<p>Not just scientists but everyone has been silently rooting to know whether we are alone in this vast universe or, at the very least, to find a sign of their existence from afar. The good news is we are getting closer. In a promising development in the search for <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/fact-check-aliens-ufo-crash-arizona-know-truth-viral-video">extraterrestrial life</a>, a research team led by astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan has identified signs of possible biological activity on exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth. The findings are based on the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound that, on Earth, is exclusively produced by living organisms.</p>
<p>This groundbreaking research has taken the internet by storm, leaving people curious about who Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan is. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about him and his pivotal discovery.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Who is Professor and Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Nikku Madhusudhan serves as a professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science at Cambridge <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/9-most-expensive-colleges-in-the-world-that-you-need-to-know-about">University&rsquo;s</a> Institute of Astronomy. He leads a team focused on studying "hycean" worlds&mdash;planets that could support life. His work explores exoplanets, their atmospheres, how they form, and what makes them livable. He holds a PhD and an MS in Physics from MIT and earned a B.Tech from IIT-BHU (Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh).&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Professor Nikku Madhusudhan and his achievements</h2>
<ol>
<li>He was awarded the MERAC Prize in Theoretical Astrophysics by the European Astronomical Society in 2019.</li>
<li>The University of Cambridge gave him the Pilkington Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2019.</li>
<li>The International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) honored him with the Young Scientist Medal in Astrophysics in 2016.</li>
<li>The Astronomical Society of India presented him with the Vainu Bappu Gold Medal in Astrophysics in 2014.</li>
<li>The Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Yale University, USA, presented him with the YCAA Prize Fellowship in 2011.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Nikku Madhusudhan and his team&rsquo;s findings on the K2-18b planet?</h2>
<p>Nikku Madhusudhan and his team have found what may be the strongest clue yet of life beyond our solar system. With the data from the <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/tantalizing-glimpse-of-the-universe-james-webb-space-telescope-images-data-released-watch">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, the team detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b&mdash;chemicals that, on Earth, are produced solely by living organisms such as marine algae.<br><br>While the discovery is exciting, the team remains careful not to jump to conclusions. Madhusudhan said more research is needed, a year or two, to confirm whether these molecules could be made without life. He also mentioned that the results might be a "statistical fluke" and that it could take another year or two to confirm everything.</p>

Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan and his team detect life-linked molecules on exoplanet K2-18b, sparking global curiosity about signs of life beyond our solar system.

Meet Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, Indian-origin scientist at Cambridge who found evidence of 'life outside Earth'

<p>Not just scientists but everyone has been silently rooting to know whether we are alone in this vast universe or, at the very least, to find a sign of their existence from afar. The good news is we are getting closer. In a promising development in the search for <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/fact-check-aliens-ufo-crash-arizona-know-truth-viral-video">extraterrestrial life</a>, a research team led by astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan has identified signs of possible biological activity on exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth. The findings are based on the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound that, on Earth, is exclusively produced by living organisms.</p>
<p>This groundbreaking research has taken the internet by storm, leaving people curious about who Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan is. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about &nbsp;Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan and his pivotal discovery.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Who is Professor and Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Nikku Madhusudhan serves as a professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science at Cambridge <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/9-most-expensive-colleges-in-the-world-that-you-need-to-know-about">University&rsquo;s</a> Institute of Astronomy. He leads a team focused on studying "hycean" worlds&mdash;planets that could support life. His work explores exoplanets, their atmospheres, how they form, and what makes them livable. He holds a PhD and an MS in Physics from MIT and earned a B.Tech from IIT-BHU (Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh).&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Professor Nikku Madhusudhan and his achievements</h2>
<p>1. He was awarded the MERAC Prize in Theoretical Astrophysics by the European Astronomical Society in 2019.</p>
<p>2. The University of Cambridge gave him the Pilkington Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2019.</p>
<p>3. The International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) honored him with the Young Scientist Medal in Astrophysics in 2016.</p>
<p>4. The Astronomical Society of India presented him with the Vainu Bappu Gold Medal in Astrophysics in 2014.</p>
<p>5. The Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Yale University, USA, presented him with the YCAA Prize Fellowship in 2011.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Nikku Madhusudhan and his team&rsquo;s findings on the K2-18b planet?</h2>
<p>Nikku Madhusudhan and his team have found what may be the strongest clue yet of life beyond our solar system. With the data from the <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/tantalizing-glimpse-of-the-universe-james-webb-space-telescope-images-data-released-watch">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, the team detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b&mdash;chemicals that, on Earth, are produced solely by living organisms such as marine algae.<br><br>While the discovery is exciting, the team remains careful not to jump to conclusions. Madhusudhan said more research is needed, a year or two, to confirm whether these molecules could be made without life. He also mentioned that the results might be a "statistical fluke" and that it could take another year or two to confirm everything.</p>

