The WHO believes that better prevention, early detection, and quality care can save millions of lives, but governments need to act now rather than wait. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that cancer is a personal disease that affects almost everyone. A person’s survival should not depend on where they were born or their income. He expressed concern about the significant disparities in cancer treatment based on location. He added that these disparities are not inevitable but the result of policy decisions that can be changed through concerted and collective efforts. According to the WHO report, not everyone has a chance of surviving cancer. While people in wealthier countries often have better access to screening programs, advanced treatments, and specialist doctors, those in lower-income countries often discover the disease later, making treatment more difficult and expensive. The report also noted that many countries still fail to provide essential cancer medications or radiation therapy to all who need them. The high cost of treatment forces many families to delay or put off care, further exacerbating health inequalities. Dr. Elisabeth Winderpass of the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer said, “We are seeing some reductions in cancer rates in countries where prevention policies have been implemented, but progress has been very slow. The cancer profile is changing. Rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and air pollution are driving the rise in cases. Therefore, cancer prevention must remain a political priority.” Reasons for the Rise in Cancer Cases The WHO predicts that annual cancer cases could increase by approximately 70% over the next 25 years. There are several reasons for the 70% increase in cancer cases over the next 25 years: Cancer prevention

WHO Warned : New annual cancer cases could hit 35 million by 2050 if countries fail to act immediately Read More »

Thousands of trees sacrificed in the name of development, environmentalists take to the streets, raise slogans

Thousands of trees sacrificed in the name of development, environmentalists take to the streets, raise slogans

Once again, thousands of trees are being sacrificed in the name of development in Uttarakhand. The approximately 20-kilometer highway from the Bhaniawala area of ​​the capital Dehradun to Rishikesh is to be widened to four and six lanes, for which approximately 3,000 trees are being felled. Local residents and several social organizations are protesting the large number of tree fellings. They believe the cutting of such a large number of trees will have a serious environmental impact. The NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) is widening the highway between Bhaniawala and Rishikesh to address the increasing traffic pressure. The 20-kilometer highway will be widened using a hybrid annuity model at an estimated cost of approximately ₹743 crore. The four- and six-lane highway will not only ease the journey from Dehradun city to Jolly Grant Airport but also save time for people traveling to Rishikesh. Local residents and environmentalists protested outside the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) office around 4 p.m. on Wednesday against the felling of trees for the four-lane construction. A large number of people participated, raising slogans in support of environmental protection, and registering their protest through folk songs. Environmentalists stated that given the current traffic situation between Dehradun and Rishikesh, there is no significant need to widen the road. They argued that cutting down thousands of mature trees cannot be justified when this route does not regularly experience severe traffic jams. Environmentalist Anoop Nautiyal stated that decisions that harm the environment in the name of development should be reconsidered. There is no real need to widen this highway. Environmental activist Himanshu Arora stated that this area is a natural habitat and important movement route for elephants. He added that the Supreme Court, in its 2020 Madhumalai judgment, provided clear guidelines for the protection of elephant corridors. Therefore, haste in felling trees is not justified. Environmentalists warned that their protest would continue.

Thousands of trees sacrificed in the name of development, environmentalists take to the streets, raise slogans Read More »

Adi-Badri : Uttarakhand’s Mystical 16-Temple Cluster

Adi-Badri : Uttarakhand’s Mystical 16-Temple Cluster

Adi Badri is a sacred and legendary pilgrimage site located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located approximately 17 to 18 kilometers from Karan Prayag in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this temple is also considered the first temple in the Sapta Badri and Panch Badri temple chains. This temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, housing a 3-foot-tall black stone idol of Lord Vishnu. The idol holds a conch, a chakra, a mace, and a lotus. According to legend, Lord Vishnu first performed penance at this site during the Satyayuga, hence the name Adi Badri. There is a cluster of 16 small and large ancient temples from the late Gupta period, of which only 14 are fully preserved. Directly opposite the main Narayana temple is a small temple dedicated to his mount, Garuda. According to legend, these temples were built by Adi Shankaracharya. It is also believed that the Katyuri kings constructed these temples. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu used to reside at this place before Kaliyuga and devotees worship here when the doors of the main Badrinath temple are closed or the road is blocked. The doors of the temple open every year on Makar Sankranti and remain open till mid-December. The darshan timings here are from 5:00 am to 12:00 noon and then from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A very beautiful and beautiful Bainital lake is also situated right above it. The remains of the historical fort of Chandpur Gadi are also present nearby.

