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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
10 Fascinating Facts About Dehradun You Never Knew
Dehradun City of Uttarakhand is the capital of India, where rich culture and modern development meets natural beauty. The city is situated in the Doon Valley, with the Himalayas to the North and Shivalik hills to the South. There is something to offer to everyone from nature lovers, and history enthusiasts to people seeking solace. Let us look at some of the most inspiring facts about Dehradun that showcase its beauty and significance. 1. Dehradun has a tale behind its name The word 'Dehradun' is the combination and abbreviation of 'Dera' which stands for campsite and 'Doon' which refers to a valley. In the 17th century Guru Ram Rai, who was the eldest son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh siekh Guru, settled here giving reason for this name. The area was known as Sudhnagar before it became Dehradun. 2. It Serves as the Gateway to Several Tourist Destinations Dehradun serves as a point of access to some key locations in India including the temples of Mussoorie, Auli, Nainital, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and in Addition to these above mentioned temples, there is the Char Dham pilgrimage area. Given its position, it is also very convenient for passerby tourists who make journeys in Uttarakhand. 3. Home to Prestigious Educational Institutions Dehradun is sometimes called the 'school capital of India' and for good reason. The Doon School, Welham Girls' School, Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Forest Research Institute (FRI), Indian Military Academy (IMA) are just some of the big names in this area. The quality of these institutions brings in a lot of students from different parts of the nation and enhances the reputation of the city. 4. Rich Biodiversity and Natural Beauty With the city's location at the Himalayan foothills, it is plausible that there is rich biodiversity. Dehradun is a city of green forests, the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Rajaji National park and other wildlife sanctuaries around it. What also makes Rajaji National park special is the vast variety of flora and fauna that resides in it. Elephants, tigers, leopards, over 300 birds are just a small portion of what makes the park such a delight. 5. Forest Research Institute – A Heritage Site Dehradun has the Forest Research Institute (FRI), which is the foremost institution in India in the area of forestry research and boasts exceptional architecture. Its main building, constructed in 1906 during the British raj, is considered one of the largest wooden structures in the continent. In 2014, FRI was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title of 'Modern Heritage'. 6. Birthplace of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev The city of Dehradun is the birthplace of Yoga guru Swami Ramdev who is well known across the globe for practicing and popularizing Yoga, and Ayurveda through Patanjali Ayurved Limited. His endeavors have impacted the health and wellness of people around the globe. 7. Robber's Cave – A Unique Geological Wonder One of the iconic places of Dehradun is also Robber's Cave / Guchhupani. It is a natural cave with a stream running through it, and where water disappears quite suspiciously. The site is also well known for its association with some Hindu fables like Lord Rama believed to have meditated here during his exile. 8. Nearby Tehri Dam Reservoir Dehradun may not host the Tehri Dam in its vicinity, but what it does have is extremely close access to this engineering wonder which is roughly 100 kilometers away. The Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River is one of the tallest dams in the world and holds significance in hydroelectric power generation as well as irrigation in Northern India. 9. A Hub For Adventure Activities Adventure lovers, both domestic and foreign, are very much interested in getting to Dehradun because that means they will have relatively easier access to places like Mussoorie, Chakrata and Dhanaulti. An endless array of trekking, paragliding, river rafting, camping and skiing all await these adventurers throughout the year in the region. These activities become even more remarkable with the breathtaking views the region offers. 10. Climate and Agriculture Dehradun has a temperate climate, which is suitable for agriculture. The cold winters along with moderate summers leaves space for Basmati rice, litchis, mangoes and many others to flourish in the rich soil of the Doon Valley. Additionally, this region becomes an attraction for most expatriates and retirees who want to settle down in a tranquil environment surrounded by greenery, due to the nature infused lifestyle they offer. Conclusion Now you know that Dehradun is much more than the capital of Uttarakhand; it is a combination of culture, education, spirituality, and adventure all neatly packed into one location. The city is filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery, ranging from its historical roots, and notable institutions, to its surreal natural beauty and landmarks. If you are looking for a place to go on vacation, wanting to relocate, or you just want to learn more about this wonderful city, these facts highlight the reasons why Dehradun is one of the most loved places around the world.