Meet the Indian-origin scientist leading the hunt for Alien life on exoplanet K2-18b

<p>Not just scientists but everyone has been silently rooting to know whether we are alone in this vast universe or, at the very least, to find a sign of their existence from afar. The good news is we are getting closer. In a promising development in the search for <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/fact-check-aliens-ufo-crash-arizona-know-truth-viral-video">extraterrestrial life</a>, a research team led by astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan has identified signs of possible biological activity on exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth. The findings are based on the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound that, on Earth, is exclusively produced by living organisms.</p>
<p>This groundbreaking research has taken the internet by storm, leaving people curious about who Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan is. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about him and his pivotal discovery.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Who is Professor and Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Nikku Madhusudhan serves as a professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science at Cambridge <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/9-most-expensive-colleges-in-the-world-that-you-need-to-know-about">University&rsquo;s</a> Institute of Astronomy. He leads a team focused on studying "hycean" worlds&mdash;planets that could support life. His work explores exoplanets, their atmospheres, how they form, and what makes them livable. He holds a PhD and an MS in Physics from MIT and earned a B.Tech from IIT-BHU (Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh).&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Professor Nikku Madhusudhan and his achievements</h2>
<p>1. He was awarded the MERAC Prize in Theoretical Astrophysics by the European Astronomical Society in 2019.</p>
<p>2. The University of Cambridge gave him the Pilkington Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2019.</p>
<p>3. The International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) honored him with the Young Scientist Medal in Astrophysics in 2016.</p>
<p>4. The Astronomical Society of India presented him with the Vainu Bappu Gold Medal in Astrophysics in 2014.</p>
<p>5. The Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Yale University, USA, presented him with the YCAA Prize Fellowship in 2011.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Nikku Madhusudhan and his team&rsquo;s findings on the K2-18b planet?</h2>
<p>Nikku Madhusudhan and his team have found what may be the strongest clue yet of life beyond our solar system. With the data from the <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/tantalizing-glimpse-of-the-universe-james-webb-space-telescope-images-data-released-watch">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, the team detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b&mdash;chemicals that, on Earth, are produced solely by living organisms such as marine algae.<br><br>While the discovery is exciting, the team remains careful not to jump to conclusions. Madhusudhan said more research is needed, a year or two, to confirm whether these molecules could be made without life. He also mentioned that the results might be a "statistical fluke" and that it could take another year or two to confirm everything.</p>

<p>The D Day for thousands of students arrived on Tuesday after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the Civil Services Exam (CSE) final results. UPSC CSE 2024 Result or UPSC CSE 2024 Final Result broke the internet after the Commission announced the final outcomes. Social media users started to dig into the UPSC CSE 2024 Result Topper or the UPSC CSE 2024 Result AIR 1. As per reports, Shakti Dubey secured AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2024 Final Results. Now, the question arises who is Shakti Dubey, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper? Below is all you need to know-&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Who is Shakti Dubey, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper?</h2>
<p>Chahal Academy uploaded a mock interview video of Shakti Dubey in which she revealed, "I belong to Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh. I have done most of my schooling and graduation from Prayagraj itself. I did my Bachelor's from the University of Allahabad. I moved to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for post-graduation in Biochemistry. I completed it in 2018. Since then, I have been preparing for the Civil Services."</p>
<p>During the interview, it was also revealed that Shakti Dubey's dissertation during her post-graduation was in Cancer Therapy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>UPSC CSE 2024 Results</h2>
<p>The UPSC declared the final results on the official website at upsc.gov.in in a shortlist format. The result document mentions the names of the candidates who have been selected for appointment.</p>
<p>As per the official release of the UPSC, this year's examination saw a total of 1009 hopefuls being recommended for various civil services positions, with a breakdown across categories: 335 General, 109 Economically Weaker Section (EWS), 318 Other Backward Classes (OBC), 160 Scheduled Caste (SC), and 87 Scheduled Tribe (ST). Additionally, the results of 241 candidates remain provisional, and one individual's outcome is pending.</p>
<p>Regarded as one of the most competitive and toughest exams in the country and the world, the UPSC CSE sees participation from lakhs of aspirants every year. The exam serves as the gateway to prestigious positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service, Indian Trade Service, and other Group A and B central services.</p>
<p>The selection process comprises three stages &ndash; Preliminary, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is prepared based on the candidates&rsquo; performance across all three stages.</p>
<p>In the 2024 session of the recruitment exam, the interview round began on January 7 and concluded on April 17. A total of 1,132 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive.</p>

