Registrations for the yatra will start from April 15, with both online and offline options available for devotees across the country. Pilgrims can reach the holy cave shrine through two routes. The traditional route starts from Nunwan in Pahalgam and covers about 48 kilometres via Anantnag district. The second route is shorter but steeper, covering 14 kilometres from Baltal in Ganderbal district.

“The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence this year on 3 July 2026 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August 2026, spanning a total of 57 days. The Pratham Puja, to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026,” LG Sinha’s office posted on X.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence this year on 3 July 2026 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August 2026, spanning a total of 57 days. The Pratham Puja, to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 12, 2026

Authorities are expected to make detailed arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth travel of pilgrims during the yatra.

Every year, the journey to the Amarnath Cave attracts thousands of devotees, reflecting deep faith and devotion. With growing excitement, officials are preparing to ensure the yatra is conducted smoothly.

The accident happened around 1 am on the Jabalpur–Amarkantak National Highway near Kikratalaab village. The victims were travelling in a pickup vehicle and had stopped after one of its tyres got punctured. While the driver was fixing the tyre, everyone got out of the vehicle.

At that time, a fast-moving truck hit them. According to police, the truck driver said he had dozed off and did not see the people on the road.

Five men, including the pickup driver, died on the spot, while one person was injured and taken to the hospital. The truck driver has been arrested, police said.

The incident took place in the Katwaru Ka Pura locality, and the victim has been identified as advocate Rajeev Singh.

According to initial reports, Singh had stepped out for his routine morning walk when a motorcycle-borne assailant approached him. The attacker got off the bike and shot him at close range using a country-made pistol. Singh collapsed instantly and died on the spot.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the assailant waiting before approaching and opening fire, while an accomplice remained seated on the motorcycle. After the shooting, the accused rushed back to the bike, which failed to start immediately, briefly delaying their escape. By then, locals had started gathering at the scene but were threatened by the armed attackers. The motorcycle eventually started, enabling the them to flee.

DIG (Agra range) Shailesh Kumar Pandey stated that teams had been working for four hours to remove the overturned boat, which had become stuck in a deep swampy area.

He added that there remains a possibility that some of the missing individuals may have drowned in the river, but the search operation will continue until all are accounted for. The boat was carrying tourists—mostly from Punjab—when it capsized on Friday afternoon.

“The condition of those injured in the mishap is reported to be stable. The post-mortem examination of the bodies is nearly complete. Arrangements are underway to transport the bodies of the deceased to their respective places,” the DIG said.

The accident occurred near Kesi Ghat after the boat drifted into deeper waters and collided with a floating pontoon, officials said. Authorities noted that a pontoon bridge in the area had recently been dismantled due to rising water levels, leaving behind pontoon drums in the river, one of which the boat is believed to have struck.

Earlier, District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh had confirmed six deaths, but four more bodies were later recovered, taking the toll to 10.

A notorious figure in organised crime network, Chauhan is also wanted by National Investigation Agencies (NIA) in connection with multiple cases. 

Investigators have found that Chauhan has connections with the Gurugram-based Kaushal Chaudhary gang.

While abroad, he is suspected of directing multiple serious offences, including contract killings, extortion, and participation in gang-related conflicts. Central agencies along with the Haryana STF had been monitoring his movements overseas before ultimately apprehending him. According to police sources, Chauhan was instrumental in coordinating gang activities from foreign locations, which made him a top-priority target for law enforcement.

Officials added that once he reaches India, he will be questioned to obtain more information about the gang’s network, its international connections, and other criminal operations.

Rampal appeared calm and smiling as he exited the jail premises, where family members had gathered to receive him. His convoy, comprising nearly 20 vehicles including luxury cars, proceeded towards the Satlok Ashram in Dhanana village of Sonepat district, escorted by the Haryana Police.

Supporters gathered in large numbers near the ashram to welcome him, with celebrations planned ahead of his arrival.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail on April 8, citing prolonged incarceration and slow trial progress. Rampal’s legal team argued that he had already spent over a decade in jail, while the trial involving hundreds of accused and witnesses was moving at a slow pace. His age and health were also cited as grounds for relief.

The case dates back to November 2014, when the police attempted to arrest Rampal from his Barwala-based ashram after he failed to comply with court orders. The operation escalated into violent clashes between the police and his followers, resulting in the deaths of six persons, including women and children.

In 2018, a Hisar court convicted Rampal on multiple charges, including murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment. While granting bail, the Punjab and Haryana High Court imposed strict conditions, barring him from gathering crowds or engaging in unlawful activities.

According to District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, the incident occurred around 3 pm near Keshi Ghat, located about 2.5 km from the famous Banke Bihari Temple. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with teams from the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed at the site. A team from Ghaziabad also reached Vrindavan to assist in the ongoing efforts.