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Discover The Ultimate Guide To Night Trekking Near Dehradun
The Himalayan foothills provide Dehradun with its status as an ideal destination for adventure seekers. The region embraces forested areas and polished natural scenery along with beautiful hiking trails suitable for trekking activities. Facility with night treks over day treks along with the opportunity to witness forest night activities and experience exploration at night under moonlight. Before embarking on a night trek proper preparation becomes necessary to achieve safety alongside fun. This guide will provide you with complete instructions to organize your night forest trek in the Dehradun area. the Right Trail The initial step when preparing for your night trek involves selecting an ideal hiking path. Most trekking routes located in the Dehradun area do not support nighttime exploration. Some popular trails include: The easy and secure path to Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) brings beginners through natural caves alongside picturesque mountain views. An area inside the Forest Research Institute (FRI) Campus consists of dense wooded surroundings which creates a secure spot for night hiking activities. The nighttime atmosphere of Sahastradhara remains magical because it contains sulfur springs and waterfall features. Select a trail suiting your fitness rate alongside your experience combined with group member numbers. Nights require staying away from unknown and remotely located areas while trekking. Weather Conditions The current weather conditions strongly affect the possibility of conducting night-time hikes. A forecast of the daily weather should be your first step before you depart. The road becomes hazardous for trekking when there are strong rains or thunderstorms or chilly conditions produce sleepiness on the path. When skies remain clear with gentle temperature conditions then night trekking becomes most suitable for adventurers. During summer nights throughout the forests near Dehradun the temperatures decrease significantly enough to require additional clothing. Wear appropriate clothing with additional layers which you should bring along to maintain your body temperature. Essential Gear To achieve safe and comfortable night trekking it is vital to have proper equipment. These are the necessary items you should never forget: The trail at night becomes navigable with the help of either a flashlight or a dependable headlamp that provides reliable illumination. The use of spare batteries for your lighting equipment must be a part of your trek preparations. Comfortable footwear providing non-slip capabilities and good traction should be worn to confront irregular paths. The lightweight backpack serves as the best tool to carry water bottles along with snacks and a map and a first-aid kit. Protection from low temperatures requires packing a jacket and gloves together with a hat. An emergency whistle functions as an alert tool to signal both lost circumstances or spontaneous problems. The key to success is packing a few necessary items which aid both weight management and movement preservation. Your Route and Timing Extensive research should be conducted on your selected trail path followed by developing an organized itinerary. Use markers to note down entrance and exit points together with rest locations along with points of interest. Communicate your trek itinerary to individuals who stay behind since they require location updates and timing information about your return. Travel early to a protected position before entire darkness overtakes the surroundings. The initial section of the trail becomes more visible while you have daylight to observe it. with a Group A person should always conduct night treks in a team setting. The best practice for night trekking consists of joining a group of experienced trekkers or obtaining a local guide who understands the terrain. Group treks boost safety by providing mutual protection to each person and instant emergency responses. Local guides offer important information about both the natural vegetation in the area as well as the animals that live there and the historical background of the territory. New adventurers to night trekking should enroll in organized excursions managed by respected adventure businesses located in Dehradun. Wildlife and Nature A wide array of leopards, deer and birds exist in the forest surrounding Dehradun. The occurrence of encountering wildlife during night treks is unusual yet visitors must keep their habitat disturbances at a minimum. Follow these guidelines: The loud sounds along with musical devices should be avoided because they might drive away the wildlife. It is your responsibility to transport all tossed items out of nature areas because littering is forbidden. The designated paths should be your only way to move while you should keep out of all restricted spaces. The habit of both approaching or feeding animals must be completely avoided. Respect for nature contributes to maintaining the natural ecological equilibrium of this particular area. Safety Measures The safety of your night trek needs to maintain its highest position at all times. To guarantee safety you should follow these extra measures: A first-aid kit containing bandages together with antiseptics and painkillers and required personal medicine should be packed into your belongings. Drink water in large amounts during your trek to stop yourself from becoming dehydrated. Safety starts with watching your every move because you want to prevent roots as well as rocks and uneven ground from causing injuries. Reduce the risk by packing a physical map and compass because GPS devices can stop functioning when isolated. Know the hospital and safety emergency telephone numbers as part of your emergency preparedness. Essential survival techniques such as fire-starting and first aid knowledge should be acquired by trekkers before starting their journeys. Final Thoughts The forests near Dehradun provide a unique opportunity to experience natural beauty at night through trekking activities. The thrilling experience can reach its maximum potential when you first select the appropriate trail then enter adequate preparation followed by safety-oriented actions. You should always show respect to nature combined with group travel and essential equipment usage. Proper planning combined with mindfulness makes night treks become remarkable experiences within Dehradun's stunning wilderness area. Prepare your companions then pack transportation for visiting the magical forest while stars watch over you.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Scammer tries to fool Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma by pretending to be... Paytm CEO? Here's how you can avoid such scams