As per reports, Shakti Dubey secured AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2024 Final Results. She hails from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. 

UPSC CSE 2024 Result declared: Who is Shakti Dubey, Civil Services topper with AIR 1?

<p>The D Day for thousands of students arrived on Tuesday after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the Civil Services Exam (CSE) final results. UPSC CSE 2024 Result or UPSC CSE 2024 Final Result broke the internet after the Commission announced the final outcomes. Social media users started to dig into the UPSC CSE 2024 Result Topper or the UPSC CSE 2024 Result AIR 1. As per reports, Shakti Dubey secured AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2024 Final Results. Now, the question arises who is Shakti Dubey, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper? Below is all you need to know-&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Who is Shakti Dubey, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper?</h2>
<p>Chahal Academy uploaded a mock interview video of Shakti Dubey in which she revealed, "I belong to Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh. I have done most of my schooling and graduation from Prayagraj itself. I did my Bachelor's from the University of Allahabad. I moved to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for post-graduation in Biochemistry. I completed it in 2018. Since then, I have been preparing for the Civil Services."</p>
<h2>UPSC CSE 2024 Results</h2>
<p>The UPSC declared the final results on the official website at upsc.gov.in in a shortlist format. The result document mentions the names of the candidates who have been selected for appointment.</p>
<p>Regarded as one of the most competitive and toughest exams in the country and the world, the UPSC CSE sees participation from lakhs of aspirants every year. The exam serves as the gateway to prestigious positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service, Indian Trade Service, and other Group A and B central services.</p>
<p>The selection process comprises three stages &ndash; Preliminary, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is prepared based on the candidates&rsquo; performance across all three stages.</p>
<p>In the 2024 session of the recruitment exam, the interview round began on January 7 and concluded on April 17. A total of 1,132 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive.</p>

<p>The D Day for thousands of students arrived on Tuesday after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the Civil Services Exam (CSE) final results. UPSC CSE 2024 Result or UPSC CSE 2024 Final Result broke the internet after the Commission announced the final outcomes. Social media users started to dig into the UPSC CSE 2024 Result Topper or the UPSC CSE 2024 Result AIR 1. As per reports, Shakti Dubey secured AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2024 Final Results. Now, the question arises who is Shakti Dubey, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper? Below is all you need to know-&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Who is Shakti Dubey, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper?</h2>
<p>Chahal Academy uploaded a mock interview video of Shakti Dubey in which she revealed, "I belong to Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh. I have done most of my schooling and graduation from Prayagraj itself. I did my Bachelor's from the University of Allahabad. I moved to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for post-graduation in Biochemistry. I completed it in 2018. Since then, I have been preparing for the Civil Services."</p>
<h2>UPSC CSE 2024 Results</h2>
<p>The UPSC declared the final results on the official website at upsc.gov.in in a shortlist format. The result document mentions the names of the candidates who have been selected for appointment.</p>
<p>As per the official release of the UPSC, this year's examination saw a total of 1009 hopefuls being recommended for various civil services positions, with a breakdown across categories: 335 General, 109 Economically Weaker Section (EWS), 318 Other Backward Classes (OBC), 160 Scheduled Caste (SC), and 87 Scheduled Tribe (ST). Additionally, the results of 241 candidates remain provisional, and one individual's outcome is pending.</p>
<p>Regarded as one of the most competitive and toughest exams in the country and the world, the UPSC CSE sees participation from lakhs of aspirants every year. The exam serves as the gateway to prestigious positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service, Indian Trade Service, and other Group A and B central services.</p>
<p>The selection process comprises three stages &ndash; Preliminary, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is prepared based on the candidates&rsquo; performance across all three stages.</p>
<p>In the 2024 session of the recruitment exam, the interview round began on January 7 and concluded on April 17. A total of 1,132 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive.</p>