The police said the tourists were travelling in two steamers when one of them, carrying approximately 25 to 27 persons, overturned. So far, 10 bodies have been recovered, while 12 passengers have been rescued safely. However, between three to five persons are still reported missing.

Around 50 local divers have joined the rescue mission. The injured have been admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Hospital.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that strong winds may have contributed to the accident. A survivor from Ludhiana said the steamer began to lose balance mid-river due to high wind speed, which also caused the vessel to accelerate uncontrollably before it collided with a pontoon (floating) bridge and capsized.

Another passenger, who was also on board the ill-fated steamer, revealed that the group had arrived in Vrindavan in two buses, with around 130 persons in total. He claimed that passengers had warned the boat operator about the approaching bridge, but the warning was ignored. The steamer reportedly narrowly avoided collision twice before crashing into the bridge on the third attempt.

Officials are currently verifying the exact number of missing persons to determine whether they are still trapped or have managed to reach safety.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep grief over the incident. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to ensure swift rescue operations and proper medical care for the injured.

PM Modi tweets

PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "Deeply pained by the mishap due to the capsizing of a boat in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected."

The police have also invoked provisions related to criminal conspiracy and illegal marriage under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to records verified by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), the girl was born on December 30, 2009. This makes her just over 16 years old at the time of her marriage on March 11. She belongs to the Pardhi tribal community and had first come into public view during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where she was seen selling rudraksha garlands. A video of her recorded by a content creator quickly went viral, bringing her widespread recognition on social media.

The probe into the marriage began in Kerala, where the ceremony was conducted at the Nainar Deva Temple. Temple authorities informed investigators that they relied on Aadhaar card details provided by the couple to verify their ages before solemnising the marriage.

However, further scrutiny revealed discrepancies in documents used during the registration process at a Gram Panchayat office. Investigators found that a birth certificate submitted for registration had been forged. The document, reportedly issued by the Maheshwar Municipality, mentioned her date of birth as January 1, 2008, nearly two years earlier than what official hospital records indicate.

Following this, the Commission has directed authorities to annul the fake certificate.

The case has also taken a political turn, with the Commission noting allegations of involvement by certain political groups and organisations. Advocate Pratham Dubey, who raised the issue before the Commission on March 17, claimed that individuals linked to CPI(M) in Kerala and members of the Popular Front of India played a role in facilitating the marriage.

He further alleged that the episode was part of a broader attempt to create a narrative countering the concept often referred to as “Love Jihad.”

Meanwhile, the Commission has summoned the Directors General of Police of both Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to appear in New Delhi on April 22. It has also instructed both states to submit progress reports every three days until the investigation reaches its conclusion.

The accident took place near Dhaliyara along National Highway-503, close to a Radha Swami Satsang Bhawan. The vehicle, reportedly carrying over 30 devotees from Punjab’s Kapurthala district, lost control at a sharp turn and fell nearly 100 feet into the gorge.

According to preliminary information, the mishap was likely caused by brake failure. The group was travelling after offering prayers at the Chintpurni temple and was on its way to the Jwala Ji shrine when the accident occurred.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and chaos following the crash, with cries for help echoing from the gorge. Local residents rushed to the spot and, along with police teams, launched an immediate rescue operation. The injured, including women and children, were pulled out and shifted to Dehra hospital for treatment.

Superintendent of Police, Dehra, Mayank Chaudhary confirmed that police personnel are engaged in relief and rescue efforts. He stated that several passengers sustained injuries, while some were fortunate to escape unharmed.

The resignation comes more than a year after the incident triggered a political storm and raised serious concerns over judicial accountability. By stepping down, Justice Varma has effectively averted the possibility of removal proceedings that were likely to be initiated in Parliament.

Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had admitted a motion seeking his removal and initiated the process under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. A three-member committee was constituted to investigate the allegations against him.

Justice Varma had challenged the Speaker’s decision in the Supreme Court, seeking relief against the proposed action. However, the apex court dismissed his plea, allowing the parliamentary process to move forward.

With limited legal options remaining, the judge chose to resign from his post.

The controversy dates back to March 2025, when then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna ordered a probe into the alleged recovery of unexplained cash from Justice Varma’s Delhi residence. At the time, he was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court. Following the inquiry, he was transferred to the Allahabad High Court.

Ram Kumar Singh, IAS (HY:2012), Additional CEO of Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority and Revenue & Disaster Management Department and Pardeep Kumar-1, IAS (HY:2011), Director of State Transport and Special Secretary to the Transport Department have been suspended with immediate effect. 

The investigation of the case is expected to get transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

According to separate orders issued by the Chief Secretary’s office, two officers have been suspended under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. As per the government’s order, during the suspension period, their headquarters will be the Services-I branch of the Chief Secretary’s office in Chandigarh. They will receive a subsistence allowance as per rules.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Haryana government in a major administrative reshuffle, issued orders for the transfer and new postings of 15 IAS officers. 