Adi-Badri : Uttarakhand’s Mystical 16-Temple Cluster Read More »

Budha Kedar: Where Lord Shiva Appeared as an Old Man to the Pandavas

Budha Kedar: Where Lord Shiva Appeared as an Old Man to the Pandavas

Located at the confluence of the Balganga and Dharmganga rivers in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Budha Kedar is an ancient and historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Budha Kedar is often considered the “Fifth Dham of Uttarakhand” after the Char Dham Yatra. The beauty of the Budha Kedar Temple is truly captivating and ethereal. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas, seeking absolution for the sin of killing a clan, came to the Himalayas to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Lord Shiva, unwilling to meet them, assumed the form of an old man and appeared before the Pandavas at this very spot. This is why the place is named “Budha Kedar.” According to local beliefs, the natives of this region do not need to visit Kedarnath, as they consider Budha Kedar their primary shrine and visit Lord Shiva there. The Shivalinga here is one of the largest in North India, attracting devotees from far and wide. The Jyotirlinga also features engraved figures of the five Pandavas, Lord Ganesha, and Nandi. Additionally, within the temple grounds, you’ll find five Pandava stones, each considered an important part of Kedarnath.Send feedback

Budha Kedar: Where Lord Shiva Appeared as an Old Man to the Pandavas Read More »

Aamir Khan Marries Gauri Spratt for the Third Time in Private Pali Hill Ceremony

Aamir Khan Marries Gauri Spratt for the Third Time in Private Pali Hill Ceremony

Famous Bollywood actor Aamir Khan married his longtime girlfriend Gauri Spratt for the third time on July 5, 2026, in a private ceremony at his home in Pali Hill, Mumbai. The couple registered their marriage at home under the Special Marriage Act.Only family members and close friends attended the actor’s wedding. Famous personalities like Mukesh Ambani, Raj Thackeray, Ashutosh Gowariker, and Elli Avram were present at the private ceremony. Aamir’s children, Junaid Khan, Ira Khan, and Azad Rao Khan, were also present for the joyous occasion. The actor has previously been married twice, both of which ended by mutual consent. Aamir Khan’s first marriage was with Reena Dutta in 1986. They have two children: a son, Junaid Khan, and a daughter, Ira Khan.Reena Dutta and Aamir Khan divorced in 2002. Aamir Khan’s second marriage was with Kiran Rao in 2005, with whom he has only one son, Azad Rao Khan. Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao also got divorced in 2021. Aamir Khan has started a new chapter in his life at the age of 61. After two marriages, he has now chosen Gauri Spratt as his life partner for the third time.Gauri Spratt is a well-known entrepreneur, beauty and wellness professional from Bengaluru. Talking about Gauri Spratt’s career and business, she runs successful salons and beauty ventures in Bengaluru. She studied fashion styling and photography from the University of Arts London.

Aamir Khan Marries Gauri Spratt for the Third Time in Private Pali Hill Ceremony Read More »

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Begins Today: First Batch Arrives in Tanakpur, CM to Give Flag-Off

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Begins Today: First Batch Arrives in Tanakpur, CM to Give Flag-Off

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to begin this year on July 5th. The journey begins in Lohaghat, a border town in Champawat district, and will reach Mansarovar via Pithoragarh. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam will organize this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. On the evening of July 4th, the first batch of pilgrims arrived at the Tanakpur TRC, where they were given a grand welcome. On the morning of July 5th, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh will flag off the first batch of pilgrims from the Tanakpur TRC (Tourist Rest House) complex. TRC Manager Manoj Kumar stated that the entire TRC campus has been decorated like a bride to welcome the Chief Minister and the Kailash pilgrims. Attractive decorations, cleanliness, accommodation, food, and other necessary arrangements have been made to provide the best possible amenities to the pilgrims. He added that this year’s yatra will be more elaborate than before. This year, approximately 500 pilgrims arrived in Tanakpur in 10 groups, compared to only 5 last year. Each group will consist of approximately 50 pilgrims. The first group had 51 pilgrims. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) is busy finalizing all arrangements for the successful conduct of the yatra. The administration, police, and related departments are also actively engaged in security and facility preparations.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Begins Today: First Batch Arrives in Tanakpur, CM to Give Flag-Off Read More »

Sea of Devotion at Danda Devrana Jatra: Thousands Seek Rudreshwar Maharaj’s Blessings in Rawain Valley

Sea of Devotion at Danda Devrana Jatra: Thousands Seek Rudreshwar Maharaj’s Blessings in Rawain Valley