<p>Indians have been left heartbroken and full of anger in the aftermath of the <a title="Pahalgam Terror Attack" href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/pursue-attackers-ends-earth-modis-stern-warning-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pahalgam Terror Attack</a>. At least 26 tourists were slaughtered by terrorists in Baisaran Valley, which is said to be 'Mini Switzerland'. Among the victims was <a title="Lieutenant Vinay Narwal" href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/who-lieutenant-vinay-narwal-navy-officer-killed-honeymoon-pahalgam-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lieutenant Vinay Narwal</a>, a Navy Officer who was enjoying his honeymoon with his wife. On Thursday, a video went viral on social media, and many mainstream news channels ran the clip, calling it Lieutenant Vinay Narwal's Last Video in Pahalgam. In the viral video, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was seen with his wife dancing romantically in the Baisaran Valley.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://tsnapi.truescoopnews.com/newsContent/1745493877557" alt=""></p>
<h2>Truth behind Vinay Narwal's Last Video in Pahalgam</h2>
<p>However, it seems like the viral video of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal is not linked to him. A woman named Yashika Sherawat took to her Instagram handle and called the viral video fake. Yashika said that the video that has gone viral with the claims that it belongs to Lieutenant Vinay Narwal is actually a total lie. In fact, the video is actually of her along with her husband Ashish Sherawat when they visited Kashmir. Yashika also outlined that she dont know how the video went viral, but due to this, she and her husband are receiving calls from relatives asking about their well-being.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Yashika in the video said, "We are alive. We don&rsquo;t know how our video is being spread this way. It&rsquo;s heartbreaking that it's being falsely linked to a tragic incident. Our sincere condolences go out to Lieutenant Narwal&rsquo;s family. Please report any posts misusing our video," Sharma, who works as a flight attendant,"</p>
<p>Yashika shared the video with the caption, "Hey guys we are alive and wanted to address a recent video we posted that unfortunately sparked a lot of hatred, leading us to delete it.<br>Sadly, the video was misused by multiple pages and news channels, falsely claiming it was the last video of late Vinay sir and his wife. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family. We kindly request that you report any pages misusing our video, as it&rsquo;s truly&nbsp;disheartening. It&rsquo;s shocking to see even reputable news channels and pages using unverified content for views, making it challenging to trust news sources."</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

 On Thursday, a video went viral on social media, and many mainstream news channels ran the clip, calling it Lieutenant Vinay Narwal's Last Video in Pahalgam. 

Fact Check: Vinay Narwal's last video with wife in Pahalgam turned out to be fake; Know the truth