As per the orders, several senior officers have been given additional responsibilities along with their current roles, while changes have also been made at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) level in some districts.

Notably, the powers of Additional Principal Secretary IAS Saket Kumar, senior IAS officer Pankaj Agarwal, and DK Behera have been reduced.

Yadav, who hails from Rohtak in Haryana, had been on the run following the murder of a businessman last year. The case triggered multiple investigations, including a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

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A post shared by Rao Inderjeet Singh (@raoinderyadav)

Police records reveal that more than 15 criminal cases and chargesheets have been filed against him in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. He is accused of serious offences such as extortion, fraud, illegal land dealings, coercive loan settlements and armed intimidation. The ED has described him as a “strongman” who played a key role in settling high-value financial disputes through threats and force.

During raids conducted in Delhi and Gurugram, the ED seized several assets linked to Yadav. These included five luxury cars, cash worth Rs 17 lakh, bank lockers, digital devices and documents related to his alleged illegal network.

Apart from his criminal background, Yadav is also known as the owner of Gem Records Entertainment Pvt Ltd, which operates the music platform ‘Gems Tunes’. Founded in 2006, the platform produces and distributes regional content, including Haryanvi, Punjabi and Hindi songs.

Yadav maintained a lavish lifestyle and had a strong presence on social media, with over 15 lakh followers on Instagram. He frequently shared pictures with Bollywood personalities.

His name has surfaced in multiple violent incidents. In December 2024, he was linked to the murder of financier Manjeet Dighal. He was also allegedly involved in the firing at singer Rahul Fazilpuria’s residence and in incidents connected to social media personality Elvish Yadav.

Despite the allegations, Yadav recently claimed in an interview that he is innocent and a victim of a conspiracy. Authorities, however, continue to pursue legal action as preparations for his return to India move forward.

According to information, workers at the factory were changing the cylinder when it suddenly exploded, triggering panic among the nearby areas. 

All ten victims were seriously injured and were immediately taken to the Civil Hospital in Jagadhri, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Some critically injured people were referred to PGI, Chandigarh. All the injured are reported to belong to migrant families.

Soon after receiving the information, police and administrative teams reached the spot, and an investigation into the incident has been launched.

Preliminary investigation suggests negligence while handling the cylinders as suspected cause behind the accident. 

In a statement issued on April 8,  the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it hopes the pause in hostilities will contribute to lasting peace in the region. Reiterating its consistent stance, India stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation remain the most effective ways to resolve ongoing conflicts.

The government also flagged the wider impact of the tensions, noting that the situation has disrupted global trade routes and energy supplies. It underlined the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz accessible, calling for uninterrupted movement of goods and energy resources through the crucial maritime corridor.

“The conflict has already caused significant hardship and affected global energy and trade networks. We expect freedom of navigation and smooth flow of commerce to continue through the Strait of Hormuz,” the MEA said.

The development follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who declared a two-week halt on planned military action against Iran. The decision, shared on his Truth Social platform shortly before earlier indicated deadline, helped calm immediate fears of escalation.

Trump described the arrangement as a “double-sided ceasefire”, suggesting that both nations would refrain from aggressive actions during this period. He indicated that the pause came after Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

The US President also claimed that Washington had already achieved its key military objectives and had received a detailed proposal from Tehran addressing major areas of concern.

In its latest notice dated April 8, the embassy advised all Indians still in Iran to plan their departure quickly and stay in close contact with officials. It also asked citizens to follow only those exit routes that are being recommended by the embassy.

⚠️ Advisory as on 08 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/pusFQIAKKI

— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) April 8, 2026

The advisory clearly warned against approaching any international land border without prior approval and coordination with embassy authorities, stressing that safety protocols must be strictly followed.

This comes a day after an earlier advisory on April 7, when Indian nationals were told to remain indoors for 48 hours and avoid sensitive areas. The embassy had cautioned people to stay away from military zones, electrical infrastructure and upper floors of high-rise buildings, while restricting any highway travel without official coordination.

Ceasefire deal between US and Iran

Meanwhile, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, just before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for possible military action expired.

As part of the arrangement, Iran has agreed to temporarily reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

The White House has stated that Israel has also agreed to support the ceasefire, although reports suggest that hostilities may not have completely stopped.

Pakistan to host peace talks

Diplomatic efforts are now underway to prevent further escalation. Iran has confirmed that talks with the United States will begin on Friday in Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a mediating role in the ceasefire, said Pakistan will host delegations from both countries to work towards a long-term solution.

The repo rate has remained steady since December 2025, when it was last revised.

Announcing the decision, the Governor said that after a detailed review of evolving macroeconomic and financial conditions, as well as the overall outlook, the MPC unanimously voted to hold the policy repo rate. The standing deposit facility rate also remains unchanged at 5%, while the marginal standing facility rate and bank rate continue at 5.5%.