In a plot twist straight out of a cyber-thriller, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma recently found himself on the receiving end of a WhatsApp scam, by none other than a fraudster impersonating him. Yes, you read that right: a scammer posing as the CEO of one of India's leading fintech companies tried to trick the man himself. Sharma took to X (formerly Twitter) to share screenshots of the conversation, where the impersonator introduced himself as "Vijay Shekhar Sharma" and inquired if the real Sharma was in the office. The audacity of the scammer attempting to deceive the very person they were impersonating left netizens both amused and astounded. Impersonating myself to me 🥸 How did the scammer try to scam Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma by being himself? In the messages, the fraudster requested that Sharma "check and report back" on the company's available funds and demanded the contact details of Paytm's finance head. They also asked him to forward an executable (.exe) file, disguised as a GST-related document, to the concerned person. Despite the potentially serious nature of the scam, no harm was caused. Sharma appeared to take the incident in stride, choosing instead to spotlight it with a dose of humour. By doing so, he not only drew attention to the pervasiveness of such frauds but also emphasised that even CEOs are not immune to digital trickery involving fake profiles, malicious links, and social engineering. This incident coincided with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launching the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), a tool designed to enable advanced intelligence sharing among banks, UPI service providers, and financial institutions to counter financial fraud. VSS to VSS… How to protect yourself from scammers: Verify independently: Always confirm requests for money or sensitive information through a different channel, even if they seem to come from known contacts. Be wary of urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Take a moment to think critically about any urgent requests. Check profile pictures and status: Scammers may use stolen profile pictures. Check if the status and other details match what you know about the person. Never share OTPs: Legitimate organizations will never ask for your OTP (One Time Password) over WhatsApp or any other means. Use two-factor authentication: Enable WhatsApp's two-step verification feature to add an extra layer of security to your account. While this incident highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud, it also serves as a reminder that vigilance and awareness are key to protecting oneself from such scams.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Govt to Block UPI Transfers to High-Risk Numbers Under New Anti-Fraud Initiative
In a significant move to curb rising cyber frauds, the Indian government has introduced a new system that will block Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions to mobile numbers identified as high-risk. The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to prevent financial crimes by flagging suspicious mobile numbers in real time. This proactive initiative is part of a broader strategy under the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), designed to strengthen digital financial safety. According to the DoT, the system will assist banks, NBFCs, and UPI platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay, which together handle over 90% of UPI transaction volume in India. How the FRI System Works The FRI tool uses data from multiple sources to assess and assign a risk profile to mobile numbers. These include the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the DoT's Chakshu platform, and intelligence from banks and financial bodies. Based on this information, mobile numbers are categorised into Medium, High, and Very High-risk levels. If a user attempts to make a UPI payment to a number tagged as 'Very High Risk,' the transaction will be automatically blocked, and a warning will be displayed. In the case of 'Medium Risk' numbers, the UPI app will issue a cautionary notification, prompting the user to manually confirm the transaction before proceeding. 'The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) of DoT regularly shares the list of Mobile Numbers that were disconnected (Mobile Number Revocation List - MNRL) with stakeholders along with the reasons for disconnections viz. found involved in cyber-crime, failed re-verification, exceeding prescribed limits. These numbers are also usually used for financial frauds,' reads the official government blog post. The system is designed to act swiftly, with near real-time data sharing, ensuring that suspicious numbers are flagged before any potential fraud can occur. In addition to blocking high-risk transactions, UPI platforms may introduce extra verification steps and transaction delays for numbers with a suspicious history. Why This Matters The FRI rollout comes at a time when cybercrime in India is escalating. Fraudsters frequently exploit newly issued SIM cards for scams, which are often deactivated soon after to avoid detection. This has made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace fraudulent activity in time. To counter this tactic, the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) maintained by the DIU plays a key role. This list, shared with banks and UPI platforms, contains details of mobile numbers disconnected due to fraud, failed KYC verification, or exceeding usage limits. These mobile numbers are commonly found to be at the heart of financial fraud cases. The FRI initiative represents a crucial step in creating a safer digital payment environment in India. By leveraging shared intelligence and categorising risky behaviour, it empowers UPI service providers to act promptly and protect users from financial harm.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
DoT introduces system to classify mobile numbers based on financial fraud risk
In a bid to curb cyber fraud and protect citizens from financial crimes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)—a tool that helps banks, payment apps, and other financial services identify whether a mobile number has been used for fraudulent activities. The tool checks if a phone number is linked to past fraud and then marks it as Medium, High, or Very High risk. It gathers this information from various sources, including the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, DoT's Chakshu platform, and intelligence shared by banks and financial institutions. Once a number is flagged, the system quickly shares its risk level with apps and banks so they can stop or delay suspicious transactions. 'In a big leap towards fighting cyber fraud, my team at @DoT_India has introduced the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)—a tech-driven analytical tool for real-time fraud detection and prevention. FRI will empower banks, UPI service providers, and financial institutions with actionable intelligence, helping flag risky mobile numbers before digital payments are made,' said Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The DoT stated that fraudsters often use a mobile number for just a few days before discarding it. Since full verification can take time, receiving an early warning through FRI is a crucial step in preventing fraud. The department also shares a list of mobile numbers that have been disconnected due to fraud or verification issues. These numbers are often involved in scams and are monitored closely. PhonePe is one of the first companies to use this system. It now blocks payments to phone numbers marked as 'Very High' risk and displays alerts to users. The company reported that the tool has been effective in identifying fraudulent activity. PhonePe is also planning to display warnings for 'Medium' risk numbers. Other major UPI apps like Paytm and Google Pay are also integrating FRI alerts into their systems. Some platforms are introducing additional steps, such as transaction delays and user confirmations, to prevent scams.