<p>Big news for devotees! Shri <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/cabinet-approves-ropeway-projects-worth-811-crore-kedarnath-hemkund-sahib">Kedarnath</a> Dham will officially reopen on May 2, and Shri Badrinath Dham will welcome pilgrims starting May 4, according to the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). This announcement delights many nationwide, and soon, crowds will gather in large numbers for the Yatra in the area. These crowds oftentimes cause chaos, which worries the devotees who are eager to visit. In 2025, many people seek to take a chopper to embark on this holy journey.</p>
<p>An advance team from BKTC has already arrived in Kedarnath to prepare for the grand reopening. The committee also works closely with local priests and communities to ensure a smooth process. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently confirmed the government&rsquo;s full commitment to pilgrim safety. &ldquo;Char Dham Yatra is the lifeline of our state&rsquo;s economy,&rdquo; he said, highlighting that all preparations are in full swing.</p>
<h2>Important dates:</h2>
<p>Shri Madmaheshwar Temple (Second Kedar): Opens on May 21<br><br>Shri Tungnath Temple (Third Kedar): Opens on May 2</p>
<p>On Tuesday, BKTC CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal proactively inspected key temple sites and rest houses to ensure everything was ready for the season. Important sites include Maa Bthe arahi Temple, Sansari, Masta Narayan Koti, Shri the Triyuginarayan Temple, Gaurathe maata Temple, Gaurikund, the Temple Committee Rest House at Son Prayag, and Sanskthe rit College at Shonitpur (Guptkashi).&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What is the Char Dham Yatra?</h2>
<p>One of Hinduism&rsquo;s most sacred pilgrimages, the Char Dham Yatra, includes visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The journey is traditionally undertaken in a clockwise direction.</p>
<p>In Hindi, 'char' means four, and 'dham' refers to religious destinations.<br>Therefore, the voyage starts at Yamunotri, proceeds to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally concludes at Badrinath.</p>
<p>Whether by road, on foot, or via helicopter, thousands of devotees make this spiritual journey every year. Some opt for the Do Dham Yatra, visiting only Kedarnath and Badrinath.&nbsp;The countdown to the Yatra has begun&mdash;and for many, it&rsquo;s more than just a <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/travel-free-katra-srinagar-vande-bharat-express-heres-answer">journey</a>. It&rsquo;s a call to the soul.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to take the Kedarnath Yatra via helicopter?&nbsp;</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/malaysia-helicopter-crash-video-navy-choppers-collide-mid-air-royal-malaysian-navy-parade">Helicopter</a> services at Kedarnath Yatra have become more convenient in 2025, all thanks to our very own Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). To book your ticket, all you need to do is complete a simple registration process. Here&rsquo;s the full breakdown of the steps&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. Visit the official Uttarakhand tourism website - registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in&nbsp;<br>2. Create an account if you are a new user<br>3. Provide your journey information, which includes duration, number of travelers, and travel date.&nbsp;<br>4. Once done, you will need to download the Yatra registration letter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Note: The Yatra registration letter is quintessential to booking your tickets on the Heli Yatra portal.</p>
<h2>Booking a helicopter ticket online&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This process is also much simpler and doesn't take much of your time to complete. Here&rsquo;s what you need to do.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Register on the Heli Yatra portal, use your mobile number and email address.</li>
<li>Verify the OTP.</li>
<li>Log in and enter their Yatra registration number.</li>
<li>Select your travel dates, preferred time slots, and the number of passengers.</li>
<li>Complete the payment (the price list is just below). &nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p>Kindly note that each user can book up to two tickets, and each ticket can house up to six passengers.</p>
<h2>Prices and chopper departure Points</h2>
<p>It is important to note that the helicopter shuttle services for Kedarnath will maneuver from three locations:</p>
<ol>
<li>For a round trip to Phata: Rs 6,063</li>
<li>For a round trip to Sirsi: ₹6,061</li>
<li>For a round trip to Guptkashi: ₹8,533</li>
</ol>

Kedarnath reopens on May 2, and Badrinath on May 4 for the Char Dham Yatra 2025. Helicopter bookings open soon—devotees urged to register early to avoid last-minute rush.

Kedarnath Dham starts on May 2; Check how devotees can book helicopter rides, its price