The RBI has also maintained its neutral policy stance.

Why RBI held rates steady

The Governor said the decision comes against the backdrop of rising global uncertainty. The central bank noted that geopolitical tensions have increased significantly since the previous policy meeting, largely due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

While inflation is currently under control and remains below the target, the RBI flagged growing upside risks. These include rising energy prices and the potential impact of adverse weather conditions on food prices.

On the growth front, the RBI said the economy continues to show strong momentum, supported by robust consumption and investment trends. High-frequency indicators also point to sustained economic activity.

However, the Governor cautioned that the West Asia conflict could weigh on growth by increasing input costs and disrupting supply chains.

The incident triggered fresh protests and violence in the hostile state. 

The internet shutdown applies to Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, according to a Home Department order issued April 7.

The authorities said the move was necessary to mitigate spreading of disinformation and rumours and prevent activities that could disturb public order. 

"Temporary suspension/curbing of internet services... is necessitated in public interest," the order said, adding the restrictions would take effect from 2 pm on April 7.

Two children, a five-year-old boy and six-month old girl were killed in their sleep while their mother was critically injured when suspected militants hurled an explosive at their residence. 

The incident since then triggered massive protests and unrest in already hostile region with locals burning tyres outside police station and makeshift police outposts. 

A large mob later stormed a Central Reserve Police Force camp near the foothills of P Gelmol, close to the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border.

Meanwhile security personnel fired multiple rounds and used smoke bombs to disperse the crowd.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh also condemned the incident calling it barbaric act.

"Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down, and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said.

He will continue in the role until his successor is appointed. 

The airline said Wilson had informed Chairman N Chandrasekaran to take a back seat from his role as early as 2024 and has since been preparing the organisation for a smooth transition.

While confirming his exit, Wilson said that past four years have focused on re-building the airlines after its return to the Tata Group.

“The four years since Air India’s privatisation has seen the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines,” he said.

He added that the airline has moved from public sector processes to private sector practices, while also renewing its leadership, workforce and overall culture.

The airline has added about 100 new aircraft to its fleet, and the upgrade of older narrow-body planes is almost complete. It has also started receiving new wide-body aircraft with improved interiors.

He also highlighted investments in infrastructure, such as launching South Asia’s largest training academy, along with new simulator facilities, a flying school, and a maintenance base.

‘Time to hand over for next phase’

Wilson said most of the basic work needed to transform the airline has been done, and the next stage now needs a new leader.

He said that since the foundation is now in place, it is the right time for him to step down and let someone else lead the next phase of Air India’s growth.

He added that he will continue to support the airline even after leaving, and described being part of its journey as an honour.

The airline informed that cloudy weather and unstable conditions over Delhi have caused delays in several flights. It added that teams are keeping a close watch on the situation and are working to ensure safe travel for passengers. Travellers were also told that support staff at airports are available to help if needed.

Travel Advisory

Bad weather over #Delhi has impacted flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.

We request that you stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Please be…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 7, 2026

This warning comes after the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert, predicting light rain and thunderstorms in many parts of the city over the next few hours.

Light rain recorded in parts of Delhi

Some areas of the city received light rainfall on Tuesday morning. As per official figures, rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours till 8:30 am includes:

Safdarjung – 0.4 mm

Palam – 1.4 mm

Lodhi Road – 1 mm

Ridge – very light rainfall

Ayanagar – 3 mm

The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was around 20.1°C, which is slightly above the normal level for this time of year.

Temperature and weather outlook

On April 7, the temperature in Delhi was close to 30.8°C by mid-morning. The day is expected to remain warm, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 31°C. Humidity was recorded at around 29%, along with moderate wind speed.

For April 8, similar weather is expected, with temperatures likely to stay between 20.5°C and 31.3°C. Humidity may rise slightly to around 37%.

What people should keep in mind

Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts, especially if they are planning to travel. Since the day may feel warm and slightly humid, it is better to wear light clothes and stay hydrated. Those sensitive to heat should avoid going out during peak hours.

Domestic flights shift to distance-based charges

For domestic routes, Air India has replaced the flat fuel surcharge with a distance-based structure. Passengers travelling up to 500 km will now pay an additional Rs 299 per sector. For longer routes above 2,000 km, the surcharge will go up to Rs 899.

This change comes after the government capped increases in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices at 25%, helping airlines control fare hikes to some extent. However, carriers are still adjusting pricing models to manage rising operational costs.

Higher charges on international routes

The impact is more significant on international travel, where no fuel price cap applies. Passengers flying to Europe will pay a surcharge of USD 205 per sector. For routes to North America and Australia, the surcharge has been set at USD 280. Flights to West Asia will attract an additional USD 50, while those to Southeast Asia will carry a surcharge of USD 100.