The famous Danda Devrana Fair (Danda ki Jatra) was held on July 1st in Devrana village in the Rawani Valley of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Thousands of devotees gathered at the fair. Devotees from 65 villages in the Rawani, Jaunpur, and Jaunsar regions travelled from far and wide to visit Rudreshwar Maharaj (a local form of Shiva) at the temple. Surrounded by dense pine forests, this sacred site, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters, offers a unique blend of faith and folk culture. Devotees in traditional attire dance to the beats of dol and damaus to welcome the deity’s palanquin. After seeing Rudreshwar Maharaj, who is bathed with milk by priests, devotees make wishes and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity. According to local folklore, in ancient times, the power of Rudreshwar Mahadev came with the porters of Rawani while they were returning from Chakrata carrying goods. This divine power vanished upon reaching home. Later, a farmer in Bajladi village found an idol of Rudreshwar Mahadev while plowing his fields, and it was installed in Devrana village. Another legend suggests that Rudreshwar Maharaj was once a king who came from Kashmir to the Rawani region and settled there. This ancient temple in Devrana has been a center of faith for centuries, where the Danda Devrana Fair (Danda ki Jatra) is held annually in the month of Ashadha. This fair symbolizes the centuries-old tradition of the Rawani Valley. The fair features cultural programs and collective worship, strengthening the region’s unity and faith. This fair holds not only religious significance but also serves as a medium for preserving Garhwal’s folk culture

Sea of Devotion at Danda Devrana Jatra: Thousands Seek Rudreshwar Maharaj’s Blessings in Rawain Valley Read More »

Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand Faces Growing Crisis as Landslides and Subsidence Worsen

Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand Faces Growing Crisis as Landslides and Subsidence Worsen

The world-famous Dayara Bugyal, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is currently experiencing landslides and subsidence due to incessant rainfall, which is becoming a growing concern. The Forest Department has also geared up to address this. Deep ravines have formed throughout this 406-hectare Himalayan grassland (Bugyal). This not only threatens the Bugyal’s biodiversity and natural beauty, but also the annual influx of silt into the Papadgaad Valley, causing rapid subsidence in the lower areas of Dhiyana, Barnala, Goi, Naheta, and Chilpara, creating large ravines that are increasing the risk of disasters. Villagers say that the threat of landslides has persisted since the 2012-2013 disaster. However, in the past two to three years, soil erosion has caused trenches to form in Naheta and Chilpara, near Dhian Bugyal. The debris flowing from here flows into the Papadagad River every year, causing a disaster. Similarly, in the dense forests of Naheta, forest resources are being damaged due to subsidence and landslides. In 2020, the Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India and USAC, attempted to prevent this by constructing eco-friendly care nets made of jute and coconut fibers and check dams made of sawdust in an area of ​​approximately 600 meters. This was successful in that area. However, in 2024 and 2025, the highest number of landslides and landslides were observed in other Bugyal areas, including Naheta and Chilpara.

Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand Faces Growing Crisis as Landslides and Subsidence Worsen Read More »

''Namkwali'' -The taste of Uttarakhand

”Namkwali” -The taste of Uttarakhand

Namak Wali, a renowned organic brand from Uttarakhand, was started by Shashi Bahuguna Raturi. This brand produces traditional pishyu lun (salt) by grinding Himalayan herbs, spices, and natural salt on a grinding stone. This salt is unlike regular salt. it is seasoned with various flavorful mountain ingredients like garlic, ginger, and hemp seeds, and is hand-ground. She explained that in 2018, carrying forward her family’s legacy, she launched a brand called “Namak Wali,” introducing the ground salt nationwide. Shashi Bahuguna Raturi, known as “Namak Wali,” produces flavored mountain salt, Badri cow ghee, and traditional spices and chutneys. Shashi Bahuguna Raturi says that with the advent of modern mixers, the traditional skill of grinding stone was disappearing, so she connected village women to this work to make them self-reliant. Today, the same brand provides employment to hundreds of mountain women and brings their skills directly to the cities. Namak Wali received nationwide acclaim for its excellent taste and women’s empowerment initiatives by appearing on the national platform of “Shark Tank India.” This salt has been produced in Uttarakhand homes for generations, ground by women manually on a grinding stone. Water is not used in the salt, preserving the authentic flavor and aroma of the herbs. Shashi Bahuguna Raturi started her business with just a thousand rupees, but today her business has grown to a multi-million dollar business, and after appearing on a popular TV show, she gained immense popularity across the country. Namak Wali also offers a mobile app through which anyone can purchase and track their produce and orders. Benefits of Salt

”Namkwali” -The taste of Uttarakhand Read More »