<p>Big news for devotees! Shri <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/cabinet-approves-ropeway-projects-worth-811-crore-kedarnath-hemkund-sahib">Kedarnath</a> Dham will officially reopen on May 2, and Shri Badrinath Dham will welcome pilgrims starting May 4, according to the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). This announcement delights many nationwide, and soon, crowds will gather in large numbers for the Yatra in the area. These crowds oftentimes cause chaos, which worries the devotees who are eager to visit. In 2025, many people seek to take a chopper to embark on this holy journey.</p>
<p>An advance team from BKTC has already arrived in Kedarnath to prepare for the grand reopening. The committee also works closely with local priests and communities to ensure a smooth process. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently confirmed the government&rsquo;s full commitment to pilgrim safety. &ldquo;Char Dham Yatra is the lifeline of our state&rsquo;s economy,&rdquo; he said, highlighting that all preparations are in full swing.</p>
<h2>Important dates:</h2>
<p>Shri Madmaheshwar Temple (Second Kedar): Opens on May 21<br><br>Shri Tungnath Temple (Third Kedar): Opens on May 2</p>
<p>On Tuesday, BKTC CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal proactively inspected key temple sites and rest houses to ensure everything was ready for the season. Important sites include Maa Bthe arahi Temple, Sansari, Masta Narayan Koti, Shri the Triyuginarayan Temple, Gaurathe maata Temple, Gaurikund, the Temple Committee Rest House at Son Prayag, and Sanskthe rit College at Shonitpur (Guptkashi).&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What is the Char Dham Yatra?</h2>
<p>One of Hinduism&rsquo;s most sacred pilgrimages, the Char Dham Yatra, includes visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The journey is traditionally undertaken in a clockwise direction.</p>
<p>In Hindi, 'char' means four, and 'dham' refers to religious destinations.<br>Therefore, the voyage starts at Yamunotri, proceeds to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally concludes at Badrinath.</p>
<p>Whether by road, on foot, or via helicopter, thousands of devotees make this spiritual journey every year. Some opt for the Do Dham Yatra, visiting only Kedarnath and Badrinath.&nbsp;The countdown to the Yatra has begun&mdash;and for many, it&rsquo;s more than just a <a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/travel-free-katra-srinagar-vande-bharat-express-heres-answer">journey</a>. It&rsquo;s a call to the soul.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to take the Kedarnath Yatra via helicopter?&nbsp;</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/malaysia-helicopter-crash-video-navy-choppers-collide-mid-air-royal-malaysian-navy-parade">Helicopter</a> services at Kedarnath Yatra have become more convenient in 2025, all thanks to our very own Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). To book your ticket, all you need to do is complete a simple registration process. Here&rsquo;s the full breakdown of the steps&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. Visit the official Uttarakhand tourism website - registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in&nbsp;<br>2. Create an account if you are a new user<br>3. Provide your journey information, which includes duration, number of travelers, and travel date.&nbsp;<br>4. Once done, you will need to download the Yatra registration letter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Note: The Yatra registration letter is quintessential to booking your tickets on the Heli Yatra portal.</p>
<h2>Booking a helicopter ticket online&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This process is also much simpler and doesn't take much of your time to complete. Here&rsquo;s what you need to do.&nbsp;<br><br>1. Register on the Heli Yatra portal, use your mobile number and email address.<br>2. Verify the OTP. <br>3. Log in and enter their Yatra registration number. <br>4. Select your travel dates, preferred time slots, and the number of passengers.<br>5. Complete the payment (the price list is just below). &nbsp;<br><br>Kindly note that each user can book up to two tickets, and each ticket can house up to six passengers.</p>
<h2>Prices and chopper departure Points</h2>
<p>It is important to note that the helicopter shuttle services for Kedarnath will maneuver from three locations:</p>
<p>1. For a round trip to Phata: Rs 6,063&nbsp;<br>2. For a round trip to Sirsi: ₹6,061&nbsp;<br>3. For a round trip to Guptkashi: ₹8,533<br><br>For more such interesting updates and news worldwide, follow True Scoop.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Border Security Force of Punjab Frontier on Thursday announced that India is scaling down the famous retreat ceremony that is attended by thousands of tourists on both sides of the border i.e., India and Pakistan. BSF's announcement came a day after India announced that it has&nbsp;decided to close the <a title="Attari Integrated Checkpost" href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/following-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-vows-bring-perpetrators-justice-announces-big-steps-punish-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Attari Integrated Checkpost</a> - located along the international border between India and Pakistan in Punjab at a distance of about 28 km from Amritsar - with immediate effect. The decision has come in the aftermath of the <a title="Pahalgam Terror Attack" href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/pursue-attackers-ends-earth-modis-stern-warning-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pahalgam Terror Attack</a> in which 26 innocent tourists were slaughtered by Pakistani terrorists.&nbsp;</p>
<p>BSF announced that there will be no handshake between the Indian and Pakistani Rangers during the retreat ceremony. Also, the gates at the border will not be opened even for the retreat ceremony. Below is what BSF notified-&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>"𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲</em></p>
<p><em>In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki in Punjab.</em></p>
<p><em>The key changes include:</em><br><em>- Suspension of the symbolic handshake of Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander.</em><br><em>- Gates to remain closed during the ceremony.</em></p>
<p><em>This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist."</em></p>
<h2>PM Modi's warning to Pakistan without taking their name</h2>
<p>In his first address following the barbaric terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a strong and unequivocal message to the perpetrators of the violence, asserting that India will pursue them to the "ends of the Earth" and that terrorism will not go unpunished.</p>
<p>Speaking at a massive gathering in Madhubani, Bihar, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, the Prime Minister condemned the "cowardly" attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. He called upon the public to observe a two-minute silence in memory of the victims.</p>
<p>"From the soil of Bihar, I want to tell the world -- India will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their backers," PM Modi declared.</p>
<p>"We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice. The nation is united in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us," he said.</p>

