The 38th International Yoga Festival commenced on Monday at the world-renowned Parmarth Niketan, welcoming over 1,200 delegates from 80 countries. Concluding on March 15, the event has drawn global attention, with high commissioners, ambassadors, and heads of state from more than 30 nations in attendance. “This festival is a convergence of global consciousness,” said Parmarth Niketan president Swami Chidanand Saraswati. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) are scheduled to address sessions on March 13 and 14, respectively. The attendees will engage in over 150 sessions.
Dharma guardian 2026: tactical ties deepen
In the rugged terrain of Chaubattia, the 7th edition of ‘Dharma Guardian 2026’ wrapped up this week, signalling more than just military drills between India and Japan. For two weeks, the Foreign Training Node became a high-stakes classroom where Indian Army troops and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force swapped tactical secrets. The highlight, ‘Asahi Shakti’, pushed squads through gruelling 48-hour validation exercises, from hostage rescue to room intervention. Beyond the use of drones and surveillance tech, this was a master class in interoperability. The message from is clear: India and Japan are building more than diplomatic bridges.
Fire in Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary
A fierce forest fire erupted within the Rail beat of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary near Phata, Rudraprayag, on Monday, sparking alarm among locals as thick plumes of smoke enveloped nearby villages. The blaze, threatening local biodiversity, prompted an urgent mobilisation of forest personnel. While the difficult, rocky terrain has hampered containment efforts, the forest department remains on high alert. Kedarnath Wildlife Division Forest Range Officer Vimal Bhatt confirmed the rapid response: “A six-member team was despatched. We have contained the fire in most areas, though the rocky landscape remains a significant challenge.”
Narendra Sethi
Our correspondent in Uttarakhand
narendrasethi@newindianexpress.com