 BSF's announcement came a day after India announced that it has decided to close the Attari Integrated Checkpost - located along the international border between India and Pakistan in Punjab 

'No handshake, No Open Gates': India scales down Retreat Ceremony at Punjab Borders

<p>Border Security Force of Punjab Frontier on Thursday announced that India is scaling down the famous retreat ceremony that is attended by thousands of tourists on both sides of the border i.e., India and Pakistan. BSF's announcement came a day after India announced that it has&nbsp;decided to close the Attari Integrated Checkpost - located along the international border between India and Pakistan in Punjab at a distance of about 28 km from Amritsar - with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p>
<p>BSF announced that there will be no handshake between the Indian and Pakistani Rangers during the retreat ceremony. Also, the gates at the border will not be opened even for the retreat ceremony. Below is what BSF notified-&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>"𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲</em></p>
<p><em>In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki in Punjab.</em></p>
<p><em>The key changes include:</em><br><em>- Suspension of the symbolic handshake of Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander.</em><br><em>- Gates to remain closed during the ceremony.</em></p>
<p><em>This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist."</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the cowardly Pahalgam Terror Attack, India's <a title="Ministry of External Affairs" href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/following-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-vows-bring-perpetrators-justice-announces-big-steps-punish-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of External Affairs</a> (MEA) in their press briefing on Wednesday night made the massive announcement on the Indus Water Treaty. Addressing the media after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting which lasted for over two hours, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced several measures "recognising the seriousness" of the terrorist attack, including holding in abeyance with immediate effect the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism".</p>
<p>Following this, turmoil erupted in the Pakistani media and social media, and they started to rant about New Delhi breaking international law. <a title="Pakistani Prime Minister" href="https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/india-summons-top-pak-diplomat-hands-formal-persona-non-grata" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pakistani Prime Minister</a> Shehbaz Sharif reportedly called a high-level emergency meeting on Thursday to plan a line of action over India's diplomatic strike. In the meantime, people in India and around the world are wondering how the Indus Water Treaty can choke Pakistan internally and how it will benefit India's Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Below is all you need to know-&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How can revocation of Indus Water Treaty benefit Punjab?</h2>
<p>If the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan is revoked, Punjab stands to gain significantly, especially in terms of water availability for irrigation and agriculture. As per reports, Punjab could receive up to 10,000 crore cubic feet of water annually if the treaty is annulled.</p>
<p>For those who are unaware, the Indian government reconsidered its stance on the Indus Water Treaty, which has been in effect since 1960 after the Uri Attack. Indus Water Treaty allocated 3 eastern rivers&mdash;Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej&mdash;to India, and the 3 western rivers&mdash;Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab&mdash;to Pakistan. However, India was restricted from fully utilizing the water of the western rivers despite them flowing through Indian territory.</p>
<p>Under the current provisions of the treaty, India is permitted limited use of the western rivers for irrigation, power generation, and transport. However, the treaty does not allow the construction of storage dams, significantly limiting water use potential in states like Punjab and Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</p>
<p>Revoking the treaty could allow India to construct dams and fully utilize its share of the Indus waters. This can turn out to be a game-changer for Punjab, which has long faced water shortages for agriculture. As per reports, multiple projects aimed at harnessing water from the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers have been delayed due to treaty constraints and lack of cooperation from Pakistan.</p>
<p>The 1960 treaty was seen as a diplomatic move to maintain peace, but reports suggest that the geopolitical situation has since changed. Terminating the treaty would not only allow India to control more of its water resources but would also significantly boost irrigation and power generation capacity in Punjab.</p>

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced several measures "recognising the seriousness" of the terrorist attack, including holding in abeyance with immediate effect the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan